07_MESA Bio Report_August 2024.pdf — Bakersfield City Council, May 28, 2025

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE STUDY

TAFT HIGHWAY AND MICHELE STREET GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT/ZONE CHANGE APN 514-060-27

BAKERSFIELD, KERN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Submitted to:

LAV/Pinnacle Consulting and Engineering Services
and
Fred Geminiani 2008 Living Trust
Mark Anderson
128 Towne Street, Bakersfield, CA

Prepared by:

MESA Biological LLC
9530 Hageman Road Ste B-130
Bakersfield, CA 93312

August 2024

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................... 2

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Project Location ........................................................................................................ 3

3.0 Methodology ............................................................................................................. 3

3.1 Database Queries ............................................................................................................. 3

3.2 Field Reconnaissance Surveys ......................................................................................... 4

4.0 Results and Findings ................................................................................................ 4

4.1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover ........................................................................ 5

4.2 Special-Status Plants Species .......................................................................................... 5

4.3 Special Status Wildlife Species ......................................................................................... 6

4.4 Wetlands and Waterways ................................................................................................. 6

4.5 Nesting Birds ..................................................................................................................... 6

5.0 Discussion and Recommendations .......................................................................... 7

5.1 Special-Status Wildlife Species ........................................................................................ 7

6.0 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 9

7.0 References ............................................................................................................. 10

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1.0 Introduction
MESA Biological LLC (MESA) has prepared this Biological Resources Study (BRS) at the request of LAV/Pinnacle Consulting and Engineering Services (LAV/Pinnacle) on behalf of Mark Anderson and the Fred Geminiani 2008 Living Trust. On June 21, 2024, the City of Bakersfield Planning Division of the Development Services Department issued an incomplete application notice for a General Plan Amendment (GPA) and Zone Change (ZC) application associated with Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 514-060-27. As outlined in the incomplete application notice , the City of Bakersfield has requested that the applicant complete this BRS in support of the City of Bakersfield’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) evaluation.

This BRS will document the current existing conditions and evaluate the potential for project related impacts to biological resources. For continuity purposes throughout this report, the term “project site” will be used to address APN 514 -060-27, and its 250- foot buffer area being evaluated within this report.

2.0 Project Location
The project site occurs in south Bakersfield, Kern County, California and falls within Section 36, Township 30 South, Range 27 East Mount Diablo Base and Meridian . More specifically, the project site falls directly north of State Highway 119 (Taft Highway), west of Michele Street and approximately one thousand feet west of State Highway 99 within the community of Pumpkin Center. The project site occurs within the Gosford United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5- minute Quadrangle. Attachment A – Figure 1 illustrates APN 514- 06-27 while Attachment B shows the GPA and ZC exhibits.

3.0 Methodology
This BRE includes a review of relevant literature that was followed by a reconnaissance-level field survey conducted on July 26, 202 4. The purpose of this analysis is to document the biological conditions found throughout the project site and to provide an analysis of the biological resources potentially occurring.

3.1 Database Queries
Information obtained included review of current and historical aerial imagery of the project site and vicinity. MESA also conducted a review of the California CDFW California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) (CDFW 2024a) and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (CNPS 2024). Both CNDDB and CNPS reviews included a search of the Gosford USGS 7.5-minute Quadrangle and the surrounding 8 Quadrangles (Oildale, Oil Center, Lamont, Weed Patch, Conner, Millux, Stevens, and Rosedale). In addition to the CNPS and CNDDB queries, MESA conducted a review of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) (USFWS 2024a) website for detail on federal resources potentially occurring in the project site. As a result of the database queries, a list of potentially occurring species was compiled and provided within Attachment C. The

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tables have been formulated to describe the species habitat requirements, their listing status, and a brief description of their potential for occurrence in the project site. The review of this literature provided biologists with general information and a broad overview of the potential biological resources found in the vicinity of the project site. In addition, information was also gathered from a variety of other sources including the CDFW Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS ) (CDFW 2024b); USFWS Critical Habitat Portal (USFWS 202 4b); USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI ) (USFWS 202 4c); and the USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) (USGS 2024).

