BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE EVALUATION
General Plan Amendment/Zone Change
Assessor’s Parcel Map Number
544-040-03, -04, and -07
County of Kern
Bakersfield, California
Prepared for:
RGF Properties, LLC
Mr. Tom Dee
9100 Ming Avenue, Suite 120
Bakersfield, California 93311
Prepared by:
Pruett Biological Resource Consulting
8819 Latera Court
Bakersfield, California 93314
661.421.0006
27 January 2025
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Pruett Biological Resource Consulting, Inc. (PruettBio) has prepared this biological resource evaluation for a proposed Site Plan Review of Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 544-040-03, -04, and -07. The project consists of 63.97 gross acres (25.89 hectares)(project) Section 19, Township 30 South, Range 27 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian. The project is located northwest of the intersection of Panama Lane and Old River Rd, within the incorporated limits of the City of Bakersfield, County of Kern, California.
The project is located within the geographic range of several federal-, and state-listed, threatened and/or endangered plant and animal taxa. Several non-listed, special-status species also have the potential to occur in the vicinity of the project.
The purpose of this report is to document biological resources identified during a reconnaissance-level field study of the project site and include potential biological resources identified during a literature review of the site and vicinity, identify potential impacts to biological resources resulting from the project.
Evaluation of potential impacts to plant and animal species are required under federal and state regulation during a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Appendix G thresholds have been used to evaluate potential impacts to the biological resources from the proposed project development. Avoidance and minimization measures for implementation prior to and during project activities are recommended as appropriate.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have not been contacted regarding the preparation of this report. Appendix B, Special-Status Plant and Animal Evaluations, satisfy the requirements for an initial determination of potential impacts under the CEQA Appendix G thresholds. If CEQA threshold determinations warrant, further consultation may be required with CDFW and USFWS. If additional consultation with the agencies results in the need for Application for a California Incidental Take Permit, Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 783.2 outlines requirements for detailed species-specific take analysis, proposed measures to minimize and fully mitigate impacts, compliance monitoring, and funding. A detailed description satisfying Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 783.2 is not required to meet the CEQA Appendix G thresholds.
A literature review was conducted of the site and vicinity, prior to the field study, of the biological resources known to occur based on recorded, direct observation, or potentially occurring in the project impact area based on current or historical habitat conditions. During the field study, existing habitat conditions, direct observations and/or species sign was recorded to assess the potential for occurrence of special-status species. This report includes an evaluation of the potential for those special-status biological resources not observed during the field study, with the potential to occur on the property based on the habitat conditions observed.
The project is in southwest Bakersfield in an area historically farmed. Urban development has increased along the margins of Metropolitan Bakersfield in the past 50 years and has resulted in the conversion of farmland to residential and commercial properties. The project is entirely vacant land. The project is surrounded by residential development, commercial development, and vacant land.
The federal and state database queries yielded 21 special-status plant species and 33 special-status animal species as potentially occurring within the vicinity of the project site. Of these, 5 plant species, and 15 animal species have federal-, and/or state-listing and are afforded protection under federal or state law.
A query of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) database was made for the nine-quadrangles surrounding the project. The CNPS tracks plant species that do not meet the CEQA Section 15380 criteria for listing as threatened or endangered and are afforded no protection under federal or state law.
A USGS nine-quadrangle query additionally includes a search area beyond a standard 10-mile radius.
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
Plant species meeting the criteria for Special Status Plants as defined in Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Sensitive Natural Communities (CDFW 2018) and evaluated under CEQA Section 15380 have been included in this report.
Some CRPR 4 taxa may meet the Section 15380 definition of an endangered, rare, or threatened species, and in the definition of CRPR 4, CNPS and CDFW suggest additional reasons for including CRPR 4 taxa in a CEQA analysis. These reasons include Regionally Rare Taxa. Considered locally significant plants, that is, plants that are not rare from a statewide perspective but are rare or uncommon in a local context such as within a county or region (CEQA Guidelines, § 15125, subd. (c)), or as designated in local or regional plans, policies, or ordinances (CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G). “Locally rare” has not been generally defined, but in counties where a “locally rare” policy exists, it applies to taxa with only five to 10 known occurrences in that county.
The CNDDB, iPac, and CNPS lists were cross-referenced for consistency. A separate CNDDB query for the County of Kern was also generated to evaluate plant species for local significance.
The project will not conflict with existing or adopted Habitat Conservation Plans, Natural Community Conservation Plans, local or regional conservation plans, or local ordinances protecting biological resources.
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 1 PROJECT LEGAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................. 1 PROJECT SETTING AND PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................... 1 METHODS ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................................................................ 2 FIELD STUDY ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 3 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND LAND COVER ...................................................................................................... 3 SOILS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Special-Status Plant Species ................................................................................................................................ 3 Special-Status Animal Species ............................................................................................................................. 4 Designated Critical Habitat ................................................................................................................................. 5 Jurisdictional Water Resource Features .............................................................................................................. 5 Special-Status Natural Communities ................................................................................................................... 5 Wildlife Migration Corridors and Nursery Sites ................................................................................................... 5 Regional and Local Policies .................................................................................................................................. 5 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ....................................................................... 5 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 APPENDIX A ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 PROJECT VICINTY AND SITE ................................................................................................................................ 12 APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................................................................ 20 SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT AND ANIMAL EVALUATION ........................................................................................... 20 APPENDIX C ........................................................................................................................................................ 34 PLANTS AND ANIMALS OBSERVED ON THE PROJECT .......................................................................................... 34
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
1 INTRODUCTION
Pruett Biological Resource Consulting, Inc. (PruettBio) has prepared this biological resource evaluation for the proposed development of APNs 544-040-03, -04, and -07. The project consists of 63.97 gross acres (25.89 hectares)(project) Section 19, Township 30 South, Range 27 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian. The project is located northwest of the intersection of Panama Lane and Old River Road, within the incorporated limits of the City of Bakersfield, County of Kern, California. The report documents biological resources identified during fieldwork conducted on the project site and those identified through a literature search as potentially occurring based on known observations or historic habitat conditions.
The report uses the information collected during the field study and literature search to evaluate potential impacts to biological resources, resulting from the project. The report is intended to assist in the analysis of the proposed project for a Site Plan Review.
Listed plant and animal species are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) and the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Protection of other non-listed, special-status species is afforded under additional regulation including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) impacts to non-listed, special-status species must be evaluated. Where necessary, the report recommends avoidance and minimization measures for implementation prior to and during project activities. The report is intended to provide technical information in support of a CEQA preliminary review. For the purposes of this report, potential impacts to the biological resources of the proposed project were evaluated in accordance with Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines (2025).
PROJECT LEGAL DESCRIPTION
The project consists of 63.97 gross acres (25.89 hectares) of APNs 544-040-03, -04, and -07. The project site is located northwest of the intersection of Panama Lane and Old River Road, Section 19, Township 30 South, Range 27 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian.
