3746800 3746700 3746600 3746500 3746400 3746300 3746200 3746100 3746000 3745900 3745800 3745700 3746800 3746700 3746600 3746500 3746400 3746300 3746200 3746100 3746000 3745900 3745800 3745700 546900 547000 547100 547200 547300 547400 547500 547600 547700 547800 547900 548000 548100 548200 548300 548400 548500 548600 546900 547000 547100 547200 547300 547400 547500 547600 547700 547800 547900 548000 548100 548200 548300 548400 548500 548600 33° 51' 39'' N
116° 29' 37'' W
33° 51' 39'' N
116° 28' 26'' W
33° 51' 1'' N
116° 29' 37'' W
33° 51' 1'' N
116° 28' 26'' W
N
0 400 800 1600 2400
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 11N WGS84 Feet
0 100 200 400 600
Meters
Map Scale: 1:8,290 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.
Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at
1:24,000.
Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.
Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale.
Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.
Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL:
Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required.
This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below.
Soil Survey Area: Riverside County, Coachella Valley Area, California
Survey Area Data: Version 14, Sep 1, 2022
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger.
Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Mar 15, 2022—May 28, 2022
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.
Soil Map—Riverside County, Coachella Valley Area, California (Property Line)
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/12/2023
Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI CdC Carsitas gravelly sand, 0 to 9
percent slopes
49.9 38.1%
ChC Carsitas cobbly sand, 2 to 9
percent slopes
36.1 27.6%
CkB Carsitas fine sand, 0 to 5
percent slopes
45.0 34.3%
MaB Myoma fine sand, 0 to 5
percent slopes
0.1 0.1%
Totals for Area of Interest 131.0 100.0%
Soil Map—Riverside County, Coachella Valley Area, California Property Line Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey
National Cooperative Soil Survey
7/12/2023
RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
Copyright © 2023 RWDI|
rwdi.com This document is intended for the sole use of the party to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. If you have received this in error, please notify us immediately. ® RWDI name and logo are registered trademarks in Canada and
SUBMITTED TO
David DiRienzo
President
[email protected]
Michele Staples
Attorney, Jackson Tidus
[email protected]
NCP Verano, LLC
55 Saugatuck Ave., 1st Floor
Westport, CT 06880
the United States of America.
SUBMITTED BY
Chris Oreskovic, M.E.Sc., P.Eng.
Project Engineer
[email protected]
Jan Dale, M.E.Sc., P.Eng.
Technical Director / Principal
[email protected]
Shelby Ness CPHC®
Project Manager
[email protected]
RWDI USA LLC
601 SW 2nd Ave. Suite 1140
Portland, OR 97204
T: 503.243.2556
SAND DRIFTING MITIGATION
FINAL CONSULTATION
VERANO (RIO VISTA VILLAGE)
CATHEDRAL CITY, CA
RWDI PROJECT# 2306746
NOVEMBER 2, 2023
RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
Copyright © 2023 RWDI|
RWDI was retained by NCP Verano LLC to assess the sand drifting conditions for the Rio Vista Village in Cathedral City, California (an aerial view of site is shown in Image 1) and provide guidance on potential mitigation measures.
The overall purpose of the consultation is to qualitatively assess the factors contributing to the problematic conditions currently observed on the site and work with the design team to develop appropriate and effective mitigation strategies.
Our assessment of the sand scour and drift conditions is based on:
• our experience with regards to wind flows and sand accumulations; • the development details as indicated in the architectural drawings; • our engineering judgment;
• our understanding of the local meteorological conditions; and, • our experiences through field observations.
This document is the first step and offers some preliminary thoughts on the mitigation that is likely necessary to address both scouring and deposition challenges facing the project. The focus of the work was to review the site conditions and meteorological data to assess the key mechanisms involved in producing the problematic erosion and deposition conditions that are currently observed at the site. Conceptual mitigation options are presented for discussion. The objective is to assess and determine the feasibility of mitigation options in collaboration with the design team. Upon identifying the most suitable mitigation strategies, they will be further refined and integrated into the modeling phase of the work consultation. It's important to note that, once the MF area is developed, it cannot be utilized for storage.
INTRODUCTION
Image 1: Aerial view of the site – Google Earth™
2 PROJECT SITE
Image 2: On Site Image of Sand Collection at the North Side of the Development RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
Copyright © 2023 RWDI|
SITE & BUILDING INFORMATION
The development is a masterplan residential community to be constructed in two phases (as shown in Image 2). The development is located on the north side of the Desert Princess Country Club Golf Resort, and south of the Sonny Bono Memorial Freeway. To the northwest, north and east of the site exists the Coachella Valley which offers a mostly uninterrupted fetch of sand.
As can be seen in Image 3 and 4, the site is located on a relatively flat parcel of land, with an existing flood control and blowing sand berm to the northwest and a railway corridor with vegetation to the northeast.
The intention of this study is to review and determine feasible onsite and offsite improvements and landscaping for blow sand mitigation that and meets or exceeds the previously approved mitigations and provide guidance on best management practices and maintenance schedules for blow sand improvements and landscaping. These factors have been considered in developing the proposed conceptual mitigation approaches.
3 Image 3: Three-Dimensional View of the Site - Google Earth™ Image 4: Topographical Map of the Site
FUTURE PHASE
EXISTING SITE
RWDI Project #2306746
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Sand Mitigation Consultation|
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Meteorological data from Palm Springs International Airport for the period from 1973 to 2022 were used as a reference for wind conditions in the area as this is the nearest station to the site with long-term, hourly wind data. The distributions of wind frequency and directionality for the summer (May through October) and winter (November through April) seasons are shown in the wind roses in Image 5.
When all winds are considered, winds from the northwest directions are predominant throughout the year, with secondary winds from southeast.
Strong winds of a speed greater than 30 km/h measured at the airport (red and yellow bands) occur more often in the summer than in the winter season. Winds from the northwest directions will be the most dominant source of blowing sand.
4 Image 5: Directional Distribution of Winds Approaching Palm Springs International Airport (1973 to 2022)
Summer (May through October)
Winter (November through April)
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
Copyright © 2023 RWDI|
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
Meteorological information for the site was extracted from the dataset available at the Palm Springs International Airport. Local wind speed and direction information was extracted and analyzed to determine the critical wind directions associated with sand transport in the area. This wind speed information was used along with sand flux relationships developed by RWDI based on sand samples from the region to determine the sand migration potential, as shown in Image 6 (left).
The wind speeds were assessed and those that are below a specific threshold were removed from the wind rose. The resultant sand rose shows that the northwest winds are dominant for sand transport in the area. As sand will be moved back and forth over the site based on the sum of transport from all directions, the data was further processed to determine the resultant sand transport directions. As shown in Image 6 (right), the resultant sand transport direction is to the southeast. Note here that the influence of local terrain acceleration has not been included at this stage.
Image 7 shows a satellite image of the north side of the development. It can be seen that sand is being deposited on the southeast side of obstructions (vegetation) indicating that the prevailing wind comes from the northwest as sand will settle in the wake (calm) region behind obstructions.
Image 6: Sand migration potential (kg/(m * yr)) and Resultant sand transport direction (right). Note: 1 kg/m is equivalent to 0.67 lb/ft.
Image 7: On-Site Sand Dune Formation Example
Sand Deposition
on the Southeast
side of Vegetation
Indicates Strong
Northwest
Prevailing Wind
5 RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
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METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
The wind speed information was further processed to assess the potential mass transport of sand across the site. As shown in Image 8, the duration and total sand flux were extracted and fit using a Fischer-Tippett Type I extreme value distribution to determine the mass transport of sand. It can be seen that approximately 295 kg/m (198 lb/ft) of sand is expected to move across the site per month, while over 1500 kg/m (900 lb/ft) is expected every 5 years.
Considering the sand mass transport data derived from wind speed analysis, it becomes imperative to explore effective sand mitigation features for the site based on these volumes. Understanding that approximately 295 kg/m (198 lb/ft) of sand is projected to traverse the site each month, and a substantial 1500 kg/m (900 lb/ft) over a five-year span, underscores the need for robust mitigation strategies. These volumes of sand underscore the significance of selecting mitigation options that not only address routine sand transport but are also equipped to handle these occasional surges effectively. Evaluating options such as windbreaks, berms, or other protective barriers will be crucial in safeguarding the site against sand accumulation and its associated challenges.
For reference, a value of 1,560 kg/m3(2040 kg/yd3) is the average bulk density for loose sand from 5 previously sampled sites rounded to nearest 10.
Image 8: Mass transport of sand across the site
6 RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
Copyright © 2023 RWDI|
Sand transport characteristics, including erosion and deposition, are sensitive to obstructions in the local wind flows. In general, as wind flows around a bluff object, such as a building or berm, the winds will accelerate on the upwind sides and over as the wind flows around the object. This acceleration will promote scouring of sand.
In contrast, the object will create a wind sheltered, or wake, zone on the downwind side. This region of reduced wind speed will promote deposition of sand. An example of the sensitivity of sand accumulations to these flow features is shown in Image 9, provided to RWDI from the Rio Vista Village site. In image A winds are likely flowing from the right to left. In image B, winds are likely flowing from the left to right. It can be seen that the obstruction to the wind resulting from the vegetation along the roads is resulting in the sand accumulations along the roadway. More sand accumulates in regions downwind due to the addition blockage to the approach
SAND EROSION / ACCUMULATION CONDITIONS
wind flows.
Image 9: Example of influence of bluff objects on sand accumulations A.
B.
7 RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
Copyright © 2023 RWDI|
SAND EROSION / ACCUMULATION CONDITIONS
Image 10: Overall Site Image with Sand Transport Rose
Because the site is generally located on a flat plain, topographical effects on the distribution of sand is expected to be minimal. The primary driver of sand distribution in this case will be driven primarily by the presence of the perimeter vegetative barrier and the presence of the houses that make up the development itself.
As shown in Image 10, the prevailing northwesterly winds will be accelerated up to the western vegetative barrier where sand is expected to be redistributed on the downwind side. The vegetation and berm that extends along the railway corridor to the northwest is not expected to cause major drifts in either season, as it is well aligned with the prevailing wind directions and overall sand transport potential directions.
8 RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
Copyright © 2023 RWDI|
Primary Mitigation Approach
RWDI understands that the client will have an encroachment permit only to access the portion of the east side and top of the existing berm adjacent to the west side of the Specific Plan (SP). Therefore, the only off-site blow sand improvements are to be along the east side and top of the existing berm, and within the City-controlled access road easement along the north side of the SP. Therefore, the sand mitigation program that is feasible will consist of reshaping the east slope of the existing CVWD storm berm, installing irrigation lines on the east and top of the existing CVWD together with planting at the top and eastern slope, a 20’ maintenance road on the east side of the existing berm, a blow sand wall along the east side of the maintenance road at west of the west boundary of the specific plan area, a blow sand wall along the north boundary of the SP and and maintenance road within the City-controlled road easement along most of the north boundary.
In RWDI’s opinion these are feasible options from a sand mitigation perspective. RWDI recommends the following requirements to ensure that the mitigation is effective,
• Ensure that the wall is at least 6’ tall.
• Make sure that sand is cleared out from the downwind side of the wall at least every 6 months.
• Ensure that the vegetation remains established.
POTENTIAL EROSION MITIGATION CONCEPTS
9 Image 11: Berm Design Intent Drawing (Courtesy of Fuscoe Engineering)
Image 12: Potential North Blow Sand Service Road
RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
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Wall and Berm Maintenance Recommendations
Sand will accumulate on the downwind side of the perimeter walls over time. Based on the sand transport flux analysis from Image 8, it is recommended that sand be removed at least every 6 months from behind the wall. It is possible that sand will need to be cleared in some areas more frequently, depending on the specific geometry and topography that surround the wall.
Similarly, it is recommended that the vegetation atop the east berm be regularly inspected and repaired, as necessary. A 6-month schedule is advised, as some areas of the vegetation may fill with sand like behind the mitigation walls.
Common equipment for removing sand from behind mitigation walls include a typical excavator and dump truck. Other equipment that is commonly used is a sweeping device, to minimize any potential
POTENTIAL EROSION MITIGATION CONCEPTS
damage to the wall and service road.
10 RWDI Project #2306746
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Existing Stormwater Channel
RWDI understands that a large berm has already been constructed along the Morongo Creek Stormwater Channel, located directly west of the site. The Coachella Valley Water District plans to construct a new berm adjacent and to the west of the existing berm as part of its stormwater project.
RWDI understands that the client has no access to the west side of the existing berm, the new berm that will be constructed to the west of the existing berm or the ditch between the two berms or the stormwater channel. All of these features are owned and managed
POTENTIAL EROSION MITIGATION CONCEPTS
by the Coachella Valley Water District.
11 RWDI Project #2306746
November 2, 2023
Sand Mitigation Consultation|
Copyright © 2023 RWDI|
APPLICABILITY OF DISCUSSIONS
12 The information provided here are the final set of results for NCP Verano LLC (“the Client”) prepared by RWDI USA LLC (“RWDI”) as part of the Sand Mitigation Consultation (“the Study”) for the Rio Vista Village (“the Project”). These results serve as RWDI's conclusive findings within the context of the Study and are intended to be a supportive resource for the City’s review of the CEQA consistency document and SPA. These results are based on the information available to RWDI when the Study was being conducted. No conclusions or recommendations should be inferred from this information other than those specific comments offered by RWDI. It is imperative that the Client and/or any person reviewing these results understand the underlying assumptions and limitations of these results.
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR
COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
COVERED ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES
WITHIN CONSERVATION AREAS
Prepared by:
Coachella Valley Water District
Environmental Services Department
P.O. Box 1058
Coachella, CA 92236
(760) 398-2651
July 2015
Table of Contents
Acronyms and Definitions.............................................................................................................v
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................1
1.1 Organization and Use of the Operations and Maintenance Manual................................1
1.1.1 Organization of the Manual..................................................................................2
1.1.2 Use of the Manual ................................................................................................2
1.2 Sources of Information....................................................................................................5
2.0 Routine Covered Activities, Potential Impacts, and Activity-Related Protection Measures...............................................................................................................5
2.1 Operations and Maintenance Activity Planning..............................................................6
2.1.1 Conservation Area Review and Avoidance and Minimization Measures............7
2.2 Avoidance and Minimization Measures for Covered Activities.....................................9
2.3 Levee Repair, Bank Protection, and Erosion Control Activities...................................11
2.4 Vegetation Management................................................................................................11
2.4.1 Control of Terrestrial Weeds..............................................................................12
2.4.2 Control of Aquatic Weeds..................................................................................14
2.5 Pest Control Activities...................................................................................................16
2.6 Temporary De-Watering and Removal of Sediment from Water Supply Reservoirs, Detention Basins and Canals......................................................................19
2.7 Flood Control and Drainage Channel Maintenance ......................................................20
2.7.1 Agricultural Drain Cleaning...............................................................................20
2.7.2 Flood Control and Drainage Channel Maintenance ...........................................21
2.8 Special-Status Species...................................................................................................22
2.8.1 Special Status Species in the Coachella Valley MSHCP...................................22
2.8.2 Conservation Areas in the Coachella Valley......................................................23
2.9 Species Accounts and Avoidance Measures.................................................................23
3.0 Plants .....................................................................................................................................24
3.1 Mecca Aster...................................................................................................................24
3.2 Coachella Valley Milkvetch..........................................................................................26
3.3 Triple-Ribbed Milkvetch...............................................................................................28
3.4 Orocopia Sage ...............................................................................................................29
3.5 Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthus.................................................................31
4.0 Insects....................................................................................................................................32
4.1 Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader Cricket..............................................................33
4.2 Coachella Valley Jerusalem Cricket..............................................................................34
5.0 Fish.........................................................................................................................................36
5.1 Desert Pupfish ...............................................................................................................36
6.0 Reptiles..................................................................................................................................38
6.1 Desert Tortoise ..............................................................................................................38
6.2 Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard...........................................................................41 ii
6.3 Flat-Tailed Horned Lizard.............................................................................................44
7.0 Birds.......................................................................................................................................46
7.1 Burrowing Owl..............................................................................................................47
7.2 Yuma Ridgway’s Rail ...................................................................................................50
7.3 California Black Rail.....................................................................................................51
7.4 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ..................................................................................53
7.5 Crissal Thrasher.............................................................................................................55
7.6 Le Conte’s Thrasher......................................................................................................57
7.7 Least Bell’s Vireo..........................................................................................................59
7.8 Gray Vireo.....................................................................................................................61
7.9 Yellow Warbler.............................................................................................................62
7.10 Yellow-Breasted Char...................................................................................................64
7.11 Summer Tanager ...........................................................................................................66
8.0 Mammals...............................................................................................................................68
8.1 Southern Yellow Bat .....................................................................................................69
8.2 Coachella Valley Round-Tailed Ground Squirrel .........................................................70
8.3 Palm Springs Pocket Mouse..........................................................................................73
8.4 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep .............................................................................................76 TABLES
Table 1 Vegetation, Algae, and Invasive Species Control at CVWD Facilities and Infrastructure ........................................................................................................79 Table 2 Coachella Valley MSHCP Covered Species ...............................................................80 Table 3 CVWD Covered Activities and Required Avoidance/Minimization Measures..........83 Table 4 Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area ........................99 Table 5 Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area.......................................................100 Table 6 East Indio Hills Conservation Area ...........................................................................102 Table 7 Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area........................................104 Table 8 Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area ..........................................................106 Table 9 Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area...............................................108 Table 10 Mission Creek/Morongo Wash Conservation Area...................................................110 Table 11 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area ......................................112 Table 12 Thousand Palms Conservation Area..........................................................................115 Table 13 Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area ...............................................................119 Table 14 Willow Hole Conservation Area................................................................................121 Table 15 Dos Palmas Conservation Area .................................................................................123
FIGURES
Figure 1 Coachella Valley Water District Covered Activities Locations..................................85 Figure 2 Coachella Valley MSHCP Conservation Area Showing CVWD Lands.....................86 iii
Figure 3 CVWD Lands within the Desert Tortoise Linkage Conservation Area ......................87 Figure 4 CVWD Lands within the East Indio Hills Conservation Area ....................................88 Figure 5 CVWD Lands within the Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area .......................................................................................................89 Figure 6 CVWD Lands within the Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area ...................90 Figure 7 CVWD Lands within the Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area ......................................................................................................91 Figure 8 CVWD Lands within the Mission Creek/Morongo Wash Conservation Area............92 Figure 9 CVWD Lands within the Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area .......................................................................................................93 Figure 10 CVWD Lands within the Thousand Palms Conservation Area...................................94 Figure 11 CVWD Lands within the Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area ........................95 Figure 12 CVWD Lands within the Willow Hole Conservation Area.........................................96 Figure 13 CVWD Lands within the Dos Palmas Conservation Area ..........................................97 Figure 14 Coachella Valley MSHCP Valley-wide Conservation Area Map ...............................98
REFERENCES
References....................................................................................................................................126
APPENDIX
Coachella Canal Water Supply Quagga Mussel Monitoring and Control Program — March 2015...........................................................................................A1 CVWD Sample Collection and Decontamination Procedures......................................................A6 Table A1 Chlorine Residual Down Stream of Dosing Station .................................................A12 Table A2 Location of Monitoring Blocks within the Coachella Canal ....................................A12 Figure A1 Chlorination Dosing Station at Drop One ................................................................A13 Figure A2 Maximum Daily Coachella Canal Water Temperature ............................................A13 Figure A3 Quagga Monitoring Locations Along the Coachella Canal......................................A14 Figure A4 Typical Monitoring Block Location in Coachella Canal..........................................A15 Figure A5 Veliger Sampling Points...........................................................................................A16 Figure A6 CVWD Dreissen Veliger Monitoring Summary ......................................................A17 Figure A7 Additional Monitoring Points within Lake Cahuilla ................................................A17 Figure A8 Buildup of Organic Growth on Monitoring Block ...................................................A18 Figure A9 Coachella Canal Quagga Mussel Monitoring Block Inspection Record ..................A19 Appendix References..................................................................................................................A20 iv
CVWD OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL ACRONYMS
AND DEFINIITONS
List of Acronyms Used in This Manual
ACEC Area of Critical Environmental Concern
ALERT Flash Flood Alert Station in Santa Rosa Mtns
AOC Area of Concern
BLM Bureau of Land Management
BMP Best Management Practice
CA California
CSC California Species of Special Concern
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CDPR California Department of Pesticide Regulations
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CNPS California Native Plant Society
CVAG Coachella Valley Association of Governments
CVCC Coachella Valley Conservation Committee
CVWD Coachella Valley Water District
E Federally Endangered
ESA Endangered Species Act
ESD Environmental Services Department
FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
CVMSHCP Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan
NCCP Natural Communities Conservation Plan
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System
O&M Operations and Maintenance
SE State Endangered
SSC Federal Species of Special Concern
ST State Threatened
T Federally Threatened
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USBR U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
μg/L Microgram per Liter
mg/L Milligram per Liter
v
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In October 2008, wildlife agencies issued permits for the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP) which calls for the conservation and protection of threatened and endangered wildlife species and natural habitat communities within the Coachella Valley. The CVMSHCP was developed by the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). CVAG fills the role of the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission (CVCC), which is a California joint powers authority created to implement the CVMSHCP. The CVMSHCP planning area encompasses approximately 1,206,000 acres. The planning area extends from the Cabazon area of the San Gorgonio Pass in the northwest to lands surrounding the northern reaches of the Salton Sea to the southeast excluding Indian Reservation Lands not covered by the CVMSHCP. The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is a local permittee within the CVMSHCP. In addition to CVWD, member agencies of the CVMSHCP include: US Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Forest Service (FWS), National Park Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Transportation, Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Riverside County Regional Parks and Open Space District, Riverside County Waste Management District, Imperial Irrigation District, County of Riverside, and the following nine cities: Cathedral City, Coachella, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage.
CVWD and the remaining permittees are obligated to implement avoidance and minimization measures to ensure the protection of threatened and endangered species and their habitat on CVMSHCP conservation lands within the Coachella Valley. Conservation measures in the CVMSHCP include a requirement for CVWD to develop an Operations and Maintenance plan (O&M Manual) for its facilities (e.g., levees, flood control channels, groundwater recharge, roads, pump stations, reservoirs, and agricultural drains) in Conservation Areas that will minimize impacts to Covered Species and natural communities. This manual is a working document that will be updated when additional information becomes available that justifies modified avoidance and protection measures or changes in the presence and distribution of threatened and endangered species or their protected status. CVWD will acquire the necessary permits/authorizations as required for species surveys and use approved protocols where available.
1.1 ORGANIZATION AND USE OF THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
This O&M Manual serves as guidance for CVWD staff when planning or implementing covered operations and maintenance activities in Conservation Areas. The O&M Manual provides appropriate avoidance and protection measures that can be used by field personnel when conducting these activities. Appropriate sections of the document shall be reviewed by CVWD staff prior to initiating covered operation and maintenance activities as required under the CVMSHCP. In order to simplify the use of this operation and maintenance manual, a quick reference guide describing actions to be taken for covered activities occurring on CVWD lands within MSHCP Conservation Areas is provided in Section 1.1.2 on page 2. This quick reference 1 guide will serve as a means to prepare for covered activities within each Conservation Area containing CVWD lands or infrastructure.
1.1.1 ORGANIZATION OF THE O&M MANUAL
Section 1.0 of the O&M Manual provides the objective and basis for developing the manual and how CVWD staff can use the manual to implement avoidance and minimization measures required by the CVMSHCP.
Section 2.0 of the O&M Manual describes the types of covered activities that are considered to be routine on CVWD lands within the CVMSHCP Conservation Areas (Figures 2 – 13). It also provides examples and information on the types of potential impacts to threatened and endangered species that may be caused by the various routine operations and maintenance activities, the standard activity-related avoidance and minimization measures to protect sensitive species and/or habitat, and supplemental information regarding the environmental regulations and pesticide use that may apply to certain operations and maintenance situations. Figure 14 provides all Conservation Areas within the Coachella Valley MSHCP as well as those that contain CVWD lands.
Section 2.9 of the O&M Manual contains descriptions of the special-status species within the CVMSHCP, their habitat requirements, and Plan-wide occurrence/distribution information.
Tables 4 - 15 provide a list of species that may be encountered in each Conservation Area, and the associated avoidance and minimization measures used to protect these species when performing Covered Activities.
1.1.2 USE OF THE MANUAL
When planning operations and maintenance activities, supervisory personnel and their staff will use avoidance and minimization measures outlined in Section 2.0 for the respective work activity (e.g., levee and channel maintenance, erosion control, weed control, pest control etc.).
The supervisor should review the Valley Wide CVMSHCP Conservation Area Map (Figure 14) to determine if the planned activities are within a Conservation Area where threatened or endangered species may be present. If the planned activity is within a designated Conservation Area, refer to the Conservation Area maps (Figures 2-13) to identify the individual Conservation Area and associated habitat. Refer to Tables 4 -15 for individual Conservation Area Avoidance and Minimization Measures. The supervisor must incorporate the activity-related and the species-specific or habitat-specific avoidance and minimization measures as part of the planned activities. The supervisor shall inform the field crews of the need to implement and follow such measures. Supervisors and staff should review the Coachella Canal Water Supply Quagga Mussel Monitoring and Control Program located in the appendix, and familiarize themselves with the program in the event that covered activities or other anticipated work takes place in areas where invasive quagga mussel sampling or monitoring occur. This should help minimize conflicts with sampling and monitoring staff and interference with the program. 2 If the planned activity is within a Conservation Area and the avoidance and minimization measures are problematic to implement, then the supervisor should contact CVWD’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) staff for guidance. Some projects which are not considered to be Covered Activities may be required to undergo a Joint Project Review (JPR) with CVCC and the appropriate wildlife agencies. The JPR provides CVCC and the wildlife agencies an opportunity to review project elements, recommend avoidance and minimization measures and to oversee compliance with the requirements of the MSHCP and the Implementation Agreement (IA). A JPR is required by CVCC for all projects under the Local Permittees’ jurisdiction in a Conservation Area that would result in disturbance to habitat, natural communities, biological corridors, or essential ecological processes.
Consistent with the CVMSHCP, this manual uses a “habitat-based” approach for addressing protection of federally-listed and other special-status species as these species are typically associated with distinct habitat types. Many of the species described within this manual are associated with distinct habitat types. Other species such as birds and bats can be found widely spread throughout the valley and potentially found in many different habitat types. In many instances, the manual uses the term “potential habitat.” The term “potential habitat” is used to describe vegetation types, community associations, and/or specific habitat components that have the characteristics to support particular special-status species. In some instances, potential habitat for a species can also be limited by the species’ range or distribution in the Coachella Valley. Assessing the presence or absence of many special-status species, and, therefore, determining if operations and maintenance activities would affect individuals of protected species can be difficult and time consuming. Many of the species in the Coachella Valley may only be identifiable for a short time period during the year (plant species for example), and for some species, they may not be detectable every year (Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader Cricket). Multiple years of surveys are often required to confirm presence or absence of any particular species. Thus, a habitat-based approach provides maximum flexibility for conducting routine operations and maintenance activities with minimum delay while still providing the required protection of threatened, endangered, and other special-status species. The following quick reference diagram will assist supervisors and staff in reviewing each Conservation Area which contains CVWD lands or infrastructure.
3 CVWD QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS WITHIN CVMSHCP CONSERVATION AREAS
IS THE PROPOSED COVERED ACTIVITY
LOCATED WITHIN A CONSERVATION AREA?
(REFER TO FIGURE 14)
YES NO
Review Figures 2 – 14 (pp. 86-98) to determine
which Conservation Area applies. Proceed to
Section 2.1 (p. 6) and implement Operations and
Maintenance Activity Planning.
Proceed with the
proposed activity.
Review Section 2.1.1 (p. 7) and refer to Tables
4 – 15 (pp. 99-123) to determine and implement
the appropriate suite of Avoidance and
Minimization Measures for species associated
with the Conservation Area where Covered
Activities will take place. Contact ESD staff to
schedule pre-activity (floral/wildlife) surveys if
required. In addition to individual Conservation
Area Avoidance and Minimization measures,
review and implement general Avoidance and
Minimization measures located in Section 2.2
(p. 9).
If activities such as tree trimming, vegetation
removal, drain maintenance or other activities may
impact birds or their nests include trimming of, or
removal of trees staff shall comply with the
FEDERAL MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT
and California Fish and Wildlife Code sections;
3503, 3503.5 and 3513 which prohibits take of all
birds and their nests, including raptors.
Does the activity potentially impact birds or their
nests?
YES NO
In addition to Conservation Area Avoidance and
Minimization Measures, review the individual
species accounts for species specific Avoidance
and Minimization Measures in Section 2.9
beginning on page 23.
Contact ESD staff to
schedule pre-activity
surveys for nesting
birds.
4 1.2 SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The information and recommendations presented in this manual are based on discussions and consultation with the FWS, CDFW, CVCC, and CVMSHCP permittee representatives.
Additionally, information has been adapted from the following sources:
• U.S. EPA Interim Measures for Use of Pesticides in Riverside County (USEPA 2000) • Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan • Coachella Valley Natural Community Conservation Plan
The information in this manual will be updated as needed. Revisions to incorporate new information and/or include improved methods to protect listed species will be implemented as information becomes available.
2.0 ROUTINE COVERED ACTIVITIES, POTENTIAL IMPACTS, AND ACTIVITYRELATED PROTECTION MEASURES Operation and maintenance of existing CVWD facilities is needed to protect the integrity of existing infrastructure such as roads, reservoirs, wells, water control structures (pipes, conduits, culverts, etc.), pump stations, reservoirs, levees, canals, flood control channels, and distribution systems. These operational requirements are classified under the CVMSHCP as Covered Activities and are required so that existing facilities may operate efficiently and safely.
Examples of CVWD’s Covered Activities and facilities listed in the CVMSHCP include the following:
CVWD Flood Control Facilities
• The removal of sand, silt, sediment, debris, rubbish, woody, and herbaceous vegetation in existing flood control facilities, culverts and storm drains in order to maintain design capacity of the facility and or compliance with local fire regulations
• Control of weeds and vegetation by non-chemical means, and control of debris on all access roads and District rights-of- way
• The repair or replacement of constructed flood control facilities, such as channels, basins, drop structures, and levees as necessary to maintain the structural integrity and hydraulic capacity of the facility.
• For ALERT stations, an annual inspection visit
• For ALERT stations, emergency maintenance to replace batteries or make repairs on transmitters, solar panels, tipping buckets, etc. Emergency access may occur at any time of year via the Dunn Road, notwithstanding bighorn sheep avoidance measures.
5 CVWD Water Storage and Transmission Facilities
• Maintain reservoirs by removing interior and exterior coating; caulking joints as needed; repainting exterior roof, shell, and appurtenances; and recoating interior with an approved epoxy system.
• Maintain boosters by providing routine oil changes and obtaining samples; remove, repair, replace, or add booster pump as needed
• Maintain landscaping around reservoirs (where applicable) by maintaining irrigation pumps, performing routine repairs on irrigation system, trimming trees and shrubs as needed, and clearing brush from site
• Maintain altitude valves by checking water level with valve operation, check function of valves, and rebuild or replace as needed.
• Maintain pipelines by inspecting, repairing, or replacing as needed. • Maintain sediment basin by inspecting, removing sediment as needed, and making any necessary repairs removal of sediment, vegetation, and debris from culverts, drains, canals, flood control channels, and reservoirs; replacement of utilities; backfilling of gullies and holes caused by soil erosion; trimming of over-grown or over-hanging vegetation and/or use of herbicides on trails, canal maintenance roads, or embankments to prevent excess growth of weeds and for fire control.
Brief descriptions of these Covered Activities, examples of the types of associated impacts, and ways to avoid and minimize such impacts are provided in Sections 2.2 through 2.7.2. These descriptions are intended to be categorical representatives, rather than exhaustive, detailed discussions of all possible activities and related impacts.