3.2 Field Reconnaissance Surveys
On July 26, 2024, MESA conducted a field survey documenting existing site conditions in the project site. The field survey focused on evaluating the potential for sensitive plant and wildlife species as well as habitat for nesting birds and wetlands or waterways protected by federal and state laws. During the field survey, MESA biologists Samantha Medellin and Rory Miller conducted pedestrian transects within the project site to achieve 100% visual coverage.

Inaccessible portions of the project site (project site and 250ft buffer) were evaluated using binoculars from within the project site. An inventory of all plants and wildlife species were recorded and vegetation communities were analyzed. In addition, MESA biologists evaluated the potential for presence of the special -status species identified by database review or otherwise considered to have the reasonable potential to be present.

4.0 Results and Findings
Resulting from the database queries discussed above, a total of 30 plant species, 29 wildlife species and 5 sensitive vegetation communities were identified by database query as potentially occurring. Each of these special -status plant species, wildlife species and vegetation communities were analyzed to determine potential presence. Potential of occurrence for these species and vegetation communities identified through database query are based on the presence or absence of suitable habitat for each special-status species or vegetation community reported. Multiple sources of pertinent scientific literature were reviewed, and the technical expertise of MESA staff was utilized to determine the habitat requirements, ecology, and distribution of the special -status species or vegetation community potentially occurring in the project site. All occurrences of special-status species within 5-miles of the project site recorded within the CNDDB are plotted in Attachment A – Figures 2 and 3. The potential for each special- status species to occur in the project site has been provided in Attachment C. The potential for occurrence was established according to the following criteria:

Not Expected. Habitat in the project site is clearly unsuitable for the species requirements (foraging, breeding, cover, substrate, elevation, hydrology, plant community, site history, disturbance regime).

Low Potential. Few of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or the majority of habitat on and adjacent to project site is unsuitable or of very poor quality.

The species is not likely to occur.

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Moderate Potential. Some of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or only some of the habitat on or adjacent to the project site is unsuitable. The species has a moderate probability of occurrence.

High Potential. All of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present and/or most of the habitat on or adjacent to the is highly suitable. The species has a high probability of occurrence.

Present. Species observed in the project site or has been recorded (e.g., CNDDB, other reports) in the project site recently (within the last 5 years).

4.1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover
The primary land cover within the project site consists of previously cultivated and cleared or grubbed land presently occurring as fallow land comprised mainly of non-native grasses and some sporadic weedy herbaceous plant species. Evidence of previous cultivation and clearing or grubbing were evident throughout the project site. Historical aerial imagery revealed that the project site contained some form of row crop from the year 20 04 through 2016. A list of plant species identified during the field survey is provided in Attachment D. The western boundary of the project site is transected by a concrete lined canal referred to as the West Branch Canal that contained flowing water. A residence neighbors the site to the west, while open fallow field occurs to the west and commercial businesses neighbor the south and east of the site. Representative site photographs depicting habitats and land uses are provided in Attachment E.

4.2 Special-Status Plants Species
Special-status plants are those that are proposed for listing, or candidates for listing as threatened or endangered by the USFWS under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) and those listed or candidates for listing as rare, threatened, or endangered by the CDFW under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and plants with a California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) of 1, 2 or 3.

As noted above, the results of the database query indicated a total of 30 special-status plants listed with CPR ranking 1, 2 and 3 that are known or have the potential to occur within the region.

The potential for each of these plant species to occur has been evaluated based primarily on the presence of suitable habitat determined during the reconnaissance field survey. The proximity to CNDDB and CNPS documented occurrences were also evaluated (Attachment A – Figures 2 and 3)
No dried vegetative remnants of these special-status plant species found to potentially occur were detected within the project site during the reconnaissance level survey. Sensitive plants are not expected to occur due to the historical cultivation for the purposes of growing and harvesting field crops and past land clearing practices. Although the survey occurred outside of the blooming period for almost all sensitive plants identified, the altered soil composition, reduced microbial diversity and compacted soil structure provide inadequate conditions for sensitive

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plants. The depletion of the seed bank during periods of cultivation and grubbing would significantly prohibit the potential for recovery of sensitive plants that once may have potentially occurred. Sensitive plant species are not expected to occur on the project site.

