Least Bell's Vireo & Western Burrowing Owl Surveys

Transcription

1 I - 15 CORRIDOR CAMPUS MASTER PLAN DRAFT EIR MT. SAN JACINTO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Appendices Appendix D5 Least Bell's Vireo & Western Burrowing Owl Surveys August 2017

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

3 Least Bell s Vireo & Western Burrowing Owl Surveys Mt. San Jacinto CCD/MSJC, Southwest Campus Wildomar, Riverside County, CA (T6S, R3W, Section 31, Murrieta, 7.5 Minute USGS Quadrangle) Prepared for: PlaceWorks 3 MacArthur Place, Suite 1100 Santa Ana, CA By Arthur Davenport Davenport Biological Services P.O. Box 1692 Barstow, California October 3, 2014 D5-1

4 INTRODUCTION Davenport Biological Services was contracted with by PlaceWorks to complete surveys for nesting least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), and western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) within a potential school site in Wildomar, CA (i.e., Mt San Jacinto CCD/MSJC Southwest Campus). In addition, observations of coastal California gnatcatchers were mapped. Regarding the coastal California gnatcatcher, an observation made in 2013 during completion of the habitat assessment is included (Davenport 2013). Bell s sparrow (Artemisiospiza belli), a California Species of Concern, previously known as the Bell s sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli), was also observed on site and is included in this report. The project area is approximately 80.4 acres in size. The elevation within the project area ranges from approximately 417 to 485 meters (1,368 to 1,592 feet). Most of the site has gently sloping terrain with increasing elevation to the north. A large hill (Rattlesnake Hill) is located in the northern portion of the site. The most common plant communities within the survey area include introduced annual grassland, chamise chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. In addition, an arroyo with oak, willow and mule fat occurs on and immediately adjacent to the site. The survey area for the burrowing owl coincides with the project area. The survey area for the least Bell s vireo was restricted to the willow riparian and mule fat dominated plant communities located on and immediately adjacent to the project site. The project site is located in Riverside County, California (Figures 1 & 2) Species Information Least Bell s Vireo Listing History The least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) was listed as an endangered species on 2 May 1986 (USFWS 1986). Critical habitat was designated on February 6, 1994 (USFWS 1994b). The project site is not located within or adjacent to critical habitat. Distribution At the time of listing, the least Bell s vireo occured in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial Counties (USFWS 1986). Based on a review of location data maintained by the USFWS, there are no records of this species for the survey area. However, the survey area occurs within the range of this species and the species is known to occur in suitable habitat in the Murrieta/Wildomar area (Appendix 1). Habitat The least Bell s vireo establishes nests in riparian vegetation (e.g., willows (Salix sp.), mule fat (Baccharis glutinosa), cottonwood (Populus sp.), etc.) as well as coastal sage scrub vegetation where blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. caerulea) forms adequate patches of vegetation cover. Least Bell s vireos will also nest in coastal sage scrub located adjacent to riparian vegetation. The species will also forage in coastal sage scrub located up to 328 feet (100 meters) or more from riparian vegetation (A. Davenport, pers. 0bs.). Migration The least Bell s vireo is migratory, generally arriving to southern California to nest in mid March and departing for Mexico in late August or September. 2 D5-2

5 Figure 1. Project site location on topographic map. 3 D5-3

6 Figure 2. Aerial photograph of project site. (area defined by red line). Western Burrowing Owl Listing History The western burrowing owl is not listed under state or federal Endangered Species Acts. However, active nests (i.e., nests with eggs, nestlings or fledglings) are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In addition, the species is identified by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as a Species of Special Concern. Distribution The western burrowing owl occurs over much of California. In southern California, the species occurs in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial Counties. As areas develop, such as Riverside County, western burrowing owl populations decrease (Grinnell and Miller 1944). Based on a search of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), there are no reported records of the western burrowing owl within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of the project site (CNDDB 2014). Habitat In southern California, western burrowing owls nest from the deserts to the coastal plains. This species occupies burrows for the purpose of nesting, and nests in a wide variety of plant communities, including annual and perennial grasslands, creosote bush scrub, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and oak dominated savanna. Western burrowing owls also nest in areas dominated by agriculture, such as the dry-land farming fields of western Riverside County. The common characteristic of nesting areas is the openness of the habitat. That is, there is generally low vegetative cover within or near areas occupied by this species. Migration Generally, the western burrowing owl does not migrate. However, northern birds appear to move south during the winter months (Grinnell and Miller 1944, Garrett and Dun 1981). And all individuals move about outside the nesting season Coastal California Gnatcatcher 4 D5-4