2.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY PLANNING
It is the responsibility of anyone participating in routine operations and maintenance activities to adhere to avoidance and minimization measures when working in Conservation Areas. Prior to initiating any covered activity, verify whether the area to be worked in is located within a Conservation Area by reviewing the Valley Wide CVMSHCP Conservation Area Map (Figure 14) which shows all Conservation Areas within the boundaries of the Plan. Managers and firstline supervisors should review operations and maintenance activities to ensure avoidance and minimization measures are used and when possible to schedule Covered Activities to avoid and minimize disturbance to species at a critical time; an example would be the timing of grading activities in areas known to harbor Burrowing Owls and their burrows during the breeding season. Contact CVWD’s ESD staff to discuss potential species issues and impact assessment surveys following emergency repairs to any infrastructure or flood control conveyance facility. 6 2.1.1 CONSERVATION AREA REVIEW AND AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION
MEASURES
This section describes procedures for determining the necessary avoidance and minimization measures for Conservation Areas, evaluating site conditions, specific special-status species, and implementing avoidance and minimization measures during Covered Activities. In addition to the 11 Conservation Areas containing CVWD lands or infrastructure (Figures 2 – 14), there are ten (10) additional Conservation Areas within the CVMSHCP boundaries listed on the Valley Wide CVMSHCP Conservation Area Map. These lands shall be evaluated for wildlife and plant species in the event that Covered Activities are proposed in these areas. The applicable avoidance and minimization measures that apply to each species must be implemented if Covered Activities will take place within these Conservation Areas. The following procedures and criteria have been developed on a site-specific basis to evaluate the potential for occurrence of, and impacts to, species protected under the CVMSHCP. In addition to identifying the lands associated with the Conservation Areas, Figures 2 - 14 provides the applicable APN parcel numbers to facilitate identification of CVWD owned lands.
Review of the individual Conservation Area species list provided in Tables 4 – 15 will provide a list of the wildlife and plant species associated with each of the Conservation Areas and the avoidance and minimization measures required for each species. Section 2.9 provides species account, seasonal occurrence and species specific avoidance and minimization measures for each species identified in the applicable Conservation Area. Review of the individual Conservation Area avoidance and minimization measures should be done well in advance of proposed Covered Activities in order to schedule any required surveys or implement seasonal avoidance and minimization measures. Refer to Tables 4 – 15 and review the applicable Conservation Area avoidance and minimization measures for seasonal or Covered Activity restrictions. No impacts are anticipated as part of the following Covered Activities:
• Annual inspections for ALERT stations, or
• Emergency maintenance to replace batteries or make repairs on transmitters, solar panels, tipping buckets for ALERT stations, and
• Emergency access at any time of year via the Dunn Road, notwithstanding bighorn sheep avoidance measures.
If a special-status species or sensitive habitat are in question, contact ESD staff for more in-depth site evaluation. If needed, these activities should be performed well in advance of the Covered Activity initiation (30 days is recommended) to avoid delays due to conflicts with sensitive habitat, species and/or their breeding season. It should be noted that detection of many of the special-status species is time and/or season sensitive. 7 Field Supervisors
CVWD field supervisors will contact ESD staff to arrange avoidance and minimization training for field crews when performing Covered Activities within a conservation area. The field supervisors will be responsible for documenting onsite field observations of listed species and any impacts resulting from Covered Activities operations (or for delegating this responsibility to staff), requesting surveys if needed, and ensuring CVWD staff and contractors comply with the CVMSHCP. Field supervisors will assist ESD staff through annual forecasting of O&M work.
The crew supervisor or first-line managers shall undertake the following steps when planning of any of the routine operations and maintenance activities:
1. The project site will be evaluated to determine if the lands lie within a Conservation Area, in addition, if the site is located within a Conservation Area refer to the appropriate Conservation Area species list for each Conservation Area and determine what species are associated with the Conservation Area and what avoidance/minimization measures are required (Tables 4 – 15). For additional information on the listed species, including species specific avoidance and minimization measures and associated habitats that occur within the CVWD service area, see Section 2.9.
2. If the proposed activity is not located within a Conservation Area the activity may proceed as planned but must adhere to federal and state species regulations such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act California Fish and Wildlife code section 1600, 3503, 3503.5, 3513, and any other mandatory regulations such as the Clean Water Act, NPDES or Air Quality regulations.
3. If special-status species may be present, the supervisor shall review the applicable avoidance and minimization measures for the Covered Activity (see Section 2.2 through 2.7.2) and the required avoidance and minimization measures for individual Conservation Areas (Tables 4 – 15). To protect special-status species and their habitat, activity avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented with the appropriate species-specific avoidance and minimization measures. If the activity or species specific avoidance and protection measures cannot be implemented, the supervisor should contact CVWD’s ESD staff to conduct a more detailed site assessment and develop site-specific project recommendations.
CVWD’s ESD staff should be contacted in advance of Covered Activities (30 days is recommended; longer periods may be necessary if specific surveys are needed) to avoid delays due to conflicts with sensitive species and nesting birds.
If Covered Activities may result in impacts to Yuma Ridgway’s Rail, California Black Rail, or Peninsular Bighorn Sheep seek guidance from CVWD’s ESD staff prior to initiating any activity.
Although routine operation and maintenance activities undertaken by the CVWD are considered a Covered Activity under the CVMSHCP, some activities may require additional permitting which will be determined as required by consultation with appropriate agencies. Although generally not subject to evaluation and discretionary permitting, Covered Activities can affect threatened and endangered species and their habitats without proper planning. 8 For the purposes of this manual, Covered Activities include: maintenance related to the repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of any previously serviceable structure (flap gates, discharge pipes, siphons, weirs, drop structures, outfalls, intakes, or other water control devices) or facility, and removal of silt, debris, and vegetation from constructed channels, debris basins, and retention/detention basins provided that such work does not alter the maintenance baseline conditions of the feature (e.g., depth, width, length, location, configuration or design capacity).
Minor changes to facilities are also considered routine where such changes result from changes in materials, construction techniques, or safety and building codes.
In addition to the avoidance and minimization measures included in this manual, construction or maintenance work on facilities not designated as Covered Activities may require a Joint Project Review, special mitigation conditions and/or an amendment to the CVMSHCP and shall be evaluated on a case by case basis by CVWD’s ESD staff. Additionally, nothing in this manual obviates the need to obtain appropriate permits or authorizations for activities regulated by other agencies such as the USACE (Section 404 of the federal Clean water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act), CDFW (Section 1600-1616, Lake and Streambed Alteration Program), or Regional Water Quality Control Board (Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, PorterCologne State Water Quality Act).
2.2 AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURES FOR COVERED
ACTIVITIES
In this context, Covered Activities primarily consist of routine repairs to, and maintenance of, existing facilities. These types of activities are routine in nature, and can involve a relatively small area or larger areas involving water conveyance infrastructure. Examples of minor routine activities include; grading, trenching, cleaning and removing debris from agricultural drains and inlet structures, temporary stock piling of removed sediment from drains adjacent to the drain where space permits, or trimming of over-grown and/or over-hanging vegetation, and vegetation clearing in agricultural drains. The replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities can also be included within this category if the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity.
The primary measure of a routine activity is that it involves negligible or no expansion of use beyond that pre-existing condition.
Impacts to sensitive species and their habitat can potentially occur as a result of minor routine activities. For example; grading activities in areas known to support Burrowing Owls may negatively impact the species through disturbance or direct impact to their burrows.
Consequently, the owls could abandon young in the nest. Similarly, grading can alter the topography of an area such that drainage patterns and overall hydrology are affected. This could potentially result in the flooding of a Burrowing Owl burrow through ponding water or altered drainage patterns onsite. Disturbance of the soil can also crush or bury plants and animals. Even slight disturbances can destroy burrow openings, collapse below-ground tunnels, and prohibit the escape of animals. Animals that can be affected by maintenance activities include those, like the burrowing owl, that use burrows created by other species, and those that create their own burrows, like the Coachella Valley Round-Tailed Ground Squirrel and the Desert Tortoise.
Although routine repairs and maintenance typically occur in areas that are previously disturbed 9 and therefore, less likely to be occupied by threatened and endangered species, impacts may still occur and attempts to avoid such impacts must be made. Refer to Section 2.9 for details on the special-status species within the Plan Area, their suitable habitat, locations of occurrence, and species-specific avoidance and minimization measures.
The following avoidance and minimization measures have been established to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats. When Covered Activities are to occur in a Conservation Area, the following activity-related avoidance and minimization measures are to be implemented in conjunction with the appropriate species-specific avoidance and minimization measures applicable to species found in each Conservation Area as provided in Tables 4 – 15.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
Maintenance activities will be designed and implemented using the following avoidance and minimization measures to protect threatened species and their habitat:
• All workers shall be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.
• Use appropriate buffer zones when performing tree trimming and tree removal activities near active migratory bird nests or ground nesting birds such as Burrowing owl.
• No materials in concentrations deleterious to fish and wildlife including, but not limited to asphalt spoils, chemicals, pesticides/algaecides, and material that contain creosote may be placed in any receiving water.
• When working in sensitive areas (e.g., Conservation Areas, marsh and riparian habitats, Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, Aeolian Sand Areas), the number of access routes, number and size of staging areas, and the total area of the activity shall be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the project goal. Routes and boundaries outside of normal access roads shall be clearly delineated through fencing or flagging. These areas shall be outside of riparian, wetlands, and other sensitive areas.
• Food, trash, and other solid wastes shall be disposed of in raven proof/wildlife proof, covered refuse containers and regularly removed from the various structures and facilities on a daily basis to avoid offsite dispersal of waste and to avoid attracting wildlife onto the project site. Following covered activity work, all trash and debris shall be removed from the work area.
• The potential for wildfires will be reduced by parking vehicles away from vegetation and by the use of shields, protective mats, and other fire preventive methods when welding, grinding, or conducting other activities that are likely to create a fire hazard. 10 • Any contractor or employee who during routine operations and maintenance activities inadvertently impacts a listed species or a sensitive habitat shall immediately report the incident to their supervisor. The supervisor will then notify CVWD ESD staff.
The report from the supervisor will be made within 24 hours of the incident and will include pertinent information including the date, time, location, species or description of organism, habitat, and possible cause of the impact (if known). • The potential for increased soil erosion and sediment loading to receiving water will be minimized by limiting road improvements to those necessary for project construction, operation and maintenance.
Section 2.9 provides species-specific avoidance and minimization measures for use when performing Covered Activities on CVWD lands within or outside of Conservation Areas.
Continue strict adherence to Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, California regulations including Section 1600-1616 for Streambed Alteration, Section 3503 and 3503.5 for protection of migratory birds, Clean Water Act and Air Quality regulations when working in the field.
2.3 LEVEE REPAIR, BANK PROTECTION, AND EROSION CONTROL
ACTIVITIES
Activities in this category include repair of existing levees and/or replacement of existing bank protection materials to stabilize minor head-cuts or slip outs, blading of rills and gullies, repairing roads, stabilizing head-cuts or slumps, and replacement of existing bank protection materials with clean quarry rock, broken concrete free of rebar, and gabions, and replacement of concrete slope paving and channel lining, pipe and weir revetments, articulated concrete mats, and similar materials.
Standard protection measures have been established to prevent unnecessary and potentially serious impacts to sensitive species and their habitats. The avoidance and minimization measures required for erosion control activities are the same as those mentioned above in Section 2.2. They are to be implemented in conjunction with the appropriate species-specific avoidance and minimization measures presented in Section 2.9.
2.4 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
Vegetation management activities include the use of herbicides, mowing, and other methods of reducing the amount of cover of terrestrial weeds or other vegetation that may interfere with the operation of facilities or to limit the spread of undesirable plants and nonnative species. It also includes various methods of controlling aquatic weeds, including algae. The following discussion of weed control is separated into the two main categories of plants, terrestrial versus aquatic, and focuses primarily on mechanical and chemical control of both types of vegetation.
See Section 2.6 for a discussion of mechanical means of weed control (e.g., mowing, disking) for O&M purposes.
11 2.4.1 CONTROL OF TERRESTRIAL WEEDS
Terrestrial vegetation control is important for the removal of exotic, or noxious, undesirable plants as well as native plants that may interfere with the operation of facilities. Typical methods of control include mowing or hand removal with power tools (e.g. chain saw, string trimmer or brush cutter), blading, excavating, disking, and herbicides. The elimination of weeds on channel banks has been a common practice because it facilitates the early detection of leaks and structural damage and in maintaining channel capacity. Weed control occurs along maintenance roads, road shoulders, and unpaved roads, mostly as a means of reducing fire hazard, reducing the spread of noxious weeds into right of way, and maintaining the integrity of the roads (plant growth can potentially crack and destroy pavement, canal lining, and compacted road shoulders).
Table 1 provides a summary of the herbicides typically used by CVWD. The information contained in this table serves as a guideline for the general herbicide use by CVWD throughout their service contract area. Applications of any herbicide will be made in accordance with the manufacturer’s label information.
Although chemical control of terrestrial weeds is widespread, potential problems associated with the use of herbicides may occur. Following the product label directions and precautions will minimize the risk to listed species on CVWD lands within Conservation Areas.
In addition to the avoidance and minimization measures listed in Section 2.2, the following activity-related measures are to be implemented when conducting weed control activities in listed species habitat areas. These measures are to be implemented in conjunction with the appropriate species-specific avoidance and minimization measures presented in Section 2.9.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
• Comply with the requirements specified on the pesticide product labeling; use of pesticides shall also comply with the guidelines and use restrictions for herbicides provided in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Interim Measures for Use of Pesticides in Riverside County.”
• For spray-able or dust formulations, when air is calm or moving away from sensitive species and habitat, applications may commence on the side nearest the habitat and proceed away from the sensitive species/habitat. When air currents are moving toward sensitive species/habitat, do not make applications within 200 yards by air or 40 yards by ground upwind of the habitat.
• Ensure herbicide use near U.S. Waters is performed in accordance with state general permit provisions to protect sensitive habitats and areas where threatened and endangered species are observed. Consider alternate methods when feasible. 12 • Mix herbicides in areas not prone to runoff such as concrete mixing/loading pads, disked soil in flat terrain, or graveled mixing pads. Do not mix herbicides and/or fill application equipment tanks within the channel and/or in locations that may be subjected to high storm flows. Avoid mixing herbicides and/or filling application equipment tanks within 150 feet of receiving waters whenever possible. Use an appropriate method to contain spills and the rinsate. Properly empty and triple rinse pesticide containers at the end of each use.
• Prevent herbicide/pesticide runoff into U.S. Waters including rivers, creeks, lakes, streams, wetlands and marshes by providing a buffer zone of vegetation on which no pesticides are applied where feasible.
The application rate will vary depending upon the mode of action of the compound, the target species, the existence of Pest Management Zones, and the potential occurrence of sensitive species. Avoid impacts from the drift of spray-able or dust formulations away from the target locations. Appropriate spray devices and application methods, such as spray pressures, nozzle opening size, and additives such as spray retardants, will be used to prevent drift. Under no circumstances should any herbicide application occur when wind speed exceeds 10 miles per hour. When the air is moving toward the habitats, do not make applications within 200 yards by air or 40 yards by ground upwind from the sensitive habitat. These buffer zones may be reduced if there is an adequate physical barrier (e.g., hedgerow, wind break, or riparian corridor) that substantially reduces the probability of drift. Additionally, applications will not be made during rain so that organisms that respond to rainfall, such as amphibians and plant species, would not be subject to direct spray. It is possible that some residue in the soil could affect amphibians, reptiles, and plant species that are in contact with ground that has been treated. Accordingly, the least toxic herbicides will be used that will provide adequate control.
Mechanical control methods such as mowing are used as an alternative to the application of herbicides, whenever appropriate. The practicality of mechanical methods as a method of weed control will be determined on a site-by-site basis. The accepted approach to weed control in any one area will likely be a combination of techniques, using the best method for the conditions in a particular area.
For the routine trimming of over-grown and over-hanging vegetation that may pose a human safety threat along pathways or service roads leading to CVWD facilities contact CVWD ESD staff to survey for nesting birds. If no active nests are present, then trim trees and shrubs.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures for Mechanical Vegetation Clearance • Contact ESD staff and arrange for pre-activity bird nesting survey if activity will occur from March 1 to September 1 for migratory birds, January 1 to July 31 for raptors (hawks, owls, eagles), and February 1 to August 31 for Burrowing owls. • Mowing vegetation growing within the WWRSC/CVSC will be performed using a rubber tired vehicle.
• Conduct all equipment refueling and maintenance outside the channel, preferably in a staging area appropriate to the type of activities that will occur. 13 2.4.2 CONTROL OF AQUATIC WEEDS
Vegetation growing in channels, canals, and reservoirs can decrease volume of flow or storage capacity and make it difficult to calculate water availability and flow for deliveries. In lined canals, vegetation growing from panel seams can cause damage to the integrity of the lining.
Large blooms of algae can clog drains and at times substantially reduce water quality when large-scale die-offs occur. Prevention of aquatic weed buildup is an important consideration of a weed control and management program, and early detection and eradication is a prime objective.
Prevention and removal of sediment deposits within canals reduces suitable rooting substrate and deters the establishment of aquatic plants.
Current practices for the removal of aquatic weeds and grass within water conveyance canals and channels include the use of Triploid Grass Carp which has proven to be the safest for the environment, most effective and least costly. Herbicide, under the trade name Aquaneat, is also used to control nuisance vegetation and other weed growth in some facilities with Covered Activities. Table 1 provides a summary of herbicide use by CVWD. The information contained in this table serves as a guideline for the general herbicide use throughout CVWD’s service area.
Avoidance and minimization measures noted above for the chemical control of terrestrial weeds apply to the control of aquatic weeds, excluding the precautions related to surface water.
Additionally, the following activity-related general measures are to be implemented where appropriate. These measures are to be implemented in conjunction with the pertinent speciesspecific avoidance and minimization measures presented in the individual Conservation Area species lists found in Tables 4 – 15.
Aquaneat is the recommended product for aquatic weed control within the restored habitats and/or native habitat and on CVWD lands within Conservation Areas that include wildlife management areas.
Habitat Restoration and Maintenance — when applied as directed, exotic and other undesirable vegetation may be controlled in habitat management areas. Applications may be made to allow recovery of native plant species, to open up water to attract waterfowl, and for similar broad-spectrum vegetation control requirements in habitat management areas. Spot treatments may be made to selectively remove unwanted plants for habitat enhancement. For spot treatments, care should be exercised to keep spray off of desirable plants.
The use of any herbicide or pesticide shall comply with the requirements specified on the product labeling and follow the guidelines and use restrictions provided in the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s “Interim Measures for Use of Pesticides in Riverside County”. Pesticide applications in U.S. Waters shall comply with the State Water Resources Control Board general NPDES permit for applying aquatic pesticides to control weeds. When chemical methods are used, the herbicides least toxic to aquatic animal life will be applied in order to obtain the required results. Herbicides are rated on the label according to the level of danger from toxicity, and toxicity rating should be reviewed with respect to target criterion and concentrations. For any application of herbicides applications must be made in compliance with the label requirements from the manufacturers. The actual choice of the chemical used for a 14 particular application should be made based on use restrictions and discussions with the California Department of Pesticide Regulations (CDPR). The CDPR pest management program is established to help water purveyors achieve the most effective and safe pest control program for their sites for a review of current regulations and discussion go to the CDPR website at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/. Combination approaches of manual, mechanical, and chemical methods can be implemented in areas where various logistical and biological constraints must be considered. New formulations of aquatic herbicides will likely be developed to control aquatic weeds and will become available in the near future. The application of any new chemical product for aquatic weed control should be coordinated with CVWD ESD staff to minimize the risk to listed aquatic species that might be living in the habitat or area to be treated. Use the following avoidance and minimization measures and species-specific avoidance and minimization measures beginning in Section 2.9 of this manual:
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
• Any herbicide use shall comply with the requirements specified on the product labeling. Use of pesticides shall also comply with the guidelines and use restrictions for herbicides provided in the California Department of Pesticide Regulations (CDPR).
• For spray-able or dust formulations, when air is calm or moving away from sensitive species/habitat, applications may commence on the side nearest the habitat and proceed away from the sensitive species/habitat. When air currents are moving toward sensitive species/habitat, do not make applications within 200 yards by air or 40 yards by ground upwind of the habitat. • Ensure herbicide use in U.S. Waters is performed in accordance with state general permit provisions to protect sensitive habitats and areas where threatened and endangered species are observed. Consider alternate methods when feasible. • Mass application of herbicide is discouraged in U.S. Waters and spot spraying or more localized applications are recommended. Where appropriate, selective herbicides should be used to eliminate only broad-leaved plants and encourage native vegetation.
• Mix herbicides in areas not prone to runoff such as concrete mixing/loading pads, disked soil in flat terrain, or graveled mixing pads. Use an appropriate method to contain spills and the rinsate. Properly empty and triple rinse application sprayers or containers at the end of each use.
• Prevent pesticide runoff into U.S. Waters including rivers, creeks, lakes, streams, wetlands and marshes by providing a buffer zone of vegetation on which no pesticides are applied where feasible.
• Herbicides shall not be applied to U.S Waters without first obtaining the applicable NPDES permit for this application. CVWD ESD staff shall be consulted to discuss the need for this type of permit.
15 Herbicide Safety BMPs
• Read and follow label safety directions, maintain appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets, and become certified prior to applying restricted use pesticides. • Wear the appropriate protective equipment specified on the pesticide label to minimize unnecessary exposure to pesticide. Be sure to clean protective gear after each day’s use.
• Provide emergency hand and eye wash facilities for personnel working in chemical storage, mixing, and treatment areas. Develop a safety plan that includes information about poison centers and emergency response phone numbers in highly visible places near areas where chemical handling occurs. • Know what to do in case of accidental pesticide poisoning. Have an emergency response kit available when handling pesticides. Check the product label for instructions and call the nearest poison center in the event a pesticide is swallowed or when pesticide exposure has occurred. Product labels often include a telephone number where expert information is also available. Take the pesticide label to the attending physician if you need treatment. • Follow all Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requirements and postings as specified by the CVWD Safety Department.
2.5 PEST CONTROL ACTIVITIES
Pest control activities include limited use of pesticides, and rodent control for Roof rats (Rattus rattus), Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), and House mouse (Mus musculus) at CVWD facilities.
Contract consultants are enlisted, as needed, to trap rodents such as California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) that may compromise the integrity of canal banks, agricultural drains, or other infrastructure to protect these facilities from damage. Prior to implementing any trapping, the target species will be identified to avoid/minimize impacts to species listed under the MSHCP. Rodenticides and insecticides are no longer used in the field as part of CVWD’s nuisance pest control protocol but are utilized at CVWD office and water reclamation facilities as needed. Although rodenticides are no longer used during the course of field maintenance activities, rodent control is implemented at CVWD offices and water reclamation facilities in the form of bait stations. Use of these stations within CVWD facilities is not anticipated to impact listed plant or animal species due to the lack of suitable onsite habitat and level of disturbance associated with developed facilities. Table 1 provides a summary of the pest control activities by CVWD. The information contained in this table serves as a guideline for the general control methods used by CVWD. If, in the future, chemical or bait methods are used to control rodents at additional facilities, the intended treatment areas will be evaluated for the potential occurrence of special-status species that are associated with burrow complexes, such as Desert Tortoise, Coachella Valley round tailed ground squirrel, and Burrowing owls. See Section 2.9 for specialstatus species occurrences and distribution in the Coachella Valley. 16 Although most chemicals known for high rates of secondary poisoning have been banned in recent years, secondary poisoning can still occur if a predator feeds upon the carcass of an animal that has been poisoned by a rodenticide especially second generation anti-coagulants.
Young animals are especially sensitive to secondary poisoning. Rodenticides can accumulate in the tissues of higher carnivores and scavengers. Sensitive species that are considered at risk from secondary poisoning include burrowing owl, other birds of prey and desert tortoise.
Alternative (i.e., non-chemical) approaches should be considered for rodent control in areas potentially supporting threatened and endangered wildlife. Trapping may be very effective for control of rodents in CVWD facilities.
If feasible, use standard rodent traps as an alternative to chemical control for rodents in and around CVWD facilities. Traps will not be placed in open desert or outside of CVWD facilities to avoid impacting non-target species. Stake all traps during placement. Trapped rodents will be removed from traps and placed in the trash. The following avoidance and minimization measures apply to the use of insecticides and rodenticides and trapping. These measures are to be implemented where appropriate and in conjunction with the appropriate species-specific avoidance and minimization measures beginning in Section 2.9.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures for Trapping and Pesticide Use • Comply with the requirements specified on the pesticide and bait station product labeling when using insecticides and rodenticides; use of such pesticides shall also comply with the guidelines and use restrictions for pesticides provided in the California Department of Pesticide Regulations (CDPR, Appendix B). • Maintain application equipment in good working condition and calibrate equipment frequently to ensure that pesticides are applied at recommended rates.
Replace all worn components of pesticide application equipment, especially nozzles, prior to application.
• Ensure that the pesticide applicator knows the exact field location to be treated.
Post warning signs around fields that have been treated, in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Follow the established re-entry interval as stated on the pesticide label.
• Employ application techniques that increase efficiency and allow the lowest effective labeled application rate. Use band and spot applications of pesticides where appropriate to reduce environmental hazards and treatment costs. • Avoid unnecessary and poorly timed application of pesticides. Optimize pesticide rate, timing, and placement to avoid the need for re-treatment. • Avoid overspray and chemical drift, especially when surface water is in close proximity to treatment area. Avoid applications if wind speed favors drift beyond the intended application area. Increasing nozzle size and/or lowering boom pressure will increase droplet size and help reduce drift. Always recalibrate following equipment adjustments or modifications.
17 • Time pesticide application in relation to soil moisture, anticipated weather conditions, and irrigation schedules to achieve the greatest efficiency and reduce the potential for off-site transport. Avoid pesticide application when soil moisture status or scheduled irrigation increases the possibility of runoff or deep percolation. After application, manage irrigation to reduce the possibility of erosion, runoff and/or leaching, which may transport pesticide from the target site. • Establish buffer zones so pesticide is not applied within 50 feet of wells and surface water.
• Apply pesticides in a manner that will minimize off-target effects. • Ensure that backflow prevention devices are installed and operating properly on irrigation systems used for applying pesticide or herbicide. • When disposing of dead rodents do not touch them with bare hands, use gloves or a plastic bag to pick up the rat or to remove the rat from the trap. • Do not place bait stations or rodent traps in open desert outside of CVWD facilities or field locations supporting CVWD infrastructure.
Pesticide Safety BMPs
• Read and follow label safety directions, maintain appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and become certified prior to applying restricted use pesticides. • Wear the appropriate protective equipment specified on the pesticide label to minimize unnecessary exposure to pesticide. Be sure to clean protective gear after each day’s use. • Provide emergency hand and eye wash facilities for personnel working in chemical storage, mixing, and treatment areas. Develop a safety plan that includes information about poison centers and emergency treatment centers. Post emergency response phone numbers in highly visible places near areas where chemical handling occurs. • Know what to do in case of accidental pesticide poisoning. Have an emergency response kit available when handling pesticides. Check the product label for instructions and call the nearest poison center in the event a pesticide is swallowed or when pesticide exposure has occurred. Product labels often include a telephone number where expert information is also available. Take the pesticide label to the attending physician if you need treatment.
• Follow all Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requirements and postings as specified by the CVWD Safety Department.
18 2.6 TEMPORARY DE-WATERING AND REMOVAL OF SEDIMENT FROM
WATER SUPPLY RESERVOIRS, DETENTION/RETENTION BASINS, AND CANALS
Accumulated sediment, silt, and aquatic vegetation needs to be periodically cleaned from water supply reservoirs, detention/retention basins, pipelines, and other water control structures in order to retain capacity, permit proper functioning, and maintain water quality. These sorts of activities are typically conducted on an as needed basis which is determined by irrigation staff (i.e., after or prior to the irrigation season). In some cases, it is also necessary to temporarily dewater facilities in order to conduct the maintenance activities outside of the normal periods when such facilities may normally be dry or drained as part of normal operations.
The following activity-related avoidance and minimization measures have been developed to protect listed species and their habitats. These measures are to be implemented in conjunction with the appropriate species-specific avoidance and minimization measures presented in Section 2.9.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
If a work site is to be temporarily de-watered or filled, the de-watering and other required maintenance should be conducted as follows:
• Contact CVWD ESD staff to determine if any pre-activity surveys are required for Covered Activities within Conservation Areas.
• Water shall be released or pumped downstream at an appropriate rate to maintain downstream flows during the covered activity. Upon completion of Covered Activities, any barriers to flow shall be removed in a manner that would allow flow to resume with the least disturbance to the substrate.
• Discharges of deleterious amounts of sediment shall be controlled to reduce the risk to listed species found in aquatic habitats.
• Be aware that sensitive species and other animals may hide under piles of trash, construction materials, or parked vehicles. Check for wildlife before moving these items. • Conduct all equipment refueling and maintenance outside the stream channel, preferably in a staging area appropriate to the type of activities that will occur. • The spread of or introduction of invasive, exotic plants, animals, invertebrates and mollusks should also be avoided to the maximum extent possible. CVWD accomplishes this by washing down and drying drain clearing equipment after use in the field. 19 2.7 FLOOD CONTROL AND DRAINAGE CHANNEL MAINTENANCE
CVWD also performs flood control channel maintenance. Maintenance of flood control channels is critical for the channel to convey flood waters as designed and is considered to be a Covered Activity under the CVMSHCP. This involves numerous activities for maintaining the channel’s integrity, controlling vegetation, removing debris, and maintaining access roads. The following discussion is intended to address the nature, impacts, and impact avoidance measures for each type of activity.
The following measures have been developed to protect listed species and their habitats while conducting channel maintenance operations. These measures are to be implemented in conjunction with the avoidance and minimization measures described in Section 2.2 and the appropriate species-specific avoidance and minimization measures presented in Section 2.9 and Tables 4 – 15. Other associated specific activity measures described in Sections 2.2 through
2.7.2 should be implemented if required.
2.7.1 AGRICULTURAL DRAIN CLEANING
Drain maintenance is required to remove sediment and emergent vegetation that has accumulated in the agricultural drains so that the capacity of each drain is maintained. Some agricultural drains occur within the Delta Conservation Area and therefore require avoidance and minimization measures to protect listed species, such as the Desert pupfish, Yuma Ridgway’s Rail and California black rail, and migratory birds which may nest in the area.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
The following avoidance and minimization measures are intended to protect species associated with the potential habitat found in the agricultural drains that occur along the Salton Sea and within the CVSC Delta Conservation Area. Further development of avoidance and minimization measures may be incorporated into this manual as new information regarding species occurrence and distribution within the Plan area is learned. The following avoidance and minimization measures may be used individually or in concert with each other depending upon the potential impacts the activity may involve:
• If covered drain activities will occur within a Conservation Area refer to the appropriate Conservation Area Species list for applicable avoidance and minimization measures; contact CVWD ESD staff and determine if any pre-activity surveys are required. • If coffer dams and pumps are used to isolate and dry the work area, prevent the pumped water from reentering the stream channel unless/until deleterious amounts of sediment has settled out.
• Conduct all equipment refueling and maintenance outside the stream channel, preferably in a staging area appropriate to the type of activities that will occur. • Deposit dredged material where water from this material is less likely to drain directly into the agricultural drain to minimize erosion and transport of the dredged material. 20 • In areas of Yuma Ridgway’s Rail/California Black Rail habitat: Perform pre-activity nesting surveys between March 1 – September 1 to determine presence of nesting rails or other marsh/riparian bird species on the worksite. If nesting rails or other nesting bird species are present flag and create a buffer zone of at least 200 feet to avoid and minimize impacts to nesting birds or their offspring.
• Discharges of deleterious amounts of sediment shall be controlled to reduce the risk to listed species found in aquatic habitats.
• Be aware that sensitive species and other animals may hide under piles of trash, construction materials, or parked vehicles. Check for wildlife before moving these items.
2.7.2 FLOOD CONTROL CHANNEL MAINTENANCE
Current O&M activities for flood control channels include emergency repairs following major flooding events, mowing, and vegetation removal by hand, maintenance of access roads, and replacement of signage. CVWD is currently working with state and federal agencies to obtain Clean Water Act permits to perform expanded O&M activities to allow the Whitewater River and Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel (WWSC/CVSC) system and associated tributaries to operate under optimum conditions per design. The following avoidance and minimization measures will be used for these Covered Activities:
Avoidance and Minimization Measures
• Contact CVWD ESD staff to determine if any pre-activity surveys are required for Covered Activities within Conservation Areas.
• Have ESD staff perform a pre-activity survey of the site for the presence of nesting migratory/marsh birds having the potential to occur in this habitat and implement appropriate buffer zones for nesting birds.
• Implement BMPs and beneficial control measures identified in the drain maintenance study to minimize direct impacts to Desert pupfish.
• If coffer dams and pumps are used to isolate and dry the work area, prevent the pumped water from reentering the stream channel unless/until deleterious amounts of sediment have settled out.
• Conduct all equipment refueling and maintenance outside the flood control channel, preferably in a staging area appropriate to the type of activities that will occur. This will include washing of equipment and vehicles which occurs at the CVWD equipment storage yard following maintenance activities.