4.3 Special Status Wildlife Species
Special-status wildlife is defined as listed, proposed for listing, or candidates for listing as threatened or endangered by the USFWS under FESA or those listed or candidates for listing as rare, threatened, or endangered by the CDFW under CESA and wildlife designated as “Species of Special Concern” (SSC) by the CDFW or “Fully Protected” under the California Fish and Game Code (CFGC). The 29 species provided in Attachment C are species listed as endangered or threatened by the federal government or State of California, CDFW species of special concern and/or CDFW watch list species. For the purposes of this study only the species that have been identified with a moderate or higher potential to occur will be further discussed in this study.

Of these 29 species, the San Joaquin kit fox ( Vulpes macrotis mutica), Western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) and Bakersfield legless lizard (Anniella grinnelli ) have been evaluated as having a moderate potential to occur on the project site and will be further discussed.

4.4 Wetlands and Waterways
The USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) and the USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) were reviewed to determine if potentially jurisdictional waterways occur within the project site. Review of the NWI and NHD identified the West Branch Canal that transects a portion of the western boundary of the project site. This concrete lined irrigation canal conveys water to nearby farmlands. In California, canal systems may be considered jurisdictional waterways depending on their connectivity with natural water bodies and the impact they may have on the environment. The CDFW requires a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement for activities tha t would alter the flow, bed, bank or channel of a stream of lake. Due to the lack of riparian habitat and its lack of connectivity to other waterbodies would not likely identify as a CDFW jurisdictional waterway. For definitive clarification, consultation with CDFW would be advisable if impacts to this waterway should occur.

4.5 Nesting Birds
CFGC Section 3503 and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA) protect native bird species and their nests. Much of the project site and surrounding lands contain nesting habitat for several avian species protected by f ederal and state regulations. Implementation of the proposed project may result in direct or indirect effects to nesting bird species, should they be present within the project site and surrounding lands. Although the project site contains lands that have been altered the site sti ll contains opportunities for tree, shrub and ground nesting birds. Red- tailed hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis ), mourning dove ( Zenaida macroura ), western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) and common raven ( Corvus corax) were all observed during the survey and could potentially nest within the project site or surrounding vicinity.

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5.0 Discussion and Recommendations
The project site contains potentially suitable habitat for three special-status wildlife species and several nesting birds. If the project site is subject to environmental review under CEQA and there will be impacts to special status species that are not listed as threatened or endangered under CESA and/or FESA, it may be considered significant and compensatory mitigation and/or specific avoidance and minimization measures may be required before and during construction of the project. The following discussion has been prepared to provide specific avoidance and minimization measures for the resources identified to potentially occur.

5.1 Special-Status Wildlife Species
The project site contains potentially suitable habitat for three special-status wildlife species. A brief description of each species along with a discussion of recommendations to minimize and avoid potential impacts are included.

Western burrowing owl
The western burrowing owl is a CDFW Species of Special Concern and is afforded legal protections under the MBTA and California Fish and Game Code (CFGC) Sections 3503, 3503.5, 3505 and 3515 as a raptor or bird of prey.

This species is native to open landscapes in western North America and thrive in a variety of wide-open, sparsely vegetated areas such as prairies, deserts, grasslands and agricultural fields.

Burrowing owls typically nest in underground burrows and often utilize burrows abandoned by ground squirrels but can also modify other smaller rodent species burrows or use surrogate structures such as pipes and culverts for refuge. This diurnal species is often observed walking, running, flying low or perched on moun ds, bushes and fence posts near their burrow systems.

Burrowing owls are known for their ability to adapt to various environments including those lands that have been altered by human development. This species often resides in fallow lands, vacant lots and localities within sometimes close proximity to human developments.