PROJECT SETTING AND PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
The project site is in the southern San Joaquin Valley; a broad, treeless plain in the rain shadow of the Inner Coast Ranges. The region’s climate can be characterized as Mediterranean; with hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Summer high temperatures typically exceed 100 °Fahrenheit (°F); with an average of 110 days per year over 90 °F. Winter temperatures in the San Joaquin Valley are mild, with an average of only 16 days per year with frost (Twisselmann 1967).
Rainfall varies, increasing from west to east, with the west side of the valley receiving an average of around 4 inches (10 centimeters) per year and the east side averaging about 6 inches (15 centimeters) per year. Winter fog, called Tule fog, sometimes forms during the months of November, December, and January, supplementing the annual precipitation. Approximately 90% of the rainfall in the region occurs between November 1 and April 1. Drought cycles occur periodically, becoming severe enough that plant and animal populations can experience large fluctuations. The vegetation communities in the San Joaquin Valley are distinguishable from the Mojave Desert to the east due to Tule fog, higher humidity, and isolation from continental climatic influences by mountain ranges (Twisselmann 1967).
The general topography of the area of the project is generally flat at about 351 feet (107 meters) above mean sea level. The project and vicinity were historically farmed for decades. Historical aerial imagery going back to 1985 shows the project with much of the surrounding land under row crops. By 2003, residential development began in the vicinity of the project. From aerial imagery, the project appears to not have been farmed since 2003 or earlier but has been vegetation has been managed on site by occasional discing. The project is surrounded by mixed residential and commercial development and limited vacant land.
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
2 METHODS
LITERATURE REVIEW
PruettBio conducted a literature review to identify known observations and potential for listed, or otherwise special-status, species to occur in the vicinity of the project site. A standard, 10-mile (16- kilometer) radius query was performed. Database records reviewed included:
• United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) iPac: The iPac report generates a list of federal-listed species and other resources under the jurisdiction of the USFWS, including designated critical habitat for listed species, National Wildlife Refuge lands, and Wetlands in the National Wetlands Inventory. The list includes resources that are outside of the project site, but that have the potential to be impacted by project activities.
• USFWS National Wetlands Inventory: The Wetlands Mapper is an online inventory integrating digital map data and other resources to provide current information regarding the status of national wetlands, riparian, and deepwater habitats.
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) WebSoil Survey: The report is an online database providing soil data produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effort of the USDA and other federal, state, and local agencies. The information drawn for the Soil Survey of Kern County, California, Northwestern Part was originally drawn from fieldwork completed in 1981 with soil names and descriptions approved in 1982, and most recently updated September 2024.
• California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB-RareFind 5): The CNDDB is a database of listed, or otherwise special-status, plant and animal species and sensitive communities maintained by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The information queried for this report included a standard 10-mile radius of the project site.
• California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants:
CNPS is a private, professional organization that maintains a database evaluating the current conservation status of California’s rare, threatened, and endangered plant species. The information queried for this report included a standard 10-mile radius of the project site. The list includes resources that are outside of the project site, but that have the potential to be impacted by project activities based on known historic or current habitat features. The data base was compared to the CNDDB and iPac queries for consistency.
FIELD STUDY
A reconnaissance-level, biological field study was conducted by Jacob Spriester on 04 January 2025. The project was surveyed by walking the perimeter and transects to evaluate all representative habitat features of the site. The field study conducted, allowed for 100% visual coverage of the project site. Field notes included observations of all plant and wildlife species observed. Direct observations and/or species sign was recorded to assess the potential for occurrence. Land cover types and general habitat conditions were recorded and photographed. Special-status species and habitat features, such as vegetation communities or ephemeral channels, were also recorded and photographed if observed.
Coordinates for important biological resource elements and direct observations of special-status species were recorded using a handheld geographic positioning system unit. If observed, San Joaquin kit fox (SJKF) dens were classified as defined by the USFWS Standardized Recommendations for Protection of the Endangered San Joaquin Kit Fox Prior to or During Ground Disturbance (2011). All plant taxa encountered were identified to the extent possible given the diagnostic features present. Identifications were made using keys contained in The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California and online updates containing revisions to taxonomic treatments (Baldwin et al. 2012; Jepson Flora Project 2015).
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
3 RESULTS
This section summarizes the results of the field study conducted on the project site and evaluates those results for the known or potential for occurrence of special-status species based on the literature review and database queries and pursuant to statutory regulation. Discussions are provided describing the existing habitat conditions including vegetation communities, land cover and current use; soils; special- status biological resources potentially occurring in the vicinity of the project site; the potential for jurisdictional resources including designated critical habitat and riparian/wetland/water resource features; the potential for wildlife migration corridors and nursery sites; and regional and local policy.
VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND LAND COVER
The project site is located at the southwestern part of Metropolitan Bakersfield city limits. Before conversion to farmland, the original vegetive communities of the project site were Non-native Grassland (Holland 42200) and Valley Saltbush Scrub (Holland 36220). The project and vicinity were historically farmed for decades. Aerial imagery shows that the last time that the project had row crops was 2003 or earlier and appears to have been vacant since. The project has been disced occasionally to manage vegetation and resulted in ruderal or invasive species dominating the project, and was disced recently at the time of the field study. The project is surrounded by residential and commercial development with some vacant land where vegetation is also managed.
SOILS
The USGS soil survey map describes the soil of the project site as Unit 127, Granoso sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, overwash and Unit 174 Kimberlina fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes MRLA 17 (NRCS 2025). Unit 127 is alluvium derived from mixed rock sources found on alluvial fans and flood plains. It is comprised of sandy loam, loamy sand, and sand to a depth of about 62 inches. The depth to the restrictive feature is more than 80 inches and the available water supply in profile is listed as low (about 4.9 inches). Unit 174 is alluvium derived from igneous and sedimentary rock found on alluvial fans.
It is comprised of fine sandy loam and silt loam to a depth of 71 inches. The depth to the restrictive feature is more than 80 inches and the available water supply in profile is listed as moderate (about 8.7 inches).
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The literature review and database queries yielded 21 special-status plant species as potentially occurring within the vicinity of the project site. 33 special-status animal species were identified as potentially occurring in the region of the project site. No special-status animals or plants were observed on site during the field study. No evidence of any locally rare plant was observed during the field study.
No focused, protocol-level surveys were conducted for the preparation of this report. The field study was conducted outside of the blooming period for many of the special-status plant species potentially occurring in the vicinity of the project. The evaluation of special-status species that were found during the literature review with a potential to occur in the region are included in Appendix B.
Special-Status Plant Species
The federal and state database queries yielded 21 special-status plant species as potentially occurring within the vicinity of the project site. A query of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) database was made for the nine-quadrangles surrounding the project. A USGS nine-quadrangle query additionally includes a search area beyond a standard 10-mile radius. Plant species meeting the criteria for Special Status Plants as defined in Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Sensitive Natural Communities (CDFW 2018) were evaluated under CEQA Section 15380.
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
4 Special-status plant species considered in this evaluation include all plant species that meet one or more of the following criteria:
• Listed or proposed for listing as threatened or endangered under ESA or candidates for possible future listing as threatened or endangered under the ESA (50 CFR §17.12).