7 Listing History The coastal California gnatcatcher was listed as a federally threatened species on 30 March 1993 (USFWS 1993). In addition, critical habitat was designated for the coastal California gnatcatcher on 24 October 2000 (USFWS 2000). The designation was subsequently remanded. Revised critical habitat was designated on December 19, 2007 (USFWS 2007). The project site is not located within or adjacent to critical habitat. However, designated critical habitat is located approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) north of the project site. The species is identified by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as a Species of Special Concern. Distribution The coastal California gnatcatcher occurs in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. This species may also still occur in Ventura County. The species is generally associated with the coastal sage scrub, but will use chamise chaparral when in close association to its preferred habitat. Based on a review of location data maintained by the USFWS, there are several records of this species within the Wildomar area (Appendix 1). Additionally, a pair of coastal California gnatcatchers was observed during a site visit to the survey area in the spring of 2013 (Davenport 2013). Habitat The coastal California gnatcatcher nests in coastal sage scrub, baccharis scrub, as well as in chaparral when located adjacent to coastal sage scrub. CAGN will forage in riparian vegetation located within and adjacent to its habitat during and following nesting. The home range of the coastal California gnatcatcher expands during the non-breeding season. The gnatcatcher is nonmigratory and occurs throughout much of the coastal sage scrub plant community of Riverside County. Migration The coastal California gnatcatcher does not migrate. However, the species does expand its use area during the non-nesting season. In addition, young of the year will disperse from their natal areas. Bell s Sparrow Listing History The Bell s sparrow (Artemisiospiza belli) is not listed under state or federal Endangered Species Acts. However, the species is included on the Watch List for the California Species of Special Concern (CDFW 2013). Active nests (i.e., nests with eggs, nestlings or fledglings) are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Distribution The Bell s sparrow is located along the coastal plane and foothills of southern California. The species occurs in Santa Barbra, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties. Based on a review of the CNDDB, the species is reported to occur within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of the project site (CNDDB 2014)(Appendix 2). Habitat 5 D5-5

8 Bell s sparrow occupies both chaparral and coastal sage scrub plant communities. The plant communities this species requires have little complexity and include dense chamise chaparral and dry coastal sage scrub (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Migration The Bell s sparrow does not migrate. However, birds occupying higher elevation habitats may move to lower elevation habitat in the winter (Garrett and Dunn 1981). METHODS Except for the seasonal start dates for each survey, the survey methods followed the survey protocols/guidelines provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Because of the configuration of the site (i.e., long and narrow), and the distribution of suitable habitat for least Bell s vireos and burrowing owls (adjacent to each other or overlapping), the surveys for each species were mostly completed on the same days. Least Bell s Vireo The entire riparian plant community located within the project area, and within 150 meters (328 feet) of the project area, was surveyed for least Bell s vireo (Figure 2). Approximately, 686 meters (2,250 feet) of willow/baccharis scrub riparian was surveyed for this species. The survey was completed a total of eight times between June 7, 2014 and July 22, Because of the late start to the survey, the surveys could not be spaced ten days apart. All surveys were initiated between 0600 and 0715 and completed by The surveys consisted of slowly moving along the riparian vegetation scanning for least Bell s vireos and listening for the diagnostic song and/or call of the species. The dates and weather conditions of each survey pass are provided (Table 1). Maps of the survey area are also provided (Appendix 2). Table 1. Shows date, survey time, and weather conditions during each survey pass. Survey Date Time Temperature (F o ) Wind Speed (mph) Cloud Cover (%) Start/Stop Start/Stop Start/Stop 7 June / /59 0/3 100/100 ML 12 June / /73 0/0 0/0 18 Jun / /55 3/5 10/0 ML 27 Jun / /64 3/0 100/100 ML 3 Jul / /79 0/0 0/0 12 Jul / /65 0/0 0/0 22 Jul / /77 0/0 0/0 30 Jul / /78 0/0 0/0 ML=Marine Layer Western Burrowing Owl Riverside County has been using a three-step survey procedure for western burrowing owls (Riverside County 2006). The purpose of the survey instructions is to clarify the methods necessary to obtain sufficient information to meet the requirements of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. The three steps included a habitat assessment, locating burrows and western burrowing owls, and reporting requirements. The MSHCP references the California Department of Fish and Wildlife s Burrowing Owl Staff Report, which is based on Burrowing Owl Consortium Guidelines. The most recent California Department of Fish and Wildlife Staff Report (CDFW 2012) as well as Riverside County s survey instructions were used as guidelines 6 D5-6