• Deposit dredged material where water from this material is less likely to drain directly into the flood control channel to minimize erosion and transport of the dredged material. 21 • Minimize the impacts associated with the Covered Activity site access roads, including (1) locating the roads so as to minimize the pruning or removal of vegetation, (2) using erosion control BMPs to stabilize the roads prior to the rainy season, and (3) closing the roads off following completion of the Covered Activity to prevent use by off-road vehicles.
2.8 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES
The Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits the "taking" of threatened and endangered plant and animal species unless authorized by the FWS under Section 7 or Section 10(a) of the ESA and sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code (FGC) prohibit the take of all birds and their nests, including raptors. "Take" means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.
Protection can also extend to the habitat of listed species meaning that modifications to or destruction of a listed species' habitat can also be considered "Take" under certain circumstances.
The covered operations and maintenance activities that are considered routine and necessary within the CVWD service area constitute actions that could potentially impact listed plants and animals. The following section provides guidance to protect state and federally-listed plants and wildlife within the CVWD service area. Review of the appropriate portions of this section prior to initiating routine activities will help to avoid violation of the “Take” provisions of the ESA while still providing for the continuance of routine operations and maintenance procedures.
It is important for all operations and maintenance personnel, including contractors, to be informed of the sensitive nature of listed species and the legal consequences of intentionally modifying or destroying them or the habitats in which they occur.
2.8.1 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES IN COACHELLA VALLEY MSHCP
Twenty seven species of plants and animals are listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and include nine species which are jointly listed by the state of California. These listed species all occur in CVMSHCP boundary and CVWD’s service area with the exception of the Desert Slender Salamander. An additional four species are listed as rare, threatened or endangered by the State. These plant and animal species along with their status are shown in Table 2.
Many of these sensitive species are associated aquatic or wetland habitats (perennial and/or seasonal) for much of the year or for critical life functions such as breeding and rearing/growth of young. However, many of these species also use uplands for other essential life functions such as refuge, aestivation, migration or dispersal and escape from floods. Thus, both wetlands and uplands within the range of special-status species are of concern for facilities operation and management activities.
22 2.8.2 CONSERVATION AREAS IN THE COACHELLA VALLEY
Twenty-one Conservation Areas have been identified within the Coachella Valley. Conservation Areas are habitat-based and represent the primary regions containing habitats that may support one or more of the listed species shown in Table 2. The Conservation Areas have been developed as general guidelines for locations that may support the 27 species covered under the CVMSHCP. Special-status species may also occur outside of the general mapped Conservation Area’s and other factors such as habitat should be considered prior to commencement of Covered Activities. CVWD ESD staff shall survey sites within Conservation Area’s prior to the start of Covered Activities likely to impact special-status species.
The Conservation Area map is intended to be used as a guide to indicate the locations of Conservation Area’s and the associated CVWD owned lands within each Conservation Area. In addition to the Conservation Area Map the individual Conservation Area species lists are designed to provide an overview of avoidance and minimization measures applicable to species associated with each Conservation Area. The individual Conservation Area species list is designed to be used as an avoidance and minimization guide for CVWD staff and is not intended to identify all site-specific locations of threatened or endangered species habitats in the Coachella Valley. However, for two of the species – Yuma Ridgway’s Rail, and California Black Rail- occurrence outside of their respective Conservation Areas is unlikely based upon the best available science. For these species, the applicable protection measures only apply to designated habitat areas.
The Conservation Area species lists and associated avoidance and minimization measures specific to each Conservation Area are provided in Tables 4-15. The following section provides natural history as well as additional reference for avoidance and minimization measures for each species covered under the CVMSHCP.
2.9 SPECIES ACCOUNTS AND AVOIDANCE MEASURES
The following sections provide information on the threatened and endangered species in the Coachella Valley that are most likely to be encountered during normal operations and maintenance activities. Specific avoidance measures for each species or group of species/habitat association are also described to prevent or minimize the potential for take of sensitive species.
As per the terms and conditions of the CVMSHCP, these avoidance and minimization shall be implemented to the maximum extent possible. These procedures will be followed by CVWD staff in charge of maintenance activities to avoid unauthorized incidental take of threatened and endangered species. If the required avoidance and minimization measures outlined below cannot be followed, the project must be reviewed to determine if threatened or endangered species may be impacted.
The following steps should be followed prior to the start of a Covered Activity:
1. The relevant information in Section 2.0 should be carefully reviewed regarding the type(s) of routine activity(s) to be initiated and the associated avoidance and minimization measures needed to protect sensitive species and habitats. 23 2. Once Step 1 has been completed, the Conservation Area map should be reviewed and the on-site and near-site conditions evaluated to determine if special-status species potentially occur.
If the results of these initial evaluation steps (i.e., Steps 1 and 2) indicate that special-status species may occur at or near a designated work site, the appropriate species accounts should be reviewed. These species accounts are intended to provide detailed information regarding species descriptions, their habitat requirements, general activity period, and the required avoidance measures to be implemented to prevent or minimize impacts to sensitive species.
It is important to note that the required species-specific avoidance and minimization measures presented in Section 2.9 of the manual are intended to be implemented in conjunction with the activity-related avoidance and minimization measures outlined in Section 2.0.
3.0 PLANTS
The species accounts and avoidance and minimization measures presented below are designed for supervisors and field crews, and can be used for a variety of purposes such as planning and contractor awareness training, as well as use in the field by operations and maintenance staff.
3.1 Mecca Aster
Xylorhiza cognate
Status Federal: No official status
State: No official status
CNPS: List 1B
24 Species Account:
Mecca aster may be associated with two intergraded geologic formations found in these hills; the Palm Springs formation and the Canebrake formation (Stewart 1991). These formations are similar in age and are both fluvial deposits; the Palm Springs formation is composed of sandstones and clays while the Canebrake formation includes granitic conglomerates of larger materials. Stewart noted a strong correlation between the known occurrences of this species and the Palm Springs and Canebrake geologic formations. The original model for this species incorporated the mapped distribution of the Palm Springs formation. This formation includes a significant area in the Indio Hills west of the Thousand Palms Preserve where this species has never been observed. Conversely, the Palm Springs formation is not mapped in an area in the East Indio Hills, between Macomber Palms and Biskra Palms, where many known occurrences of Mecca aster have been recorded. So in October 2002, the model was revised to more accurately reflect the known distribution of the Mecca aster.
This species is located within the following Conservation Areas:
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• East Indio Hills Conservation Area
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• For Covered Activities within Mecca Aster habitat in the Thousand Palms, Indio Hills, East Indio Hills, Desert Tortoise and Linkage, and Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Areas, surveys by ESD staff will occur prior to ground disturbance activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15. • Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of Mecca Aster where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms.
• CVWD will continue to control and manage access to Mecca aster habitat on district owned lands within the CVMSHCP area. In addition, CVWD does not allow OHV use on its lands and prohibits public access.
• Avoid the use of herbicides outside of CVWD facilities in areas that are known to support Mecca Aster.
25 What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work in the vicinity of the plant and create a 25-foot buffer zone which will allow for avoidance of the plant and reduce potential impacts from Covered Activities. Notify ESD staff that a Mecca Aster was observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
3.2 Coachella Valley Milkvetch
Astragalus lentiginosus var. coachellae
Status Federal: Endangered
State: No official status
CNPS: List 1B
Species Account:
The Coachella Valley Milkvetch (CVM) occurs in dunes and sandy flats, along the disturbed margins of sandy washes, and in sandy soils along roadsides where they occur adjacent to existing sand dunes. Within the sand dunes and sand fields, this Milkvetch tends to occur in the coarser sands at the margins of dunes, not in the most active blow sand areas. As this species is strongly affiliated with sandy substrates, it may occur in localized pockets where sand has been deposited by wind or by active washes. It may also occur in sandy substrates in creosote bush scrub, not directly associated with sand dune habitats. In the Plan Area, populations are known from the Snow Creek area (in the sandy areas on either side of Snow Creek Road east toward Windy Point and scattered along Tipton Road, north of Highway 111), on the Whitewater Floodplain Preserve, the Willow Hole-Edom Hill Preserve/ACEC, and the Thousand Palms Preserve. Other concentrations of the species occur along Gene Autry Trail near the airport in Palm Springs, on and around Flat Top Mountain, along Varner Road at the base of Edom Hill, on remnants of the Big Dune south of Interstate 10, and in scattered locations in the southern parts of Desert Hot Springs (including at the wastewater treatment plant). In the area of the Big Dune, Habitat viability has been much reduced by roads, fragmentation, and disturbance (C. Barrows 1987, CNDDB/CDFW 1997). Though suitable habitat appears to be present in the Indio and La Quinta areas, this species has not been recorded there. Within the Plan Area, the easternmost occurrence for CVM is on the Thousand Palms Preserve.
26 This species is located within the following Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Edom Hill Conservation Area
• Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage Conservation Area • Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• East Indio Hills Conservation Area
• Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• For Covered Activities within modeled CVM habitat in the Whitewater Canyon, Whitewater Floodplain, Cabazon, Stubbe and Cottonwood, Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon, Edom Hill, Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage, Indio Hills Palms, East Indio Hills, and Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Areas, pre-activity surveys by the ESD staff will be required for ground disturbance activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15. • Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of CVM where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms. • If CVM is found to be within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD staff to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible. • CVWD will continue to control and manage access to CVM habitat on district owned lands within the CVMSHCP area. In addition, CVWD does not allow OHV use on its lands and prohibits public access.
• Avoid the use of herbicides outside of CVWD facilities in areas that are known to support CVM.
What to Do If Found
Immediately stop all work in the vicinity of the plant and create a 25-foot buffer zone which will allow for avoidance of the plant and reduce potential impacts from Covered Activities.
Notify ESD staff that a Coachella Valley Milk-vetch was observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
27 3.3
Triple-Ribbed Milk-vetch
Astragalus tricarinatus
Status Federal: Endangered
State: No official status
CNPS: List 1B
Species Account:
The Triple-Ribbed Milk-vetch is an endemic species found in a narrow range primarily from the northwestern portion of the Coachella Valley, from the vicinity of Whitewater Canyon, the type locality, in Mission Creek Canyon across Highway 62 to Dry Morongo Wash and Big Morongo Canyon. Another location where the species has been collected is Agua Alta Canyon, a branch of Martinez Canyon in the Santa Rosa Mountains in the southern portion of the Plan Area; this record is for one individual collected by Jon Stewart and identified by Andy Sanders of the U.C.
Riverside herbarium. Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent Feasible. In particular, known occurrences on a map maintained by CVCC shall not be disturbed.
This species is found within the following Conservation Areas:
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area 28 Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• For Covered Activities within Triple-Ribbed Milk-vetch habitat in the Whitewater Canyon, Whitewater Floodplain, Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon, and Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Areas, surveys by ESD staff will occur for ground disturbance activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of Triple-ribbed Milk-vetch where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms.
• If Triple-Ribbed Milk-vetch is found to be within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD staff to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible. • Avoid the use of herbicides outside of CVWD facilities in areas that are known to support Triple-Ribbed Milk-vetch.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work in the vicinity of the plant and create a 25-foot buffer zone which will allow for avoidance of the plant and reduce potential impacts from Covered Activities. Notify ESD staff that a Triple Ribbed Milk-vetch was observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
3.4 Orocopia Sage
Salvia greatae
Status Federal: No official status
State: Special Plant, California Species of Special Concern CNPS: List 1B
29 Species Account:
The preferred habitat of Orocopia sage is in gravelly or rocky soils on broad bajadas or fans, often adjacent to desert washes or on the rocky slopes of canyons. It may occur on alluvial terraces and sandy or rocky benches elevated above the flood plain of a wash, as in the Salt Creek Wash along the Bradshaw Trail. The species does not appear to occur within the immediate wash zone. This species has also been recorded up to 2,800 feet in the Orocopia Mountains. Though Orocopia sage is patchy in its distribution, it is typically one of the dominant members of the vegetation where it occurs. Plants may be 3 to 4 feet tall and usually form dense, rounded clumps, sometimes as large as 4 or 5 feet in diameter. Multiple branching from near ground level results in a very bushy appearance. This species is associated with desert dry wash woodland and Sonoran creosote bush scrub.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains.
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• For Covered Activities within Orocopia Sage habitat in the Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains, and Desert Tortoise Linkage Conservation Areas, surveys by ESD staff will occur ground disturbance activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of Orocopia sage where it may occur in appropriate habitat. • If Orocopia sage is found to be within the footprint of any covered activity contact the ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible. • Avoid the use of herbicides outside of CVWD facilities in areas that are known to support Orocopia Sage.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work in the vicinity of the plant and create a 25-foot buffer zone which will allow for avoidance of the plant and reduce potential impacts from Covered Activities. Notify ESD staff that an Orocopia Sage was observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
30 3.5
Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthus
Linanthus maculatus (also Gilia maculata)
Status Federal: Species of Concern
State: Species of Special Concern
CNPS: List 1B
Species Account:
The preferred habitat of Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthus is in loose soft sandy soils on low benches along washes, generally where the substrate shows some evidence of water flow.
It seems to occur in areas where few or no competing species are found, with little shrub or tree cover in the immediate vicinity. The sand is loose and well-aerated, soft and unconsolidated (Sanders 1999). The occurrences within the Plan Area are on the margins of washes on shallow sandy benches, not on areas where a hard surface layer occurs, and not on loose blow sand away from washes. It is associated with creosote bush scrub, but avoids growing in the shadow of other plants. The elevation range of the species is from 500 to 4,000 feet. Little is known of the life history of this species. Its pollinators, germination requirements, seed longevity, and population parameters have not been described. The flower form and color are indicative of insect pollination but no information on pollination ecology is available. The plants are very small, generally reaching a height of only 0.8 to 1.2 inches. They have a slender, little-branched tap root that may extend over 3 inches into the sand, probably allowing the plants to tap subsurface supplies of moisture and thus avoid atmospheric drying. They are nevertheless very ephemeral.
Associated Covered Species. Within the Plan Area, other species of concern who’s Core Habitat overlaps with that of the Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthus include TripleRibbed Milk-vetch, Palm Springs Pocket Mouse, Desert Tortoise, and Burrowing Owl. 31 This species is found within the following Conservation Areas:
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Morongo Wash Special Provisions Area within the Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• For Covered Activities within Linanthus habitat in the Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area, Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area, and Morongo Wash Special Provisions Area within the Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area perform surveys by ESD staff will be required for ground disturbance activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15. • Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthus where it may occur in appropriate habitat.
• If Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthus is found to be within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible. • Avoid the use of herbicides outside of CVWD facilities in areas that are known to support Linanthus.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work in the vicinity of the plant and create a 25-foot buffer zone which will allow for avoidance of the plant and reduce potential impacts from Covered Activities. Notify ESD staff that a Little San Bernardino Mountain Linanthus was observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
4.0 INSECTS
This section contains species accounts, including habitat parameters and significant threats, for each of the two insect species currently covered under the CVMSHCP/NCCP. Neither of the target insect species has any state or federal status, however they are protected under the CVMSHCP and therefore require appropriate avoidance and minimization efforts to deter impacts to these species. These insects, the Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket and the Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, are endemic to the Coachella Valley and the Plan Area.
Some of the features of the biology of insect species warrant special note with regard to these conservation strategies. General measures common to both of these insects are listed below, and measures specific to either species are considered in the individual species description. 32 4.1
Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader Cricket
Macrobaenetes valgum
Status Federal: Species of Concern (No official status) State: No official status
Species Account:
As previously noted, the Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket depends on the active dunes and ephemeral sand fields at the west end of the Coachella Valley. They can be found in appropriate habitat west of Palm Drive at least to Snow Creek Road, adjacent to the Whitewater River and San Gorgonio River washes. Suitable habitat also occurs within the Whitewater Floodplain Preserve. Despite the low numbers reported below from pit-trap samples at the Thousand Palms Preserve, burrows of these crickets are commonly observed in the more active portions of the Aeolian sands in the southern dunes (C. Barrows 1998). The distinctive, coneshaped excavation tailings of this species’ diurnal burrows can be easily identified and used to confirm this species’ occurrence at a given location (C. Barrows 1998). They were not as common at Willow Hole, and were not observed at a La Quinta site and at the east end of the Indio Hills. The east end of the Indio Hills also includes suitable active blow sand habitat, and, although comprehensive surveys have not been conducted, this species has not been observed there. Perennial shrubs, including creosote bush, burrobush, honey mesquite, Mormon tea, desert willow, and sandpaper bush, dominate the preferred habitat of this species in windblown environments. The Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket has its primary period of activity during the spring. They are nocturnal, coming to the surface to forage on detritus blown over the dunes, or to look for mates. During the day they conceal themselves in self-dug burrows from five to 20 meters deep in the sand. These burrows are often associated with the roots of perennial shrubs or are found under boards, rocks, and other hiding places. The adult and juvenile instars disappear during the warm months of the year, suggesting that individuals spend the summer in the egg stage. Activity of small juvenile instars begins in the late fall through early winter. By mid to late spring the adults have disappeared.
Associated Covered Species. Within the Plan Area, other species of concern whose habitat overlaps with that of the Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket include Coachella Valley Milkvetch, Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, flat-tailed horned lizard, Palm Springs pocket mouse, Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, and burrowing owl.
33 This species is found within the following Conservation Areas:
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Perform pre-activity surveys for this species in areas of unpaved soil during the winter and spring emergence and breeding periods.
• Maintenance activities will be designed and implemented using Best Management Practices (BMPs) in a way that minimize new disturbances, to prevent erosion, off-site degradation, and reduce direct impacts to Giant Sand-Treader crickets. • All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment as well as location of staging areas shall be located as far as practicable from any potential habitat. All workers shall be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.
• No pesticide use shall occur outside of CVWD facilities in habitat occupied by this species.
What to Do If Found
• Allow the cricket to leave the area and notify ESD staff that a Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket was observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
4.2 Coachella Valley Jerusalem Cricket
Stenopelmatus cahuilaensis
Status Federal: No official status
State: No official status
34 Species Account:
The Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket is known from the Snow Creek area from Fingal’s Finger east to Windy Point, and from remnants of sand dune habitat around the Palm Springs Airport. The easternmost known occurrence is a record from the Thousand Palms’ area in the vicinity of Bob Hope Drive and Interstate 10. In spring 2003 surveys by the University of California found this cricket west from Fingal’s Finger to nearly the Plan boundary. They occur in sandy to somewhat gravelly sandy soils and have been called an obligate sand species (G.
Ballmer, pers. comm.). They do not necessarily require active blow sand habitat but have been found in loose windblown drift sands, dunes, and sand in vacant lots if native vegetation exists.
According to Hawks (1995), these Jerusalem crickets require high humidity; most observations have followed winter and spring storms while the soil substrate remains moist. They are most often located beneath surface debris during the cooler and wetter months of the year. During the summer months, they spend daylight hours in deep burrows in the ground; they may rarely be encountered at the surface during the night (Hawks 1995). Because these Jerusalem crickets have been observed more widely at the western edge of the Coachella Valley and because of their affiliation with cool, moist conditions, it has been suggested that they may be limited in distribution by temperature and moisture regimes (Tinkham 1968, Hawks 1995). They have not been found in the vicinity of the Whitewater Floodplain Preserve and Hawks (1995) suggests that suitable habitat does not exist in this area. The easternmost occurrence is in the vicinity of Thousand Palms, near Bob Hope Drive and Interstate 10. This location may no longer be extant, as the area is increasingly developed. Greg Ballmer suggests this record is probably an outlier.
The lack of observations of this species east of Windy Point suggests that they may not occur in significant numbers in the central Coachella Valley.
Associated Covered Species. Within the Plan Area, other species of concern whose habitat overlaps with that of the Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket include Coachella Valley Milkvetch, Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed lizard, Flat-Tailed horned lizard, Palm Springs pocket mouse, Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel, Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket, and burrowing owl.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Perform pre-activity surveys for this species in areas of unpaved soil during the winter and spring emergence and breeding periods.
• Avoid stockpiling construction materials, lumber, or other sources of artificial cover (AC) at CVWD facilities if feasible, within the known range of this species. • Maintenance activities will be designed and implemented using Best Management Practices (BMPs) in a way that minimize new disturbances, to prevent erosion, off-site degradation, and reduce direct impacts to Jerusalem cricket. 35 • All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment as well as location of staging areas shall be located as far as practicable from any potential habitat, vegetation or burrows.
• No pesticide use shall occur outside of CVWD facilities in habitat occupied by this species.
What to Do If Found
• Allow the cricket to leave the area and notify ESD staff that a Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket was observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
5.0 FISH
This section contains a species account and conservation approach, including habitat parameters and significant threats, for the one fish species proposed for coverage under this Plan, the desert pupfish. Conservation measures specific to the desert pupfish are also included here.
5.1 Desert Pupfish
Cyprinodon macularius
Status Federal: Endangered
State: Endangered
36 Species Account:
Historically, desert pupfish occurred in the lower Colorado River in Arizona and California, from about Needles downstream to the Gulf of California and into its delta in Sonora and Baja.
In California, pupfish inhabited springs, seeps, and slow-moving streams in the Salton Sink basin, and backwaters and sloughs along the Colorado River (Black 1980). The Salton Sea, its tributary streams, irrigation drains, and shoreline pools, supported large pupfish populations until sharp declines began in the mid- to late-1960s. Currently, in the Plan Area, pupfish are found in upper and lower Salt Creek, the mouth of Salt Creek (Sutton 1999), many of the irrigation drains emptying into the Salton Sea (Imperial and Riverside County), some shoreline pools, and several refugia; Dos Palmas; Oasis Springs Ecological Reserve; The Living Desert; and Salton Sea State Recreation Area. The Plan Area contains a substantial portion of remaining pupfish habitat, including one of only two natural tributary streams, as well as shoreline pools and irrigation drains. A stable population exists in Salt Creek in both the upper and lower portions of the creek. Adequate water quantity and quality must be maintained in desert streams, springs, irrigation drains, and shoreline pools. Surface and groundwater from upper Salt Creek Canyon and other canyons in the Orocopia and Chocolate Mountains may contribute to the groundwater system. Groundwater pumping, channel erosion, water diversion, contaminants, and other threats must be reduced.
Associated Covered Species. Other species of concern whose range overlaps that of the Desert pupfish within the Plan Area include California black rail, Yuma Ridgway’s Rail, as well as other riparian species occurring in similar habitat, including the Yellow-Breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Least Bell’s vireo, and Yellow Warbler.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area including; Dos Palmas
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• In accordance with the Coachella Valley MSHCP, CVWD is developing a drain maintenance study which will evaluate potential impacts associated with drain maintenance activities.
• Maintenance activities will be designed and implemented using BMPs in a way that minimize new disturbances, to prevent erosion, off-site degradation, and reduce direct impacts to Desert pupfish.
• All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment as well as location of staging areas shall be located as far as practicable from any potential habitat. All workers shall be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.
• Ensure herbicide near U.S. Waters is performed in accordance with state general permit provisions to protect sensitive habitats and areas where threatened and endangered species are observed. Consider alternate methods when feasible. 37 What to Do If Found
• If the pupfish are moving out of the area, allow them to leave the immediate area before resuming work. Notify ESD staff if pupfish are observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
6.0 REPTILES
This section contains species accounts, including Species Conservation Goals and Objectives, significant threats, and life history information, for each of the three species of reptile proposed for coverage under this Plan. These species include the desert tortoise, listed as threatened by the federal and state governments, the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, listed as a state Endangered and a federal Threatened Species, and the flat-tailed horned lizard, a species proposed for federal listing. General measures common to all of these reptiles are listed below, and measures specific to a given species are included under mandatory avoidance and minimization measures.
6.1 Desert Tortoise
Xerobates agassizii (or Gopherus agassizii)
Status Federal: Threatened
State: Threatened
38 Species Account:
The Desert Tortoise (DT) is widely distributed through an exceptionally broad array of habitats that span 1,100 kilometers from northern Sinaloa State, Mexico where it occupies deciduous forest, across the Sonoran (including the Colorado Desert Subdivision in California) and Mojave Deserts, to the edge of the Colorado Plateau in arid southwestern Utah (Ernst et al. 1994, Germano 1994). Populations north and west of the Colorado River were listed as federal threatened in April 1990. The species is listed by California as a Threatened Species, and it is the official state reptile. In California, the desert tortoise is naturally absent from most areas west of the Salton Sea. Thus the Imperial Valley and portions of the southern Coachella Valley may not support native populations of desert tortoises. DT, however, are found naturally along the northern, eastern, and western rim of the Coachella Valley in the foothills of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the Painted and Whitewater Hills (in the latter they are common), and the San Jacinto and northern Santa Rosa Mountains.
The Plan Area represents a small, but perhaps biologically significant portion of the DT's overall range. DT in the foothills of the southeastern San Bernardino Mountains (especially in the Whitewater Hills) represents the western-most reproductively active population of desert tortoises in the Colorado Desert ecosystem (Lovich et al. 1999). The western-most records of live tortoises in the San Gorgonio Pass are from T2S, R3E, Sec. 31 near the north end of Verbenia Avenue (J. Lovich, pers. comm.). This may explain the relatively high density of desert tortoises in the Whitewater Hills, as the area is situated in a transition zone between plant communities from the San Bernardino Mountains, the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, and coastal assemblages. The clustered nature of DT burrows in the western Coachella Valley environs is consistent with the observations of others throughout the range of the tortoise; DT frequently exhibit a contiguous distribution, with clusters of individuals in some areas and large intervening areas of what appears to be suitable habitat without desert tortoises.
Associated Covered Species. Other Covered Species with ranges overlapping the modeled habitat for the DT include Peninsular bighorn sheep, Palm Springs pocket mouse, Burrowing owl, Triple-Ribbed Milk-vetch, Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthus, and Gray vireo.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage Conservation Area • Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
39 Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for DT using accepted USFWS survey protocol which provides 100% coverage of the survey site including a 500’ buffer zone.
• In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season on CVWD lands that occur within this species habitat if feasible. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected DT burrow identified in the preactivity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed. • Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for DT in any pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the covered activity site. • Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a DT is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all personnel will be instructed on the protection of the DT. The training will address: life history, listing status, applicable state and federal laws, field procedures, and prohibited activities. • All movement of vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All Covered Activity sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of DT falling into them. • Covered Activity sites and access roads shall be surveyed by ESD staff no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of Covered Activities. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the work area.
• During periods of high DT activity (approximately March through October) ESD staff shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized.
• Personnel on the right-of-way, within DT habitat, will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
• All DT burrows located will be flagged or marked.
40 • All DT burrows, and other species’ burrows that may be used by DT, will be examined to determine the occupancy of the burrow if possible.
• USFWS and CDFW will be notified, within 72 hours, of any DT death or injury caused by Covered Activities. Notification will include the date, time, circumstances, and location.
• Dead tortoises will be marked and left on-site for CDFW/USFWS staff. • Injured tortoises will be transported to a qualified veterinarian and the CDFW/USFWS will determine their disposition.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work near the tortoise’s location and notify the biological monitor, if present. If the tortoise is moving stop work and allow it to leave the site. If the tortoise is not moving, have an authorized biological monitor relocate the tortoise to an appropriate location off site.
• If no authorized biological monitor is present onsite, call CVWD’s ESD staff to notify them that a DT was observed and what actions (if any) were taken to avoid impacts. • Desert tortoises shall not be handled by unauthorized personnel.
6.2 Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed Lizard
Uma inornata
Status Federal: Threatened
State: Endangered
41 Species Account:
The Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard (CVFTL) is restricted to the Coachella Valley and was found historically from near Cabazon at the northwestern extreme to near Thermal at the southeastern extreme. It is associated with a substrate of Aeolian (wind-blown) sand to which it has developed morphological and behavioral adaptations (Heifetz 1941, Stebbins 1944, Norris 1958), and it occurs wherever there are large patches of the appropriate substrate (England and Nelson 1976, La Pre and Cornett 1981, Turner et al. 1981, England 1983, C. Barrows 1997). As Development of the Coachella Valley progressed, fringe-toed lizard habitat declined from roughly 171,000 acres, historically (The Nature Conservancy 1985) to 63,360 acres in 1980 (Federal Register 1980) to 27,206 acres estimated by the model in 2000.
The CVFTL is omnivorous, and diet changes as a function of food availability. During normal to wet years, it eats primarily flowers and plant dwelling arthropods. During dry periods, the diet shifts to primarily leaves and ants (Durtsche 1987, 1995). The dietary content differs also between breeding and non-breeding seasons for males, but does not differ significantly for females. During late summer, the diets of the two sexes are indistinguishable (Durtsche 1992).
CVFTL differ sexually in their spatial use of the habitat. Males have a significantly larger home range size than do females. The average sizes are 1,070m² (11,518 ft²) for males and 437m² (4,704 ft²) for females (Horchar 1992). A home range is the area within which an animal conducts its normal daily and seasonal activity. A territory, on the other hand, is a portion of a home range that is defended. Muth and Fisher (pers. comm.) saw no evidence of territoriality in 16 years, contrary to Carpenter’s (1963) observations of captive lizards. CVFTL are active from March to mid-November (and sometimes into December when the weather is accommodating), although adults are primarily active from April to October with a peak in May-June (Mayhew 1965, Muth and Fisher, pers. comm.). Springtime activity is triggered when subsurface temperatures exceed the minimum voluntary temperature at -5 cm (-2 inches) where the lizards hibernate, and end when these temperatures drop below minimum voluntary in the fall (Cowles 1941, Brattstrom 1965, Muth and Fisher 1991). Daily activity is also associated with temperature: Mayhew (1964) found them active when their body temperatures ranged from
25.8-44.0° C (78-111° F); the mean is 38.0° C (100° F).
Associated Covered Species. Other target species whose habitat overlaps with that of the CVFTL include the Flat-Tailed Horned lizard, Coachella Valley Milk-vetch, Palm Springs Pocket mouse, Coachella Valley Round-Tailed ground squirrel, Coachella Valley Giant SandTreader cricket, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, and the Burrowing owl.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Where the AAC traverses the Algodones Dunes (Imperial Sand Dunes). • Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
• Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
42 Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for CVFTL. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed. • Coordinate with the ESD staff to examine Covered Activities areas for lizards when surface temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F).
• Inspect trenches, holes, or other excavations before filling. If a CVFTL is found have the biological monitor relocate the lizard.
• Exercise caution while driving on the project site and be on the lookout for CVFTL when onsite temperature exceeds 30°C (86°F).
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for CVFTL in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights.
Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the work site. • Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all personnel will be instructed on the protection of the CVFTL. The training will address: life history, listing status, applicable state and federal laws, field procedures, and prohibited activities. • All movement of vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access roads.
• All covered activity sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of CVFTL falling into them. • During periods of high CVFTL activity (May through September) ESD staff shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel on the right-of-way, within CVFTL habitat, will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work near the CVFTL location and allow the lizard to leave the area.
• If the CVFTL is not moving, authorized CVWD staff will relocate the lizard offsite to the nearest available habitat.
• Lizards may not be handled by unauthorized or unpermitted personnel. • If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff to notify them that a CVFTL was observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
43 6.3
Flat-Tailed Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma mcallii
Status Federal: No official status
State: California Species of Special Concern
Species Account:
The Flat-tailed horned lizard (FTHL) has a wide, flattened body with a short tail and dagger-like spines on its head. It can be distinguished from other horned lizards by a dark stripe running down the back and the presence of two slender, elongated horns. FTHL are pale colored to closely match the soils on which they live. Typically, the FTHL is often associated with sand flats and sand dunes, although it is rare on more active dunes. It also occurs far from blow sand on concreted silt and gravel substrates (Beauchamp et al. 1998, Cameron Barrows, pers. comm., Muth and Fisher 1992). The most common perennial plants associated with habitat for this lizard are creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and white bursage (Ambrosia dumosa) (Turner et al. 1980, Muth and Fisher 1992). Within the Plan Area, the FTHL occurs at low elevations in the valley. This lizard is found in two protected areas created by the CVMSHCP: the Thousand Palms Preserve and the Whitewater Floodplain Preserve. Another population is known from an unprotected area at the east end of the Indio Hills on the north side of the Coachella Canal.
Within the Plan Area, the FTHL occurs at low elevations in the valley. Nearly all sightings in California and Arizona were below 800 feet (250 m) elevation (Mayhew and Carlson 1986, Turner et al. 1980, M. Fisher, pers. comm.). A potential habitat corridor was identified between the east end of the Indio Hills and the Thousand Palms Preserve. In a survey conducted to evaluate the suitability of this corridor in 1999 it was concluded that the corridor is not presently suitable for FTHL (Hays, LaPointe, and Wright 1999). The FTHL is relatively active for a desert lizard. More than half (54%) of the day is spent in some kind of activity, including feeding, digging burrows, and running (Muth and Fisher 1992). They dig burrows to escape hot midday temperatures, and for winter hibernation. When approached by a potential predator, a FTHL usually stops running and flattens its body against the ground. It relies on cryptic coloration to avoid predation and will usually remain immobile until after the threat has passed.