• Listed or candidates for listing by the State of California as threatened or endangered under CESA (Fish and Game Code §2050 et seq.). A species, subspecies, or variety of plant is endangered when the prospects of its survival and reproduction in the wild are in immediate jeopardy from one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, over-exploitation, predation, competition, disease, or other factors (Fish and Game Code §2062). A plant is threatened when it is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future in the absence of special protection and management measures (Fish and Game Code §2067).
• Listed as rare under the California Native Plant Protection Act (Fish and Game Code §1900 et seq.). A plant is rare when, although not presently threatened with extinction, the species, subspecies, or variety is found in such small numbers throughout its range that it may be endangered if its environment worsens (Fish and Game Code §1901).
• Meet the definition of rare or endangered under CEQA §15380(b) and (d). Species that may meet the definition of rare or endangered include the following:
o Species considered by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) to be “rare, threatened or endangered in California” (Lists 1A, 1B and 2);
o Species that may warrant consideration on the basis of local significance or recent biological information.
o Some species included on the California Natural Diversity Database’s (CNDDB) Special Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List (California Department of Fish and Game 2008).
• Considered a locally significant species, that is, a species that is not rare from a statewide perspective but is rare or uncommon in a local context such as within a county or region (CEQA §15125 (c)) or is so designated in local or regional plans, policies, or ordinances (CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G). Examples include a species at the outer limits of its known range or a species occurring on an uncommon soil type.
Some CRPR 4 taxa may meet the Section 15380 definition of an endangered, rare, or threatened species, and in the definition of CRPR 4, CNPS and CDFW suggest additional reasons for including CRPR 4 taxa in a CEQA analysis. These reasons include Regionally Rare Taxa. Considered locally significant plants, that is, plants that are not rare from a statewide perspective but are rare or uncommon in a local context such as within a county or region (CEQA Guidelines, § 15125, subd. (c)), or as designated in local or regional plans, policies, or ordinances (CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G). “Locally rare” has not been generally defined, but in counties where a “locally rare” policy exists, it applies to taxa with only five to 10 known occurrences in that county. The CNDDB, iPac, and CNPS lists were cross- referenced for consistency.
Of the 21 special-status plant species returned during database queries for the project vicinity, 5 species are either federally- or state-listed as threatened or endangered. Although CEQA requires consideration for impacts to locally significant plant species, no mitigation is legally required to compensate for impacts to non-listed plant species. No listed, or otherwise special-status plant species was observed during the fieldwork conducted for the preparation of this report. No listed, or otherwise special-status plant species, has been recorded as occurring within the project site.
Special-Status Animal Species
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
5 The federal and state database queries yielded 33 special-status animal species as potentially occurring within the vicinity of the project site. Of these, 15 animal species have federal-, and/or state-listing and are afforded protection under federal or state law. Special-status animal species considered in this evaluation include those that may occur in the project vicinity that have statutory protections. This includes federal- and state-listed (rare, threatened, or endangered; fully protected) species and candidates for listing under the respective endangered species acts. Species that are of special concern to the CDFW or the USFWS are included in this evaluation. Special-status bird species that are afforded protection under the MBTA which may nest on or within an approximate 10-mile (16-kilometer) radius of the project site are also evaluated. No evidence of special-status animal species, or animal species sign was observed during the field study.
Designated Critical Habitat
The USFWS iPac report and USFWS Designated Critical Habitat Mapper lists no Designated Critical Habitat within the project (USFWS 2025). Designated Critical Habitats closest to the project site include California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) approximately 26-miles south/southeast and Buena Vista Lake shrew (Sorex ornatus relictus) approximately 11-miles west of the project site. No suitable habitat for either species exists on the project site.
Jurisdictional Water Resource Features
Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) regulates discharge of dredged and fill material into Waters of the United States. Wetlands are included under this jurisdiction. Proposed activities that may result in discharge of material into Waters of the U.S. require a permit review process by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as set forth under CWA section 404(b)(1). Fish and Game Code section 1602 requires any person, state or local governmental agency, or public utility to notify CDFW before beginning any activity that will substantially modify a river, stream, or lake.
A search of the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory resulted in no riparian, wetlands, or other jurisdictional water features mapped on the project site (USFWS 2025). These results are consistent with the observed conditions within the survey area.
Special-Status Natural Communities
No special-status vegetation communities on the project site were identified by the USFWS iPac query, the CNDDB, or the CNPS Inventory (USFWS 2025, CDFW 2025, CNPS 2025). These results are consistent with the observed conditions within the survey area.
Wildlife Migration Corridors and Nursery Sites
Wildlife corridors can be defined as connections between wildlife blocks that meet specific habitat needs for species movement generally during migratory periods but seasonally as well. Wildlife corridors generally contain habitat dissimilar to the surrounding vicinity and include examples such as riparian areas along rivers and streams, washes, canyons, or otherwise undisturbed areas within urbanization.
Corridor width requirements can vary based on the needs of the species utilizing them. Development of the project would not impact wildlife migration corridors or nursery sites.
Regional and Local Policies
The proposed, modified project will not conflict with existing or adopted Habitat Conservation Plans, Natural Community Conservation Plans, local or regional conservation plans, or local ordinances protecting biological resources.
IMPACT ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
6 CEQA Appendix G thresholds have been used to evaluate potential impacts to the biological resources from the proposed project. Appendix G provides an analysis of the impacts of the proposed project following the standards of CEQA and provides recommendations that, when implemented, would reduce impacts to less-than-significant levels. It is important to note that potential take of any federal- or state- listed species from project activities would require contacting the appropriate wildlife agency (the USFWS and/or the CDFW).
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have not been contacted regarding the preparation of this report. Appendix B, Special-Status Plant and Animal Evaluations, satisfy the requirements for an initial determination of potential impacts under the CEQA Appendix G thresholds. If CEQA threshold determinations warrant, further consultation may be required with CDFW and USFWS. If additional consultation with the agencies results in the need for Application for a California Incidental Take Permit, Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 783.2 outlines requirements for detailed species-specific take analysis, proposed measures to minimize and fully mitigate impacts, compliance monitoring, and funding. A detailed description satisfying Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 783.2 is not required to meet the CEQA Appendix G thresholds.
The project would create a significant impact to biological resources, based on the specifications in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines, if the following were to occur:
1. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
2. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
3. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means;
4. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites;
5. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance;
6. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
The following analysis discusses potential impacts associated with the development of the project and provides recommendations where appropriate to further reduce potential impacts.
1. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, by the CDFW, or the USFWS?
Direct and indirect impacts, in the form of “incidental take” of a threatened, endangered, or otherwise protected species, are not expected as a result of the development of the proposed project.
Implementation of standard measures for the protection of biological resources are recommended to avoid and minimize potential impact to general wildlife. These measures include, but may not be limited to:
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January 2025
7 • A biological resource pre-activity survey conducted by a qualified biologist no more that 30- days before the start of construction activities,
• Biological resource monitoring during each initial phase of ground disturbance, • Compliance reporting provided to the required oversight agencies for all biological resource field surveys, monitoring, and additional tasks as warranted.