Discussion: Although the project site does not contain open native habitat for this species and no burrowing owls or their sign (burrows, whitewash, prey remains pellets etc.) were found, they are known to occupy fallow lands such as those found in the project site. In combination with the fallow land, burrowing owls are known to utilize ground squirrel burrows for refuge or for nesting.

The presence of ground squirrel burrows and other smaller rodent burrows provide potential for this species to occur. Alt hough limited, the project site and surrounding vicinity does contain some foraging potential.

If ground disturbing activities will occur, pre-disturbance surveys in accordance with the CDFW Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (CDFW 2012) should be followed to detect presence of this species.

San Joaquin kit fox
The San Joaquin kit fox is afforded legal protection under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) as endangered and the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) as a threatened

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species. This species is adapted to the unique conditions of the San Joaquin Valley. Kit foxes are typically found in the valley floor and foothills of the San Joaquin Valley, from San Joaquin County to Kern County and in the valleys along the Coast Range, includin g Panoche and Cuyama valleys and in the Carrizo Plain in San Luis Obispo County. It is often found in dry annual grasslands or open lands containing scattered shrubs or brush. They prefer open areas with loose textured soils suitable for denning and an abundance of rodent species for foraging.

This species has also adapted to urban environments such as green spaces, vacant lots, fallow fields and residential developments. In the urban environment, this species is known to occupy open pipes and covered structures for refuge.

Discussion: Although there was no sign of kit fox (scat, tracks, prey remains, dens, etc.) found during the survey, the project site does provide potential opportunity for denning, primarily in the form of California ground squirrel burrows. Kit foxes are opportunistic feeders and will adjust their diets based on the availability of food source. As such, the location of the project site is not prohibitive in providing some form for foraging sources for kit fox. If ground disturbing activities will occur on the project site, pre-disturbance surveys in accordance with USFWS Standardized Recommendations for the Protection of the Endangered San Joaquin Kit Fox Prior to Ground Disturbance (USFWS 2011) should be conducted to determine kit fox presence.

Bakersfield Legless Lizard
The Bakersfield legless lizard is listed by the CDFW as a “species of special concern”. This species is adapted to live in specific habitats in the greater Bakersfield area. They often inhabit areas containing loose soil and abundant moisture, which are conducive to their burrowing ecology. Legless lizards are typically found beneath the surface under rocks, boards, and logs with conditions suitable for burrowing. Despite their reclusive nature, they have been discovered in very marginal habitat including vacant lots in Bakersfield and among oil producing areas south of Bakersfield.

Discussion: Leaf litter, logs and loose soils associated with the berm running parallel to the West Branch canal provide potentially suitable conditions for this species. Formal survey protocols for this species have not been published by resource agencies, therefore, it is recommended to consult with CDFW for the most up to date survey protocols prior to any surface disturbance.

Nesting Birds
As addressed above, the project site contains suitable nesting habitat for many avian species protected by the MBTA and CDGC. If project related activities are scheduled to occur during the avian nesting season (typically February 1 to September 15), then typical avoidance and minimization measures to prevent take of bird nests, eggs, or nestlings under CFGC and the MBTA could pose constraints on the project. The following are recommendations and possible constraints due to special-status birds and nesting birds within the project site.

A general pre -construction nesting bird survey should be conducted by a qualified biologist, within 14 days prior to the initiation of project related activities. If project related activity is stopped for more than 14 days during the nesting season, a pre-construction survey should be conducted prior to the re-start of project related activities.

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6.0 Conclusion
As noted above, this report is intended to identify sensitive biological resources and potential occurrence of special status species within the evaluation area. This report provides analysis sufficient to support CEQA, though further analysis may be required for compliance with FESA, or CESA, and/or the California Fish and Game Code. The study has determined that the project site and surrounding project site contains opportunity for the western burrowing owl, San Joaquin kit fox, Bakersfield legless lizard and several potential nesting birds. Additional surveys prior to implementation ground disturbance should be conducted as described in Section 5.1.