They hibernate from mid-November to mid- February in shallow burrows, although at least some juveniles are active on warm days during the winter (Cameron Barrows, pers. comm.). 44 Reproductive activity begins in the spring and the first clutch of eggs hatches in late July. A second cohort may hatch in September.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
• Willow Hole Conservation Area
• East Indio Hills Conservation Area
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area Associated Covered Species. Within the Plan Area, other species of concern whose habitat overlaps with that of the flat-tailed horned lizard include the Coachella Valley Milk-vetch, Palm Springs pocket mouse, Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed lizard, Coachella Valley Round-Tailed Ground squirrel, Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, and burrowing owl.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for FTHL. • Environmental staff/biological monitor will possess authorization for relocation and handling of FTHL.
• Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed. • Coordinate with the ESD staff to examine covered activity work areas for lizards when surface temperatures exceed 30°C.
• Inspect trenches, holes, or other excavations before filling. If a FTHL is found, have the biological monitor relocate the lizard.
• Inspect excavations for FTHL before filling. If FTHL is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for FTHL in any pipes, culverts, or similar structures that are stored on the site for one (1) or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the covered activity work site. • Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all personnel will be instructed on the protection of the FTHL. The training will address: life history, listing status, applicable state and federal laws.
45 • All movement of vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All covered activity work sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of FTHL falling into them. • Personnel on the right-of-way, within FTHL habitat, will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work near the FTHL location and allow the lizard to leave the area.
Notify ESD staff, if present.
• If the FTHL is not moving, authorized ESD staff or biological monitor will relocate the lizard offsite to the nearest available habitat.
• If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff to notify them that a FTHL was observed and what actions were taken to avoid impacts.
7.0 BIRDS
This section contains species accounts, including Species Conservation Goals and Objectives, significant threats, and life history information, for each of the bird species covered under the Plan. Many of these species are listed as threatened or endangered by the federal and state governments. General measures common to all of these species are listed below, and measures specific to a given species are included under mandatory avoidance and minimization measures. 46 7.1
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing Owl Burrow
Burrowing Owl
Athene cunicularia
Status Federal: Species of Concern (No official status) State: Species of Special Concern
Species Account:
The burrowing owl (BUOW) is a small, ground-dwelling owl with a round head and long, stilt like legs. BUOW typically inhabit open areas, such as grasslands, pastures, coastal dunes, desert scrub, and the edges of agricultural fields. The BUOW has a broad distribution that includes open country throughout the Midwest and western United States, Texas and southern Florida, parts of central Canada, and into Mexico and the drier regions of Central and South America. In Southern California, it is known from lowlands over much of the region, particularly in agricultural areas. Within the Plan Area, BUOW are scattered in low numbers on open terrain throughout the lowlands. They occur in open desert areas, in fallow fields, along irrigation dikes and levees, wherever burrows (generally dug by ground squirrels) are available away from intense human activity. They can occur adjacent to residential Development, as evidenced by regular observations of these owls in sandy substrates along Washington Avenue in Bermuda 47 Dunes (prior to development of empty lots) (Cameron Barrows, pers. comm.), and around the Palm Springs Airport (J. Cornett, pers. comm.). Burrowing owls are notably common in Imperial County, along roads and levees in the agricultural areas. They may occur along roads and levees in agricultural areas at the eastern end of the Coachella Valley, within the Plan Area.
However, efforts to locate reliable records for burrowing owls in these agricultural areas met with limited success. BUOW typically occupy burrows dug by others, primarily ground squirrels. Lutz and Plumpton (1999) have found that broods from previous years were significantly larger for females that reused a site than for those that selected a new nest site. If left undisturbed, owls from southern localities will reuse the same burrow while northern migrating populations typically do not utilize the same burrow each year (Lutz and Plumpton 1999). A clutch of seven to nine eggs is laid between March and July (Dechant et al. 1999, revised 2002, p. 3). Both parents take part in incubation for about 28 days. The young emerge from the nest and spend daylight hours at the burrow entrance with one or both adults. Their distress call is a low rattle, said to be a mimic of a rattlesnake. The burrows selected by these owls are typically abandoned rodent burrows; however, they also commonly use old pipes, culverts or other debris that simulates a hole in the ground. Though their occurrence, distribution, and habitat preferences in the Coachella Valley are not well documented BUOW are well studied elsewhere. BUOW follow a crepuscular habit, being most active during the early morning and evening hours. They are often observed perched on fence posts or utility wires.
They typically live 8 years or more. Their diet is predominantly large insects and small rodents, but they will also take small birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, scorpions, and other available prey.
Impacts to BUOW can include temporary and permanent levels of disturbance. Temporary impacts to BUOW may include disturbance from storm water channel maintenance activities and emergency repairs. Permanent impacts may include loss of burrows during emergency repairs following storm events
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Edom Hill Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area • Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area 48 Associated Covered Species. Within the Plan Area, other species of concern whose habitat overlaps with that of the BUOW include the Flat-Tailed horned lizard, the Coachella Valley Milk-vetch, Palm Springs Pocket mouse, Coachella Valley Fringe-toed lizard, Coachella Valley Round-Tailed Ground squirrel, Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, and Desert Tortoise.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for BUOW prior to initiating any O&M activities.
• Caution in use of pesticides in the vicinity of burrowing owl burrows is also important.
Other measures that may enhance potential habitat in agricultural areas should be evaluated. Proactive habitat enhancement in agricultural areas could benefit burrowing owls if they are using berms along agricultural drains. • Immediately prior to initiating drain, or channel cleaning operations where burrowing owl may be present, have ESD staff visually inspect banks for burrows and mark active burrows with lathe and colored tape and determine adequate buffer zones.. • Establish a 250-foot buffer zone during the breeding season (February 1 – August 31); 160 feet outside of the breeding season. This buffer zone may be reduced if ESD staff in consultation with CDFW determines that a narrower buffer zone will adequately protect the species.
• Avoid collapsing or filling active burrows during drain and canal cleaning. • Exercise care when removing sediment from the drain or canal and depositing spoils on the bank so as to avoid impacting any marked burrows.
• Leave active burrows in levees, dikes, and drain and canal banks where possible. • Prior to replacing facilities or constructing new facilities, coordinate with CVWD ESD staff to determine if burrows occupied by burrowing owls would be filled or collapsed. • Avoid collapsing or filling active burrows during drain and canal cleaning. CVWD does not anticipate removing burrows, however if a BUOW burrow is made inaccessible, CVWD will mitigate with creation of two artificial burrows in the project vicinity. • ESD staff will provide annual training on general species ecology and avoidance and minimization measures as part of the O&M Manual training program.
What to Do If Found
• If an occupied burrow or dead owl is found during Covered Activities, stop all work and notify the ESD staff.
• Avoid work near the burrow until the ESD staff approves work resumption. 49 ESD staff will mark occupied burrows with a 4’ stake that has a colored tape streamer to provide good visibility. Ground disturbance activities will be restricted to a 160-foot buffer area of an active burrow outside of breeding season and 250 feet of an active burrow during the breeding season (February 1- August 31).
7.2 Yuma Ridgway’s Rail
Rallus obsoletus yumanensis
Status Federal: Endangered
State: Threatened
SPECIES ACCOUNT:
Yuma Ridgway’s Rails are found in marsh habitats of cattails (Typha domingensis) and bullwhip/California bulrush (Scirpus californicus). In habitats found along and adjacent to the lower Colorado River, these rails selected some combination of cattails and bulrush for breeding.
There was a post-breeding shift at some sites concurrent with a rise in water level, to higher elevation willows, arrowweed and salt cedar dominated habitats. Common reed (Phragmites communis) was also used as habitat, but usually occurred in areas too dry for breeding and foraging. Water depth appears to be an important habitat characteristic, with average preferred depths varying from 6.5 cm to 20 cm, depending on the study site. In deeper water, a residual mat of decaying vegetation was important to allow the rails to have access and use throughout their home range. The rails also preferred habitat edges and generally less dense habitat to facilitate mobility and access. Home ranges for male birds were found to average 7.7 +/- 5.9 ha, and for females 9.9 +/- 9.6 ha. The Yuma Ridgway’s Rail occurs at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area at the mouth of Salt Creek. Yuma Ridgway’s Rails occur within the Dos Palmas marshland complex in unknown numbers. The Dos Palmas area may have particular importance in that it may be one of the few occupied sites throughout this bird’s entire range that is relatively free of chemical contaminants. Both Dos Palmas and the Whitewater River delta/Salton Sea could, if managed appropriately, provide additional habitat to what already exists there. The population size of Yuma Ridgway’s Rails within this area is not known, nor is the trend in its population numbers, but it is likely that this population will require immigration from occupied habitat to the south to maintain long term viability. 50 This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area Associated Covered Species. California Black rails are often found in association with Yuma Ridgway’s Rail habitat. Conservation measures for one species will benefit the other. Desert pupfish and riparian birds may be found in associated wetland habitat.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, contact ESD staff to arrange pre-activity surveys. • In areas where Yuma Ridgway’s Rails occur, operations and maintenance activities shall establish a minimum 200-foot buffer zone between work activities, if the maintenance activity must be performed due to capacity or vegetation issues within drains. This buffer zone may be reduced if ESD staff in consultation with CDFW determines that a narrower buffer zone will adequately protect the colony.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biologist is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction.
7.3 California Black Rail
Laterallus jamaicensis
Status Federal: No official status
State: Threatened
51 Species Account:
California Black Rails are birds of dense coastal and inland marsh habitat. Based on radio telemetry data gathered on the lower Colorado River, California Black Rails selected habitat dominated by California bulrush (Scirpus californicus) and three square bulrush (S. americanus).
They either avoided cattails (Typha domingensis) or utilized cattail habitat in proportion to its availability. However, nests were often constructed of cattail leaf blades, even though cattails were rarely the dominant vegetation type surrounding the nest. Preferred habitat sites had a shallow water depth of <2.5 cm, with 25% of the substrate covered in water. They preferred areas closer to the shoreline than would have been expected in random distribution.
Depending on sex and time of year, home range size in appropriate habitat along the lower Colorado River varied from 0.43 to 0.55 hectares, which are three to four times smaller than those described for the Eastern Black Rail and may result from more stable water levels than found in tidal habitats. The rails were found to be entirely diurnal in their activity and resident year-round. California Black Rails are omnivorous, eating both invertebrates and bulrush seeds.
Predators include house cats, short-eared owls, northern harriers, great blue herons, great egrets, and exotic bullfrogs.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area Associated Covered Species. California Black Rails are often found in association with Yuma Ridgway’s Rail habitat. Conservation measures for one species will benefit the other species; however, additional information is needed on how these two species partition the habitat. Other associated species may include riparian birds and Desert pupfish.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for California Black Rail. • In areas where Black Rails occur, operations and maintenance activities shall establish a minimum 200-foot buffer zone between work activities and the active nests if the maintenance activity must be performed due to capacity or vegetation issues within drains. This buffer zone may be reduced if ESD staff in consultation with CDFW determines that a narrower buffer zone will adequately protect the species. 52 What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biologist is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction.
7.4 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Empidonax traillii extimus
Status Federal: Endangered
State: Endangered
Species Account:
The southwestern willow flycatcher (SWWF) is restricted to dense riparian woodlands and forests along the river and stream systems of Southern California, primarily in Kern, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. Their breeding range also includes southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, western Texas, and possibly southwestern Colorado. They are reported as breeding birds in Mexico, in extreme northern Baja California and Sonora. They winter in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. This flycatcher can be found at sites where a dense growth of willows (Salix sp.), Baccharis, arrowweed (Pluchea sp.), or other plants occurs in thickets. These thickets are often associated with a scattered over story of cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and other riparian trees. This species has also been found nesting in Southern California in relatively narrow bands of riparian habitat and can utilize extremely small remnant riparian areas (one medium size willow tree) during migration (T.
Newkirk-Gonzales, pers. comm.). In surveys by biologists from the University of California, Riverside, Center for Conservation Biology (Center for Conservation Biology, University of California, Riverside 2004) willow flycatchers were detected at Cottonwood Springs in Joshua Tree National Park, Dos Palmas Preserve, Mission Creek, Thousand Palms Oasis, and Whitewater Canyon. It is not known whether these individuals were Empidonax traillii extimus, the subspecies that breeds in southern California (Unitt 1987; Sedgwick 2000), or whether they were a different subspecies that occurs as migrants in southern California but breed farther north (e.g., E. t. brewsteri). The breeding status of the southwestern willow flycatcher within the Plan Area is not well known. Suitable breeding habitat is present in a number of locations where riparian habitat exists, in Chino, Andreas, Murray, Palm, Millard, and Whitewater Canyons, and possibly in Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons. Suitable breeding habitat may also occur at Oasis de los Osos, along the Whitewater River near the Salton Sea, at the Thousand Palms Preserve, 53 and at Dos Palmas Preserve/ACEC. The birds begin to arrive in Southern California to breed late in the spring, generally from mid-March through the summer months, until August.
Associated Covered Species. Other riparian species occurring in similar habitat, including the Yellow-Breasted chat, Summer Tanager, Least Bell’s vireo, and Yellow Warbler, will benefit from conservation and Adaptive Management actions for southwestern willow flycatcher.
Riparian bird species will be considered as a guild in the Plan with regard to their general presence in riparian areas. However, each of these riparian bird species may require slightly different structural features or succession stages for optimal breeding habitat, which may require different management strategies.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Morongo Wash Special Provisions Area
• Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area • Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for SWWF. • If an active nest is located, a 200-foot buffer zone will be established around each nest site; however, there may be a reduction of this buffer zone depending on site-specific conditions or the existing ambient level of activity following consultation with CDFW.
No covered activity work will take place within this buffer until the nest is no longer active, unless there are physical or safety constraints. 54 What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biologist is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction.
7.5 Crissal Thrasher
Toxostoma crissali
Status Federal: No official status
State: Species of Special Concern
Species Account:
The Crissal Thrasher is a ground-dwelling relative of the mockingbird that occurs in the Plan Area. The distribution of habitat for the Crissal Thrasher is quite patchy, particularly in the vicinity of the Salton Sea where areas occupied by mesquite hummocks and desert saltbush scrub are highly fragmented. They occupy arid habitats and are year-round residents in the CVMSHCP area, though they may make seasonal elevation migrations (up to 40 km) (Sheppard 1996). Crissal Thrashers are associated with desert washes, riparian brush and mesquite thickets at lower elevations and dense scrub in arroyos at higher elevations (Cody 1999). In the Coachella Valley (low elevation) the species occurs in areas dominated by mesquite hummocks and thickets with acacias, arrow weed, and in desert saltbush scrub (Hanna 1933). The species commonly nests in mesquite (Gilman 1902, Hanna 1933). The mean territory size for Crissal Thrasher in the Granite Mountains was estimated to be 4.92 ha, although the defended area is thought to be larger (Cody 1999). Like the Le Conte’s thrasher, Crissal Thrashers are secretive, feeding under the cover of dense vegetation making them difficult to locate with the exception of singing males that often perch on taller vegetation. Crissal Thrashers have dark brown bodies with a dark chestnut crissum (the feathers also known as the under-tail coverts) and lack the contrast between the tail and body seen in Le Conte’s thrashers. The nest of Crissal Thrasher is an open cup rather large twiggy nest built low to the ground and well hidden in dense mesquite or other thick desert vegetation. Crissal Thrasher clutch size is typically two to three eggs with an incubation time of 14 days and fledging after 11 to 13 days (Erhlich et al. 1988). The Crissal Thrasher seldom flies in the open, but moves furtively among streamside mesquite thickets, willows, and other tangles. This bird resembles the California Thrasher in its habit of gathering food by hacking the ground with its heavy curved bill, but their ranges do not overlap. Except 55 during the hottest months and briefly after molting, it delivers its loud melodious song yearround. The peak for mating and vocalizations for Crissal Thrashers appears to be between February and April (Center for Conservation Biology, University of California, Riverside 2004). The breeding season is protracted, extending at least from February to July, and in the winter rainfall part of the range, to the northwest, a second brood may be produced in the fall (Cody 1999).
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area Associated Covered Species. Crissal Thrashers are found in habitat that also may be used by riparian bird species during migration, including the Least Bell’s vireo, Summer Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-Breasted Chat, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Conservation measures for one species will benefit the other; however, additional information is needed on how these two species partition the habitat. In mesquite hummock areas, Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrels would occur with Crissal Thrashers. Other species including the Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed lizard, Flat-Tailed horned lizard, and Palm Springs Pocket mouse may occur within the same habitat as the Crissal Thrasher.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Crissal thrasher. • Within the Conservation Areas that harbor this species, Essential habitat will be avoided to the maximum extent practical.
• If an active nest is located, a 200 foot buffer zone will be established around each nest site; however, this buffer zone may be reduced if ESD staff in consultation with CDFW determines that a narrower buffer zone will adequately protect the species. No Covered Activities will take place within this buffer until the nest is no longer active, unless there are physical or safety constraints.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction. 56 7.6
Le Conte's Thrasher
Toxostoma lecontei
Status Federal: No official status
State: Species of Special Concern
Species Account:
Le Conte’s thrasher is a relatively small bird, up to approximately 9 inches in length, and has a long, curved bill. This thrasher is grayish brown with a long, dark tail. It has dark legs, dark eyes, and a pale throat. Le Conte’s thrasher occurs in open desert washes and desert scrub habitats on sandy and often alkaline soils. They occur in Desert Scrub, Desert Succulent Shrub, Desert Wash, and Alkali Desert Scrub habitats. Desert shrubs and cacti are frequently used for cover. This species often inhabits areas with sandy soils and where the topography is flat and open, including dunes and gently rolling hills. Surface water rarely exists anywhere within several miles of most of its territories, except temporarily following infrequent rains. For nesting, Le Conte's thrasher prefers thick, dense, and thorny shrubs or Cholla cactus. Cholla cactus and saltbush were used in 85% of 289 nest sites throughout the distribution of the species.
The remaining 15% were in a large variety of desert shrubs, small trees, and yucca. Within the Plan Area, there are historical records in the CNDDB and a few recent records. Nests are known to persist for several years and are often easier to find than the birds.
Modeled habitat within the following CVMSHCP Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Highway 111/I-10 Conservation Area
• Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Morongo Wash Special Provisions Area
• Willow Hole Conservation Area
57 • Edom Hill Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage Conservation Area • Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• East Indio Hills Conservation Area
• Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area • Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area • Dos Palmas Conservation Area
Associated Covered Species: Le Conte’s thrashers are found in habitat that also may be used by riparian bird species during migration, primarily desert dry wash woodland, including the Least Bell’s vireo, Summer Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-Breasted chat, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. They also may be associated with Crissal Thrasher, Desert Tortoise, Palm Springs Pocket mouse, Coachella Valley Round-Tailed Ground squirrel, Flat-Tailed horned lizard, and Coachella Valley Milk-vetch among other species.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Le Conte’s thrasher. • All grading or brushing taking place within riparian habitats of the Le Conte’s thrasher during Covered Activities will occur following a pre-activity survey by ESD. • If an active nest is located, a 200 foot buffer zone will be established around each nest site; however, this buffer zone may be reduced if ESD staff in consultation with CDFW determines that a narrower buffer zone will adequately protect the species. No Covered Activities will take place within this buffer until the nest is no longer active, unless there are physical or safety constraints.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction. 58 7.7
Least Bell’s Vireo
Vireo bellii pusillus
Status Federal: Endangered
State: Endangered
Species Account:
The Least Bell’s vireo (LBV) inhabits riparian woodland habitats along the riverine systems of Southern California, primarily in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Riverside Counties. They also breed in northern Baja California and are seen in migration in southern Baja California. This vireo species occurs at sites with two primary features: (1) a dense shrub cover within 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) off the ground, where nests are typically placed, and (2) a dense, stratified canopy for foraging (Goldwasser 1981, USFWS 1998). Typical riparian habitats are those which may include cottonwoods (Populus fremontii), oak woodlands, and a dense understory of species such as willow (Salix spp.), Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), and California wild rose (Rosa californica); in desert areas, arrow-weed (Pluchea sericea) and wild grape (Vitis girdiana) may be dominant species in these riparian woodlands. The LBV is known to occur as a breeding bird in Chino Canyon and in Andreas Canyon. Other suitable breeding habitat may occur in Millard Canyon, Whitewater Canyon, Mission Creek, Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, at Oasis de los Osos, at the Willow Hole-Edom Hill Preserve/ACEC, along the Whitewater River near the Salton Sea, and at Dos Palmas. LBVs also migrate through the Plan Area en route to other breeding areas. In migration, they may use desert fan palm oasis woodland, mesquite hummocks, mesquite bosque, arrowweed scrub, desert dry wash woodland, southern sycamorealder riparian woodland, Sonoran cottonwood-willow riparian forest, and southern arroyo willow riparian forest. The LBV typically arrives in Southern California to breed from mid-March to early April and remain until late September. During the breeding season, male vireos establish and defend territories; they maintain a stubborn attachment to these sites throughout the breeding season. Nests are constructed in dense thickets of willow or Mulefat, one to two meters from the ground. These vireos may also make their nests in other riparian tree and shrub species. 59 This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel & Delta Conservation Area • Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area Associated Covered Species. Other riparian species that occur in similar habitat, including the Yellow-Breasted Chat, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, and Yellow Warbler, will benefit from conservation and Adaptive Management actions for least Bell’s vireo. Riparian bird species will be considered as a guild in the Plan with regard to their general presence in riparian areas. However, each of these riparian bird species may require slightly different structural features or successional stages for optimal breeding habitat, which may require different management strategies. Birds begin returning to southern California breeding sites in mid- to late-March; Grinnell and Miller (1944) reported later arrival (early April) for historic northern California populations. Males arrive in advance of females by several days, and observations of banded birds suggest that returning adult breeders may arrive earlier than firstyear birds by several weeks (Kus, unpublished. data).
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Least Bell’s vireo. • If an active nest is located, a 200-foot buffer zone will be established around each nest site; however, this buffer zone may be reduced if ESD staff in consultation with CDFW determines that a narrower buffer zone will adequately protect the species. No Covered Activities will take place within this buffer until the nest is no longer active, unless there are physical or safety constraints.
60 What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction.
7.8 Gray Vireo
Vireo vicinior
Status Federal: No official Status
State: Species of Special Concern
Species Account:
The Gray Vireo is a small passerine about the size of a house sparrow that inhabits arid, shrubcovered slopes in Pinyon-Juniper, and chemise-redshank chaparral habitats on foothills and mesas. Suitable habitat typically occurs from 2,000 to 6,500 feet (600-2,000 m) (Zeiner et al. 1990). In its preferred habitat it is found in areas with sparse to moderate cover and scattered small trees. Although junipers are the dominant trees in gray vireo habitat, oaks may also be common. The summer range of the gray vireo is from New Mexico, southern Nevada, southern Utah, southern Colorado, western Texas, Arizona, and southeastern California. This species winters primarily south of the Mexican border and in southwestern Arizona. In California, breeding gray vireos are known from the northeastern slopes of the San Bernardino Mountains in the vicinity of Rose Mine and Round Valley, in the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains from Mountain Center to Pinyon Flat and Sugarloaf Mountain, and on the southern slopes of the Laguna Mountains near Campo and Kitchen Creek. Descriptions by Grinnell and Swarth (1913) indicate that the gray vireo was a common summer resident on the slopes of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. While it is not known how many birds may still exist in the area, sightings are rare. Regular surveys for this species have not been conducted in the Plan Area.
The gray vireo usually arrives from its wintering areas in Mexico from the end of March to early May. It generally departs by the end of August. The nest of the gray vireo is an open cup of plant fibers, bits of leaves, spider silk, and bark strips, often hung from twigs or a forked branch in a shrub or small tree, usually two to eight feet above ground (Zeiner et al. 1990). Eggs are laid from mid-May to mid-June. Gray vireos feed by gleaning insects and invertebrates from bushes and small trees. In New Mexico, territories encompass 100 acres or more (Schwarz 1991). 61 This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area Associated Covered Species. Another Covered Species that occurs in similar habitat is the Peninsular Bighorn sheep, which occurs in Pinyon-Juniper dominated woodlands up to about 4,000 feet. Desert tortoise may also occur in the same habitat at elevations to approximately 3,800 feet.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Gray vireo. • If an active nest is located, a 200 foot buffer zone will be established around each nest site; however, there may be a reduction of this buffer zone depending on site-specific conditions or the existing ambient level of activity. The Applicant will contact Wildlife Agencies to determine the appropriate buffer zone. No Covered Activities will take place within this buffer until the nest is no longer active, unless there are physical or safety constraints.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction.
7.9 Yellow Warbler
Dendroica petechia brewsteri
Status Federal: No official status
State: Species of Special Concern
62 Species Account:
The yellow warbler occurs in riparian areas throughout Alaska, Canada, the United States, and parts of Mexico. A tropical subspecies occurs in Central and South America. The yellow warbler prefers wetlands and mature riparian woodlands dominated by cottonwoods, alders, and willows. It also uses well-watered, second growth woodlands and gardens. The species breeds throughout the United States and Canada. It was once a locally abundant summer resident in riparian areas throughout California. Currently, populations are reduced and locally extirpated (e.g., Sacramento Valley and San Joaquin Valley). This species was once a common resident in San Francisco; however, there are no recent breeding records for that area. The yellow warbler has declined significantly as a breeding bird in the coastal lowlands of Southern California and is believed to be extirpated from the Colorado River. Destruction of riparian habitats and cowbird parasitism are the major causes of the decline. The yellow warbler is known or believed to occur as a breeding bird at Whitewater Canyon, Mission Creek, Chino Canyon, Andreas Canyon, in the Whitewater River near the Salton Sea, and at Cottonwood Spring in Joshua Tree National Park.
Many yellow warblers also migrate through the Plan Area en route to other breeding areas. No conservation measures are proposed in urban areas; however, it is anticipated that suitable landscape trees and shrubs will continue to thrive in urban areas. Yellow warblers typically arrive from their wintering areas from late March to May and typically begin nest building activities in April and continue nesting through early summer (June) in appropriate habitat. They tend to nest in locations of intermediate height and shrub density. The nest is built in an upright fork or crotch of a large tree, or sometimes a sapling or bush, generally 6 to 8 feet above the ground. The nest is a well-formed cup of interwoven plant fibers and down, fine grasses, lichens, mosses, spider silk, hairs, etc. Usually four to five eggs are laid in spring or early summer. Incubation is 11 days, and the young leave the nest at 9 to 12 days old. The yellow warbler feeds on caterpillars, cankerworms, moth larvae, bark beetles, borers, weevils, small moths, aphids, grasshoppers, and spiders, and occasionally feeds on a few species of berries.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
63 • Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel & Delta Conservation Area • Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area Associated Covered Species. Other riparian species that occur in similar habitat, including the Least Bell’s vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, and Yellow-Breasted Chat, will benefit from conservation and Adaptive Management actions for the Yellow Warbler.
Riparian bird species will be considered as a guild in the Plan with regard to their general presence in riparian areas.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow warbler. • If an active nest is located, a 200 foot buffer zone will be established around each nest site; however, this buffer zone may be reduced if ESD staff in consultation with CDFW determines that a narrower buffer zone will adequately protect the species. No Covered Activities will take place within this buffer until the nest is no longer active, unless there are physical or safety constraints.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction.
7.10 Yellow-Breasted Chat
Icteria virens
Status Federal: No official status
State: Species of Special Concern
64 Species Account:
The yellow-breasted chat is found throughout most of the United States, southern Canada, parts of Mexico, and south to Panama in the appropriate habitat. It is more often heard than seen, preferring to stay under cover in dense riparian thickets. The yellow-breasted chat nests in dense riparian thickets and brushy tangles in the lower portions of foothill canyons and in the lowlands.
Its nest is a cup of dried leaves, coarse straw, and bark, lined with grasses, fine plant stems and leaves, built low in a bush, vine, or briar; there are typically three to five eggs laid from early May to mid-July. It is primarily an insect eater but also eats wild berries and wild grapes. This species is known to breed or is likely to breed in Whitewater Canyon, Mission Creek, Chino Canyon, and the Whitewater River between Mecca and the Salton Sea. It is possible that it breeds elsewhere in the Plan Area as well. In migration, the yellow-breasted chat may use desert fan palm oasis woodland, mesquite hummocks, mesquite bosque, arrowweed scrub, desert dry wash woodland, desert sink scrub, desert saltbush scrub, southern sycamore alder riparian woodland, Sonoran cottonwood-willow riparian forest, coastal and valley freshwater marsh, and cismontane alkali marsh in the Plan Area. It has been observed at Dos Palmas, the Thousand Palms Preserve, and Willow Hole. It has also been observed in Andreas Canyon on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. Individuals observed in these locations may have been in migration to other breeding areas outside the Plan Area. The yellow-breasted chat is in a general state of decline. The primary threat is loss of habitat, mainly due to flood control activities; the chat is also subject to cowbird parasitism. Human activities, including golf courses and agriculture, attract cowbirds, thereby increasing the threat to the species.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel & Delta Conservation Area • Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area 65 Associated Covered Species. Other riparian species that occur in similar habitat, including the Least Bell’s vireo, Yellow-Breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, and Yellow Warbler, will benefit from conservation and Adaptive Management actions for the yellow-breasted chat. Riparian bird species will be considered as a guild in the Plan with regard to their general presence in riparian areas.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow-Breasted chat.
• If an active nest is located, a 200-foot buffer zone will be established around each nest site; however, this buffer zone may be reduced if ESD staff in consultation with CDFW determines that a narrower buffer zone will adequately protect the species. No Covered Activities will take place within this buffer until the nest is no longer active, unless there are physical or safety constraints.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction.
7.11 Summer Tanager
Piranga rubra cooperi
Status Federal: No official status
State: Species of Special Concern
66 Species Account:
The North American breeding population of summer tanagers has remained generally stable since the mid-1970s, although some populations in the eastern United States and along the Colorado River have declined. It was formerly considered common in the lower Colorado River valley by Grinnell (1914), but only 216 individuals were estimated to be present by 1976 (Rosenberg et al. 1991). Habitat destruction is the likely cause of the decrease. Little is known of the breeding biology of the species. Summer tanagers nest in mature riparian groves dominated by cottonwoods and willows. Early arrivals from wintering grounds may appear in late March, but the main migration is April through early May. Nesting is primarily May through June. The nest is built on a horizontal limb of large trees including cottonwoods, usually 10 to 35 feet above the ground, and often over an opening such as a creek bed. The nest is a loosely built, shallow cup of weed stems, leaves, bark, and grasses, lined with fine grasses. From three to five, but usually four eggs are laid. Incubation is approximately 12 days. Tanagers eat insects, including bees and wasps, and small wild fruits. This species is known or suspected to nest in the Plan Area in Mission Creek, the Whitewater Canyon, and Palm Canyon, and also migrates through the area on its way to more coastal and northern habitats. There are also records from the Whitewater River delta and the Thousand Palms Preserve, but whether it nests in these areas or only uses them in migration is not known.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel & Delta Conservation Area • Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area 67 Associated Covered Species. Other riparian species that occur in similar habitat, including Least Bell’s vireo, Yellow-Breasted Chat, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, and Yellow Warbler, will benefit from conservation and Adaptive Management actions for summer tanager. Riparian bird species will be considered as a guild in the Plan with regard to their general presence in riparian areas. However, each of these riparian bird species may require slightly different structural features or successional stages for optimal breeding habitat, which may require different management strategies.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Summer Tanager. • If an active nest is located, a 200 foot buffer zone will be established around each nest site; however, this buffer zone may be reduced if ESD staff in consultation with CDFW determines that a narrower buffer zone will adequately protect the species. No Covered Activities will take place within this buffer until the nest is no longer active, unless there are physical or safety constraints.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work within a 200 foot radius of an active nest during breeding season (March 1 – September 1) and notify the ESD staff if present. • If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction.
8.0 MAMMALS
This section contains species accounts, including Species conservation goals and objectives, significant threats, and life history information, for each of the mammal species covered under this Plan. These species include the Southern Yellow bat, Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, Palm Springs round-tailed ground squirrel, and Palm Springs Pocket Mouse. General measures common to all of these mammals are listed below, and measures specific to a given species are included under mandatory avoidance and minimization measures. 68 8.1
Southern Yellow Bat
Lasiurus ega
Status Federal: No official status
State: Species of Special Concern
Species Account:
The Southern Yellow Bat roosts in trees, primarily palm trees. It appears to prefer the dead fronds of palm trees as a refugium and daytime roost. It feeds on flying insects such as beetles and true bugs, and forages over water and among trees. This species is thought to be noncolonial, although aggregations of up to 15 have been found in the same roost site. Yellow bats probably do not hibernate; activity has been observed year-round in both the southern and northern portions of the range. This species probably forms small maternity groups in trees and palms. Pregnancy occurs from April to June, with lactation occurring in June and July. Females carry from one to four embryos. In Texas, bat pups have been found on fronds that have been trimmed from trees (Mirowsky 1997). There is very little information available on the life history of this species.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
• Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area 69 Associated Covered Species. Because riparian birds may also use palm oases in migration, protection of the oases for the Southern Yellow Bat may benefit Least Bell's vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow-Breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, and Yellow Warbler.