If known or natal SJKF dens are identified at any time during construction, protocols enumerated in the USFWS Standardized Recommendations for Protection of the Endangered San Joaquin Kit Fox Prior to or During Ground Disturbance (2011) should be implemented, and the appropriate agencies contacted for guidance.
The project is within the historic range of Tipton kangaroo rat. The project was not included in the southwest focus area for the species in the previous habitat conservation plan. The most recent habitat suitability modeling (Cypher et al. 2021) includes the project site as Habitat rank 4 meaning that it disturbed habitat but suitable. Trapping would be required to confirm small mammal species occupying the project.
2. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations, or by the CDFW or the USFWS?
No riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or United States Fish and Wildlife Service exists on the project site. No adverse effect will occur as a result of the development of the proposed project and no mitigation measures are recommended.
3. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
No features, identified in wetland categories, appear on the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory mapping (USFWS 2025) on the proposed, modified project site. No federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act were identified during the field study conducted for the preparation of this report. No substantial adverse effect will occur as a result of the development of the project. No mitigation measures are recommended.
4. Would the project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
No migratory wildlife corridors were identified during the literature search or field study. The project will not interfere substantially with the movement of any native fish of wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. The following recommendations are provided for the general protection of bird species that may occur on the project site or vicinity in compliance with the MBTA:
If ground-disturbing activities are planned during the nesting season for migratory birds that may nest on or near the site (generally February 1 through August 31), nesting bird surveys are recommended prior to the commencement of ground disturbance for project activities. If nesting birds are present, no new construction or ground disturbance should occur within an appropriate avoidance area for that species until young have fledged, unless otherwise approved and monitored by a qualified onsite biologist.
Appropriate avoidance should be determined by a qualified biologist. In general, minimum avoidance zones for active nests should be implemented as follows: 1) ground or low-shrub nesting non-raptors – 300 feet (91 meters); 2) burrowing owl – as appropriate based on nest location, existing surrounding activity, and evaluation of owl behavior. Coordination with CDFW may be warranted. 3) Sensitive raptors (e.g., prairie falcon, golden eagle) – 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers); 3) other raptors – 500 feet (152 meters).
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
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8 5. Would the project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
There are no biological resources on the site which are protected by local policies. Impacts from conflicts with local policies will not occur. No additional mitigation measures are recommended.
6. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
The project does not conflict with any Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. No additional mitigation measures are recommended.
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
9 REFERENCES
Baldwin, B. G., Goldman, D. H., Keil, D. J., Patterson, R., Rosatti, T. J., & Wilken, D. H. (Eds.). (2012).
The Jepson manual: Vascular plants of California (2nd ed.). Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. 1568 pp.
CDFG. (2009). Protocols for surveying and evaluating impacts to special status native plant populations and natural communities. Sacramento, CA: Author. 7 pp.
CDFG. (2012). Staff report on burrowing owl mitigation. Sacramento, CA: Author.
CNDDB. (2025). Occurrence for U.S. Geologic Survey 7.5 minute quadrangles. Sacramento, CA: CDFW
California Endangered Species Act of 1970, C.F.G.C § 2050 et seq. (2025).
California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, 13 P.R.C. § 21000 et seq. (2025).
California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 Guidelines, 14 C.C.R. § 15000 et seq. (2025).
California Native Plant Society (CNPS). (2023). Inventory of rare and endangered plants (Online edition, v8-01a) 7.5 minute quadrangles and corresponding plant species accounts. Sacramento, CA: Author.
California Native Plant Protection Act of 1977, C.F.G.C § 1904 et seq. (2025).
Clean Water Act of 1972, 33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. (2025).
Cypher, B., Phillips, S.E., Westall, T., Tennant, E.N., Saslaw, L., Kelly, E., Van Horn Job, C. (2021).
Conservation of endangered Tipton kangaroo rat (Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides): status surveys, habitat suitability, and conservation recommendations. California Fish and Wildlife Special CESA Issue:382-397.
Dunn, J. L., & Alderfer, J., (Eds.). (2008). Field guide to the birds of western North America. Washington, DC: National Geographic Society. 447 pp.
Ehrlich, P. R., Dobkin, D. S., & Wheye, D. (1988). The birder’s handbook: A field guide to the natural history of North American birds. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, Inc. 785 pp.
Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq. (2025).
Harris, J. H., & Stearns, D. M. (1991). Population density, census methods, habitat relationships, and home range of the San Joaquin antelope squirrel, 1988–89. California Department of Fish and Game, Nongame Bird and Mammal Section, Report 91-02. Oakland, CA: CDFG. Retrieved from http://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2953
Jennings, M. R., Hayes, M. P., & Metro Washington Park Zoo. (1994). Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in California (Final report to the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Contract No. 8023). Rancho Cordova, CA: CDFG. 255 pp.
Jepson Flora project (Eds.). (2015). Jepson eFlora. Retrieved from http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html
Luce, B. (2005). Eumops perotis: Western mastiff bat. In C. Chambers & M. Herder, (Eds.), Species accounts. Portland, OR: Western Bat Working Group. 5 pp. Retrieved from http://www.wbwg.org/speciesinfo/species_accounts/molossidae/eupe.pdf
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
10 Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, 16 U.S.C. § 703 et seq. (2025).
Nafis, G. (2000–2021a). North American legless lizards - Anniella. A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California. Retrieved from http://www.californiaherps.com/lizards/pages/a.pulchra.html
Nafis, G. (2000–2021b). San Joaquin coachwhip – Coluber flagellum ruddocki. A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California. Retrieved from
http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/c.f.ruddocki.html
Nafis, G. (2000–2021c). Blainville’s horned lizard – Phrynosoma blainvillii. A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California. Retrieved from http://www.californiaherps.com/lizards/pages/p.blainvillii.html
Native Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species, 32 Fed. Reg. 4001 (Mar. 11, 1967). Retrieved from http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr18.pdf
Papenfuss, T. J., Parham, J. F. (2013). Four new species of California legless lizards (Anniella). Breviora 536, 1–17. Retrieved from
http://mczbase.mcz.harvard.edu/specimen_images/publications/Breviora_536.pdf
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, C.W.A. § Section 13000 et seq. (2023).
Reid, F. A. (2006). Mammals of North America (Peterson field guide). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. 579 pp.
Sherwin, R. (2005). Antrozous pallidus: Pallid bat. In D. A. Rambaldini, (Eds.). Species accounts.
Portland, OR: Western Bat Working Group. 5 pp. Retrieved from http://www.wbwg.org/speciesinfo/species_accounts/vespertilonidae/anpa.pdf
Shuford, W. D., Gardali, T., (with Comrack, L.A.). (Eds.). (2008). California bird species of special concern: a ranked assessment of species, subspecies, and distinct populations of birds of immediate conservation concern in California. Sacramento, CA: CDFG.