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7.0 References
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) 2024a. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), Rarefind 5 (online). Commercial Version. (accessed August 2024).

_____. Staff Report of Burrowing Owl Mitigation 2022b

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2024. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v9-01 0.0). https://www.rareplants.cnps.org (accessed August 2024).

Holland, Robert F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nongame Heritage Program. 156 pgs.

Jepson Flora Project (eds.). 2023. Jepson eFlora, https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/

Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. 1300 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2023a. Information, Planning, and Conservation Online Tool [online]. http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ (accessed October 2021).

____. 2023b. Designated Critical Habitat Portal [online]. http://criticalhabitat.fws.gov/crithab/ (accessed December 2023).

____. 2023c. National Wetlands Inventory Online Application. http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html (accessed December 2023).

USGS. 2023. National Hydrography Dataset. https://nhd.usgs.gov/index.html (accessed December 2023).

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Attachment A. Taft Hwy. & Michele St. GPA/ZC
Figures

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Attachment B. Taft Hwy. & Michele St. GPA/ZC
General Plan Amendment and Zone Change Exhibits

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Attachment C. Taft Hwy. & Michele St. GPA/ZC
Special-Status Species Tables

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Special-Status Plant Species in the Regional Vicinity (Nine Quad) of the Project Site Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State
ESA &
CRPR
Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Plants
Astragalus hornii var. hornii
Hom’s milk-vetch 1B.1
Playas, meadows and seeps. Found in alkaline
substrate among lake margins.

Elevation: 195 – 2790ft
Blooms: May - October
Not Expected: Although CNDDB
records indicate historical observations
of this species in the vicinity, the altered
soil composition and depleted seed
bank caused by historical cultivation
would significantly prohibit the potential
for this species.

Atriplex cordulata var.
cordulata
heartscale
1B.2
Valley and foothill grasslands, chenopod scrub,
meadows and seeps. Found in sandy or
alkaline substrate.

Elevation: 0 – 1835ft
Blooms: April - October
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Atriplex coronate var.
vallicola
Lost Hills crownscale
1B.2
Valley and foothill grasslands, chenopod scrub,
vernal pools. Found in alkaline substrate.

Elevation: 165 – 2085ft
Blooms: April - September
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Atriplex tularensis
Bakersfield smallscale
SE
1A
Chenopod scrub.

Elevation: 295 – 655ft
Blooms: June - October
Not Expected: Although CNDDB
records indicate historical observations
of this species in the vicinity, the altered
soil composition and depleted seed
bank caused by historical cultivation
would significantly prohibit the potential
for this species.

Calochortus striatus
alkali mariposa-lily 1B.2
Chaparral, chenopod scrub, Mojavean desert
scrub, meadows and seeps.

Elevation: 230 – 5235ft
Blooms: April - June
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Caulanthus californicus
California jewel flower
CE/FE
1B.1
Valley and foothill grasslands, pinyon and
juniper woodland, chenopod scrub. Found in
sandy substrate

Elevation: 200 – 3280ft
Blooms: February - May
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Chloropyron molle ssp.
hispidum
hispid salty bird’s-beak
1B.1
Valley and foothill grasslands, playas,
meadows and seeps. Found in alkaline
substrate.

Elevation: 5 – 510ft
Blooms: June - September
Not Expected: Although CNDDB
records indicate historical observations
of this species in the vicinity, the altered
soil composition and depleted seed
bank caused by historical cultivation
would significantly prohibit the potential
for this species.

Delphinium recurvatum
recurved larkspur 1B.2
Valley and foothill grasslands, cismontane
woodland, chenopod scrub.

Elevation: 10 – 2590ft
Blooms: March - June
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Diplacus pictus
Calico monkeyflower 1B.2
Cismontane woodland, broadleafed upland
forest.

Found in disturbed areas and granitic
substrate.