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow Bat if palm trees will be trimmed or removed.
• Avoid removal or trimming of palm trees with a well-developed “petticoat” of fronds from March 1 – July 31 to avoid impacts to pregnant bats and/or lactating pups.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work on a palm tree if a Southern Yellow Bat is observed and notify the ESD staff if present.
• If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction.
8.2 Coachella Valley Round-Tailed Ground Squirrel
Spermophilus tereticaudus chlorus
Status Federal: Candidate
State: Species of Special Concern
70 Species Account:
The Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel is typically associated with sand fields and dune formations (Bradley and Deacon 1971), although it does not require active blow sand areas.
This small ground squirrel seems to prefer areas where hummocks of sand accumulate at the base of large shrubs that provide burrow sites and adequate cover (Grinnell and Dixon 1918, Cameron Barrows, pers. comm.). Various authors have referred to the use of mesquite habitat by round-tailed ground squirrels (Allen and Price 1895, Elliot 1904, Grinnell and Dixon 1918, Vorhies 1945, Drabek 1973, Dunford 1975). In surveys for this Plan, Dodero (1995) reported observing this squirrel at Willow Hole in the central portion of the dune as well as at the southern periphery, at the edge of mesquite clumps. The Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel occurs in small colonies widely scattered in suitable sandy habitats (Ryan 1968). According to Jaeger (1961), 10 to 15 animals per square mile (0.01 to 0.02/acre) is probably an average number. Based on input from various observers, including members of the Planning Team, areas where the Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel occurs in relatively high density have been identified. This squirrel occurs in good populations in the vicinity of Snow Creek, from Fingal’s Finger to Windy Point; it has also been observed further west near Cabazon. It occurs around the Whitewater River channel north and west of Palm Springs, including the Whitewater Floodplain Preserve. It has been observed along the Mission Creek wash and likely occurs in suitable habitat in the southern parts of Desert Hot Springs. The burrows of the Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel are typically located at the base of a large creosote bush or other shrub, often on a small mound or hummock. The entry is several inches across leading to tunnels that are not usually deep or over five or six feet in length (Jaeger 1961). Young are born in March or April in litters of four to 12. In winter, they remain in their underground burrows for much of the time. They feed on seeds and green leaves of desert plants, including the stems of Mormon tea (Ephedra sp.), leaves and beans of mesquite, cactus fruit, ocotillo blossoms (Hoffmeister 1986), and agricultural crops, but may occasionally take small lizards (including flat-tailed horned lizards) and insects; they have also been observed to feed on carrion.
Associated Covered Species. Within the Plan Area, other species of concern whose habitat overlaps with that of the Palm Springs Round-Tailed Ground squirrel include Flat-Tailed Horned lizard, Palm Springs Pocket mouse, Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed lizard, Coachella Valley Milk-vetch, Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, and Burrowing owl.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
• Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
71 Additional habitat located in the following Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Highway 111/I-10 Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Edom Hill Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
• Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage Conservation Area • Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• East Indio Hills Conservation Area
Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed Covered Activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, have ESD staff perform pre-activity surveys (using track detection, sighting counts and vocalization) for Coachella Valley round tailed ground Squirrel.
• If a Round-Tailed ground squirrel burrow is observed during grading or brushing activities within a Conservation Area contact ESD staff. • Work related materials and wastes shall be removed from the Project site upon completion of the Project.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work if a Round-tailed ground squirrel is observed onsite and notify the ESD staff if present.
• If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction. 72 8.3
Palm Springs Pocket Mouse
Perognathus longimembris bangsi
Status Federal: No official status
State: Species of Special Concern
Species Account:
The Palm Springs pocket mouse is one of seven subspecies of Perognathus longimembris, the “little pocket mouse” that occurs in Southern California. The species is the smallest of the Heteromydae family that also includes kangaroo rats, kangaroo mice, and spiny pocket mice.
The Palm Springs pocket mouse was originally described by Mearns (1898) with the type locality in Palm Springs. This subspecies occurs in the lower Sonoran life zone from the San Gorgonio Pass area east to the Little San Bernardino Mountains and south along the eastern edge of the Peninsular Range to Borrego Valley and the east side of San Felipe Narrows (Hall 1981).
There is no evidence that this subspecies’ range is different than what has been described in the past (Dodd 1996), although its habitat has been greatly reduced by urbanization and agriculture in the Coachella Valley. The Palm Springs pocket mouse is known to hybridize with the Los Angeles pocket mouse (P.l. brevinasus) along its western boundary. Although the extent is not known, hybridization also occurs with other subspecies, including the Jacumba pocket mouse (P. l. internationalis) to the south and the little pocket mouse (P. l. longimembris) to the north.
Generally, their habitat is described as having level to gently sloping topography, sparse to moderate vegetative cover, and loosely packed or sandy soils. The species was found broadly distributed in the Plan Area on slopes ranging from 0% to approximately 15% (Dodd 1996). The Plan Area contains the major portion of the range of this species, including the western, northern, and eastern limits of the species' range. Dodd (1996, 1997) conducted extensive trapping for this species within the Coachella Valley and surrounding region, and found much higher PSPM densities in the northern and western Coachella Valley. The species also occurs on three existing preserves: the Thousand Palms Preserve, the Whitewater Floodplain Preserve, and the Willow Hole-Edom Hill Preserve/ACEC. It occurs at the highest reported densities for the Plan Area in the Snow Creek area. Surveys completed for this Plan (Dodd 1999) confirmed that the species also occurs at Dos Palmas Preserve/ACEC and in the Cottonwood Canyon area of Joshua Tree National Park. This species generally breeds from January to August, with a peak of activity from March to May (Dodd 1996). Several studies suggest that reproduction in heteromyids may be dependent on availability of annual vegetation. Studies of other subspecies of the little pocket 73 mouse indicate that they hibernate in winter and are active above ground in spring, summer, and fall (Bartholomew and Cade 1957).
Associated Covered Species. This species is generally associated with sandy soils. The Palm Springs Pocket mouse is a near-endemic to the Plan Area; the type locality for the species is from Palm Springs (Mearns 1898). It does, however, occur in the vicinity of Borrego Springs and on the east side of the San Felipe Narrows (Hall 1981), which are not within the Plan Area.
Other target species whose habitat overlaps with that of the Palm Springs Pocket mouse include the Flat-Tailed Horned lizard, Coachella Valley Round-Tailed Ground squirrel, Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket, Coachella Valley Milk-vetch, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, Coachella Valley Fringe-Toed lizard, and the Burrowing owl.
This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Morongo Wash Special Provisions Area
• Willow Hole Conservation Area
• Thousand Palms Conservation Area
Additional habitat located in the following Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Stubbe and Cottonwood Canyons Conservation Area
• Whitewater Canyon Conservation Area
• Highway 111/I-10 Conservation Area
• Upper Mission Creek/Big Morongo Canyon Conservation Area • Mission Creek/Morongo Wash Conservation Area
• Edom Hill Conservation Area
• Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Linkage Conservation Area • Indio Hills Palms Conservation Area
• East Indio Hills Conservation Area
• Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
• Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
• Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
• Dos Palmas Conservation Area
74 • Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area • Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. • PSPM surveys will include visual surveys, and examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• Prior to covered activity work, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist work crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible).
• During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable.
• Work related materials and wastes shall be removed from the Covered Activity site upon completion of the O&M work.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work if a suspected PSPM is observed in the project site and notify the ESD staff if present.
• If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction. 75 8.4
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensis nelsoni
Status Federal: Endangered
State: Threatened
Species Account:
The Peninsular bighorn sheep is restricted to the east-facing, lower elevation slopes (below 1,400 meters) of the Peninsular Ranges in the Sonoran desert life zone. Range-wide estimates of abundance for the U.S. population, from the San Jacinto Mountains to the Mexican border, began in the 1970s. The highest population estimate was 1,171 in 1974 (Weaver 1975). Surveys in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s indicate that significant declines have occurred in multiple ewe groups.
The synergistic effects from habitat loss, disease, human disturbance, and predation are believed to have caused the decline. The 1998 range-wide population was estimated to be 334 animals (excluding lambs). Approximately half of these were in the Plan area in four subpopulations, or ewe groups. The San Jacinto (Recovery Region 1) and Northern Santa Rosa (Recovery Region 2) ewe groups have the smallest populations, excluding lambs. These two groups are especially vulnerable. In contrast to most mountain sheep, Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep tend to favor the lower elevation habitat which makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbance (Ostermann 2001).
The Essential habitat for bighorn sheep in the northern portion of the Peninsular Ranges which is within the Plan Area borders the rapidly urbanizing Coachella Valley area. Urban encroachment into alluvial fans, bajadas, and canyons within Peninsular bighorn sheep habitat in the San Jacinto and northern Santa Rosa Mountains began in the 1950s and continues today (Ostermann 2001). DeForge and Scott (1982) described the situation of bighorn sheep using urban areas during the hot summer months in the mid-1950s. Urbanization was considered the leading cause of mortality for Peninsular bighorn sheep from 1991 to 1996 (Bighorn Institute 1999). Bighorn sheep in the Peninsular Ranges were listed as threatened by the State of California in 1971 and endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1998 (USFWS 1998).
Associated Covered Species. Other species of concern which occur in the same general area as Bighorn Sheep include Gray Vireo, Desert Tortoise, and some riparian bird species. 76 This species occurs within the following Conservation Areas:
• Cabazon Conservation Area
• Snow Creek/Windy Point Conservation Area
• Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area Species Specific Avoidance and minimization measures are described below:
• Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys to determine if the site contains water sources.
• Primary risks to Peninsular bighorn sheep during O&M and Covered Activities include disturbance to, or exclusion from, water sources.
• In San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, avoid activities that could impact Bighorn sheep during the lambing season from approximately January 31 through June 29 in our region.
What to Do If Found
• Immediately stop all work if a Peninsular bighorn sheep is observed onsite and notify the ESD staff if present.
• If no biological monitor is present onsite, call ESD staff and seek direction. 77 TABLES AND FIGURES
Table 1 Vegetation, Algae, and Invasive Species Control at CVWD Facilities and Infrastructure
Table 2 Coachella Valley MSHCP Covered Species
Table 3 CVWD Covered Activities and Required Avoidance and Minimization Measures
Figure 1 Coachella Valley Water District Covered Activities Locations Figures 2 – 13 CVWD Lands/Infrastructure located within CVMSHCP Conservation Areas Figure 14 Coachella Valley MSHCP Valley Wide Conservation Area Map Tables 4 -15 Coachella Valley MSHCP Conservation Areas and Avoidance and Minimization Measures
78 Table 1. Vegetation, Algae, Pest and Invasive Species Control at CVWD Facilities and Infrastructure CVWD Activity Control
Method
Industry
Name
Notes
Vegetation Control on service roads
and facilities
Herbicide Aqua Neat Preferred for use in sensitive
habitats
Aquatic Vegetation control in
channels and canals
Triploid Grass
Carp
Grass Carp Integrated algae/grass control
Herbicide Aqua Neat Used in agricultural drain channels Quagga Mussel Control Sodium
Hypochlorite
Chlorine Coachella Canal treatment for
invasive (Quagga) mussels
Insect and Rodent Control Bait Station
Insecticide
Fast Track
Temprid SC
Nibor D
Used at CVWD office facilities and
water reclamation plants
79 Table 2. Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Covered Species Species Conservation Status Habitat Associations
California Coachella Valley
Plants
Xylorhiza cognate
Mecca Aster US: CA: CNPS: List 1B
Mecca aster may be associated with two intergraded
geologic formations found in local hills; the Palm
Springs formation and the Canebrake formation
(Stewart 1991).
Astragalus lentiginosus var.
coachellae
Coachella Valley
Milkvetch
US: FE CA: CNPS: List
1B
The Coachella Valley Milkvetch occurs in dunes and
sandy flats, along the disturbed margins of sandy
washes, and in sandy soils along roadsides.
Astragalus tricarinatus
Triple-Ribbed Milkvetch
US: FE CA: CNPS: List
1B
The triple-ribbed Milkvetch is found in a narrow
range primarily from the northwestern portion of the
Coachella Valley, from the vicinity of Whitewater
Canyon, the type locality, across Highway 62 to Dry
Morongo Wash and Big Morongo Canyon.
Salvia greatae
Orocopia Sage
US: CA: CSC CNPS:
List 1B
The preferred habitat of Orocopia sage is in gravelly
or rocky soils on broad bajadas or fans, often adjacent to desert washes or on the rocky slopes of canyons.
Linanthus maculatus (also
Gilia maculata)
Little San Bernardino
Mountains Linanthus
US: SSC CA: CSC
CNPS: List 1B
The occurrences within the Plan Area are on the
margins of washes on shallow sandy benches.
Insects
Macrobaenetes valgum
Coachella Valley Giant
Sand -Treader Cricket
US: CSC CA:
Coachella Valley Giant Sand -Treader cricket depends
on the active dunes and ephemeral sand fields at the
west end of the Coachella Valley.
Stenopelmatus cahuilaensis
Coachella Valley
Jerusalem Cricket US: CA:
The Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket is known
from the Snow Creek area east to Windy Point, and
from remnants of sand dune Habitat around the Palm
Springs Airport.
Fish
Cyprinodon macularius
Desert pupfish
US: FE CA: SE
Desert backwater areas, springs, streams, and pools.
In California, found in the Salton Sea and some of its
tributaries (San Felipe Creek, San Sebastian Marsh,
and Salt Creek) in Riverside and Imperial Counties.
Reptiles
Gopherus (Xerobates)
agassizii
Desert Tortoise
US: FT CA: ST
Historically found throughout the Mojave and
Sonoran Deserts into Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Occurs throughout the Mojave Desert in scattered
populations. Found in creosote bush scrub, saltbush
scrub, thorn scrub (in Mexico), and Joshua tree
woodland.
Phrynosoma mcallii
Flat-Tailed Horned lizard
US: – CA: CSC
Fine sand in desert washes and flats with vegetative
cover generally below 180 meters’ (600 feet)
elevation in Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial
Counties.
Uma inornata
Coachella Valley FringeToed lizard US: FT CA: SE
Fine, loose, windblown sand (dunes), interspersed
with hardpan and widely spaced desert shrubs; known
only from the Coachella Valley.
80 Table 2 (continued). Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Covered Species Birds Conservation Status
California
Habitat Associations
Coachella Valley
Athene cunicularia
burrowing owl US: – CA: CSC Lives in dry, open areas along agricultural fields and berms along the CVSC.
Dendroica petechia
brewsteri
Yellow Warbler
US: – CA: CSC
The yellow warbler prefers wetlands and mature
riparian woodlands dominated by cottonwoods,
alders, and willows. It also uses well-watered, second
growth woodlands and gardens.
Toxostoma crissale
Crissal thrasher
US: – CA: CSC
The distribution of habitat for the Crissal Thrasher is quite patchy, particularly in the vicinity of the Salton Sea where areas occupied by mesquite hummocks and
desert saltbush scrub are highly fragmented.
Toxostoma lecontei
Le Conte's thrasher
US: – CA: CSC
Le Conte’s thrasher occurs in open desert washes and
desert scrub habitats on sandy and often alkaline soils.
They occur in Desert Scrub, Desert Succulent Shrub,
Desert Wash, and Alkali Desert Scrub habitats.
Icteria virens
Yellow-Breasted Chat
US: – CA: CSC
The yellow-breasted chat nests in dense riparian
thickets and brushy tangles in the lower portions of
foothill canyons and in the lowlands.
Empidonax traillii extimus
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
US: E – CA: E
The southwestern willow flycatcher is restricted to
dense riparian woodlands and forests along the river
and stream systems of Southern California, primarily
in Kern, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside
Counties.
Rallus obsoletus yumanensis
Yuma Ridgway’s Rail US:E – CA:T
Yuma Ridgway’s Rails are found in marsh habitats of
cattails (Typha domingensis) and California bulrush
(Scirpus californicus).
Laterallus jamaicensis
California Black Rail US: – CA:T
California black rails are birds of dense coastal and
inland marsh habitat. California black rails are usually associated with habitat dominated by California
bulrush (Scirpus californicus) and three square
bulrush (S. americanus).
Vireo bellii pusillus
Least Bell’s Vireo US: E – CA: E
The Least Bell’s vireo inhabits riparian woodland
habitats along the riverine systems of Southern
California, primarily in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and
Riverside Counties.
Vireo vicinior
Gray Vireo US: – CA: CSC
Suitable habitat typically occurs from 2,000 to 6,500
feet (600-2,000 m). Preferred habitat is found in areas with sparse to moderate cover and scattered small
trees. Although junipers are the dominant trees in gray vireo habitat, oaks are common.
Dendroica petechia
brewsteri
Yellow Warbler US: – CA: CSC
The yellow warbler prefers wetlands and mature
riparian woodlands dominated by cottonwoods,
alders, and willows. It also uses well-watered, second
growth woodlands and gardens.
Piranga rubra cooperi
Summer Tanager US: – CA: CSC
Summer tanagers nest in mature riparian groves
dominated by cottonwoods and willows. Early arrivals
from wintering grounds may appear in late March, but
the main migration is April through early May.
81 Table 2 (continued). Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Covered Species Mammals Conservation Status
California
Habitat Associations
Coachella Valley
Lasiurus xanthinus
Western Yellow Bat US: – CA: CSC
The southern yellow bat roosts in trees, primarily
palm trees. It appears to prefer the dead fronds of
palm trees as a refugium and daytime roost.
Xerospermophilus
tereticaudus chlorus
Palm Springs RoundTailed Ground squirrel US: – CA: CSC The Coachella Valley round-tailed ground squirrel is
typically associated with sand fields and dune
formations (Bradley and Deacon 1971), although it
does not require active blow sand areas.
Perognathus longimembris
bangsi
Palm Springs Pocket
mouse
US: – CA: CSC
Generally, their habitat is described as having level to gently sloping topography, sparse to moderate
vegetative cover, and loosely packed or sandy soils.
Ovis canadensis nelson
Peninsular Bighorn
US: E – CA: T
The Peninsular bighorn sheep is restricted to the eastfacing, lower elevation slopes (below 1,400 meters) of the Peninsular Ranges in the Sonoran desert life zone.
Fully protected in California.
USFWS = USFWS CSC = State Species of Special Concern T = State Threatened CA = California SSC = Federal Species of Special Concern E = State Endangered E = Federally Endangered T =Threatened
California Native Plant Society = CNPS 1B Rare, Threatened or Endangered plants in the state of California 82 Table 3. CVWD Covered Activities and Required Avoidance and Minimization Measures Facility Conservation Area
Where Located
Avoidance/Minimization
Measures Required
a) ALERT stations, all except Upper
Bear Creek
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts.;
Whitewater Canyon Whitewater
Floodplain; Thousand Palms; CVSC and
Delta; Desert Tortoise and Linkage
Area.
None
b) CVSC, including increased flows
from the WMP
CVSC and Delta Provision of replacement
habitat; burrowing owl
c) East Valley drains, including
increased flows from the WMP CVSC and Delta
Desert pupfish, Yuma
Ridgway’s Rail, California
black rail
d) Oasis area drains, including
increased flows from the WMP
CVSC and Delta Desert pupfish, Yuma
Ridgway’s Rail, California
black rail
e) Coachella Canal; canal siphons &
overshoots; East Side dike &
evacuation channels
Dos Palmas, Mecca Hills/Orocopia
Mountains; East Indio Hills None
f) WRP-7 recharge facility
(construction and O&M) East Indio Hills Tamarisk removal; Mesquite restoration
g) ALERT Station, Upper Bear Creek Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. Bighorn sheep h) Deep Canyon training dikes &
channel
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. None
i) Dead Indian Canyon debris basin Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. Bighorn sheep j) East La Quinta detention basins,
channels & dikes
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. Bighorn sheep
k) Magnesia Canyon detention basin Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. Bighorn sheep l) Stormwater drain inlets Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. Bighorn sheep m) Dike No. 4 recharge facility [Levy
facility]
(construction and O&M)
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. Bighorn sheep
n) Martinez Recharge Facility,
(construction and O&M) Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. Minor Amendment with criteria; Bighorn sheep
o) Reservoirs & associated booster
stations &transmission mains
(existing)
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. Bighorn sheep
p) Reservoirs & associated booster
stations &transmission mains
(construction and O&M)
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mts. Minor Amendment with
criteria; Bighorn sheep
q) Reservoirs & associated booster
stations & transmission mains
(existing)
Thousand Palms Fluvial sand transport
r) Reservoirs & associated booster
stations & transmission mains
(construction and O&M)
Thousand Palms Fluvial sand transport
83 Table 3 (continued). CVWD Covered Activities and Required Avoidance and Minimization Measures Facility Conservation Area
Where Located
Avoidance/Minimization
Measures Required
s) Transmission water mains
Thousand Palms; West Deception
Canyon None
t) Whitewater River flood control levees
(construction and O&M) Thousand Palms
Subject to terms &
conditions of FESA Section
7 consultation
u) CRA turnout & recharge channel
(O&M)
Whitewater Canyon; Whitewater
Floodplain None
v) Spreading area for CRA water (O&M) Whitewater Floodplain Blow Sand removal & placement in deposition area
w) Cathedral City transmission mains Santa Rosa & Santa Jacinto Mts Bighorn sheep 84 Figure 1. Coachella Valley Water District Covered Activities Locations 85 Figure 2. CVWD Lands within the Coachella Valley Stormwater and Delta Conservation Area 86 Figure 3. CVWD Lands within the Desert Tortoise Linkage Conservation Area 87 Figure 4. CVWD Lands within the East Indio Hills Conservation Area 88 Figure 5. CVWD Lands within the Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
89 Figure 6. CVWD Lands within the Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area 90 Figure 7. CVWD Lands within the Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area 91 Figure 8. CVWD Lands within the Mission Creek/Morongo Wash Conservation Area 92 Figure 9. CVWD Lands within the Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area 93 Figure 10. CVWD Lands within the Thousand Palms Conservation Area 94 Figure 11. CVWD Lands within the Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area 95 Figure 12. CVWD Lands within the Willow Hole Conservation Area 96 Figure 13. CVWD Lands within the Dos Palmas Conservation Area 97 Figure 14. Coachella Valley MSHCP Valley-Wide Conservation Area Map 98 Table 4. Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and Delta Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Desert Pupfish • CVWD is developing a drain maintenance study the results of which will be used to evaluate current drain maintenance practices and potential impacts of changing drain maintenance approach. • Maintenance activities will be designed and implemented using Avoidance and Minimization measures in a way that minimizes new disturbances, to prevent erosion, off-site degradation, and reduce direct impacts to Desert pupfish. • All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment as well as location of staging areas shall be located as far as practicable from any potential habitat, including agricultural drains, Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel, and proposed 25 acre created habitat. All workers shall be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.
Crissal Thrasher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Burrowing Owl
California Black Rail
Yuma Ridgway’s Rail
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff.
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, implement preactivity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, ESD staff should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting conditions and contours to the extent practicable. Remove any materials or waste from the site upon completion of the Covered Activity. 99 Table 5. Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Mecca Aster
Orocopia Sage
• For Covered Activities within Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage habitat in the Desert Tortoise Linkage Conservation Area, surveys by ESD staff will be required for activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15. • Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent feasible.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms. • If Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage is found to be within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible.
• Avoid the use of herbicides in areas that are known to support Mecca Aster and Orocopia Sage.
Desert Tortoise • Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If a proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for DT. • Surveys for this species will follow accepted USFWS protocol which provides 100% coverage of survey site. The survey approach will also use appropriate seasonal surveys, and buffer zones. • In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season if feasible. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected desert tortoise burrow identified in the pre-activity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for tortoises in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site.
• Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a tortoise is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the Desert • tortoise.
• All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor • acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any • surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or • flagged areas.
• Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be • installed to prevent the possibility of tortoises falling into them. • Construction sites and access roads shall be surveyed by qualified tortoise biologists no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of construction. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the construction area. •
100
Table 5 (continued). Desert Tortoise and Linkage Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• During periods of high tortoise activity, approximately March through October) a biologist shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel on the right-of-way, within Desert Tortoise habitat, will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
• All Desert Tortoise burrows located will be flagged or marked. • All Desert Tortoise burrows and other species’ burrows will be examined to determine the occupancy by tortoises.
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff.
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, implement preactivity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting conditions and contours to the extent practicable.
101
Table 6. East Indio Hills Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Mecca Aster
Orocopia Sage
• For Covered Activities within Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage habitat in the Desert Tortoise Linkage Conservation Area, surveys by ESD staff will be required for activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15. • Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent Feasible.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms. • If Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage is found to be within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible.
• Avoid the use of herbicides in areas that are known to support Mecca Aster and Orocopia Sage.
Desert Tortoise • Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for DT. • Surveys for this species will follow accepted USFWS protocol which provides 100% coverage of survey site. The survey approach will also use appropriate seasonal surveys, and buffer zones. • In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season if feasible. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected desert tortoise burrow identified in the pre-activity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for tortoises in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site.
• Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a tortoise is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the Desert tortoise.
• All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of tortoises falling into them. • Construction sites and access roads shall be surveyed by qualified tortoise biologists no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of construction. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the construction area. • During periods of high tortoise activity, approximately March through October) a biologist shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. 102
Table 6 (continued). East Indio Hills Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• Personnel on the right-of-way, within Desert Tortoise habitat, will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
• All Desert Tortoise burrows located will be flagged or marked. • All Desert Tortoise burrows and other species’ burrows will be examined to determine the occupancy by tortoises.
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff.
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting conditions and contours to the extent practicable.
• Covered Activities related materials and wastes shall be removed from the site upon completion of the Project. 103
Table 7. Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Coachella Valley Milkvetch • For Covered Activities within Coachella Valley Milkvetch (CVM) habitat in the Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area, surveys by ESD staff will be required for activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15.
• Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent Feasible.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of CVM where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms. • If CVM is found to be within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible.
• Avoid the use of herbicides in areas that are known to support CVM.
Desert Tortoise • Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for DT.
• Surveys for this species will follow accepted USFWS protocol which provides 100% coverage of survey site. The survey approach will also use appropriate seasonal surveys, and buffer zones. • In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season if feasible. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected desert tortoise burrow identified in the pre-activity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for tortoises in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site.
• Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a tortoise is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the Desert Tortoise.
• All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas.
• Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of tortoises falling into them. • Construction sites and access roads shall be surveyed by qualified tortoise biologists no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of construction. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the construction area. • During periods of high tortoise activity, approximately March through October) a tortoise biologist shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. 104
Table 7 (continued). Indio Hills/Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• Personnel within Desert Tortoise habitat will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them. • All Desert Tortoise burrows located will be flagged or marked. • All Desert Tortoise burrows, and other species’ burrows that may be used by Desert Tortoises, will be examined to determine occupancy.
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff.
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse
Palm Springs Round-tailed
Ground Squirrel
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor PSPM, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor RTGS, implement preactivity surveys to determine presence. RTGS surveys will include visual surveys, track detection and listening for calls.
• Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting conditions and contours to the extent practicable.
• Covered Activities related materials and wastes shall be removed from the site upon completion of the Project.
Southern Yellow Bat • Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow bat if palm trees will be trimmed or removed. • Avoid removal or trimming of Palm trees with a well-developed “petticoat” of fronds from March 1 – July 31 to avoid impacts to pregnant bats and/or lactating pups.
105
Table 8. Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Desert Tortoise • Perform pre-activity surveys for Desert Tortoise. • In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season if feasible. • Surveys for this species will follow accepted USFWS protocol which provides 100% coverage of survey site. The survey approach will also use appropriate seasonal surveys, and buffer zones. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected desert tortoise burrow identified in the pre-activity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for tortoises in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site.
• Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a tortoise is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the Desert Tortoise.
• All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of tortoises falling into them. • Construction sites and access roads shall be surveyed by qualified tortoise biologists no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of construction. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the construction area. • During periods of high tortoise activity, approximately March through October) a tortoise biologist shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel within Desert Tortoise habitat will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them. • All Desert Tortoise burrows located will be flagged or marked. • All Desert Tortoise burrows, and other species’ burrows that may be used by Desert Tortoises, will be examined to determine occupancy.
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Breasted Chat
Gray Vireo
Summer Tanager
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff. 106
Table 8 (continued). Joshua Tree National Park Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Southern Yellow Bat • Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow bat if palm trees will be trimmed or removed.
• Avoid removal or trimming of Palm trees with a well-developed “petticoat” of fronds from March 1 – July 31 to avoid impacts to pregnant bats and/or lactating pups.
107
Table 9. Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Mecca Aster
Orocopia Sage
• For Covered Activities within Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage habitat in the Desert Tortoise Linkage Conservation Area, surveys by ESD staff will be required for activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15. • Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent Feasible.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms. • If Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage is found to be within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible.
• CVWD will continue to control and manage access to Mecca Aster/Orocopia Sage habitat on district owned lands within the CVMSHCP area. In addition, CVWD does not allow OHV use on its lands and prohibits public access. • Avoid the use of herbicides in areas that are known to support Mecca Aster and Orocopia Sage.
Desert Tortoise • Perform pre-activity surveys for Desert Tortoise. • In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season if feasible. • Surveys for this species will follow accepted USFWS protocol which provides 100% coverage of survey site. The survey approach will also use appropriate seasonal surveys, and buffer zones. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected desert tortoise burrow identified in the pre-activity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for tortoises in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site.
• Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a tortoise is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the Desert Tortoise.
• All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of tortoises falling into them. • Construction sites and access roads shall be surveyed by qualified tortoise biologists no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of construction. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the construction area. • During periods of high tortoise activity, approximately March through October) a tortoise biologist shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel within Desert Tortoise habitat will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them. 108
Table 9 (continued). Mecca Hills/Orocopia Mountains Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• Personnel within Desert Tortoise habitat will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them. • All Desert Tortoise burrows located will be flagged or marked. • All Desert Tortoise burrows, and other species’ burrows that may be used by Desert Tortoises, will be examined for tortoise Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff. .
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor PSPM, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting conditions and contours to the extent practicable.
• Covered Activities related materials and wastes shall be removed from the site upon completion of the Project.
Southern Yellow Bat • Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow bat if palm trees will be trimmed or removed.
• Avoid removal or trimming of Palm trees with a well-developed “petticoat” of fronds from March 1 – July 31 to avoid impacts to pregnant bats and/or lactating pups.
109
Table 10. Mission Creek/Morongo Wash Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Coachella Valley
Milk-vetch
Triple-Ribbed
Milk-vetch
Little San Bernardino
Mountains Linanthus
• For Covered Activities within modeled Coachella Valley Milk-vetch, Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthus and Triple Ribbed Milk-vetch habitat in the Mission Creek/Morongo Wash Conservation Area, surveys by ESD staff will be required for activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15. • Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent Feasible.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of CVM where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms.
• If these plant species are found within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible.
• CVWD will continue to control and manage access to these species habitat on district owned lands within the CVMSHCP area. In addition, CVWD does not allow OHV use on its lands and prohibits public access. • Avoid the use of herbicides in areas that are known to support these species.
Desert Tortoise • Perform pre-activity surveys for Desert Tortoise. • In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season if feasible. • Surveys for this species will follow accepted USFWS protocol which provides 100% coverage of survey site. The survey approach will also use appropriate seasonal surveys, and buffer zones. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected desert tortoise burrow identified in the pre-activity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for tortoises in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site.
• Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a tortoise is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the Desert Tortoise.
• All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of tortoises falling into them. • Construction sites and access roads shall be surveyed by qualified tortoise biologists no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of construction. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the construction area. 110
Table 10 (continued). Mission Creek/Morongo Wash Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• During periods of high tortoise activity, approximately March through October) a tortoise biologist shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel within Desert Tortoise habitat will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them. • All Desert Tortoise burrows located will be flagged or marked. • All Desert Tortoise burrows, and other species’ burrows that may be used by Desert Tortoises, will be examined to determine occupancy.
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff..
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse • If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor PSPM, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting o conditions and contours to the extent practicable.