9 for this survey. The suitability of the habitat for western burrowing owls and need for a survey was previously determined (Davenport 2013). Based on the most recent guidelines (CDFG 2012), at least four surveys should be completed during the breeding season. At a minimum, at least one survey should occur between 15 February and 15 April. Then, a minimum of three surveys, three weeks apart, should be completed between 15 April and 15 July, with at least one visit after 15 June. In an attempt to compensate for the late start to the survey (i.e. June 7), the site was surveyed a total of ten times between 7 June and 30 July 2014 (Table 2). The surveys were completed between approximately sunrise and 1000 Hours, and between 1900 and 2013 Hours. A total of eight surveys were completed in the morning and two surveys were completed in the evening. The dates and weather conditions of each survey pass are provided (Table 2). The survey effort was concentrated on the relatively gently sloping portions of the parcel where shrub cover was low to absent. As such, the steep shrub covered slopes of the hill, located in the northern portion of the survey area, was only scanned for perching owls from the base of the hill. The remainder of the parcel, except areas covered with dense shrub cover, was surveyed for burrowing owls. Suitable habitat within 150 meters (492 feet) of the perimeter of the project site was scanned for burrowing owls. The project area was first searched for potential nest sites using transects spaced no more than 30 meters apart. All potential nest sites (e.g., California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) burrows, culvert openings, eroded openings under debris, etc) were searched for sign of the western burrowing owl (scat, pellets, feathers). Following the initial survey, the entire site was surveyed for western burrowing owls during each survey event. During each of these surveys, all potential burrow sites were first scanned from a distance (>50 meters away) for western burrowing owls and then inspected for sign. Table 2. Shows date, survey time, and weather conditions during each survey pass. Survey Date Time Temperature (F o ) Wind Speed (mph) Cloud Cover (%) Start/Stop Start/Stop Start/Stop 7 June / /59 0/3 100/100 ML 12 June / /72 0/0 0/0 15 June / /64 12/10 0/10 18 Jun / /55 3/5 10/0 ML 26 Jun / /66 15/8 20/20 27 Jun / /64 3/0 100/100 ML 3 Jul / /79 0/0 0/0 12 Jul / /65 0/0 0/0 22 Jul / /77 0/0 0/0 30 Jul / /78 0/0 0/0 RESULTS Least Bell s Vireo No least Bell s vireo were observed or otherwise detected onsite or in adjoining areas during the survey. 7 D5-7

10 Western Burrowing Owl No western burrowing owls were observed or otherwise detected onsite or in adjoining areas during the survey. Nine potential nest sites were observed on site; eight were associated with California ground squirrel burrows and one was associated with a culvert (Figures 3a & 3b). Coastal California Gnatcatcher Although a protocol survey was not completed for the coastal California gnatcatcher (CAGN), at least two pairs of this species were observed on site while completing surveys for the least Bell s vireo and western burrowing owl (Table 3; Figures 3a & 3b; Locations 1 & 4). In addition, individual coastal California gnatcatchers were also observed (Table 3; Figures 3a & 3b; Locations 2 & 3). Bell s Sparrow Although a formal survey was not completed for the Bell s sparrow (BESP), at least one pair of this species was observed on site (Table 3; Figures 3a & 3b; Location 5). The observation of this species occurred while completing surveys for the western burrowing owl. The wildlife agencies have not produced a protocol survey for the Bell s sparrow. Table 3. Information for each sensitive species observed on site. Location Date Species Status 1 15 May 2013 CAGN Pair 2 12 July 2014 CAGN Juvenile 3 22 July 2014 CAGN Single Male; partial cap 4 22 July 2014 CAGN Pair 5 3 July 2014 BESP Pair 8 D5-8