Stebbins, R. C. (1985). A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians (Peterson field guide), (2 nd ed.).
Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. 336 pp.
Stebbins, R. C. (2003). A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians (Peterson field guide), (3 rd ed.).
Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. 533 pp.
Twisselmann, E. C. (1967). A flora of Kern County, California. The Wasmann Journal of Biology, 25, 1– 395.
Uptain, C. E. (1989). Survey for Tipton kangaroo rats (Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides) on the proposed Delano prison site, Kern County, California (Prepared for the California Department of Corrections).
Sacramento, CA: 11 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). (1996). California condor recovery plan, third revision. Portland, OR: Author. 62 pp.
USFWS. (1998). Recovery plan for upland species of the San Joaquin Valley, California. Portland, OR:
Author. Retrieved from http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/980930a.pdf
USFWS. (2011). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service standardized recommendations for protection of the endangered San Joaquin kit fox prior to or during ground disturbance. Sacramento, CA: Author. 9 pp.
Retrieved from http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/Survey-Protocols- Guidelines/Documents/kitfox_standard_rec_2011.pdf
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
11 USFWS. (2013). California condor recovery program population size and distribution, December 31, 2013 overview page. Retrieved from
http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_8/NWRS/Zone_1/Hopper_Mountain_Complex/Hopper_Mounta in/Sections/News/News_Items/PDFs/2013-12-31.pdf
USFWS. (2023a). Federal endangered and threatened species that may occur in or may be affected by project in the counties and/or USGS 7 ½ minute quads you requested: quadrangle [August]. Author.
Retrieved from http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es_species/Lists/es_species_lists-form.cfm
USFWS. (2023b). National Wetlands Inventory Website [August]. Washington, D.C.: Author. Retrieved from http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/
Williams, D. F. (1980). Distribution and population status of the San Joaquin antelope squirrel and giant kangaroo rat. (Nongame Wildlife Investigation Final Report E-W-4). Sacramento, CA: CDFG. 48 pp.
Williams, D. F. (1986). Mammalian species of special concern in California (Prepared for the State of California, The Resources Agency Department of Fish and Game). Turlock, CA: CSUS. 112 pp. Retrieved from http://esrp.csustan.edu/resources/publications/pdf/mammalian_scc_ca_esrp5.pdf
Zeiner, D. C., Laudenslayer, W. F., Jr., Mayer, K. E., & White, M., (Eds.). (1990a). California’s wildlife volume II birds (California Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System). Sacramento, CA: CDFG.
Zeiner, D. C., Laudenslayer, W. F., Jr., Mayer, K. E., & White, M., (Eds.). (1990b). California’s wildlife volume III mammals (California Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System). Sacramento, CA:
CDFG.
APPENDIX A
PROJECT VICINTY AND SITE
Biological Resource Evaluation
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Figure A-1. Aerial photograph of the project and vicinity (Google Earth Pro 2025).
Bakersfield
Project Site
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14 Figure A-2. Aerial photograph of the project and vicinity (Google Earth Pro 2025).
Legend
Project boundary
1000 ft
N 䡹䡹
N
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Figure A-3 Soil map of the project site (USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service 2025).
Soil Map—Kern County, California, Northwestern Part
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
1/6/2025
3907900 3908000 3908100 3908200 3908300 3908400
3907900 3908000 3908100 3908200 3908300 3908400
307300 307400 307500 307600 307700 307800 307900 308000 308100 308200 307300 307400 307500 307600 307700 307800 307900 308000 308100 308200 35° 18' 2'' N
119° 7' 10'' W
35° 18' 2'' N
119° 6' 33'' W
35° 17' 42'' N
119° 7' 10'' W
35° 17' 42'' N
119° 6' 33'' WN
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 11N WGS84 02 00 4 00 800 1200
Feet
05 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0
Meters
Map Scale: 1:4,360 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
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Figure A-4. Photograph of the project site taken from the SW corner facing N (04Jan25).
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17 Figure A-5. Photograph of the project site taken from near the SW corner facing E (04Jan25).
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18 Figure A-6. Photograph of the project site from near the NW corner facing W (04Jan25).
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19 Figure A-7. Photograph of the project site taken from the NE corner facing S (04Jan25).
APPENDIX B
SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT AND ANIMAL EVALUATION
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Table B-1: Special-status Plants That May Occur in the Vicinity of the Project.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State/CNPS Description Blooming Period
Field Study
Results/Potential for
Occurrence
Astragalus hornii var.
hornii
Horn’s milk vetch
S/-/1B.1 Annual herb in the Fabaceae found in meadows and seeps and on playas and lake margins on alkaline soils between 195 and 2,790 feet (60–850 meters) in elevation. Known
from occurrences in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, the Tehachapi Mountains and the Western Transverse Ranges
in Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.
May to October Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Atriplex cordulata var.
cordulata
Heartscale
S/-/1B.2 Herbaceous annual in the Chenopodiaceae found in chenopod scrub, meadows and weeps, and valley and
foothill grasslands in sandy, saline or alkaline soils below 1,837 feet (560 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in the Great Central Valley from Kern County north to Southern Butte County.
April to October Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Atriplex coronata var.
vallicola
Lost Hills crownscale
S/-/1B.2 Herbaceous annual in the Chenopodiaceae found in chenopod scrub, valley and foothill grasslands, and vernal pool habitats on alkaline soils between 165 and 2,085 feet (50–635 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, San Luis
Obispo, and Tulare Counties.
April to September Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Atriplex tularensis
Bakersfield smallscale
-/E/1A Herbaceous annual in the Chenopodiaceae found in chenopod scrub habitat between 295 and 655 feet (90–200 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in the Kern County.
June to October Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Calochortus striatus
Alkali mariposa-lily
S/-/1B.2 Bulbiferous perennial herb in the Liliaceae found in chaparral, chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, and
Mojavean desert scrub in alkaline and mesic soils between 230 and 5235 feet (70–1,595 meters). Known to occur in the Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Tulare Counties.
April to June Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Caulanthus californicus
California jewelflower
E/E/1B.1 Annual herb in the Brassicaceae family found in chenopod scrub, pinyon and juniper woodland, and valley and foothill grassland habitats on sandy soils between 200 and 3,280 feet (61 – 1000) in elevation.
February to May Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
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22 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State/CNPS Description Blooming Period
Field Study
Results/Potential for
Occurrence
Chloropyron molle ssp.
hispidum
Hispid bird’s-beak
S/-/1B.1 Hemiparasitic annual herb in the Orobanchaceae family found in meadows and sweeps, playas, and valley and
foothill grasslands on alkaline soils below 510 feet (155 meters) in elevation.
June to September Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Delphinium recurvatum
Recurved larkspur
S/-/1B.2 Perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae family found in chenopod scrub, cismontane woodland, and valley and
foothill grassland habitats below 2,590 feet (790 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in Kern and Tulare Counties.
March to June Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Diplacus pictus
Calico monkeyflower
S/-/1B.2 Annual herb in the Phrymaceae family found in broadleafed upland forest and cismontane woodland habitats in
disturbed areas and granitic soils between 330 and 4,690 feet (100-1,430 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in Kern and Tulare Counties.