• Covered Activities related materials and wastes shall be removed from the site upon completion of the Project. 111
Table 11. Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Coachella Valley
Milk-vetch • For Covered Activities within modeled Coachella Valley Milk-vetch habitat in the Mission Creek/Morongo Wash Conservation Area, surveys by ESD staff will be required for activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15.
• Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent Feasible.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of CVM where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms.
• If CVM is found within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible.
• CVWD will continue to control and manage access to CVM habitat on district owned lands within the CVMSHCP area.
Avoid the use of herbicides outside of CVWD facilities in areas that are known to support CVM.
Desert Tortoise • Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Desert Tortoise.
• In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season if feasible. • Surveys for this species will follow accepted USFWS protocol which provides 100% coverage of survey site. The survey approach will also use appropriate seasonal surveys, and buffer zones. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected desert tortoise burrow identified in the pre-activity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for tortoises in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site.
• Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a tortoise is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the Desert Tortoise.
• All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of tortoises falling into them. • Construction sites and access roads shall be surveyed by qualified tortoise biologists no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of construction. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the construction area. 112
Table 11 (continued). Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• During periods of high tortoise activity, approximately March through October) a tortoise biologist shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel within Desert Tortoise habitat will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them. • All Desert Tortoise burrows located will be flagged or marked. • All Desert Tortoise burrows and other species’ burrows will be examined to determine the occupancy by tortoises.
Flat-Tailed Horned
Lizard • If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor these species, perform pre-activity surveys for FTHL.
• Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Prior to the initiation of construction activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the CVFTL/FTHL. The training will address: life history, listing status, applicable state and federal laws, field procedures, and prohibited activities. Inspect trenches, holes, or other excavations before filling. If a CVFTL/FTHL is found, have the biological monitor relocate the lizard.
• CVWD staff driving to and from facilities where these species may be present will not exceed 25 mph when onsite temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F).
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for CVFTL/FTHL in any construction pipe, culverts, or similar structures that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site. • All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of CVFTL/FTHL from falling into them.
• During periods of high CVFTL/FTHL activity (May through September) a biologist shall be present to monitor construction activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel on the right-of-way, within CVFTL/FTHL habitat, will check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Gray Vireo
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff.. 113
Table 11 (continued). Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Southern Yellow Bat • If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow bat if palm trees will be trimmed or removed. • Avoid removal or trimming of Palm trees with a well-developed “petticoat” of fronds from March 1 – July 31 to avoid impacts to pregnant bats and/or lactating pups.
Peninsular Bighorn
Sheep
• If Covered Activities will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys to determine if the site contains water sources.
• In San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mtns, avoid activities that could impact Bighorn sheep during the lambing season from approximately January 31 through June 29 in our region. 114
Table 12. Thousand Palms Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Coachella Valley
Milk-Vetch
Mecca Aster
• For Covered Activities within modeled Coachella Valley Milk Vetch and Mecca Aster habitat in the Thousand Palms Conservation Area, surveys by ESD staff will be required for activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15.
• Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent Feasible.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of CVM where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms.
• If listed plant species are found within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible.
• CVWD will continue to control and manage access to CVM habitat on district owned lands within the CVMSHCP area. In addition, CVWD does not allow OHV use on its lands and prohibits public access. • Avoid the use of herbicides in areas that are known to support these species.
Coachella Valley
Giant Sand-Treader
Cricket
• Control and manage activities that degrade Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket habitat. In particular, control and manage those activities that result in sand compaction or may crush burrows, which may include OHV travel except on designated routes of travel.
• Restrict human access to occupied habitat during the emergence period in the winter months and during the breeding season in the spring.
• Control and manage activities that degrade potential Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket habitat on CVWD lands:
In particular, these activities include alteration of the natural vegetation, fragmentation, and construction equipment impacts. • Restrict human access to occupied habitat during the emergence and breeding season from January through March on CVWD lands if feasible and required.
• Identify actions to reduce impacts from, and control where feasible, invasive species if it is determined that there are impacts to giant sand-treader cricket habitat.
• Avoid stockpiling construction materials, lumber, or other sources of artificial cover (AC) at CVWD facilities if feasible, within the known range of this species.
• Maintenance activities will be designed and implemented using Best Management Practices (BMPs) in a way that minimize new disturbances, to prevent erosion, off-site degradation, and reduce direct impacts to Jerusalem cricket. • All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment as well as location of staging areas shall be located as far as practicable from any potential habitat. All workers shall be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.
• No pesticide use shall occur in habitat occupied by this species. • Perform pre-activity surveys for this species in areas of unpaved soil during the winter and spring emergence and breeding periods
115
Table 12 (continued). Thousand Palms Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Desert Tortoise • Review Conservation Area map which illustrates lands owned by CVWD within Conservation Areas. If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for DT. • In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season if feasible. • Surveys for this species will follow accepted USFWS protocol which provides 100% coverage of survey site. The survey approach will also use appropriate seasonal surveys, and buffer zones. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected desert tortoise burrow identified in the pre-activity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for tortoises in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site.
• Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a tortoise is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the Desert Tortoise.
• All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of tortoises falling into them. • Construction sites and access roads shall be surveyed by qualified tortoise biologists no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of construction. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the construction area. • During periods of high tortoise activity, approximately March through October, a tortoise biologist shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel within Desert Tortoise habitat will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them. • All Desert Tortoise burrows located will be flagged or marked.
Flat-Tailed Horned
Lizard
Coachella Valley
Fringe-Toed Lizard
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor these species, perform pre-activity surveys for FTHL. Surveys will include looking for tracks, scat, visual observation of lizards between April and October (inclusive of both months) between 7:30-11:00 a.m. when the temperature 1 centimeter above the open (unshaded) sand surface is greater than 95 degrees Fahrenheit and less than 110 degrees Fahrenheit (35 to 43 degrees Celsius). • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Coordinate with the ESD staff to examine construction areas for lizards when surface temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F). • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
116
Table 12 (continued). Thousand Palms Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• Prior to the initiation of construction activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the CVFTL/FTHL. The training will address: life history, listing status, applicable state and federal laws, field procedures, and prohibited activities. Inspect trenches, holes, or other excavations before filling. If a CVFTL/FTHL is found, have the biological monitor relocate the lizard.
• CVWD staff driving to and from facilities where these species may be present will not exceed 25 mph when onsite temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F).
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for CVFTL/FTHL in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site. • All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of CVFTL/FTHL from falling into them.
• During periods of high CVFTL/FTHL activity (May through September) a biologist shall be present to monitor covered activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel on the right-of-way, within CVFTL/FTHL habitat, will check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Gray Vireo
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff..
Southern Yellow Bat • If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow bat if palm trees will be trimmed or removed. • Avoid removal or trimming of Palm trees with a well-developed “petticoat” of fronds from March 1 – July 31 to avoid impacts to pregnant bats and/or lactating pups.
Coachella Valley
Round Tailed Ground
Squirrel
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor PSPM, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor RTGS, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. RTGS surveys will include visual surveys, track detection and listening for calls. 117
Table 12 (continued). Thousand Palms Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor PSPM, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor RTGS, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. RTGS surveys will include visual surveys, track detection and listening for calls. • Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting conditions and contours to the extent practicable.
• Covered Activities related materials and wastes shall be removed from the site upon completion of the Project. 118
Table 13. Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Coachella Valley
Milk-vetch
Mecca Aster
• For Covered Activities within modeled Coachella Valley Milk-vetch and Mecca Aster habitat in the Thousand Palms Conservation Area, surveys by ESD staff will be required for activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15.
• Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent Feasible.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of CVM where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms.
• If listed plant species are found within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible.
• CVWD will continue to control and manage access to CVM habitat on district owned lands within the CVMSHCP area. In addition, CVWD does not allow OHV use on its lands and prohibits public access. • Avoid the use of herbicides in areas that are known to support CVM.
Coachella Valley
Giant Sand-Treader
Cricket
• Control and manage activities that degrade Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket habitat. In particular, control and manage those activities that result in sand compaction or may crush burrows, which may include OHV travel except on designated routes of travel.
• Restrict human access to occupied habitat during the emergence period in the winter months and during the breeding season in the spring.
• Control and manage activities that degrade potential Coachella Valley Giant Sand-Treader cricket habitat on CVWD lands:
In particular, these activities include alteration of the natural vegetation, fragmentation, and construction equipment impacts. • Restrict human access to occupied habitat during the emergence and breeding season from January through March on CVWD lands if feasible and required.
• Identify actions to reduce impacts from, and control where feasible, invasive species if it is determined that there are impacts to Giant Sand-Treader cricket habitat.
• Avoid stockpiling construction materials, lumber, or other sources of artificial cover (AC) at CVWD facilities if feasible, within the known range of this species.
• Maintenance activities will be designed and implemented using Best Management Practices (BMPs) in a way that minimize new disturbances, to prevent erosion, off-site degradation, and reduce direct impacts to Jerusalem cricket. • All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment as well as location of staging areas shall be located as far as practicable from any potential habitat. All workers shall be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.
• No pesticide use shall occur in habitat occupied by this species. • Perform pre-activity surveys for this species in areas of unpaved soil during the winter and spring emergence and breeding periods.
Flat-Tailed Horned
Lizard
Coachella Valley
Fringe-Toed Lizard
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor these species, perform pre-activity surveys for FTHL and CVFTL.
• Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
119
Table 13 (continued). Whitewater Floodplain Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• Coordinate with the ESD staff to examine construction areas for lizards when surface temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F). • Prior to the initiation of construction activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the CVFTL/FTHL. The training will address: life history, listing status, applicable state and federal laws, field procedures, and prohibited activities. Inspect trenches, holes, or other excavations before filling. If a CVFTL/FTHL is found, have the biological monitor relocate the lizard.
• CVWD staff driving to and from facilities where these species may be present will not exceed 25 mph when onsite temperature exceeds 30°C (86°F).
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for CVFTL/FTHL in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site. • All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of CVFTL/FTHL from falling into them.
• During periods of high CVFTL/FTHL activity (May through September) a biologist shall be present to monitor construction activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel on the right-of-way, within CVFTL/FTHL habitat, will check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
Le Contes Thrasher
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active Le Conte’s Thrasher nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest. All tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive.
• If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff.
Coachella Valley
Round-Tailed Ground
Squirrel
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor PSPM, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor RTGS, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. RTGS surveys will include visual surveys, track detection and listening for calls. • Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting conditions and contours to the extent practicable.
• Covered Activities related materials and wastes shall be removed from the site upon completion of the Project. 120
Table 14. Willow Hole Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Flat-Tailed Horned
Lizard
Coachella Valley
Fringe-Toed Lizard
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor these species, perform pre-activity surveys for CVFTL/FTHL.
• Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Coordinate with the ESD staff to examine construction areas for lizards when surface temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F). • Prior to the initiation of construction activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the CVFTL/FTHL. The training will address: life history, listing status, applicable state and federal laws, field procedures, and prohibited activities. Inspect trenches, holes, or other excavations before filling. If a CVFTL/FTHL is found, have the biological monitor relocate the lizard.
• CVWD staff driving to and from facilities where these species may be present will not exceed 25 mph when onsite temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F).
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for CVFTL/FTHL in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site. • All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of CVFTL/FTHL from falling into them.
• During periods of high CVFTL/FTHL activity (May through September) a biologist shall be present to monitor construction activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel on the right-of-way, within CVFTL/FTHL habitat, will check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
Burrowing Owl
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff. 121
Table 14 (continued). Willow Hole Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Coachella Valley
Round Tailed Ground
Squirrel
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor PSPM, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor RTGS, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. RTGS surveys will include visual surveys, track detection and listening for calls. • Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting conditions and contours to the extent practicable.
• Covered Activities related materials and wastes shall be removed from the site upon completion of the Project.
Southern Yellow Bat • If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow bat if palm trees will be trimmed or removed. • Avoid removal or trimming of Palm trees with a well-developed “petticoat” of fronds from March 1–July 31 to avoid impacts to pregnant bats and/or lactating pups.
122
Table 15. Dos Palmas Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Orocopia Sage • For Covered Activities within Orocopia Sage habitat, surveys by ESD staff will be required for activities during the growing and flowering period from February 1 - May 15.
• Any occurrences of the species will be flagged and public infrastructure projects shall avoid impacts to the plants to the maximum extent feasible.
• Limit off road vehicle travel when performing Covered Activities to avoid unnecessary take of Orocopia Sage where it may occur in appropriate habitat along roads or wash bottoms. • If Orocopia Sage is found to be within the footprint of any covered activity contact ESD to determine if salvage of plant and/or seeds is feasible.
• Avoid the use of herbicides in areas that are known to support Orocopia Sage.
Desert Pupfish • CVWD is developing a drain maintenance study the results of which will be used to evaluate current drain maintenance practices and potential impacts of the current drain maintenance approach. • All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment as well as location of staging areas shall be located as far as practicable from any potential habitat, including agricultural drains, Coachella Valley Storm water Channel, and proposed 25 acre created habitat. All workers shall be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.
Flat-Tailed Horned
Lizard
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor these species, perform pre-activity surveys for CVFTL/FTHL.
• Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Coordinate with the ESD staff to examine construction areas for lizards when surface temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F). • Prior to the initiation of construction activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the CVFTL/FTHL. The training will address: life history, listing status, applicable state and federal laws, field procedures, and prohibited activities. Inspect trenches, holes, or other excavations before filling. If a CVFTL/FTHL is found, have the biological monitor relocate the lizard.
• CVWD staff driving to and from facilities where these species may be present will not exceed 25 mph when onsite temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F).
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for CVFTL/FTHL in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site. • All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas. • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of CVFTL/FTHL from falling into them.
123
Table 15 (continued). Dos Palmas Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
• During periods of high CVFTL/FTHL activity (May through September) a biologist shall be present to monitor construction activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel on the right-of-way, within CVFTL/FTHL habitat, will check under their vehicles prior to moving them.
Desert Tortoise • Perform pre-activity surveys for Desert Tortoise. • Surveys for this species will follow accepted USFWS protocol which provides 100% coverage of survey site. The survey approach will also use appropriate seasonal surveys, and buffer zones. • In the western Coachella Valley, the nesting season extends from April through at least July. Schedule Covered Activities involving grading and trenching outside of the breeding season if feasible. • Establish a 100-foot buffer around each suspected desert tortoise burrow identified in the pre-activity survey. • Erect exclusion fencing around trenches, pits, pipe materials and other potential hazards and provide escape ramps if feasible until excavation activities are completed.
• Before moving, burying, or capping, inspect for tortoises in any construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 3 to 12 inches that are stored on the site for 1 or more nights. Alternatively, cap structures before storing on the construction site.
• Inspect excavations for tortoises before filling. If a tortoise is found, have the biological monitor relocate it to a safe place offsite.
• Prior to the initiation of Covered Activities, all construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of the Desert Tortoise.
• All movement of construction vehicles outside of the right-of-way will be restricted to pre-designated access, contractor acquired access, or public roads.
• All construction sites and access roads shall be clearly marked or flagged at the outer limits prior to the onset of any surface disturbing activity. All personnel shall be informed that their activities must be confined within the marked or flagged areas • Any excavated holes (i.e., foundations) left open overnight will be covered, and/or tortoise-proof fencing will be installed to prevent the possibility of tortoises falling into them. • Construction sites and access roads shall be surveyed by qualified tortoise biologists no more than 15 days prior to the initiation of construction. Surveys shall provide 100 percent coverage of the construction area. • During periods of high tortoise activity, approximately March through October) a tortoise biologist shall be present to monitor Covered Activities in areas not previously cleared or stabilized. • Personnel within Desert Tortoise habitat will be required to check under their vehicles prior to moving them. • All Desert Tortoise burrows located will be flagged or marked. 124
Table 15 (continued). Dos Palmas Conservation Area
SPECIES AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURE
Southwestern Willow
Flycatcher
Le Contes Thrasher
Least Bell’s Vireo
Yellow Warbler
Yellow Breasted Chat
Summer Tanager
Le Contes Thrasher
Crissal Thrasher
Burrowing Owl
• Contact ESD staff to perform pre-activity surveys within riparian habitats of the bird species associated with this Conservation Area prior to implementing Covered Activities to assure that no active nest or owl burrow is present. • If an active nest is located, ESD will tag the tree containing the nest and establish a 200-foot buffer zone around the tree; all tagged trees will be left in place until the nest is determined to be inactive. • If an active BUOW burrow is located immediately stop all work within a 160 foot radius of burrow outside of the breeding season and a 250-foot radius of the burrow during the breeding season and notify the ESD staff.
Coachella Valley
Round Tailed Ground
Squirrel
Palm Springs Pocket
Mouse
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor PSPM, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. PSPM surveys will include visual surveys and an examination of BUOW scat for PSPM remains.
• If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor RTGS, implement pre-activity surveys to determine presence. RTGS surveys will include visual surveys, track detection and listening for calls. • Prior to Covered Activities, CVWD’s ESD staff should assist construction crews in planning access routes to avoid impacts to occupied habitat as much as feasible (i.e., placement of preferred routes on project plans and incorporation of methods to avoid as much suitable habitat/soil disturbance as possible). • During Covered Activities, the biological monitor should ensure that connected, naturally vegetated areas with sandy soils and typical native vegetation remain intact to the extent feasible and practicable. • All temporary facilities and impacts shall be removed and restored to the preexisting conditions and contours to the extent practicable.
• Covered Activities related materials and wastes shall be removed from the site upon completion of the Project.
Southern Yellow Bat • If proposed covered activity will take place within a Conservation Area known to harbor this species, perform pre-activity surveys for Yellow bat if palm trees will be trimmed or removed. • Avoid removal or trimming of Palm trees with a well-developed “petticoat” of fronds from March 1–July 31 to avoid impacts to pregnant bats and/or lactating pups.
125
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APPENDIX
COACHELLA CANAL WATER SUPPLY
QUAGGA MUSSEL MONITORING
AND CONTROL PROGRAM
Prepared by:
Coachella Valley Water District
Environmental Services Department
P.O. Box 1058
Coachella, CA 92236
(760) 398-2651
March 2015
Introduction
The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) initiated a Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) monitoring and control program in 2007 for the Coachella Canal water supply following reports that this invasive species had colonized locations within the Colorado River upstream of the All American Canal diversion that supplies water to the Coachella Canal. Quagga mussels were found in January 2007 in Lake Mead and since then quagga or zebra mussels have been found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas and Utah. Metropolitan Water District (MWD) has observed Quagga mussels throughout their 240 mile Colorado River Aqueduct conveyance system. Quagga mussel are established in 15 of the lakes served by this water supply and have been collected from 10 reservoirs in the southern California area (USGS 2012, http://nas2.er.usgs.gov/viewer/omap.aspx?SpeciesID=95). The Coachella Canal (Canal) conveys Colorado River water north to the Coachella Valley via a 123 mile open water canal from the All American Canal in El Centro. The Canal is fenced for the majority of its length as it travels north and access is controlled through the use of locked service road gates. No recreation is permitted in or along the Canal. There are subsurface irrigation laterals along the Canal that deliver water to farms and ranches. Several emergency waste-way channels are located along the Canal. These drain to the Salton Sea and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel and are used in emergency situations such as earthquake damage to the Canal. Lake Cahuilla is a terminal storage reservoir. There are no tributaries downstream of Lake Cahuilla.
All water exiting Lake Cahuilla is conveyed via pipeline to farms, ranches and the Thomas E Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility. Recreational fishing from the shoreline occurs at Lake Cahuilla. Riverside County Parks Department also hosts an annual fishing derby at Lake Cahuilla with rainbow trout supplied by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). No rental boats or concessions for rental boats exist at Lake Cahuilla, and no boats are allowed on the lake. In addition, no swimming, diving or other direct body contact is allowed in the lake. Lake Cahuilla and portions of the surrounding lands are owned by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and are operated and maintained by CVWD. Riverside County Parks Department has a lease for Lake Cahuilla and the camp ground area with CVWD, and leases remaining portions of the surrounding land from the BOR. Riverside County Parks Department is responsible for any outreach and education related to quagga mussels or other aquatic invasive species at Lake Cahuilla. The arrival of Quagga and zebra mussels (often referred to as Dreissenids) to western waters brings the potential to extend with devastating impacts into a geographical area already challenged with water-related problems. This monitoring and control program has been implemented to prevent the colonization of CVWD’s Coachella Canal and the irrigation and groundwater replenishment facilities supplied from the Canal.
Existing Quagga Mussel Control Measures
CVWD has implemented a multi-barrier approach with the goal of preventing Quagga mussel colonization of CVWD’s Colorado River water conveyance infrastructure. This multi-barrier approach was established following the reports of the initial Dreissenid invasion at Lake Mead in 2007. The Lake Cahuilla and Canal water sample analysis performed by the CDFW has shown low numbers of veligers (larval mussels) present during cooler times of the year; however, the analysis is unable to determine whether these veligers are viable. Monthly inspection of monitoring blocks and monthly water samples along the length of the Canal and in Lake Cahuilla A2
have not shown colonization by mussels since quagga mussels were discovered at Lake Mead in 2007. CVWD has not observed any colonization within its infrastructure or water conveyance system but has observed low veliger density sporadically in samples since monitoring began in August of 2007. One initial response to early reports of Quagga mussels found in Colorado River consisted of installing chlorination facilities at the Drop 1 structure where Colorado River water delivered from the All-American Canal enters the Canal. The chlorination station runs continuously 24 hours a day 7 days a week. There are three 10,000 gallon chlorine tanks onsite that provide additional storage in order to avoid interruptions to the dosing regimen. A remote generator is maintained onsite to provide power to the dosing pumps in the event of a power supply interruption. In addition to implementing disinfection at Drop 1, control measures include a boating ban at Lake Cahuilla and hydraulic jumps within the Canal. This multi-barrier approach is further augmented by naturally occurring high temperatures during the summer months which is expected to reduce the Quagga mussels’ ability to spawn successfully (from Mills et al., 1996, citing Antonov and Skorbatov, 1990). These natural and artificial control measures are summarized below:
1. Chlorination:
In July, 2008, CVWD installed a chlorine dosing station at Mile Post 0.2 adjacent to the Canal turn out. Figure A1 shows the dosing station used to add chlorine to Colorado River water entering the Canal to kill or inactivate the juvenile stage (veliger) of the Quagga mussel prior to colonization. It has been shown that chlorine affects the ability of veligers and adult mussels to attach to substrate suitable for colonization (Simms, La Bounty, Johnson, Roeffer, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 2007). Sodium hypochlorite is added to achieve a target free chlorine residual of 1.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) at the Drop 1 structure. Residual chlorine levels diminish to less than detection (0.08 mg/L) approximately 1.5 miles downstream of Drop 1. Table A1 summarizes the chlorine residual levels downstream of the chlorine dosing station.
2. Hydraulic Jumps:
Turbulent eddies are created by lowering check gates down along the Canal at several points depending upon how water is conveyed and delivered to customers. When lowered, the gate forces water to flow through wing walls thereby creating a hydraulic jump or turbulent eddy. Gate 16.3 is kept in this lowered position permanently creating a hydraulic jump via the wing walls within the Canal. The lowered gate also creates a venturi effect as water passes under the gate which creates turbulent eddies for a short distance. In theory, the energy generated by these hydraulic jumps can create turbulences small enough and with great enough occurrence to effectively inactivate Quagga veligers by damaging their undeveloped bodies (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 2008).
3. Ambient Water Temperature:
Studies show Quagga mussels have a temperature tolerance between 0°C (32°F) and 30°C (86°F). Figure A2 shows that Canal water temperatures typically exceed 86°F during the hottest summer months. During 2011, water temperatures within the canal exceeded 86°F for approximately 101 days. There is some concern that over time Quagga mussels could adapt to higher water temperatures, however, recent research A3
investigating veligers exposed to 30 degrees C for 4.5 days revealed that their mortality rate approached 100% (Craft and Myrick 2011). Based on this existing research, elevated water temperatures should act to help prevent Quagga mussel colonization during this period of the year.
4. Prohibition of Boats on Lake Cahuilla:
Very soon after the initial 2007 invasion of Quagga mussels into Lake Mead, CVWD extended a prohibition originally implemented by County Parks Department, to launching any boats onto Lake Cahuilla in order to eliminate the risk of Dreissenids being introduced from boating activities. Many kinds of aquatic pests, including both plants and animals, are easily carried by trailered boats which are considered the largest vector for spreading Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) into new waterways.
Existing Quagga Mussel Monitoring Measures
Based on an initial vulnerability assessment, CVWD’s system can be divided into five separate environments for mussel colonization: (1) Coachella Canal, (2) Subsurface irrigation lines, (3) Siphons, (4) Groundwater recharge basins, and (5) Lake Cahuilla. Each of these components provides a different environment for colonization by Quagga mussels. CVWD’s Quagga monitoring program targets life stages that could colonize each of these environments. (See “CVWD Sample Collection and Decontamination Procedures for the Quagga Mussel Control and Monitoring Program,” pp. A6-A11.)
CVWD’s current Quagga mussel monitoring program consists of microscopic examination of monthly water samples for infant mussels (veligers) and monthly inspection for older mussels that can be observed visually on colonization blocks placed within the Canal and Lake Cahuilla.
All equipment, pumps and nets are decontaminated between sample sites and at the end of sampling activities.
1. Monitoring of Colonization Blocks/Plates:
Monitoring for presence/absence of Quagga mussel is accomplished by monthly inspection of monitoring blocks. Quagga mussel monitoring blocks are composed of concrete blocks (CMU), and are suspended in the Canal starting at the Flume at the Coachella Valley Turn Out (MP 0.15) and continuing up to Lake Cahuilla at MP 123.45 as shown in Figure A3. These blocks are suspended in the canal approximately 1-2 feet off the bottom in an area of quiet water, usually just above or just below a gate structure and are checked by Canal staff once a month (Figure A4). The blocks can provide a suitable location for veligers to attach and colonize, but large amounts of biological growth on the blocks can inhibit an inspector’s ability to see newly attached mussels.
Table A2 summarizes the locations for the monitoring blocks.
2. Microscopic Exams:
Monthly water sampling for mussel veligers is currently conducted at three locations shown in Figure A5. The monitoring point at the inlet to Lake Cahuilla is proposed to be moved to a deeper section of the lake that is more representative of the water column.
A4
Samples consisting of the filtrate from between 1000 liters of water are submitted to the CDFW Bodega Marine Laboratory for analysis using polymerase chain reaction analyses (PCR) followed by cross-polarization microscopy (CPLM). PCR and CPLM are believed to be of equal sensitivity on a per volume basis. However it is easier to examine more volume using CPLM. Veligers identified by CPLM will also be tested by PCR for confirmation. In this way CPLM and PCR will be used together to support the findings.
This monitoring activity provides an initial warning in terms of detecting veligers within the Canal although it is not known whether these veligers are viable or not. In general, veligers are either not found, or are detected at levels orders of magnitude less than the levels seen in colonized water bodies. Reports from CDFW analysts indicates partial veliger material is more likely to be found in samples from CVWD conveyances when compared to samples collected from colonized water bodies. Results from microscopic veliger monitoring are provided in Figure A6. Early detection through monitoring of settlement blocks for invasive mussels is paramount to a successful control and monitoring program since it will give an agency a window of opportunity to evaluate the most at risk locations within their infrastructure and to direct treatment efforts with the highest level of effect. CVWD maintains 13 monitoring blocks along the Canal and at Lake Cahuilla as shown in Figure A7.
Discussion
Following the initial invasion at Lake Mead, Southern Nevada Water Authority and MWD hosted a workshop on Quagga mussels involving a diverse set of regional stakeholders and agencies. Individuals with direct experience using the best available control methods convened at a forum for a directed exchange of ideas, opinions, research results, technical applications and future perspectives involving technologies and strategies for controlling quagga mussels in water conveyance systems and in source waters used for drinking water, such as rivers, lakes or reservoirs. Workshop attendees discussed information and data gaps, research priorities and implications for “real world” application of quagga mussel control and monitoring activities.
This workshop resulted in many of the current control strategies currently implemented in the western United States. CVWD attended a workshop in 2012 and discussed its current quagga mussel monitoring and control activities with several aquatic invasive species experts to elicit feedback on the approach and to see if any other monitoring or control methods should be incorporated into the current program. Based on these discussions and the lack of viable mussel colonies within CVWD’s water conveyance system it is believed that current monitoring and control efforts coupled with environmental constraints are successfully keeping quagga mussel from colonizing CVWD infrastructure and water conveyance system.
A5
1. Scope and applications:
The quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) is one of seven Dreissena species. This species is indigenous to the Dnieper River drainage of Ukraine. The quagga mussel was first observed in North America in September 1989 when it was discovered in Lake Erie near Port Colborne, Ontario. It was not identified as a distinct species until 1991. The species was called the quagga mussel after the quagga, an extinct subspecies of African zebra, possibly because, like the quagga, its stripes fade. These mussels are filter feeders that consume large portions of the microscopic plants and animals that form the base of the food web. The removal of significant amounts of phytoplankton from the water can cause a shift in native species and a disruption of the ecological balance of the lake. These mussels often settle in massive colonies that can block water intake and affect municipal water supply and agricultural irrigation and power plant operation. In the United States, Congressional researchers estimated that zebra mussels alone cost the power industry $3.1 billion in the 1993-1999 period, with their impact on industries, businesses, and communities more than $5 billion (http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/zebra_mussels.shtml#5). The quagga also causes many of the same problems (damaging boats, power plants, and harbors and destroying the native mussel population) as the equally invasive Zebra mussel of Russia. The quagga mussel shell is striped, as is that of the Zebra mussel, but the quagga shell is paler toward the hinge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quagga_mussel).
The following sample collection procedure is based on the procedure provided by the Bureau of Reclamation’s Technical Service Center in Denver, Colorado and are designed to collect the veligers or the free-swimming larval form of zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena spp.) as plankton samples for laboratory detection using cross polarized light microscopy. The volumes of water sampled through the plankton net are needed both for sample size standardization and for calculating the number of veliger density by microscopic methods to confirm the results.
2. Sample collection locations:
The samples will be collected from three locations along the Coachella Canal (Figure A5). The first location is where the canal ends at Lake Cahuilla. The second location is at the 88.6 Irrigation Lateral; this is where the first irrigation line splits off of the canal. The third location is from the Avenue 56 bridge where it crosses the canal.
3. Equipment needed:
• Three 63 um Plankton Tow Nets (one dedicated for each location) • Three spray bottles (one dedicated for each location) • Ethanol (lab grade, 200 proof for sample preservation) • Four sample collection bottles (1000 mL Nalgene leak-proof poly (HDPE)) Coachella Valley Water District
Sample Collection and Decontamination
Procedures for the Quagga Mussel
Control and Monitoring Program
A6
• Disposable diapers
• Plastic electrical tape
• Ziploc bags (1 gallon)
• Plastic garbage bags (large enough to hold 3 sample bottles) • Waterproof markers and labels
• Chain of Custody
• Ice chest with ice
• Large trash can (decontamination container for sampling equipment) • 5% acetic acid solution (12L-16L enough to cover the equipment for decontamination • Two trucks (to carry all of the equipment)
• Generator (get in advance from stores)
• Three extension cords
• Submersible pump and fittings for hose
• Clear hose (one dedicated for each location)
• Rope (enough to suspend the pump, 100 ft.)
• 5 gallon bucket and stop watch (to determine flow from hose) • Calculator
• Conversion equations
• Measuring tape (for determining depth of the pump)
• One thin carabineer (to hang the net in place) or zip ties
4. Summary of collection method:
The sample collection equipment must be decontaminated from previous sampling events before using.
Set up the sample collection equipment properly according to the sample location. In order to avoid cross contamination, each location has its own equipment and the pump is disinfected between uses.
The Lake Cahuilla sample is collected at the end of the canal (GPS 33°38.05, 116°16.66). The bed of the truck holding the generator needs to closest to the door so that the extension cord will reach. The net will need to be attached to a point where water can flow through it without being blocked. A rope is securely tied onto the pump handle and the correct hose fitting is attached to the pump. Lift the grate on the floor of the platform to submerge the pump.
At the 88.6 Lateral, the pump is submerged in the water between the troth and the white tank on the South side of the canal (GPS 33°33.35, 116°56.76). It is a tight fit, but it works and the water in this area is calm, shaded and deeper than going under the grate on the south side of the tank.
A7
At the Avenue 56 Bridge, the pump is submerged in the water west of the bridge or downstream from the bridge (GPS 33°38.55, 116°05.46). This allows for easier removal of the pump when it is being removed from the water.
While submerged, the pump should not sit on the bottom of the canal. The bottom of the pump should be raised at least three feet off of the bottom to half way down into the water. Be sure to secure the rope from the pump to an immovable source so that it will hang at the same depth in the water for the entire sampling procedure. Record the depth of the pump on the COC.