Elevation: 330 – 4690ft
Blooms: March - May
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

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Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State
ESA &
CRPR
Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Eremalche parryi ssp.
kernensis
Kern mallow
FE
1B.2
Valley and foothill grasslands, pinyon and
juniper woodland, chenopod scrub. Found in
dry, sometimes sandy openings, often at the
ends of balds.

Elevation: 230 – 4230ft
Blooms: January (Feb) March - May
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Eschscholzia lemmonii ssp.
kernensis
Tejon poppy
1B.1
Valley and foothill grasslands, chenopod scrub.

Elevation: 525 – 3280ft
Blooms: (Feb)March - May
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Hordeum intercedens
vernal barley 3.2
Valley and foothill grasslands, coastal scrubs
and dunes, vernal pools. Found in depressions
and saline flats.

Elevation: 15 – 3280ft
Blooms: March - June
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Imperata brevifolia
California satintail 2B.1
Coastal scrub, chaparral, Mojavean desert
scrub, riparian scrub, meadows and seeps
(often alkali) Found in mesic substrate.

Elevation: 0 – 3985ft
Blooms: September - May
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Lasthenia glabrata ssp.
coulteri
Coulter’s goldfields
1B.1
Vernal pools, playas, marshes and swamps
(coastal salt)

Elevation: 5 – 4005ft
Blooms: February - June
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Layia leucopappa
Comanche Point layia 1B.1
Valley and foothill grasslands, chenopod scrub.

Elevation: 330 – 1150ft
Blooms: March - April
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Monolopia congdonii
San Joaquin woollythreads

FE
1B.2
Valley and foothill grasslands (sandy),
chenopod scrub.

Elevation: 195 – 2625ft
Blooms: February - May
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Navarretia setiloba
Piute Mountains navarretia 1B.1
Valley and foothill grasslands (sandy),
chenopod scrub.

Opunita basilaris var.
treleasei
Bakersfield cactus

FE/SE
1B.1
Valley and foothill grasslands, cismontane
woodland, chenopod scrub. Sometimes found
in gravelly and sandy substrates.

Elevation: 330 – 4755ft
Blooms: April - May
Not Expected: Although CNDDB
records indicate historical observations
of this species in the vicinity, the altered
soil composition and depleted seed
bank caused by historical cultivation
would significantly prohibit the potential
for this species.

Puccinellia simplex
California alkali grass
1B.2
Valley and foothill grasslands, vernal pools,
meadows and seeps, chenopod scrub. Found
in vernally mesic, flats, alkaline substrate
among lake margins.

Elevation: 5 – 3050ft
Blooms: March - May
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Stylocline citroleum
oil neststraw
1B.1
Valley and foothill grasslands, coastal scrub,
chenopod scrub. Found in clay substrate.

Elevation: 165 – 1310ft
Blooms: March - April
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

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Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State
ESA &
CRPR
Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Stylocline masonii
Mason's neststraw 1B.1
Pinyon and juniper woodland, chenopod scrub.

Found in sandy substrate.

Elevation: 330 – 3935ft
Blooms: March - May
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Tortula californica
California screw moss 1B.2
Valley and foothill grasslands, chenopod scrub.

Found in sandy substrate.

Elevation: 35 – 4790ft
Blooms: N/A
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
species.

Vegetation Communities
Great Valley Cottonwood Riparian Forest
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
community to occur.

Great Valley Mesquite scrub
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
community to occur.

Valley Sacaton Grassland
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
community to occur.

Valley Saltbush Scrub
Not Expected: The altered soil
composition and depleted seed bank
caused by historical cultivation would
significantly prohibit the potential for this
community to occur.

Invertebrates

Bombus crotchii
Crotch’s bumble bee

SC
Occurs in a variety of habitats including open
grasslands, scrublands, chaparral, desert
margins, including Josua tree and creosote
scrub and semi urban settings. Forages on but
not limited to: Antirrhinum, Phacelia, Clarkia,
Dendromecon, Eschscholzia, and Eriogonum.

