45-day Summary Report of Focused Presence/Absence Surveys for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher

Transcription

1 I - 15 CORRIDOR CAMPUS MASTER PLAN DRAFT EIR MT. SAN JACINTO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Appendices Appendix D2 45-day Summary Report of Focused Presence/Absence Surveys for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher 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 July 14, 2016 Ms. Stacey Love U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office 2177 Salk Avenue, Ste. 250 Carlsbad, CA Subject: 45-day Summary Report of Focused Presence/Absence Surveys for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) for the Mt. San Jacinto College Districts proposed Southwest Campus in Wildomar, CA Dear Ms. Love: In compliance with the Special Terms and Conditions for Endangered and Threatened Wildlife Species Permit TE-14231A-1, Caesara Chez Brungraber of SummitWest Environmental, Inc. (SummitWest) is submitting this letter report summarizing the results of focused surveys for the federally listed threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (CAGN; Polioptila californica californica), on behalf Placeworks for the Mt. San Jacinto College Districts proposed Wildomar Campus in Wildomar, CA (Project). The proposed project is located in Wildomar in Riverside County just north of Clinton Keith Road and approximately 1 mile east of Interstate 15 (Figures 1 and 2). Mrs. Brungraber currently holds an Endangered and Threatened Species Permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under Section 10(a) of the Federal Endangered Species Act. This permit, TE-14231A-1, authorizes her to conduct presence/absence surveys for the coastal CAGN, among other species. Any potential harassment or take of the CAGN resulting from the responsible application of survey methods following the approved USFWS protocol, such as using taped vocalizations, would be allowable under this permit. Project Description and Site Location The Mt. San Jacinto College Districts is proposing a Wildomar Campus in Wildomar, CA, to be located on acres. The survey location is shown in maps provided as attachments. The site is located within the limits of the City of Wildomar and consists of two parcels, assessor s Parcel Number (APN) , which comprises acres and comprised a majority of the property; and APN is a 2-acre parcel located along the southern boundary of La Estrella Road. Clinton Keith Road forms the southern boundary, and La Estrella Road the northern border of the property. Salida del Sol forms the western border of this parcel and Elizabeth Lane and Country Park Drive generally comprise the eastern border of the site. 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 (Davenport, 2014). D2-1

4 The most common plant communities within the survey area include coastal sage scrub, chamise chaparral, and wildflower fields. In addition, an arroyo with oak, willow and mule fat occurs on and immediately adjacent to the site. Two pairs of CAGN are known to occur on the site, and the nesting season survey is planned to better understand whether this is the actual number of CAGN pairs on the site. PLANT COMMUNITIES The site consists primarily of coastal sage scrub, chamise chaparral, and wildflower fields. The site is delineated by roads and/or houses on all sides. To the north, the coastal sage scrub and oak woodland habitat continue. The coastal sage scrub integrates with chamise chaparral in the northeastern part of the site. To the east there is a housing development. To the south and west there are some houses and development but also large intact areas of coastal sage scrub. The sage scrub in and around the project site is dominated by black sage (Salvia mellifera), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), and flat-topped buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). On Rattlesnake Hill the black sage is dominant (appx. 90%), and in other areas, such as the eastern edge of the parcel, flat-topped buckwheat is dominant (appx. 85%). The wildflower fields are dominated by tarplant (Deinandra species), fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii), and spineflower (Chorizanthe species). In addition, a small arroyo draining Rattlesnake Hill from the north is lined with coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia), and the riparian areas consist of cottonwoods (Populus fremontii), mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), and willows (Salix sp.). The subject coastal sage scrub habitat is in relatively pristine condition, and the habitat is considered to be of high potential for CAGN occupation. The areas dominated by wildflowers are considered low to moderate potential due to lack of shrubs and nesting habitat. Background Information The coastal CAGN, a subspecies of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), is a federally listed threatened species and is considered a California state species of special concern. The CAGN is a local and uncommon year-round resident of southern California. This species is declining proportionately with the continued loss of coastal sage scrub habitat in the six southern California counties (San Bernardino, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside) located within the coastal plain. The primary cause of this species decline is the cumulative loss of coastal sage scrub vegetation to urban and agricultural development. Little of this species habitat is formally protected or managed. Initial studies suggest that the CAGN may be highly sensitive to the effects of habitat fragmentation and development activity (Atwood 1990; ERCE 1990). The USFWS has estimated that coastal sage scrub habitat has been reduced by 70 to 90 percent of its historical extent (USFWS 1991) and little of what remains is protected in natural open space. D2-2