Completely purge the supply line of any stagnant water. Use a five gallon bucket and a stop watch to determine the flow rate (gallons/minute) through the hose. Calculate the average of at least three replicate runs for determining the flow rate. Record the amount of time in seconds it takes to fill the five gallon bucket with canal water. Divide 5 gallons by the amount of time in seconds recorded and then multiply by 60 seconds/1 minute to get gallons per minute. This number is then divided into 264 gallons. This will give you the amount of time in minutes that it will take to allow 1000 L of water to pass through the hose and through the net (see Calculations below for the formula). A minimum of 1,000 L must pass through the net.
Place the end of the hose into the opening of the plankton tow net, in order to collect all of the water flowing out of the hose without the water splashing out. Keep accurate measures of the volume of water flowing into the net by observing the elapse time. Record the total volume of water going into the net on the COC.
Carefully unscrew the 100 ml collection cup and pour the sample into a 1,000 mL Nalgene leakproof poly bottle. Using the appropriate spray bottle filled with water from the sample collection location (use the water in the 5 gallon bucket used to determine flow), spray down the net from the outside to concentrate veligers into the collection cup. Again, carefully unscrew the collection cup and pour the rinse water into the 1000 mL bottle. Repeat this step until the net is clean from silt, etc. Thoroughly rinse the collection cup with the spray bottle with minimal volume of water and transfer the rinses into the same sample bottle. Be sure not to exceed 750mls of sample water since the sample must be preserved with 25% of the total volume of sample with ethanol. Mark the water level on the sample bottle with permanent ink. (Draw a line on the bottle and label “Level 1.”)
The pump and any other equipment being used at each location must be decontaminated for at least one hour in acetic acid between uses. There is a 44 gallon trashcan that can be filled with 12-16L of the acid that the pump can soak in while moving from location to location (it may be necessary to remove the elbow on the pump so that all parts are completely submerged). Please keep track of how much acetic acid is left in the lab so that we can order more when needed.
Also, the acid will need to be removed from the lab the night before sampling occurs, since it is kept in the main area of the lab, which is secured by punch code and locked doors.
After all of the samples have been collected, the volume of sample collected in each 1000 ml bottle will need to be determined. The best way to determine how much sample has been collected is to weigh the 1000 ml sample bottle with the sample in it and subtract the weight of an empty sample bottle. This will be an estimated volume.
A8
Next, add the appropriate volume of ethanol (25% of the total volume of sample). This is a visual estimate; it does not have to be exact. Use three parts canal water and one part ethanol.
After determining the amount of sample volume is in the 1000ml bottle, multiply this by 0.25 to determine how much ethanol to be added. Replace the bottle cap snugly. (The volume of ethanol will need to be used in the calculation of number of veligers per unit volume; therefore be sure that the sample bottle is marked with a second line to indicate total volume [sample + ethanol] so that the lab can also determine the volume of ethanol that was added.) Mark the water level on the sample bottle with permanent ink. (Draw a line on the bottle and label “Level after ETOH.”) Tape the secured bottle cap with black electrical tape to cover the seam between the cap and bottle to prevent leakage.
Use a waterproof pen for bottle labels. Be careful to avoid spillage of ethanol (Sharpie ink will run if contacted with ethanol). Insert a piece of paper with the information on the bottle label also be put in the Ziploc bag with the sample, as a backup. Record the following information on both sample bottle and data sheet:
• Sample date
• Sample location (GPS if available)
• Sample depth or pump intake depth
• Volume of water filtered through the plankton net
• Preservative used
• Sampler ID
Put the COC in a Ziploc bag. Wrap the bottle in the disposable diaper and place it in a Ziploc bag (push all air out of the bag before closing). Put on ice in cooler for transport. Samples must be kept cool at all times. Samples may be stored under refrigeration for a few days if a delay is necessary to avoid shipping over a weekend.
5. Decontamination protocol for equipment used to collect plankton tow samples for quagga mussel larvae detection analysis
Decontamination procedures approved by California Department of Fish and Wildlife shall be used to decontaminate equipment (CDFW, 2014). After the tow samples have been collected from a water body all equipment coming into contact with the water will be decontaminated prior to the next sampling event. Each sample point has a dedicated tow net and water pump which will still require decontamination when sampling activities are complete. For thorough decontamination, equipment will be soaked in an acetic acid solution (vinegar) and then sprayed with a 10% bleach solution. The vinegar dissolves the veliger’s shell but will not denature DNA so following the acetic acid bath the equipment will be sprayed with the 10% bleach solution to denature the veligers DNA. Vinegar and bleach can present safety hazards if not used properly.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for both vinegar and bleach should be reviewed prior to decontamination procedures. Heed all MSDS precautions and follow all MSDS procedures, practices, safeguards and requirements when using vinegar and bleach.
A9
Protocol:
1. Place items to be decontaminated in the 55 gallon Rubbermaid tote.
2. Fill the tote with enough household vinegar to completely cover all of the items.
3. Soak the items in vinegar for a minimum of 2 hours (24 hours is preferred).
4. After soaking in vinegar thoroughly rinse the items in tap water.
5. Spray the items with a 10% bleach solution and allow the items to sit for 15 minutes.
6. Alternatively, a 10% bleach solution can be prepared in a Rubbermaid tote or a similar type of container and used to soak items for 15 minutes following the vinegar soak.
7. After the bleach treatment, thoroughly rinse all of the items off with tap water and allow them to air dry.
The vinegar can be reused multiple times. It’s recommended that vinegar be poured back into the original container for storage. The pH of the vinegar should be checked periodically to make sure the value is approximately 2 to 3. This can be done with pH paper.
6. Sample Shipping:
The samples are to be shipped using FedEx Overnight Express (avoiding weekend deliveries) to James Snider, California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Fisheries Branch, Bodega Bay Marine Lab, 2099 Westside Road Bodega Bay, CA 94923. Be sure to give a copy of the shipping invoice to the project manager.
If needed, contact James Snider by email at [email protected], or by phone at (707) 875-2066.
7. Safety Issues:
Use sure footing and walk very carefully around the canal so as not to slip into the water. Use your legs rather than your back when pulling the pump from the canal. Keep away from the fumes of the acetic acid and ethanol.
A10
8. Calculations:
To determine how many gallons per minute are being pumped:
5 gallons (volume of bucket) X 60 seconds = ? gallons
Seconds it takes to fill the bucket 1 minute minute
To determine how much time to for 1000 L of the water to flow through the net (1000 L = 264 gallons) use the gallons/minute determined above:
264 gallons = Total minutes to allow water to flow through the net ? gallons/minute
For example:
5 gallons (volume of bucket) X 60 seconds = 50.85 gallons
5.9 seconds 1 minute minute
264 gallons = 5.19 minutes
50.85 gallons/minute
0.19 minutes x 60 seconds = 11 seconds
Allow the water to flow through the net for 5 minutes and 11seconds.
To determine the amount of ethanol to add:
Weight of the bottle and the sample – weight of an empty sample bottle and lid = estimated volume of sample
Estimated volume of sample x 0.25 = volume of ethanol to add For example:
465.21 (with sample) g – 88.17g (empty) = 337.04 g
337.4 g x 0.25 = 94.26 g
Add 94 mls of ethanol to the sample for preservation. Again, this is only an estimated value.
A11
Table A1. Chlorine Residual Down Stream of Dosing Station 0 .1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6
.7
.8
.9
1 1.1
Free Chlorine
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ln distance+1
Y = .878 - .098 * X; R^2 = .912
0 .2
.4
.6
.8
1 1.2
Total Chlorine
-1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ln distance+1
Y = .973 - .101 * X; R^2 = .915
Table A2. Location of Monitoring Blocks within the Coachella Canal Canal Mile Post Structure
0.15 Flume C.V.T.O
3.8 Gate Structure
11.4 Gate Structure
23.1 Glamis Road HWY 78
37.8 Scheu Ranch
41.9 Siphon 2
48.3 Flume Slab City
88.6 Demossing Screen
97.1 Gate Structure
108.2 Gate Structure
115.5 Gate Structure
123.45 Lake Cahuilla next to two Traveling Screens
123.50 Lake Cahuilla outfall to irrigation lateral
A12
Figure A1. Chlorination Dosing Station at Drop One (Tanker offloading Chlorine) Figure A2. Maximum Daily Coachella Canal Water Temperature A13
Figure A3. Quagga Monitoring Locations Along the Coachella Canal A14
Figure A4. Typical Monitoring Block Location in Coachella Canal A15
Figure A5. Veliger Sampling Points
A16
Figure A6. CVWD Dreissena Veliger Monitoring Summary
0.00 0.02
0.04 0.06
0.08 0.10
0.12 0.14
0.16 CVJD Dreissena spp. (Quagga and Zebra) Veliger Monitoring Summary Veliger Density (VeligersCIiter)
Chlorination implemented at Drop One
turnout from All American Canal in 2008
Figure A7. Additional Monitoring Points within Lake Cahuilla A17
Figure A8. Buildup of Organic Growth on Monitoring Block A18
Figure A9. Coachella Canal Quagga Mussel Monitoring Block Inspection Record Date:
Inspector(s):
Procedure: Inspect all surfaces of the block and tether for adult and juvenile stages of Quagga mussel Block #
Mile
Post Location
Monitoring Block
Present / Absent
Quagga Mussel
Observation
Observed
Block
Condition Estimated # of Mussels
NOTES/COMMENTS
Block 1 0.15 Flume CVTO □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 2 3.8 Gate □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 3 11.4 Gate □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 4 23.1 Hwy 78 □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 5 37.8 Scheu Ranch □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 6 41.9 Siphon 2 □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 7 48.3 Flume Slab City □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 8 88.6 Demossing
Screen □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact
□ Damaged
Block 9 97.1 Gate Structure □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 10 108.2 Gate Structure □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 11 115.5 Gate Structure □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 12 123.45 Lake Cahuilla
Traveling Screen □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Block 13 123.50 Lake Cahuilla □ Present □ Missing □ Present □ Absent □ Intact □ Damaged
Other organisms present:
A19
APPENDIX
REFERENCES
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination Protocol. Retrieved from https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=43333&inline. 2014.
Craft, Christopher D. and Christopher A. Myrick, Ph.D. Evaluation of Quagga Mussel Veliger Thermal Tolerance. Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University. 2011.
De Leon, Ricardo (Dr.). Personal Communications regarding Early Research Involving Dyes and Stains Used to Determine Veliger Viability. Metropolitan Water District. 2011.
Kelly, K., Hosler, D., and Nibling, F. “Collecting Water Samples for Dreissena spp. Veliger PCR Analysis,” U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Sampling Protocol, Technical Services Center, Denver, CO. 2007.
Simms, Alan, La Bounty, Jim, Johnson, Dave, Roeffer. Prevention of Attachment at PreTreatment Plant. See Southern Nevada Water Authority powerpoint. August 2, 2007.
United States Geological Survey. Quagga and Zebra Mussel Eradication and Control Workshop. http://nas2.er.usgs.gov/viewer/omap.aspx?SpeciesID=95, San Diego, CA. February 1-2, 2012.
Willett, Leonard. Personal Communications regarding Monitoring Block Observation and Maintenance Practices. Quagga Mussel Coordinator, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. December 2011.
A20
A PHASE I CULTURAL
RESOURCES SURVEY FOR THE
VERANO RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA
APNs 677-050-017, -018, -027, -029, and -031 through -034 Project Site Location: Section 5 of Township 4 South, Range 5 East of the Cathedral City, California USGS Quadrangle
Prepared on Behalf of:
EPD Solutions, Inc.
2355 Main Street, Suite 100
Irvine, California 92614
Prepared for:
City of Cathedral City
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, California 92234
Prepared by:
BFSA Environmental Services,
a Perennial Company
14010 Poway Road, Suite A
Poway, California 92064
June 20, 2023; Revised November 16, 2023; Revised January 2, 2024 Fieldwork Performed: June 5 and 6, 2023.
Key Words: 128.34 acres; Phase I survey; negative results; monitoring of initial grading recommended.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Archaeological Report Summary Information
Author: Andrew J. Garrison, M.A., RPA
Prepared by: BFSA Environmental Services, a Perennial Company 14010 Poway Road, Suite A
Poway, California 92064
(858) 484-0915
Report Date: June 20, 2023; Revised November 16, 2023; Revised January 2, 2024
Report Title: A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project, City of Cathedral City, Riverside County, California
Prepared on Behalf of: EPD Solutions, Inc.
2355 Main Street, Suite 100
Irvine, California 92614
Prepared for: City of Cathedral City
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, California 92234
Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: APNs 677-050-017, -018, -027, -029, and -031 through -034 USGS Quadrangle: Section 5, Township 4 South, Range 5 East, of the Cathedral City, California USGS Quadrangle
Study Area: 128.34 acres
Key Words: Archaeological survey; negative; City of Cathedral City; Cathedral City, California USGS Quadrangle; monitoring of initial grading recommended.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Table of Contents
Section Page
1.0 MANAGEMENT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT............................................................1.0–1
1.1 Purpose of Investigation ....................................................................................1.0–1
1.2 Major Findings...................................................................................................1.0–1
1.3 Recommendation Summary...............................................................................1.0–2
2.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................2.0–1
2.1 Previous Work ...................................................................................................2.0–1
2.2 Project Setting....................................................................................................2.0–5
2.3 Cultural Setting – Archaeological Perspectives.................................................2.0–5
2.3.1 Introduction..............................................................................................2.0–6
2.3.2 Paleo Indian Period (Late Pleistocene: 11,500 to circa 9,000 YBP)......2.0–7
2.3.3 Archaic Period (Early and Middle Holocene: circa 9,000 to 1,300 YBP)..........................................................................................................2.0–7
2.3.4 Late Prehistoric Period (Late Holocene: 1,300 YBP to 1790)................2.0–10
2.3.5 Protohistoric Period (Late Holocene: 1790 to Present) .........................2.0–11
2.3.6 Ethnohistoric Period (1769 to Present)...................................................2.0–17
2.4 Research Goals...................................................................................................2.0–22
2.5 Applicable Regulations......................................................................................2.0–23
3.0 METHODOLOGY .....................................................................................................3.0–1
3.1 Archaeological Records Search .........................................................................3.0–1
3.2 Field Methodology.............................................................................................3.0–1
3.3 Report Preparation and Recordation..................................................................3.0–1
3.4 Native American Consultation...........................................................................3.0–1
4.0 RESULTS ...................................................................................................................4.0–1
4.1 Records Search Results......................................................................................4.0–1
4.2 Survey Results ...................................................................................................4.0–2
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................5.0–1
5.1 Cultural Resources Monitoring..........................................................................5.0–1
6.0 CERTIFICATION ......................................................................................................6.0–1
7.0 REFERENCES ...........................................................................................................7.0–1 A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Appendices
Appendix A – Qualifications of Key Personnel
Appendix B – Archaeological Records Search Results*
Appendix C – NAHC Sacred Lands File Search Results*
*Deleted for public review and bound separately in the Confidential Appendix List of Figures
Figure Page
Figure 2.0–1 General Location Map .................................................................................2.0–2 Figure 2.0–2 Project Location Map...................................................................................2.0–3 Figure 2.0–3 Project Development Map ...........................................................................2.0–4 List of Plates
Plate Page
Plate 4.2–1 Overview of the project, facing east ............................................................4.0–2 Plate 4.2–2 Overview of the project, facing southeast....................................................4.0–3 Plate 4.2–3 Overview of graded pad, facing southeast...................................................4.0–3 Plate 4.2–4 Modern block wall and metal fencing, facing southeast..............................4.0–4 Plate 4.2–5 Pushed rocks, facing southeast ....................................................................4.0–4 Plate 4.2–6 Paved entry road, facing north.....................................................................4.0–5 List of Tables
Table Page
Table 4.1–1 Cultural Resources Recorded Within One Mile of the Verano Residential Project ..........................................................................4.0–1 A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.0–1
1.0 MANAGEMENT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The following report describes the results of the cultural resources survey program conducted by BFSA Environmental Services, a Perennial Company (BFSA), for the 128.34-acre Verano Residential Project. The project includes Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 677-050-017, -018, -027, -029, and -031 through -034 within the city of Cathedral City, Riverside County, California. The subject property is situated between the Whitewater River and Interstate 10 in Cathedral City, Riverside County, California, within Section 5, Township 4 South, Range 5 East, of the San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) (7.5-minute) Cathedral City, California topographic quadrangle map. More specifically, the project is located north of the intersection of Verona Road and Ventura Drive. The applicant proposes to construct a residential development within the parcels along with associated landscaping and infrastructure. In addition, the project includes off-site improvements consisting of the restoration of an existing sand berm along the western boundary and an access road for sand berm maintenance along a portion of the northern boundary of the property.
1.1 Purpose of Investigation
BFSA conducted the archaeological assessment to locate and record any cultural resources present within the project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and following City of Cathedral City guidelines. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if any significant cultural resources would be affected by the proposed land development. This study consisted of the processing of a records search of previously recorded archaeological sites on or near the property and the completion of an archaeological survey of the property. The records search was requested from the Eastern Information Center (EIC) at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). In addition, the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) was contacted for a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search.
1.2 Major Findings
The EIC records search did not identify any recorded resources within the subject property.
However, the search did identify four resources within one mile of the subject property. During the survey, ground visibility was generally characterized as good. The pedestrian survey identified evidence that the property has been previously cleared and disturbed as supported by aerial photographs between 1996 and 2002. Although it appears areas of the project have previously been graded, the level of these previous impacts is not clear. This characterization of the property as surficially disturbed is relevant to the consideration of cultural resources being present within the project. When parcels are cleared, disked, or otherwise disturbed, evidence of surface artifact scatters is lost. Whether or not cultural resources have ever existed within this property, the current status of the area appears to have affected the potential to discover any evidence of surface artifact scatters.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.0–2
1.3 Recommendation Summary
Given the uncertainty of the level of prior impacts to the property coupled with the project’s proximity to prehistorically exploited natural resources, such as the Whitewater River and ancient Lake Cahuilla, monitoring of grading is recommended. Consistent with the General Plan and the General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), as a condition of approval, the project will implement a cultural resources monitoring program conducted by an archaeologist during the initial clearing and grading of the property (first three to five feet). However, the consulting archaeologist shall have the authority to modify and reduce the monitoring program to either periodic spot-checks or suspension of the monitoring program should the potential for cultural resources appear to be less than anticipated.
A copy of this report will be permanently filed with the EIC at UCR. All notes, photographs, and other materials related to this project will be curated at the archaeological laboratory of BFSA in Poway, California.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.0–1
2.0 INTRODUCTION
BFSA was retained by the project applicant to conduct a cultural resources survey for the Verano Residential Project. The archaeological survey was conducted in order to comply with CEQA and City of Cathedral City guidelines with regards to potential development-generated impacts to cultural resources. The project is located in an area of low to moderate cultural resource sensitivity, as suggested by the local topography. Sensitivity for cultural resources in a given area is usually indicated by known settlement patterns which, in Riverside County, are focused around environments with accessible food and water.
The project is situated between the Whitewater River and Interstate 10 in Cathedral City, Riverside County, California, within Section 5, Township 4 South, Range 5 East, of the San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian on the USGS (7.5-minute) Cathedral City, California topographic quadrangle map (Figures 2.0–1 and 2.0–2). More specifically, the project is located north of the intersection of Verona Road and Ventura Drive and includes APNs 677-050-017, -018, -027, -029, and -031 through -034, which total 128.34 acres. The project applicant proposes to construct a residential development within the parcels along with associated landscaping and infrastructure. In addition, the project includes off-site improvements consisting of the restoration of an existing sand berm along the western boundary and an access road for sand berm maintenance along a portion of the northern boundary of the property (Figure 2.0–3).
Principal Investigator Tracy A. Stropes, M.A., RPA, directed the cultural resources study for the project. Staff archaeologist Sabrina Corcoran conducted the pedestrian survey of the project and off-site improvement areas on June 5 and 6, 2023. The surveys were conducted in 15-meter interval transects. The visibility of the natural ground surface was generally good.
Project Archaeologist Andrew J. Garrison, M.A., RPA, prepared the technical report. Emily T.
Soong created the graphics and Shawna M. Krystek conducted technical editing and report production. Qualifications of key personnel are provided in Appendix A.
2.1 Previous Work
The records search for the property was requested from the EIC at UCR. The records search did not identify any recorded resources within the subject property. However, the search did identify four resources within one mile of the subject property. The EIC records search also identified 40 previous studies conducted within one mile of the project. However, none of the previous studies included the subject property. In addition, BFSA reviewed the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) index, historic USGS maps and data, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) General Land Office (GLO) Records, and historic aerial photographs (1953 through 2020) for the project area, which did not indicate the presence of any historic or prehistoric cultural resources within the project.
Figure 3
Project Development Map
The Verano Residential Project
2.0–4
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.0–5
2.2 Project Setting
Regionally, the project lies within the Coachella Valley area of the the Salton Trough, a depressed structural block bounded on the west by the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, and Coyote mountains and on the east by the San Andreas fault zone and Edom Hill, the Indio Hills, and the Mecca Hills (Norris and Webb 1990; Dibblee 2008). Based on mapping and descriptions by Rogers (1965) and Dibblee (2008), the project is within Holocene alluvium and/or dune sands.
More precise mapping by Lancaster et al. (2012) indicates the geology at the surface of most of the project consists of late Holocene alluvial wash deposits, composed of unconsolidated sands and gravels deposited by recently active channels or streams. Portions of the project’s western parcels are mapped as late Holocene eolian or sand dune deposits, composed of well sorted, windblown sand.
Currently the property partially consists of a series of previously graded pads and is generally flat with elevations ranging between approximately 445 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) and 450 feet AMSL. The vegetation found within the project consists primarily of creosote bushes, desert plants, and non-native weeds and grasses. Mammals within the region include mule deer, pronghorn antelopes, bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, and a variety of other small rodents and lizards. Birds within the region include raptors, quail, mourning doves, geese, ducks, heron, crows, finches, and sparrows.
The project is situated just east of the Whitewater River and just north of the boundaries of the ancient Lake Cahuilla which covered much of the Salton Trough. Ancient Lake Cahuilla was utilized by the prehistoric inhabitants. The lake has also been referred to as Lake LeConte, Agua Grande, and Blake Sea (Jertberg 1981; Wilke 1986). Based upon stratigraphic studies, complemented by radiocarbon (14C) dating, basin flooding and creation of an inland freshwater lake occurred several times during the latter half of the Holocene Epoch. Flooding of the area occurred multiple times during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene subsequent to the blockage of the natural drainage pattern to the Gulf of California by development of the Colorado River fan.
The last versions of the lake existed as late as during the first half of the seventeenth century and during the middle of the eighteenth century (Ross 2020). Coarser-grained fluvial sediments are more prevalent along the basin margins, whereas finer-grained lacustrine sediments (silts and clays), derived from suspended Colorado River sediment, dominate the central areas of the basin.
The thickness of Lake Cahuilla sediments ranges from only a few feet along its margins to as much as approximately 300 feet (90 meters) in deeper parts of the original basin (Norris and Webb 1990).
2.3 Cultural Setting – Archaeological Perspectives
The archaeological perspective seeks to reconstruct past cultures based upon the material remains left behind. This is done using a range of scientific methodologies, almost all of which draw from evolutionary theory as the base framework. Archaeology allows one to look deeper into history or prehistory to see where the beginnings of ideas manifest via analysis of material A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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culture, allowing for the understanding of outside forces that shape social change. Thus, the archaeological perspective allows one to better understand the consequences of the history of a given culture upon modern cultures. Archaeologists seek to understand the effects of past contexts of a given culture on this moment in time, not culture in context in the moment.
Despite this, a distinction exists between “emic” and “etic” ways of understanding material culture, prehistoric lifeways, and cultural phenomena in general (Harris 1991). While “emic” perspectives serve the subjective ways in which things are perceived and interpreted by the participants within a culture, “etic” perspectives are those of an outsider looking in hoping to attain a more scientific or “objective” understanding of the given phenomena. Archaeologists, by definition, will almost always serve an etic perspective as a result of the very nature of their work.
As indicated by Laylander et al. (2014), it has sometimes been suggested that etic understanding, and therefore an archaeological understanding, is an imperfect and potentially ethnocentric attempt to arrive at emic understanding. In contrast to this, however, an etic understanding of material culture, cultural phenomena, and prehistoric lifeways can address significant dimensions of culture that lie entirely beyond the understanding or interest of those solely utilizing an emic perspective.
As Harris (1991:20) appropriately points out, “Etic studies often involve the measurement and juxtaposition of activities and events that native informants find inappropriate or meaningless.” This is also likely true of archaeological comparisons and juxtapositions of material culture.
However, culture as a whole does not occur in a vacuum and is the result of several millennia of choices and consequences influencing everything from technology to religions, to institutions.
Archaeology allows for the ability to not only see what came before, but to see how those choices, changes, and consequences affect the present. Where possible, archaeology should seek to address both emic and etic understandings to the extent that they may be recoverable from the archaeological record as manifestations of patterned human behavior (Laylander et al. 2014).
To that point, the culture history offered herein is primarily based upon archaeological (etic) and ethnographic (partially emic and partially etic) information. It is understood that the ethnographic record and early archaeological records were incompletely and imperfectly collected.
In addition, in most cases, more than a century of intensive cultural change and cultural evolution had elapsed since the terminus of the prehistoric period. Coupled with the centuries and millennia of prehistoric change separating the “ethnographic present” from the prehistoric past, this has affected the emic and etic understandings of prehistoric cultural settings. Regardless, there remains a need to present the changing cultural setting within the region under investigation. As a result, both archaeological and Native American perspectives are offered when possible.
2.3.1 Introduction
Paleo Indian, Archaic Period Milling Stone Horizon, and the Late Prehistoric Takic groups are the three general cultural periods represented in Riverside County. The following discussion of the cultural history of Riverside County references the San Dieguito Complex, Encinitas Tradition, Milling Stone Horizon, La Jolla Complex, Pauma Complex, and San Luis Rey Complex, A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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since these culture sequences have been used to describe archaeological manifestations in the region. The Late Prehistoric component present in the Riverside County area was primarily represented by the Cahuilla, Gabrielino, and Luiseño Indians.
Absolute chronological information, where possible, will be incorporated into this archaeological discussion to examine the effectiveness of continuing to interchangeably use these terms. Reference will be made to the geological framework that divides the archaeologicallybased culture chronology of the area into four segments: the late Pleistocene (20,000 to 10,000 years before the present [YBP]), the early Holocene (10,000 to 6,650 YBP), the middle Holocene (6,650 to 3,350 YBP), and the late Holocene (3,350 to 200 YBP).
2.3.2 Paleo Indian Period (Late Pleistocene: 11,500 to circa 9,000 YBP) Archaeologically, the Paleo Indian Period is associated with the terminus of the late Pleistocene (12,000 to 10,000 YBP). The environment during the late Pleistocene was cool and moist, which allowed for glaciation in the mountains and the formation of deep, pluvial lakes in the deserts and basin lands (Moratto 1984). However, by the terminus of the late Pleistocene, the climate became warmer, which caused the glaciers to melt, sea levels to rise, greater coastal erosion, large lakes to recede and evaporate, extinction of Pleistocene megafauna, and major vegetation changes (Moratto 1984; Martin 1967, 1973; Fagan 1991). The coastal shoreline at 10,000 YBP, depending upon the particular area of the coast, was near the 30-meter isobath, or two to six kilometers further west than its present location (Masters 1983).
Paleo Indians were likely attracted to multiple habitat types, including mountains, marshlands, estuaries, and lakeshores. These people likely subsisted using a more generalized hunting, gathering, and collecting adaptation utilizing a variety of resources including birds, mollusks, and both large and small mammals (Erlandson and Colten 1991; Moratto 1984; Moss and Erlandson 1995).
2.3.3 Archaic Period (Early and Middle Holocene: circa 9,000 to 1,300 YBP) Archaeological data indicates that between 9,000 and 8,000 YBP, a widespread complex was established in the southern California region, primarily along the coast (Warren and True 1961). This complex is locally known as the La Jolla Complex (Rogers 1939; Moriarty 1966), which is regionally associated with the Encinitas Tradition (Warren 1968) and shares cultural components with the widespread Milling Stone Horizon (Wallace 1955). The coastal expression of this complex appeared in southern California coastal areas and focused upon coastal resources and the development of deeply stratified shell middens that were primarily located around bays and lagoons. The older sites associated with this expression are located at Topanga Canyon, Newport Bay, Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and some of the Channel Islands. Radiocarbon dates from sites attributed to this complex span a period of over 7,000 years in this region, beginning over 9,000 YBP.
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The Encinitas Tradition is best recognized for its pattern of large coastal sites characterized by shell middens, grinding tools that are closely associated with the marine resources of the area, cobble-based tools, and flexed human burials (Shumway et al. 1961; Smith and Moriarty 1985).
While ground stone tools and scrapers are the most recognized tool types, coastal Encinitas Tradition sites also contain numerous utilized flakes, which may have been used to pry open shellfish. Artifact assemblages at coastal sites indicate a subsistence pattern focused upon shellfish collection and nearshore fishing. This suggests an incipient maritime adaptation with regional similarities to more northern sites of the same period (Koerper et al. 1986). Other artifacts associated with Encinitas Tradition sites include stone bowls, doughnut stones, discoidals, stone balls, and stone, bone, and shell beads.
The coastal lagoons in southern California supported large Milling Stone Horizon populations circa 6,000 YBP, as shown by numerous radiocarbon dates from the many sites adjacent to the lagoons. The ensuing millennia were not stable environmentally and, by 3,000 YBP, many of the coastal sites in central San Diego County had been abandoned (Gallegos 1987, 1992). The abandonment of the area is usually attributed to the sedimentation of coastal lagoons and the resulting deterioration of fish and mollusk habitat. This is a well-documented situation at Batiquitos Lagoon, where over a two-thousand-year period, dominant mollusk species occurring in archaeological middens shift from deep-water mollusks (Argopecten sp.) to species tolerant of tidal flat conditions (Chione sp.), indicating water depth and temperature changes (Miller 1966; Gallegos 1987).
This situation likely occurred for other small drainages (Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, San Marcos, and Escondido creeks) along the central San Diego coast where low flow rates did not produce sufficient discharge to flush the lagoons they fed (Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, Batiquitos, and San Elijo lagoons) (Byrd 1998). Drainages along the northern and southern San Diego coastline were larger and flushed the coastal hydrological features they fed, keeping them open to the ocean and allowing for continued human exploitation (Byrd 1998). Peñasquitos Lagoon exhibits dates as late as 2,355 YBP (Smith and Moriarty 1985) and San Diego Bay showed continuous occupation until the close of the Milling Stone Horizon (Gallegos and Kyle 1988).
Additionally, data from several drainages in Camp Pendleton indicate a continued occupation of shell midden sites until the close of the period, indicating that coastal sites were not entirely abandoned during this time (Byrd 1998).
By 5,000 YBP, an inland expression of the La Jolla Complex is evident in the archaeological record, exhibiting influences from the Campbell Tradition from the north. These inland Milling Stone Horizon sites have been termed “Pauma Complex” (True 1958; Warren et al. 1961; Meighan 1954). By definition, Pauma Complex sites share a predominance of grinding implements (manos and metates), lack mollusk remains, have greater tool variety (including atlatl dart points, quarry-based tools, and crescentics), and seem to express a more sedentary lifestyle with a subsistence economy based upon the use of a broad variety of terrestrial resources.
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it appears that these inland sites may be part of a subsistence and settlement system utilized by the coastal peoples. Evidence from the 4S Ranch Project in inland San Diego County suggests that these inland sites may represent seasonal components within an annual subsistence round by La Jolla Complex populations (Raven-Jennings et al. 1996). Including both coastal and inland sites of this time period in discussions of the Encinitas Tradition, therefore, provides a more complete appraisal of the settlement and subsistence system exhibited by this cultural complex.
More recent work by Sutton has identified a more localized complex known as the Greven Knoll Complex. The Greven Knoll Complex is a redefined northern inland expression of the Encinitas Tradition first put forth by Mark Sutton and Jill Gardener (2010). Sutton and Gardener (2010:25) state that “[t]he early millingstone archaeological record in the northern portion of the interior southern California was not formally named but was often referred to as ‘Inland Millingstone,’ ‘Encinitas,’ or even ‘Topanga.’” Therefore, they proposed that all expressions of the inland Milling Stone in southern California north of San Diego County be grouped together in the Greven Knoll Complex.
The Greven Knoll Complex, as postulated by Sutton and Gardener (2010), is broken into three phases and obtained its name from the type-site Greven Knoll located in Yucaipa, California.