11 Figure 3a. Locations of listed and otherwise sensitive bird species observed during the survey for least Bell s vireo and burrowing owl on aerial photo. 9 D5-9

12 Figure 3b. Location of listed and otherwise sensitive bird species observed during the survey for least Bell s vireo and burrowing owl on topographic map. 10 D5-10

13 DISCUSSION No least Bell s vireos were detected during this survey. The reason for their absence is unknown. However, suitable habitat on site is limited to a relatively narrow strip of riparian vegetation and not all suitable habitat is likely to be occupied during any one season. In addition, the population of this endangered species is still recovering and slowly reoccupying historic locations. Based on the suitability of the willow riparian vegetation on, adjacent, and within the surrounding area to the project site, as well as records of the species within approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) of the site (Appendix 1), the site may be occupied by this species during future nesting seasons. Regarding the western burrowing owl, although the surveys were started late in the season, the site does not appear to have been occupied by a nesting pair during this nesting season. This conclusion is based on the lack of sign at each of the potential nest sites. If burrowing owls had been present, there should have been some sign, such as old pellets and feathers at these sites. However, due to the presence of suitable habitat and several potential nesting sites, this site may be used during future nesting seasons by this species. Additionally, this site may be used by over-wintering western burrowing owls. Concerning the coastal California gnatcatcher, the site is occupied by this species. During the site visit for the habitat assessment, a nesting pair of coastal California gnatcatchers was observed along the western slopes of the hill located in the northern portion of the survey area (Davenport 2013). In addition, additional coastal California gnatcatchers, including a pair, were observed while conducting surveys for the western burrowing owl this year. Based on the suitability of the coastal sage scrub across the site, the site may harbor up to five or more pairs of this listed species. It s also important to note that during the non-nesting season, the entire site is likely to be used by foraging individuals of this species. Additional records for coastal California gnatcatchers occur within adjacent habitat (Appendix 1). The Bell s sage sparrow was observed on site. Based on the presence of a pair of this species, this sensitive species is nesting on site. Based on the distribution of suitable habitat (chamise and coastal sage scrub) additional pairs of this species are anticipated to occur on site. CONCLUSION No least Bell s vireos or western burrowing owls were detected on site. However, suitable habitat occurs within the project site for the least Bell s vireo and western burrowing owl. The coastal California gnatcatcher occupies the project site. In addition, all of the shrubland plant communities located on site, including the baccharis scrub, are suitable for, and will be used by, the coastal California gnatcatcher. The Bell s sparrow occupies the project site. In addition, all of the shrubland plant communities located on site, including the baccharis scrub, are suitable for, and will be used by the Bell s sparrow. 11 D5-11

14 LITERATURE CITED California Department of Fish and Game. Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. State of California, Natural Resources Agency. March pp. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Natural Diversity Database. September Special Animals List. Periodic publication. 52 pp. Davenport, A Habitat Assessment, Mt San Jacinto CCD/MSJC Southwest Campus, Wildomar, CA. Prepared for The Planning Center, Santa Ana, California. Draft. Garrett, K and J. Dunn Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution. The Artisan Press, Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Audubon Society. Grinnell, J and A.H. Miller The distribution of the birds of California. Pacific Coast Avifauna No. 27, 608 pp. Holland, R. F Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game, Non-game Heritage Program, Sacramento, CA. Riverside County. Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area. March 29, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of endangered status for the least Bell s vireo. Federal Register 51: Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of threatened status for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica); final rule. Federal Register: March 25, 1993 (Volume 58), page Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; designation of critical habitat for the least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus); final rule. Federal Register: February 2, 1994 (Volume 59, No. 22), pages D5-12

15 Appendix 1. Locations of listed sensitive species in the project area (USFWS Carlsbad Imagery Source; Includes CNDDB Records, 2013). 13 D5-13

16 Appendix 2. Locations of western burrowing owl and Bell s sparrow in project area (CNDDB 2014). 14 D5-14