5 CAGN generally inhabit Diegan coastal sage scrub and Riversidian coastal sage scrub dominated by California sagebrush and flat-topped buckwheat generally below 1,500 feet in elevation along the coastal slope. When nesting, this species typically avoids slopes greater than 25 percent with dense, tall vegetation. CAGN pairs will attempt several nests each year, each placed in a different location inside their breeding territory, but most nest attempts are unsuccessful due to depredation by a variety of species. Clutch size ranges from one to five eggs, with three to four eggs most common. CAGN will remain paired through the nonbreeding season and will generally expand their home range when not breeding. The closest USFWS-designated critical habitat for the CAGN occurs approximately 0.4 miles to the north and northeast of the site. The closest known occurrence of the species is on the project site, observed in 2014 by Arthur Davenport and again during these surveys in 2016 (Davenport, 2014). SURVEY METHODS Focused, protocol-level CAGN surveys occurred between April 16 and May 22, 2016, within the survey area. To the extent feasible, these surveys followed the current USFWS survey protocol for the species, dated February 28, 1997 (and as amended July 28, 1997). The protocol calls for six surveys to be conducted because the area is not within an approved Natural Communities Conservation Planning (NCCP) program subarea. The survey activity consisted of walking meandering transects through all habitat for the species, including all scrub associations, as well as the oak woodland/riparian and wildflower field habitats adjacent to areas of coastal sage scrub. Chez Brungraber conducted the surveys under the current Endangered Species Permit TE-14231A-1, and Griffin Brungraber (supervised individual) was also present. Mrs. Brungraber conducted passive surveillance (i.e., listening and visually looking for the species) throughout the entire site, in all habitats including those with only with marginal potential to support CAGN. If an observation was not made after approximately 5 to 10 minutes of passive survey activity, a taped vocalization of the CAGN was played for approximately 5 to 10 seconds (i.e., active survey activity), followed by another period of passive observation. RESULTS & CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER DETECTED All protocol-level surveys were conducted on foot according to the schedule in Table 1 below. Weather conditions during the surveys were fair, with temperatures ranging from 52 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit ( F) and winds typically ranging from 0 to 5 miles per hour. Details on the date, time, conditions, and surveyors are provided in Table 1, below, and in Appendix A (Field Notes). D2-3

6 Table 1 Coastal California Gnatcatcher Focused Protocol Surveys Dates, Personnel, Weather Conditions, and Observations Date Time Weather Biologists CAGN obs April 16, :30am- 60F-72F Chez Brungraber, Yes 11:30am 0-3mph Griffin Brungraber April 23, :30am- 52F-81F Chez Brungraber, Yes 12:30pm 0-7mph Griffin Brungraber May 1,2016 7:30am- 54F-74F Chez Brungraber, Yes 11:30am 0-3mph Griffin Brungraber May 8, :15am- 56F-73F Chez Brungraber, Yes 12pm 0-1mph Griffin Brungraber May 15, :45am- 56F-76F Chez Brungraber, Yes 12pm 0-5mph Griffin Brungraber May 22, :30am- 11:45am 54F-75F 0-5mph Chez Brungraber, Griffin Brungraber Yes A total of 34 bird species were detected, and a full list of all wildlife species observed or detected during 2016 biological surveys is included as Appendix B. The surveys indicated three pairs of California gnatcatchers are present on the site (Figure 3). Two pairs had fledglings. One pair (Pair 1) resides on the northern, northeastern and northwestern, upper slopes of Rattlesnake Hill. This pair had 4 fledglings. This pair was observed, with its fledglings, during every survey event. During the first survey event the fledglings were very young and not able to fly very far. This family was found to utilize the same slopes of Rattlesnake Hill and was still together as a family at the time of the last survey event. Another pair (Pair 2) resides on the southwestern, lower slopes of Rattlesnake Hill and also had 4 fledglings. This pair was observed with very young fledglings during the first survey event fledglings were so young they did not leave the shrub during time of observation. The family was beginning to disperse by the time of the last survey event. The breeding pair would make long flights across the southern section of Rattlesnake Hill. Two fledges stayed close in that area near their parents, while the other 2 fledglings dispersed and were heard vocalizing to the east and south of Rattlesnake Hill. A third pair (Pair 3), observed only during the last 2 weeks of the surveys, was found foraging and vocalizing along the edges of the coastal sage scrub and coast-live oak streambed interface to the southeast of Rattlesnake Hill. A lone individual (Individual), either a juvenile or female, as also observed during the last survey event in the southwestern corner of the site in a vegetated island - a decently sized patch of coastal sage scrub isolated from the other areas by wildflower fields. The individual responded D2-4