March to May Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Eremalche parryi ssp.
kernensis
Kern mallow
E/-/1B.2 Annual herb in the Malvaceae family found in chenopod scrub, pinyon and juniper woodland, and valley and foothill grassland habitats in clay, dry, openings, and sandy soils often at the edge of balds between 230 and 4,230 feet (70 – 1,290 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in Kern,
Kings, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and
Ventura Counties.
January to May Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Eschscholzia lemmonii
ssp. kernensis
Tejon poppy
S/-/1B.1 Annual herb in the Papaveraceae family found in valley foothill and grasslands and chenopod scrub, generally on loose, calcareous soils between 525 and 3,280 feet (200– 1,000 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Sometimes February,
March to May
Not Observed/Not
Expected. Expected
elevation range is higher
than the project site.
Decades of intensive
farming has resulted in
vegetation limited to
invasive/ruderal species.
Imperata brevifolia
California satintail
-/-/2B.1 Perennial, rhizomatous herb in the Poaceae family found in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, meadow and seeps,
Mojavean desert scrub, and riparian scrub habitats on
mesic and alkaline soils below 3,985 feet (1,215 meters).
Known to occur in Butte, Lake, Fresno, Tulare, Inyo, Kern, Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Bernadino, Orange,
Riverside, San Diego and Imperial Counties.
September to May Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
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23 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State/CNPS Description Blooming Period
Field Study
Results/Potential for
Occurrence
Lasthenia glabrata ssp.
coulteri
Coulter’s goldfields
S/-/1B.1 Annual herb in the Asteraceae family found in vernal pools, marshes and swamps, playas, and saline places at
elevations below 4,005 feet (1,220 meters). Known to occur in Colusa, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Solano, Tehama, Tulare, Ventura, and Yolo Counties.
February to June Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Layia leucopappa
Comanche Point layia
S/-/1B.1 Annual herb in the Asteraceae family found in chenopod scrub and valley and foothill grassland habitats between 330 and 1,150 feet (100 – 350 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in Kern County.
March to April Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Monolopia congdonii
San Joaquin woolly-
threads
E/-/1B.2 Annual herb in the Asteraceae family found in chenopod scrub and valley and foothill grassland habitats on sandy soils between 195 and 2,625 feet (60 – 800 meters) in
elevation. Known to occur in Fresno, Kern, Kings, San
Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Tulare
Counties.
February to May Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Navarretia setiloba
Piute Mountains
navarretia
S/-/1B.1 Annual herb in the Polemoniaceae family found in cismontane woodland, pinyon and juniper woodlands, and
valley and foothill grasslands in gravelly loam and
sometimes clay soils between 935 and 6,890 feet (285–
2,100 meters) in Kern, Los Angeles, and Tulare Counties.
April to July Not Observed/Not
Expected. Expected
elevation range is higher
than the project site.
Opuntia basilaris var.
treleasei
Bakersfield cactus
E/E/1B.1 Perennial stem succulent in the Cactaceae family found in chenopod scrub, cismontane woodland, and valley and
foothill grasslands between 330 and 4,755 feet (100–1450 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in the Southeast San Joaquin Valley and Southern Sierra Nevada Foothills in
Kern County.
April to May Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Puccinellia simplex
California alkali grass
S/-/1B.2 Annual herb in the Poaceae family found in chenopod scrub, meadows and seep, valley and foothill grassland, and vernal pool habitats on alkaline, flats, lake margins, and vernally mesic soils between 5 and 3050 feet (2–930 meters) in Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Merced,
Napa, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara,
Santa Cruz, Solano, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Yolo Counties.
March to April Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
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24 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State/CNPS Description Blooming Period
Field Study
Results/Potential for
Occurrence
Stylocline citroleum
Oil neststraw
S/-/1B.1 Annual herb in the Asteraceae family found in chenopod scrub, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland on clay soils between 165 and 1,310 feet (50 – 400 meters) in elevation. Known to occur in Kern and San Diego Counties.
March to April Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Stylocline masonii
Mason’s neststraw
S/-/1B.1 Annual herb in the Asteraceae family found in chenopod scrub and valley and foothill grasslands on sandy soils between 330 and 3,935 feet (100–1,200 meters) in
elevation. Known from locations in Kern, Los Angeles,
Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
March to May Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
Tortula californica
California screw moss
S/-/1B.2 Moss in the Pottiaceae family found in chenopod scrub and valley and foothill grassland habitats in sandy soils between 35 and 4790 feet (10–1460 meters) in Kern, Los Angeles, Modoc, Monterey, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara,
and Ventura Counties.
Does not flower Not Observed/Not
Expected. Decades of
intensive farming has
resulted in vegetation limited
to invasive/ruderal species.
STATUS: Federal and State Listing Code
D Delisted
E Federally or State-listed Endangered
T Federally or State-listed Threatened
S BLM Sensitive
CNPS
1A Plants presumed extirpated in California, and either rare or extinct elsewhere 1B.1 Plants considered rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; seriously threatened in California 1B.2 Plants considered rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere; fairly threatened in California 2B.1 Plants considered rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere; seriously threatened in California
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25 Table B-2: Special-status Animals That May Occur in the Vicinity of the Project.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Federal/State General Habitat Survey Results/Regional or Nearest Occurrence*
Invertebrates
Bombus crotchii
Crotch’s bumble bee
-/C Occurs in grasslands and shrublands in the
Mediterranean region, Pacific coast, western desert,
and adjacent foothills throughout California’s southwest region. Food plant genera include but is not limited to Antirrhinum, Clarkia, Eriogonum. and Phacelia.
Not Observed/Not Expected. No known
records in the vicinity of the project.
Marginal habitat present on the project.
Branchinect lynchi
Vernal pool fairy shrimp
T/- Found in vernal pools throughout California. Exist as cysts during the dry season and reproduce when pools
are filled with water again.
Not Present. No suitable habitat present.
Danaus plexippus
Monarch butterfly
PT/- Occur for migration between San Diego and British
Colombia. Asclepias spp. are used for egg laying
throughout the range.
Not Observed/Not Expected. No known
records in the vicinity of the project.
Marginal habitat present on the project.
Desmocerus californicus dimorphus
Valley elderberry longhorn beetle
T/- Central Valley riparian forest; nearly always found on or close to its host plant, elderberry (Sambucus species).
Not Present. No suitable habitat for the
species. No host plants present on the
project or vicinity.
Amphibians
Spea hammondii
Western spadefoot toad
PT/ CSC Central valley and adjacent foothills, Coast Ranges from Point Conception south to the Mexico border;
valley-foothill grasslands and valley-foothill hardwood, shallow temporary pools used for breeding, below
4,472 feet (1,363 meters).
Not Observed/Not Expected. No known
records in the vicinity of the project.
Marginal habitat present on the project.
Reptiles
Actinemys marmorata
Northwestern pond turtle PT/CSC
Completely aquatic requiring calm waters such as pools
or streams with vegetation banks or logs for basking.