Low Potential: Although CNDDB
records indicated an observation of this
species within the vicinity of the project
site, very minimal foraging potential and
nesting substrate occurs.

Desmocerus californicus
dimorphus
valley elderberry longhorn
beetle
FT
Occurs in the Central Valley of California and
depends on its host, the elderberry shrub that
grows in riparian areas and in foothill oak
woodlands.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occurs within 5-miles of the
project site and no elderberry shrubs
occur in the project site.

Dnaus Plexippus Plexippus
pop. 1
monarch – California
overwintering population
FC
Winter roost sites occur along coastal
California from Mendocino to Baja California in
wind protected tree groves with nearby water
source.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occur within 5-miles of the
project site and no habitat exists on the
project site.

Amphibians
Spea hammondii
western spadefoot FPT/SSC
Breeds in temporary rain ponds and vernal
pools from winter rains. Mainly occurring in
grassland habitat. Sometimes found in
chaparral and oak woodlands
Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occur within 5-miles of the
project site and no breeding sites occur.

Reptiles
Actinemys marmorata
northwestern pond turtle FPT/SSC
Inhabits aquatic marshes, streams, rivers,
ponds and lakes in California. Requires
adequate basking sites containing deep pools
with submerged logs and other debris. Also
relies on sparsely vegetated nearby ground for
digging nest sites.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
pond turtle occur within 5-miles of the
project site. No aquatic habitats
containing suitable basking or nesting
opportunity occurs.

Taft Hwy. & Michele St. GPA/ZC (APN 514 -060-27)
Biological Resources Study Page 22 of 28

Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State
ESA &
CRPR
Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur

Anniella grinnelli
Bakersfield legless lizard

SSC
Occurs from Bakersfield through the southern
San Joaquin Valley. Often found in sandy soils
burrowing through channels beneath cover
boards or areas with plenty of leaf litter and
debris. Typically found in moist substrates.

Moderate Potential: CNDDB records
indicate occurrences of this species
within 5-miles of the project site. Very
limited and marginal habitat occurs
adjacent to the concrete lined canal
transecting the western boundary. Leaf
litter and organic material from the trees
and shrubs in this area may also
provide suitable habitat.

Arizona elegans occidentalis
California glossy snake SSC
Found throughout southern California
particularly in desert regions. This nocturnal
species prefers open areas containing soft
loamy soils for burrowing.

Low Potential: Although CNDDB
records occur within 5-miles of the
project site. The hard compacted soils
and lack of burrowing opportunity would
likely deter this species presence on the
project site.

Gambelia silia
blunt-nosed leopard lizard FE/SE/SFP
Habitat for this species has been reduced
parcels of undeveloped grassland and
scrublands. This species occurs in open areas
containing patchy or sparse vegetation with low
drought tolerant shrubs.

Low Potential: Although one historical
record of this species occurs in the
vicinity of the project site, this species is
typically found in open intact habitat.

The previous disturbances on this
project site would be a significant
limiting factor.

Masticophis flagellum
ruddocki
San Joaquin coachwhip
SSC
Inhabits various regions throughout the San
Joaquin Valley. This species prefers open
terrain such as sand dunes, prairielands, desert
scrub, rocky hillsides and open pine and oak
woodlands. They are most abundant
grasslands and desert scrub.

Low Potential: No CNDDB records of
this species occurs in the project site
and the previous disturbances on the
project site and developed land
surrounding the project site would likely
act as a deterrent to this species.

Phrynosoma blainvill
coast horned lizard
SSC
Occurs in Chaparral, Coastal Sage scrub,
Desert scrub and have been known to occur in
mixed oak and grey pine forests that contain
friable sandy loam soils. Sometimes occur in
gravelly areas on moderate to low slopes.

Not Expected: No CNDDB record
occur within 5-miles of the project site
and the previous disturbances and lack
of suitable burrows significantly reduce
the potential for occurrence.

Birds

Agelaius tricolor
tricolored blackbird

ST/SSC

Occurs only in very specific habitat ranges.