7 to the played calls, but did not seem to have much of a territory established and moved on after a few minutes, heading east. Later the individual was observed flying back in the direction of the island. Table 2 Observation and location detail of CAGNs within the survey area Pair Name GPS Coordinates Dates Observed Fledges? Pair 1 11S x All 4 Pair 2 11S x All 4 Pair 3 11S x May 15 and 22, Individual 11S x May 22, CONCLUSION Due to suitable habitat, three total CAGN pairs, two with fledglings, reside within the survey area, as demonstrated by the protocol surveys. The pairs and dispersing juveniles were observed within the 80-acre survey area during the 6 survey events. Based on the habitat characteristics present within the scrub communities of the survey area, the connection of the project site to larger, intact, high-quality CAGN habitat adjacent to the site, and the historical regional data of known CAGN occurrences within 0.5 miles, there is a high potential for the CAGN to continue to occupy the area and breed onsite. It s also important to note that during the non-nesting season, the coastal sage scrub areas are likely to be used by foraging individuals of this species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed Designated Critical Habitat (DCH) area of the California gnatcatcher on December 19, The survey area is not included within the DCH, however the habitat onsite is of high quality for CAGN. Mitigation for the loss of coastal sage scrub and further instruction from the USFWS regarding the CAGN occupation of the survey area is recommended. It is also recommended that a California gnatcatcher biological monitor be present on site during any construction work. OTHER PERTINENT OBSERVATIONS One sensitive plant species, paniculate tarplant (Deinandra paniculata), CNPS List 4.2, was observed onsite. One red diamondback rattlesnake was observed on Rattlesnake Hill, and is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. No other sensitive or declining plant or animal species were observed onsite. D2-5

8 I certify that the information in this survey report and attached exhibits fully and accurately represents my work. If you have any questions about these surveys, please contact me at. Sincerely, Caesara Chez Brungraber Wildlife Biologist TE-14231A-1 Attachments: Figure 1 Project Location Map Figure 2 Project Location Map, Aerial Figure 3 Project Location Map, Topographical Figure 4 Observed CAGN locations Figures 5-8 Photographs Appendix A Field Notes Appendix B Wildlife Species Observed during 2016 Focused Coastal California Gnatcatcher Surveys D2-6

9 References: Davenport, Arthur Least Bell s Vireo & Western Burrowing Owl Surveys, Mt. San Jacinto CCD/MSJC, Southwest Campus, Wildomar, Riverside County, CA. Unpublished report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Summary of the proposed rule to list the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica ) as endangered in California and Baja, Mexico. September. 114 pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Special Rule Concerning Take of the Threatened Coastal California Gnatcatcher. Final Rule. Federal Register 58: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) Presence/Absence Survey Guidelines. Report from Carlsbad, California Field Office dated July D2-7