Will utilize upland habitat up to about 0.5 km from
water.
Not Present. No suitable habitat present.
Anniella grinnelli
Bakersfield legless lizard -/CSC
Found in sparsely vegetated areas of beach dunes,
chaparral, pine-oak woodlands, desert scrub, sandy
washes, and stream terraces with sycamores,
cottonwoods, or oaks in warm moist soils under cover.
Not Observed/Not Expected. Suitable
habitat absent from the site. Potential
habitat in the project vicinity.
Anniella spp.
California legless lizard -/CSC
Found in coastal dunes, chaparral, pine-oak
woodlands, desert scrub, and sandy washes in warm
moist loose soils, below 5,085 feet (1550 meters).
Not Observed/Not Expected. Suitable
habitat absent from the site. Potential
habitat in the project vicinity.
Arizona elegans occidentalis
California glossy snake -/CSC Found in low elevation scrub, grasslands and chaparral habitats.
Not Present. No suitable habitat present.
Gambelia sila
Blunt-nosed leopard lizard (BNLL) E/E,SFP
Found only in the San Joaquin Valley, adjacent Carrizo
Plain, Elkhorn Plain, Cuyama Valley, and Panoche
Valley; inhabits sparsely vegetated plains, lower canyon Not Present. No suitable habitat present.
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26 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Federal/State General Habitat Survey Results/Regional or Nearest Occurrence*
slopes, on valley floors, and washes; open grassland,
saltbush scrub, and alkali sink are more common
habitat types.
Masticophis flagellum
ruddocki
San Joaquin coachwhip -/CSC
Found in the San Joaquin Valley in open, dry habitats.
Associated with valley grassland and saltbush scrub
habitats containing small mammal burrows which are
used for refugia and oviposition sites.
Not Present. No suitable habitat present.
Phrynosoma blainvillii
Coast horned lizard
-/CSC
Inhabits valley-foothill hardwood, coniferous and
riparian, as well as pine-cypress, juniper, and annual
grasslands, in Sierra Nevada below 3,937 feet (1,200
meters) and in mountains of Southern California and
into the adjacent valleys.
Not Present. No suitable habitat present.
Birds
Agelaius tricolor
Tricolored blackbird
S/CSC
Forages in grasslands, wetlands, rice fields, croplands, and weedy uplands dominated by mustards and
thistles, etc.; breeds in marshes containing heavy
growth of bulrushes, cattails, and blackberries; found
throughout the Central Valley.
Not Present/Low Probability of
Occurrence in the Project Vicinity. No
suitable nesting habitat on the site.
Potential for marginal foraging habitat in
farmlands in the vicinity of the project.
Athene cunicularia
Burrowing owl
-/C
Inhabits dry, open grasslands, rolling hills, desert floors, prairies, savannas, agricultural land, and other areas of open, bare ground. These owls will also inhabit open
areas near human habitation, such as airports, golf
courses, shoulders of roads, railroad embankments,
and the banks of irrigation ditches and reservoirs.
Not Observed/Moderate Probability of
Occurrence in the Project Vicinity.
Suitable habitat for nesting and foraging
areas and database search resulted in
records in the vicinity of the project. No
burrowing owls or owl burrows observed.
Buteo swainsoni
Swainson’s hawk
-/T
Riparian and sometimes large, isolated trees used for
nesting; grasslands and agricultural lands used for
foraging; in California, breeds primarily in the
Sacramento Valley, with occasional nesting to the south through Kern County; migrate through the Central and
San Joaquin Valleys to their wintering grounds in South America.
Not Observed/Low Probability of
Occurrence in the Project Vicinity. No
suitable nesting sites on the project. Low
suitable foraging habitat exists across the
row-crop farmland south of metropolitan
Bakersfield.
Charadrius nivosus nivosus
Western snowy plover
T/CSC
Nests, feeds, and takes cover on sandy or gravelly
beaches along the coast, on estuarine salt ponds, alkali lakes, and at the Salton Sea. On the Pacific coast, it
nests on barren to sparsely vegetated sand beaches,
dry salt flats in lagoons, dredge spoils deposited on
beach or dune habitat, levees and flats at salt-
evaporation ponds, and river bars.
Not Present. No suitable wintering
habitat or foraging habitat exists on the
project.
Coccyzus americanus occidentalis
Western yellow-billed cuckoo T/E
Nests in walnut and almond orchards in California,
natural nesting habitat is in cottonwood-tree willow
riparian forest. Known populations of breeding western
Not Present. No suitable nesting habitat
exists on the project for this species. The
site represents poor foraging habitat.
Biological Resource Evaluation
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27 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Federal/State General Habitat Survey Results/Regional or Nearest Occurrence*
yellow-billed cuckoo are several disjunct locations in
California, Arizona, and western New Mexico.
Dendrocygna bicolor
Fulvous whistling duck -/CSC
Nests in fresh emergent wetlands and quiet riverine
waters. Uncommon to fairly common in the San
Joaquin Valley, April to November.
Not Present. No suitable nesting habitat
exists on the project for this species. The
site represents poor foraging habitat.
Elanus leucurus
White tailed kite
-/SFP
Associated habitats include open grasslands,
savannahs, agriculture, wetlands, oak woodland and
riparian areas with associated open space.
Not Observed/Low Probability of
Occurrence in the Project Vicinity. No
suitable nesting sites on the project.
Suitable foraging habitat exists across the
row-crop farmland south of metropolitan
Bakersfield.
Eremophila alpestris actica
California horned lark -/WL Resident throughout California from the coast to the deserts up to alpine dwarf-shrub habitat above tree line Present. Horned lark observed on site
during the field study.
Gymnogyps californianus
California condor
E/E,SFP
Forages over large expanses of land including but not
limited to, grasslands, foothills, coastal mountain
ranges. Nests on cliff faces, large trees or manmade
structures.
Not Present/Low Probability of
Occurrence in the Project Vicinity. No
suitable nesting habitat on the site.
Potential for marginal foraging habitat in
farmlands in the vicinity of the project.
Plegadis chihi
White-faced ibis -/WL
Nesting associated with large emergent wetlands. Will
forage in a variety of wet meadows, irrigated pastures, flooded pond edges and wet cropland.
Not Present. No suitable nesting habitat
exists on the project for this species. The
site represents poor foraging habitat.
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Yellow-headed blackbird
-/CSC
Yellow-headed blackbirds are found in freshwater
marshes during the summer. They particularly like to
live among cattails, tule, and bulrush. During migration and over winter months, the yellow-headed blackbird is
found in open, cultivated lands, in fields, and in
pastures.
Not Present. No suitable nesting habitat
exists on the project for this species. The
site represents poor foraging habitat.
Mammals
Ammospermophilus nelsoni
San Joaquin antelope squirrel S/T
Found in grasslands or open shrublands; formerly more
extensive, current range includes southwestern portion
of the San Joaquin Valley and in adjacent valleys to the west.
Not Present. Beyond the current
published range of the species.