This species is known to breed in freshwater
marshes, particularly in dense stands of cattails
and bulrushes. Outside of the breeding season,
they forage in open habitats such as farm fields
and pastures.

Not Expected: Although CNDDB
records of this species occurs within 5 -
miles, breeding habitat for this species
does not occur in the project site and
the site provides very little opportunity
for foraging. This species is not
expected to occur.

Athene cunicularia
burrowing owl SSC
Typically found in wide open sparsely
vegetated areas like prairies, deserts,
grasslands and agricultural fields. Due to
urbanization, they are sometimes found in
vacant lots. These owls reside in burrows
created by grounds squirrels and other rodent
species.

Moderate Potential: Several CNDDB
records of burrowing owl occur within
the vicinity of the project site. Although
their foraging potential would be limited
with the lack of suitable prey base in the
form of small fossorial rodents, this
species could potentially occupy grou nd
squirrel burrows on within this vacant
land.

Buteo swainsoni
Swainson’s hawk

Favor open habitats for foraging such as hay
and alfalfa fields, pastures, grain crops and row
crops for foraging. Often found nesting in large
tress or structures near agricultural fields.

Not Expected: Although CNDDB
records indicate records of this species
in the vicinity, nesting habitat is not
present.

Charadius nivosus nivosus
western snowy plover FT/SSC Found in sandy beaches, salt pond levees and shores of large alkali lakes.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occur within 5-miles of the
project site and suitable habitat does
not exist on the project site.

Taft Hwy. & Michele St. GPA/ZC (APN 514 -060-27)
Biological Resources Study Page 23 of 28

Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State
ESA &
CRPR
Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Coccyzus americanus
occidentalis
western yellow-billed cuckoo
FT/SE
Requires specific habitats within riparian
habitat along streams and rivers. Requires
densely vegetated areas for breeding that
contain willows, often mixed with cottonwoods,
with lower story of blackberry, nettles, or wild
grape.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records
occur within 5-miles of the project site
and habitat for this species does not
occur.

Dendrocygna bicolor
fulvous whistling-duck SSC
Found in shallow freshwater marshes in flat
open land. Also occurs in rice fields,
agricultural fields, ponds and lakes.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occur within 5-miles of the
project site and no habitat for this
species occurs.

Elanus leucurus
white-tailed kite

SFP

Often seen in open fields hovering in search of
small rodents. They occur in open groves, river
valleys, marshes, grasslands and desert
grasslands. Requires trees for perching and
nesting.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occur within 5-miles of the
project site. Suitable habitat for this
species does not occur.

Eremophila alpestris actia
California horned lark
WL
Occurs in open grasslands with low vegetation,
close-cropped pastures and plowed fields.

Prefers plenty of open ground for foraging and
nesting.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occur within 5-miles of the
project site. Suitable habitat for this
species does not occur.

Plegadis chihi
white-faced ibis
WL
Shallow freshwater marshes and wetlands.

Occupies dense tule thickets for nesting,
interspersed with areas of shallow water for
foraging.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occur within 5-miles of the
project site. Suitable habitat for this
species does not occur.

Xanthocephalus
xanthocephalus
Yellow-headed blackbird

SSC
Nests in freshwater emergent wetlands with
dense vegetation and deep water. Often along
borders of lakes or ponds.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occur within 5-miles of the
project site. Suitable habitat for this
species does not occur.

Mammals

Ammospermophilus nelson
Nelson’s (=San Joaquin)
antelope squirrel
ST
Occurs in arid upland desert scrub
communities or open grassland and scrub
areas that contain sparse vegetation for both
food and shelter. Often shares lands containing
kangaroo rat species.

Not Expected: No CNDDB records of
this species occurs within 5-miles. The
previously disturbed nature of the
project site and its surrounding land are
significant factors towards lack of
habitat suitability.

Dipodomys ingens
giant kangaroo rat
CE/FE
Annual grasslands on the western side of the
San Joaquin Valley, marginal habitat in alkali
scrub. Need level terrain and sandy loam soils
for burrowing.