10 Figure 1. Project Location Map D2-8

11 Figure 2. Project location map, aerial D2-9

12 Figure 3. Project location, topographical. D2-10

13 Figure 4. CAGN observations and territories The colored dots represent the location where the pair was first observed; the open ovals represent the rough territory/range of that pair. For Pair #2, in pink, the second oval to the right is where the juveniles were observed dispersing during the last survey event (May 22, 2016). The single dot on the lower left in blue represents the single individual observed during the last survey event (May 22, 2016) and did not seem to have a territory established. D2-11

14 Figure 5. View of the site from the top of Rattlesnake Hill, facing south. Figure 6. View of territory for CAGN pair #1, on Rattlensake Hilll, facing southwest D2-12

15 Figure 7. Coastal sage scrub habitat, dominated by black sage, view facing north Figure 8. Image of CAGN pair #2, both male and female adults (male on left, female on right). D2-13

16 Appendix A: Field Notes D2-14

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19 CAGN Placeworks, Wildomar May 22, 2016 Chez, Griffin (supervised) Start 7:30 54f, sunny, 0-2mph Lego, hofi, bush, ca towhee, modo, costa, raven, Anna, bewicks, swift, road runner, redtail, ca quail, scrub, meadow lark, tuvu Observe at 7:50am, family. Prob #1, found at bottom of butte northwest corner. One juv replied to call; family foraging and calling 8:05 observe second one southwest butte bottom. Came to played call then left, called to another one. Prob pair #2 8:10 observe 2 squabbling on south bottom of butte after played call. Seems like family 2 is still down here but beginning to disperse. 8:20 pair calling and foraging in canyon by third oak, took point CAGN :30 further south another CAGN, came out cryptically to call but did not vocalize. Point CAGN 4-2. Might be nesting. 8:50 2 vocalized to each other briefly. Saw male, then gone. Prob best exchange. 8:58am one calling quite a bit but no visual. Called then perhaps nest exchange or who knows, until 9:10 when big flight over towards pair 3. 9:15am island. Played call, immediate response from female or juv. Flew around us but didn't seem to have a territory. Cagn5. Probably juvenile. 9:45am, near houses east side. 3 birds, 2 without caps. Replied to call, foraging. Prob dispersing juveniles 10:10am. South butte bottom (southeastish), played called, 2 showed, 1 adult male. Then he flew back towards pair #4 location... Female stayed. Calling, then with juveniles. Most likely the ones that dispersed to east side by houses. Watched until 10:35 10:43am top of butte north, found family #1 again. At least 3 juv hanging together. Calling foraging. 10:50am found family 2 again at bottom butte southeast. 11:05-' found pair 4 again Pair 3 doesn't exist/ was pair 2 or 4. End 11:45pm 75, sunny, 2-5mph Total of 3 pairs plus many dispersing juv. D2-17

20 Appendix B: list of species observed Scientific Names Reptiles Cnemidophorus tigris Crotalus ruber Sceloporus occidentalis Birds Aeronautes saxatalis Aphelocoma californica Ardea alba Buteo jamaicensis Callipepla californica Calypte anna Calypte costae Carduelis psaltria Carpodacus mexicanus Cathartes aura Chamaea fasciata Charadrius vociferous Chondestes grammacus Circus cyaneus Corvus corax Falco sparverius Geococcyx californianus Icterus bullockii Melanerpes formicivorus Melospiza melodia Mimus polyglottos Myiarchus cinerascens Pipilo crissalis Pipilo maculates Psaltriparus minimus Sayornis nigricans Sayornis saya Sturnella neglecta Sturnus vulgaris Thryomanes bewickii Toxostoma bendirei Tyrannus verticalis Zenaida macroura Mammals Citellis beecheyi Sylvilagus audubonii Common Names western whiptail red diamondback western fence lizard white-throated swift western scrub jay great egret red-tailed hawk California quail Calypte anna Calypte costae lesser goldfinch house finch turkey vulture wrentit killdeer lark sparrow northern harrier raven American kestrel greater roadrunner Bullock s oriole acorn woodpecker song sparrow northern mockingbird ash-throated flycatcher California towhee spotted towhee bushtit black phoebe Say s phoebe western meadowlark European starling Bewick s wren California thrasher western kingbird mourning dove California ground squirrel desert cottontail D2-18