Dipodomys ingens
Giant kangaroo rat
E/E
Western side of the San Joaquin Valley, including the
Carrizo Plain and the Panoche Valley; grassland and
shrub-land habitats with sparse vegetative cover and
soils that are well-drained, fine sandy loams with gentle slopes.
Not Present. Beyond the current
published range of the species.
Dipodomys nitratoides brevinasus
Short-nosed kangaroo rat E/E
Found in arid communities on the valley floor portions
of Kern, Tulare, and Kings counties in scrub and
grassland communities in level to near-level terrain with Not Present. Beyond the published
range of the species.
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APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
28 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Federal/State General Habitat Survey Results/Regional or Nearest Occurrence*
alluvial fan-floodplain soil (fine sands and sandy loams) with sparse grasses and woody vegetation such as
iodine bush, saltbush, seep weed, and mesquite.
Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides
Tipton kangaroo rat
E/E
Found in arid communities on the valley floor portions
of Kern, Tulare, and Kings counties in scrub and
grassland communities in level to near-level terrain with alluvial fan-floodplain soil (fine sands and sandy loams) with sparse grasses and woody vegetation such as
iodine bush, saltbush, seep weed, and mesquite.
Low Probability of Occurrence. Habitat
suitable for Dipodomys spp. The project
is not within the southwest focus area of
the previous Habitat Conservation Plan.
Habitat listed as low-quality habitat (rank
4) in most recent habitat modeling study
(Cypher et al. 2021) Small mammal
trapping would be required to determine
species occupation.
Eumops perotis californicus
Western mastiff bat
S/CSC
Open, semi-arid to arid habitats, including conifer and deciduous woodlands, annual and perennial
grasslands, chaparral, desert scrub, and urban areas;
roosts in cliff faces, as well as high buildings, trees, and tunnels; uncommon resident in southwestern San
Joaquin Valley.
No Roosting Sites Present. No known
occurrences in the vicinity of the project.
Information on some bat species
indicates foraging may occur over 10’s of
miles from roosting sites. Impacts not
expected.
Onychomys torridus tularensis
Tulare grasshopper mouse
S/CSC
Found in valley grasslands habitats, blue oak savanna,
desert associations dominated by annual grasses and
California ephedra, alkali sink scrub, saltbush scrub,
and upper Sonoran shrub associations, dominated by
ephedra.
Not Observed/Not Expected. Beyond
the current published range of the
species.
Perognathus inornatus inornatus
San Joaquin pocket mouse
S/-
Found in west-central California in the Upper
Sacramento Valley, Tehama County, southward
through the San Joaquin and Salinas valleys and
contiguous areas to the Mojave Desert in Los Angeles,
Kern and extreme western San Bernardino counties.
Inhabits dry, open, grassy or weedy areas and annual
grasslands, savannas, and desert-scrub associations
with sandy washes or finely textured soils.
Not Observed/Not Expected. Beyond
the current published range of the
species.
Sorex ornatus relictus
Buena Vista Lake shrew
E/CSC
Formerly occupied marshlands of the San Joaquin
Valley and the Tulare Basin. Its range has become
much restricted due to the loss of lakes and sloughs in the area. It has been recorded from the Kern Lake
Preserve area and the Kern National Wildlife Refuge.
Current distribution is unknown but likely to be very
restricted due to the loss of habitat.
Not Present. No suitable habitat present.
Taxidea taxus
American badger -/CSC
Uncommon resident found through California; in less
disturbed grassland and shrubland habitats in San
Joaquin Valley.
Not Present No suitable habitat.
Biological Resource Evaluation
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January 2025
29 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Federal/State General Habitat Survey Results/Regional or Nearest Occurrence*
Vulpes macrotis mutica
San Joaquin kit fox (SJKF)
E/T
Found in valley saltbush scrub, valley sink scrub,
Interior Coast Range saltbush scrub, upper Sonoran
sub-shrub scrub, non-native grassland, and valley
sacaton grassland in the Central Valley and adjacent
foothills and valleys, infrequently to the outer Coast
Ranges; generally not found in densely wooded areas,
wetland areas, or areas subject to frequent periodic
flooding.
Not Observed/Moderate Probability of
Occurrence. SJKF known to occupy
Metropolitan Bakersfield and database
records show they are present in the
vicinity of the project. Two drainage
sumps border the project, and sumps are
known to be used by SJKF for denning
because of their slopes. SJKF could be
present transiently. No sign of SJKF was
observed during the field study.
STATUS:
Federal
S Listed as a BLM Sensitive Species
D Delisted
E Listed as Endangered
PT Proposed as Threatened
T Listed as Threatened
C Candidate for Endangered Status
State
CSC California Department of Fish and Wildlife Designated Species of Special Concern
D Delisted
E Listed as Endangered
SFP California Department of Fish and Wildlife Designated Fully Protected
T Listed as Threatened
C Candidate for Endangered Status
Biological Resource Evaluation
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January 2025
30 Figure B-1. CNDDB special-status plant species occurrences within a 10-mile radius of the project (CDFW 2025).
Biological Resource Evaluation
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January 2025
31 Figure B-2. CNDDB special-status bird species occurrences within a 10-mile radius of the project (CDFW 2025).
Biological Resource Evaluation
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January 2025
32 Figure B-3. CNDDB special-status amphibian and reptile species occurrences within a 10-mile radius of the project (CDFW 2025).
Biological Resource Evaluation
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January 2025
33 Figure B-4. CNDDB special-status mammal species occurrences within a 10-mile radius of the project (CDFW 2025).
APPENDIX C
PLANTS AND ANIMALS OBSERVED ON THE PROJECT
FIELD STUDY CONDUCTED
03 January 2025
Biological Resource Evaluation
APN 544-040-03, -04, -07
January 2025
Table C-1. Vascular plant species observed during the field study conducted on the project site.
Scientific Name Common Name
Asteraceae
Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce
Sonchus oleraceus Common sow thistle
Boraginaceae
Amsinckia menziesii Common fiddleneck
Brassicaceae
Sisymbrium irio London rocket
Chenopodiaceae
Salsola tragus Russian thistle
Fabaceae
Leucaena leucocephala River tamarind
Geraniaceae
Erodium cicutarium Redstem filaree
Malvaceae
Malva parviflora Cheeseweed
Poaceae
Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome
Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens Red brome
Pennisetum ssp. Fountain grass
Sorghum halepense Johnsongrass
Solanaceae
Solanum elaeagnifolium Silverleaf nightshade
Table C-2. Vertebrate animal species observed during the field study conducted on the project site.
Scientific Name Common Name
Birds
Columba livia Rock pigeon
Corvus corax Common raven
Eremophila alpestris Horned lark
Falco sparverius American kestrel
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36 Scientific Name Common Name
Sayornis nigricans Black phoebe
Sayornis saya Say’s phoebe
Zenaida macroura Mourning dove
Mammals
Felis catus Domestic cat
Thomomys bottae Botta’s pocket gopher
Reptiles
Uta stansburiana Common side-blotched lizard