Presently, the Greven Knoll Site is part of the Yukaipa’t Site (SBR-1000) and was combined with the adjacent Simpson Site. Excavations at Greven Knoll recovered manos, metates, projectile points, discoidal cogged stones, and a flexed inhumation with a possible cremation (Kowta 1969:39). It is believed that the Greven Knoll Site was occupied between 5,000 and 3,500 YBP.
The Simpson Site contained mortars, pestles, side-notched points, and stone and shell beads.
Based upon the data recovered at these sites, Kowta (1969:39) suggested that “coastal Milling Stone Complexes extended to and interdigitated with the desert Pinto Basin Complex in the vicinity of the Cajon Pass.”
Phase I of the Greven Knoll Complex is generally dominated by the presence of manos and metates, core tools, hammerstones, large dart points, flexed inhumations, and occasional cremations. Mortars and pestles are absent from this early phase, and the subsistence economy emphasized hunting. Sutton and Gardener (2010:26) propose that the similarity of the material culture of Greven Knoll Phase I and that found in the Mojave Desert at Pinto Period sites indicates that the Greven Knoll Complex was influenced by neighbors to the north at that time. Accordingly, Sutton and Gardener (2010) believe that Greven Knoll Phase I may have appeared as early as 9,400 YBP and lasted until about 4,000 YBP.
Greven Knoll Phase II is associated with a period between 4,000 and 3,000 YBP. Artifacts common to Greven Knoll Phase II include manos and metates, Elko points, core tools, and discoidals. Pestles and mortars are present; however, they are only represented in small numbers.
Finally, there is an emphasis upon hunting and gathering for subsistence (Sutton and Gardener 2010:8).
Greven Knoll Phase III includes manos, metates, Elko points, scraper planes, choppers, hammerstones, and discoidals. Again, small numbers of mortars and pestles are present. Greven A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Knoll Phase III spans from approximately 3,000 to 1,000 YBP and shows a reliance upon seeds and yucca. Hunting was still important, but bones seem to have been processed to obtain bone grease more often in this later phase (Sutton and Gardener 2010:8).
The shifts in food processing technologies during each of these phases indicate a change in subsistence strategies; although people were still hunting for large game, plant-based foods eventually became the primary dietary resource (Sutton 2011a). Sutton’s (2011b) argument posits that the development of mortars and pestles during the middle Holocene can be attributed to the year-round exploitation of acorns as a main dietary provision. Additionally, the warmer and drier climate may have been responsible for groups from the east moving toward coastal populations, which is archaeologically represented by the interchange of coastal and eastern cultural traits (Sutton 2011a).
2.3.4 Late Prehistoric Period (Late Holocene: 1,300 YBP to 1790) Many Luiseño hold the world view that, as a population, they were created in southern California. Archaeological and anthropological data, however, proposes a scientific/archaeological perspective suggesting that at approximately 1,350 YBP, Takic-speaking groups from the Great Basin region moved into Riverside County, marking the transition to the Late Prehistoric Period. An analysis of the Takic expansion by Sutton (2009) indicates that inland southern California was occupied by “proto-Yuman” populations before 1,000 YBP. The comprehensive, multi-phase model offered by Sutton (2009) employs linguistic, ethnographic, archaeological, and biological data to solidify a reasonable argument for population replacement of Takic groups to the north by Penutians (Laylander 1985). As a result, it is believed that Takic expansion occurred starting around 3,500 YBP moving toward southern California, with the Gabrielino language diffusing south into neighboring Yuman (Hokan) groups around 1,500 to 1,000 YBP, possibly resulting in the Luiseño dialect.
Based upon Sutton’s model, the final Takic expansion would not have occurred until about 1,000 YBP, resulting in Vanyume, Serrano, Cahuilla, and Cupeño dialects. The model suggests that the Luiseño did not simply replace Hokan speakers but were rather a northern San Diego County/southern Riverside County Yuman population who adopted the Takic language. This period is characterized by higher population densities and elaborations in social, political, and technological systems. Economic systems diversified and intensified during this period with the continued elaboration of trade networks, the use of shell-bead currency, and the appearance of more labor-intensive, yet effective, technological innovations. Technological developments during this period included the introduction of the bow and arrow between A.D. 400 and 600 and the introduction of ceramics. Atlatl darts were replaced by smaller arrow darts, including Cottonwood series points. Other hallmarks of the Late Prehistoric Period include extensive trade networks as far-reaching as the Colorado River Basin and cremation of the dead.
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2.3.5 Protohistoric Period (Late Holocene: 1790 to Present) Ethnohistorical and ethnographic evidence indicates that three Shoshonean-speaking groups occupied portions of Riverside County during the Protohistoric period, including the Cahuilla, the Gabrielino, and the Luiseño. The geographic boundaries between these groups in pre- and proto-historic times are difficult to place.
The project itself is within the Coachella Valley. This region is known to be associated with numerous habitation sites of the Desert Cahuilla (Barrows 1900; Hooper 1920; Kroeber 1976; Curtis 1926; Strong 1929; Bean and Saubel 1972; Bean 1978). The Desert Cahuilla are identified as one of three distinct Cahuilla populations associated with the Coachella Valley. Wilke (1978) suggests the Cahuilla migrated into the upland areas after the last desiccation of Lake Cahuilla, and finally returned to the desert floor once the area began to grow again. The population that returned to the valley evolved into the Desert Cahuilla as indicated by ethnographic research.
Cahuilla: An Archaeological and Ethnographic Perspective At the time of Spanish contact in the sixteenth century, the Cahuilla occupied territory that included the San Bernardino Mountains, Orocopia Mountain, and the Chocolate Mountains to the west, Salton Sea and Borrego Springs to the south, Palomar Mountain and Lake Mathews to the west, and the Santa Ana River to the north. The Cahuilla are a Takic-speaking people closely related to their Gabrielino and Luiseño neighbors, although relations with the Gabrielino were more intense than with the Luiseño. They differ from the Luiseño and Gabrielino in that their religion is more similar to the Mohave tribes of the eastern deserts than the Chingichngish religious group of the Luiseño and Gabrielino. The following is a summary of ethnographic data regarding this group (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Subsistence and Settlement
Cahuilla villages were typically permanent and located on low terraces within canyons in proximity to water sources. These locations proved to be rich in food resources and also afforded protection from prevailing winds. Villages had areas that were publicly owned and areas that were privately owned by clans, families, or individuals. Each village was associated with a particular lineage and series of sacred sites that included unique petroglyphs and pictographs. Villages were occupied throughout the year; however, during a several-week period in the fall, most of the village members relocated to mountain oak groves to take part in acorn harvesting (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
The Cahuilla’s use of plant resources is well documented. Plant foods harvested by the Cahuilla included valley oak acorns and single-leaf pinyon pine nuts. Other important plant species included bean and screw mesquite, agave, Mohave yucca, cacti, palm, chia, quail brush, yellowray goldfield, goosefoot, manzanita, catsclaw, desert lily, mariposa lily, and a number of other species such as grass seed. A number of agricultural domesticates were acquired from the Colorado River tribes including corn, bean, squash, and melon grown in limited amounts. Animal A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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species taken included deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, rabbit, hare, rat, quail, dove, duck, roadrunner, and a variety of rodents, reptiles, fish, and insects (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Social Organization
The Cahuilla was not a political nation, but rather a cultural nationality with a common language. Two non-political, non-territorial patrimoieties were recognized: the Wildcats (túktem) and the Coyotes (?ístam). Lineage and kinship were memorized at a young age among the Cahuilla, providing a backdrop for political relationships. Clans were comprised of three to 10 lineages; each lineage owned a village site and specific resource areas. Lineages within a clan cooperated in subsistence activities, defense, and rituals (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
A system of ceremonial hierarchy operated within each lineage. The hierarchy included the lineage leader, who was responsible for leading subsistence activities, guarding the sacred bundle, and negotiating with other lineage leaders in matters concerning land use, boundary disputes, marriage arrangements, trade, warfare, and ceremonies. The ceremonial assistant to the lineage leader was responsible for organizing ceremonies. A ceremonial singer possessed and performed songs at rituals and trained assistant singers. The shaman cured illnesses through supernatural powers, controlled natural phenomena, and was the guardian of ceremonies, keeping evil spirits away. The diviner was responsible for finding lost objects, telling future events, and locating game and other food resources. Doctors were usually older women who cured various ailments and illnesses with their knowledge of medicinal herbs. Finally, certain Cahuilla specialized as traders, who ranged as far west as Santa Catalina and as far east as the Gila River (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Marriages were arranged by parents from opposite moieties. When a child was born, an alliance formed between the families, which included frequent reciprocal exchanges. The Cahuilla kinship system extended to relatives within five generations. Important economic decisions, primarily the distribution of goods, operated within this kinship system (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Material Culture
Cahuilla houses were dome-shaped or rectangular, thatched structures. The home of the lineage leader was the largest, located near the ceremonial house with the best access to water.
Other structures within the village included the men’s sweathouse and granaries (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Cahuilla clothing, like other groups in the area, was minimal. Men typically wore a loincloth and sandals; women wore skirts made from mesquite bark, animal skin, or tules. Babies wore mesquite bark diapers. Rabbit skin cloaks were worn in cold weather (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Hunting implements included the bow and arrow, throwing sticks, and clubs. Grinding tools used in food processing included manos, metates, and wood mortars. The Cahuilla were A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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known to use long grinding implements made from wood to process mesquite beans; the mortar was typically a hollowed log buried in the ground. Other tools included steatite arrow shaft straighteners (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Baskets were made from rush, deer grass, and skunkbrush. Different species and leaves were chosen for different colors in the basket design. Coiled-ware baskets were either flat (for plates, trays, or winnowing), bowl-shaped (for food serving), deep, inverted, and cone-shaped (for transporting), or rounded and flat-bottomed for storing utensils and personal items (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Cahuilla pottery was made from thin, red-colored ceramic ware that was often painted and incised. Four basic vessel types are known for the Cahuilla: small-mouthed jars, cooking pots, bowls, and dishes. Additionally, smoking pipes and flutes were fashioned from ceramic (Bean 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Luiseño: An Archaeological and Ethnographic Perspective When contacted by the Spanish in the sixteenth century, the Luiseño occupied a territory bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east by the Peninsular Ranges mountains at San Jacinto (including Palomar Mountain to the south and Santiago Peak to the north), on the south by Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and on the north by Aliso Creek in present-day San Juan Capistrano. The Luiseño were a Takic-speaking people more closely related linguistically and ethnographically to the Cahuilla, Gabrielino, and Cupeño to the north and east rather than the Kumeyaay who occupied territory to the south. The Luiseño differed from their neighboring Takic speakers in having an extensive proliferation of social statuses, a system of ruling families that provided ethnic cohesion within the territory, a distinct worldview that stemmed from the use of datura (a hallucinogen), and an elaborate religion that included the creation of sacred sand paintings depicting the deity Chingichngish (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Subsistence and Settlement
The Luiseño occupied sedentary villages most often located in sheltered areas in valley bottoms, along streams, or along coastal strands near mountain ranges. Villages were located near water sources to facilitate acorn leaching and in areas that offered thermal and defensive protection. Villages were comprised of areas that were publicly and privately (by family) owned.
Publicly owned areas included trails, temporary campsites, hunting areas, and quarry sites. Inland groups had fishing and gathering sites along the coast that were intensively used from January to March when inland food resources were scarce. During October and November, most of the village would relocate to mountain oak groves to harvest acorns. The Luiseño remained at village sites for the remainder of the year, where food resources were within a day’s travel (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
The most important food source for the Luiseño was the acorn, six different species of which were used (Quercus californica, Quercus agrifolia, Quercus chrysolepis, Quercus dumosa, A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Quercus engelmannii, and Quercus wislizenii). Seeds, particularly of grasses, flowering plants, and mints, were also heavily exploited. Seed-bearing species were encouraged through controlled burns, which were conducted at least every third year. A variety of other stems, leaves, shoots, bulbs, roots, and fruits were also collected. Hunting augmented this vegetal diet. Animal species taken included deer, rabbit, hare, woodrat, ground squirrel, antelope, quail, duck, freshwater fish from mountain streams, marine mammals, and other sea creatures such as fish, crustaceans, and mollusks (particularly abalone, or Haliotis sp.). In addition, a variety of snakes, small birds, and rodents were eaten (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Social Organization
Social groups within the Luiseño nation consisted of patrilinear families or clans, which were politically and economically autonomous. Several clans comprised a religious party, or nota, which was headed by a chief who organized ceremonies and controlled economics and warfare.
The chief had assistants who specialized in particular aspects of ceremonial or environmental knowledge and who, with the chief, were part of a religion-based social group with special access to supernatural power, particularly that of Chingichngish. The positions of chief and assistants were hereditary, and the complexity and multiplicity of these specialists’ roles likely increased in coastal and larger inland villages (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976; Strong 1929).
Marriages were arranged by the parents, often made to forge alliances between lineages.
Useful alliances included those between groups of differing ecological niches and those that resulted in territorial expansion. Residence was patrilocal (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Women were primarily responsible for plant gathering and men principally hunted but, at times, particularly during acorn and marine mollusk harvests, there was no division of labor. Elderly women cared for children and elderly men participated in rituals, ceremonies, and political affairs.
They were also responsible for manufacturing hunting and ritual implements. Children were taught subsistence skills at the earliest age possible (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Material Culture
House structures were conical, partially subterranean, and thatched with reeds, brush, or bark. Ramadas were rectangular, protected workplaces for domestic chores such as cooking.
Ceremonial sweathouses were important in purification rituals; these were round and partially subterranean thatched structures covered with a layer of mud. Another ceremonial structure was the wámkis (located in the center of the village, serving as the place of rituals), where sand paintings and other rituals associated with the Chingichngish religious group were performed (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Clothing was minimal; women wore a cedar-bark and netted twine double apron and men wore a waist cord. In cold weather, cloaks or robes of rabbit fur, deerskin, or sea otter fur were worn by both sexes. Footwear included deerskin moccasins and sandals fashioned from yucca fibers. Adornments included bead necklaces and pendants made of bone, clay, stone, shell, bear A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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claw, mica, deer hooves, and abalone shell. Men wore ear and nose piercings made from cane or bone, which were sometimes decorated with beads. Other adornments were commonly decorated with semiprecious stones including quartz, topaz, garnet, opal, opalite, agate, and jasper (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Hunting implements included the bow and arrow. Arrows were tipped with either a carved, fire-hardened wood tip or a lithic point, usually fashioned from locally available metavolcanic material or quartz. Throwing sticks fashioned from wood were used in hunting small game, while deer head decoys were used during deer hunts. Coastal groups fashioned dugout canoes for nearshore fishing and harvested fish with seines, nets, traps, and hooks made of bone or abalone shell (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
The Luiseño had a well-developed basket industry. Baskets were used in resource gathering, food preparation, storage, and food serving. Ceramic containers were shaped by paddle and anvil and fired in shallow, open pits to be used for food storage, cooking, and serving. Other utensils included wood implements, steatite bowls, and ground stone manos, metates, mortars, and pestles (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976). Additional tools such as knives, scrapers, choppers, awls, and drills were also used. Shamanistic items include soapstone or clay smoking pipes and crystals made of quartz or tourmaline (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Gabrielino: An Archaeological and Ethnographic Perspective The territory of the Gabrielino at the time of Spanish contact covers much of present-day Los Angeles and Orange counties. The southern extent of this culture area is bounded by Aliso Creek, the eastern extent is located east of present-day San Bernardino along the Santa Ana River, the northern extent includes the San Fernando Valley, and the western extent includes portions of the Santa Monica Mountains. The Gabrielino also occupied several Channel Islands including Santa Barbara Island, Santa Catalina Island, San Nicholas Island, and San Clemente Island.
Because of their access to certain resources, including a steatite source from Santa Catalina Island, this group was among the wealthiest and most populous aboriginal groups in all of southern California. Trade of materials and resources controlled by the Gabrielino extended as far north as the San Joaquin Valley, as far east as the Colorado River, and as far south as Baja California (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Subsistence and Settlement
The Gabrielino lived in permanent villages and occupied smaller resource-gathering camps at various times of the year depending upon the seasonality of the resource. Larger villages were comprised of several families or clans, while smaller, seasonal camps typically housed smaller family units. The coastal area between San Pedro and Topanga Canyon was the location of primary subsistence villages, while secondary sites were located near inland sage stands, oak groves, and pine forests. Permanent villages were located along rivers and streams and in sheltered A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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areas along the coast. As previously mentioned, the Channel Islands were also the locations of relatively large settlements (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Resources procured along the coast and on the islands were primarily marine in nature and included tuna, swordfish, ray and shark, California sea lion, Stellar sea lion, harbor seal, northern elephant seal, sea otter, dolphin and porpoise, various waterfowl species, numerous fish species, purple sea urchin, and mollusks, such as rock scallop, California mussel, and limpet. Inland resources included oak acorn, pine nut, Mohave yucca, cacti, sage, grass nut, deer, rabbit, hare, rodent, quail, duck, and a variety of reptiles such as western pond turtle and numerous snake species (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Social Organization
Little is known about the social structure of the Gabrielino; however, there appears to have been at least three social classes: 1) the elite, which included the rich, chiefs, and their immediate family; 2) a middle class, which included people of relatively high economic status or longestablished lineages; and 3) a class of people that included most other individuals in the society.
Villages were politically autonomous units comprised of several lineages. During times of the year when certain seasonal resources were available, the village would divide into lineage groups and move out to exploit them, returning to the village between forays (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Each lineage had its own leader, with the village chief coming from the dominant lineage.
Several villages might be allied under a paramount chief. Chiefly positions were of an ascribed status, most often passed to the eldest son. Chiefly duties included providing village cohesion, leading warfare and peace negotiations with other groups, collecting tribute from the village(s) under his jurisdiction, and arbitrating disputes within the village(s). The status of the chief was legitimized by his safekeeping of the sacred bundle, a representation of the link between the material and spiritual realms and the embodiment of power (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Shamans were leaders in the spirit realm. The duties of the shaman included conducting healing and curing ceremonies, guarding the sacred bundle, locating lost items, identifying and collecting poisons for arrows, and making rain (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Marriages were made between individuals of equal social status and, in the case of powerful lineages, marriages were arranged to establish political ties between the lineages (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Men conducted the majority of the heavy labor, hunting, fishing, and trading with other groups. Women’s duties included gathering and preparing plant and animal resources, and making baskets, pots, and clothing (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Material Culture
Gabrielino houses were domed, circular structures made of thatched vegetation. Houses varied in size and could house from one to several families. Sweathouses (semicircular, earth- A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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covered buildings) were public structures used in male social ceremonies. Other structures included menstrual huts and a ceremonial structure called a yuvar, an open-air structure built near the chief’s house (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Clothing was minimal; men and children most often went naked, while women wore deerskin or bark aprons. In cold weather, deerskin, rabbit fur, or bird skin (with feathers intact) cloaks were worn. Island and coastal groups used sea otter fur for cloaks. In areas of rough terrain, yucca fiber sandals were worn. Women often used red ochre on their faces and skin for adornment or protection from the sun. Adornment items included feathers, fur, shells, and beads (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
Hunting implements included wood clubs, sinew-backed bows, slings, and throwing clubs.
Maritime implements included rafts, harpoons, spears, hooks and line, and nets. A variety of other tools included deer scapulae saws, bone and shell needles, bone awls, scrapers, bone or shell flakers, wedges, stone knives and drills, metates, mullers, manos, shell spoons, bark platters, and wood paddles and bowls. Baskets were made from rush, deer grass, and skunkbush. Baskets were fashioned for hoppers, plates, trays, and winnowers for leaching, straining, and gathering. Baskets were also used for storing, preparing, and serving food, and for keeping personal and ceremonial items (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
The Gabrielino had exclusive access to soapstone, or steatite, procured from Santa Catalina Island quarries. This highly prized material was used for making pipes, animal carvings, ritual objects, ornaments, and cooking utensils. The Gabrielino profited well from trading steatite since it was valued so much by groups throughout southern California (Bean and Smith 1978; Kroeber 1976).
2.3.6 Ethnohistoric Period (1769 to Present)
Traditionally, the history of the state of California has been divided into three general periods: the Spanish Period (1769 to 1821), the Mexican Period (1822 to 1846), and the American Period (1848 to present) (Caughey 1970). The American Period is often further subdivided into additional phases: the nineteenth century (1848 to 1900), the early twentieth century (1900 to 1950), and the Modern Period (1950 to present). From an archaeological standpoint, all of these phases can be referred to together as the Ethnohistoric Period. This provides a valuable tool for archaeologists, as ethnohistory is directly concerned with the study of indigenous or non-Western peoples from a combined historical/anthropological viewpoint, which employs written documents, oral narrative, material culture, and ethnographic data for analysis.
European exploration along the California coast began in 1542 with the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo and his men at San Diego Bay. Sixty years after the Cabrillo expeditions, an expedition under Sebastián Vizcaíno made an extensive and thorough exploration of the Pacific coast. Although the voyage did not extend beyond the northern limits of the Cabrillo track, Vizcaíno had the most lasting effect upon the nomenclature of the coast. Many of his place names have survived, whereas practically every one of the names created by Cabrillo have faded from A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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use. For instance, Cabrillo named the first (now) United States port he stopped at “San Miguel”; 60 years later, Vizcaíno changed it to “San Diego” (Rolle 1969). The early European voyages observed Native Americans living in villages along the coast but did not make any substantial, long-lasting impact. At the time of contact, the Luiseño population was estimated to have ranged from 4,000 to as many as 10,000 individuals (Bean and Shipek 1978; Kroeber 1976).
The historic background of the project area began with the Spanish colonization of Alta California. The first Spanish colonizing expedition reached southern California in 1769 with the intention of converting and civilizing the indigenous populations, as well as expanding the knowledge of and access to new resources in the region (Brigandi 1998). As a result, by the late eighteenth century, a large portion of southern California was overseen by Mission San Luis Rey (San Diego County), Mission San Juan Capistrano (Orange County), and Mission San Gabriel (Los Angeles County), which began colonization the region and surrounding areas (Chapman 1921).
Up until this time, the only known way to feasibly travel from Sonora to Alta California was by sea. In 1774, Juan Bautista de Anza, an army captain at Tubac, requested and was given permission by the governor of the Mexican State of Sonora to establish an overland route from Sonora to Monterey (Chapman 1921). In doing so, Juan Bautista de Anza passed through Riverside County and described the area in writing for the first time (Caughey 1970; Chapman 1921). In 1797, Father Fermín Lasuén (of Mission San Diego de Alcalá), Father Juan Norberto de Santiago, and Corporal Pedro Lisalde (of Mission San Juan Capistrano) led an expedition through southwestern Riverside County in search of a new mission site to establish a presence between San Diego and San Juan Capistrano (Engelhardt 1921). Their efforts ultimately resulted in the establishment of Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California.
Each mission gained power through the support of a large, subjugated Native American workforce. As the missions grew, livestock holdings increased and became increasingly vulnerable to theft. In order to protect their interests, the southern California missions began to expand inland to try and provide additional security (Beattie and Beattie 1939; Caughey 1970). In order to meet their needs, the Spaniards embarked on a formal expedition in 1806 to find potential locations within what is now the San Bernardino Valley. As a result, by 1810, Father Francisco Dumetz of Mission San Gabriel had succeeded in establishing a religious site, or capilla, at a Cahuilla rancheria called Guachama (Beattie and Beattie 1939). San Bernardino Valley received its name from this site, which was dedicated to San Bernardino de Siena by Father Dumetz. The Guachama rancheria was located in present-day Bryn Mawr in San Bernardino County.
These early colonization efforts were followed by the establishment of estancias at Puente (circa 1816) and San Bernardino (circa 1819) near Guachama (Beattie and Beattie 1939). These efforts were soon mirrored by the Spaniards from Mission San Luis Rey who, in turn, established a presence in what is now Lake Elsinore, Temecula, and Murrieta (Chapman 1921). The indigenous groups who occupied these lands were recruited by missionaries, converted, and put to work in the missions (Pourade 1961). Throughout this period, the Native American populations A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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were decimated by introduced diseases, a drastic shift in diet resulting in poor nutrition, and social conflicts due to the introduction of an entirely new social order (Cook 1976).
Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1822 and became a federal republic in 1824.
As a result, both Baja and Alta California became classified as territories (Rolle 1969). Shortly thereafter, the Mexican Republic sought to grant large tracts of private land to its citizens to begin to encourage immigration to California and to establish its presence in the region. Part of the establishment of power and control included the desecularization of the missions circa 1832.
These same missions were also located on some of the most fertile land in California and, as a result, were considered highly valuable. The resulting land grants, known as “ranchos,” covered expansive portions of California and, by 1846, more than 600 land grants had been issued by the Mexican government. Rancho Jurupa was the first rancho to be established and was issued to Juan Bandini in 1838. Although Bandini primarily resided in San Diego, Rancho Jurupa was located in what is now Riverside County (Pourade 1963). A review of Riverside County place names quickly illustrates that many of the ranchos in Riverside County lent their names to present-day locations, including Jurupa, El Rincon, La Sierra, El Sobrante de San Jacinto, La Laguna (Lake Elsinore), Santa Rosa, Temecula, Pauba, San Jacinto Nuevo y Potrero, and San Jacinto Viejo (Gunther 1984). As was typical of many ranchos, these were all located in the valley environments within western Riverside County.
The treatment of Native Americans grew worse during the Rancho Period. Most of the Native Americans were forced off of their land or put to work on the now privately-owned ranchos, most often as slave labor. In light of the brutal ranchos, the degree to which Native Americans had become dependent upon the mission system is evident when, in 1838, a group of Native Americans from Mission San Luis Rey petitioned government officials in San Diego to relieve suffering at the hands of the rancheros:
We have suffered incalculable losses, for some of which we are in part to be blamed for because many of us have abandoned the Mission … We plead and beseech you … to grant us a Rev. Father for this place. We have been accustomed to the Rev.
Fathers and to their manner of managing the duties. We labored under their intelligent directions, and we were obedient to the Fathers according to the regulations, because we considered it as good for us. (Brigandi 1998:21) Native American culture had been disrupted to the point where they could no longer rely upon prehistoric subsistence and social patterns. Not only does this illustrate how dependent the Native Americans had become upon the missionaries, but it also indicates a marked contrast in the way the Spanish treated the Native Americans compared to the Mexican and United States ranchers. Spanish colonialism (missions) is based upon utilizing human resources while integrating them into their society. The Mexican and American ranchers did not accept Native Americans into their social order and used them specifically for the extraction of labor, resources, A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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and profit. Rather than being incorporated, they were either subjugated or exterminated (Cook 1976).
By 1846, tensions between the United States and Mexico had escalated to the point of war (Rolle 1969). In order to reach a peaceful agreement, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was put into effect in 1848, which resulted in the annexation of California to the United States. Once California opened to the United States, waves of settlers moved in searching for gold mines, business opportunities, political opportunities, religious freedom, and adventure (Rolle 1969; Caughey 1970). By 1850, California had become a state and was eventually divided into 27 separate counties. While a much larger population was now settling in California, this was primarily in the central valley, San Francisco, and the Gold Rush region of the Sierra Nevada mountain range (Rolle 1969; Caughey 1970). During this time, southern California grew at a much slower pace than northern California and was still dominated by the cattle industry that was established during the earlier rancho period. However, by 1859, the first United States Post Office in what would eventually become Riverside County was set up at John Magee’s store on the Temecula Rancho (Gunther 1984).
During the same decade, circa 1852, the Native Americans of southern Riverside County, including the Luiseño and the Cahuilla, thought they had signed a treaty resulting in their ownership of all lands from Temecula to Aguanga east to the desert, including the San Jacinto Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass. The Temecula Treaty also included food and clothing provisions for the Native Americans. However, Congress never ratified these treaties, and the promise of one large reservation was rescinded (Brigandi 1998).
With the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1869, southern California saw its first major population expansion. The population boom continued circa 1874 with the completion of connections between the Southern Pacific Railroad in Sacramento to the transcontinental Central Pacific Railroad in Los Angeles (Rolle 1969; Caughey 1970). The population influx brought farmers, land speculators, and prospective developers to the region. As the Jurupa area became more and more populated, circa 1870, Judge John Wesley North and a group of associates founded the city of Riverside on part of the former rancho.
Although the first orange trees were planted in Riverside County circa 1871, it was not until a few years later when a small number of Brazilian navel orange trees were established that the citrus industry truly began in the region (Patterson 1971). The Brazilian navel orange was well suited to the climate of Riverside County and thrived with assistance from several extensive irrigation projects. At the close of 1882, an estimated half a million citrus trees were present in California. It is estimated that nearly half of that population was in Riverside County. Population growth and 1880s tax revenue from the booming citrus industry prompted the official formation of Riverside County in 1893 out of portions of what was once San Bernardino County (Patterson 1971).
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World War II, Camp Haan and Camp Anza were constructed near the city of Riverside. In the decades that followed, populations spread throughout the county into Lake Elsinore, Corona, Norco, Murrieta, and Wildomar (Patterson 1971). However, a significant portion of the county remained largely agricultural well into the 1970s. Following the 1970s, Riverside saw a period of dramatic population increase as the result of new development, more than doubling the population of the county to a population of over 1.3 million residents.
General History of the Cathedral City Area
The earliest residents of the Coachella Valley, where Cathedral City is located, were the Cahuilla Indians, who settled in the palm-lined mountain canyons around the valley in the summers and moved to thatched shelters near the mineral hot springs during the winters. The Cahuilla name for the region is “Sec-he,” which means “boiling water,” in reference to the mineral hot springs that are located in what is currently the Palm Springs business district, southwest of the project.
In the early 1860s, the Bradshaw stagecoach line, Bradshaw Trail, passed through the region as it traveled between Banning, California, and the Arizona territories; during this time, the area was referred to as “Agua Caliente” (hot water). The Bradshaw Trail was the primary access route between Los Angels and Arizona until the Southern Pacific Railroad was completed in 1877.
Today, Highway 111 closely follows the original Bradshaw Trail (Kaplan 2017).
Traditionally, farming was the dominant economic basis in the Coachella Valley, due in part to the development of groundwater resources. The “main agricultural staple in the Coachella Valley was the date palm, which was first introduced around the turn of the century. By the late 1910s, the date palm industry had firmly established itself” (City of Cathedral City 2009).
The City of Cathedral was founded in 1925 by John Grove, George Allen, Glenn Plumley, and M.V. Van Fleet. With its name derived from nearby Cathedral Canyon, the town was created to provide affordable housing and was often referred to as the “blue-collar neighbor” of Palm Springs. The 1927 upgrading of Highway 111 allowed for the construction of motels and restaurants along the highway effectively creating the city’s downtown commercial district.
During the 1930s, Cathedral City pulled visitors from Palm Springs when two gambling casinos, the Dune Club and 139 Club, were opened (City of Cathedral City 2009).
The 1940s and the early 1950s marked a period of relatively rapid growth for Cathedral City. During World War II, the town served as a bedroom community to the military installations established in the vicinity as a part of the war effort. By the mid-l950s, residential development had expanded from the original townsite southward into the cove area, westward along Highway 111, and northward to the Ramon Road corridor. The rural northern portion of the planning area also saw significant growth in the early- and mid-1950s. In this area, five-acre parcels were patented by the U.S. government under the so-called “Baby Homestead Act,” to A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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residents of the Los Angeles basin who were looking for weekend retreats in southern California’s desert.
During the post-WWII era, Cathedral City and the other cities along Highway 111 became the fastest growing communities in the Coachella Valley, and began to play an increasingly important role in the regional economy. In 1981, Cathedral City was incorporated as the 18th city in Riverside County. With a population over 42,000, it is currently (2001) the third largest city in the Coachella Valley. (City of Cathedral City 2009)
2.4 Research Goals
The primary goal of the research design is to attempt to understand the way in which humans have used the land and resources within the project area through time, as well as to aid in the determination of resource significance. For the current project, the area under investigation is the central portion of Riverside County. The scope of work for the archaeological program conducted for the Verano Residential Project included the survey of the 128.34-acre property and off-site improvement areas. Given the area involved and the narrow focus of the cultural resources study, the research design for this project was necessarily limited and general in nature. Since the main objective of the investigation was to identify the presence of and potential impacts to cultural resources, the goal is not necessarily to answer wide-reaching theories regarding the development of early southern California, but to investigate the role and importance of the identified resources.
Although survey-level investigations are limited in terms of the amount of information available, several specific research questions were developed that could be used to guide the initial investigations of any observed cultural resources. The following research questions take into account the size and location of the project.
Research Questions:
• Can located cultural resources be situated with a specific time period, population, or individual?
• Do the types of located cultural resources allow a site activity/function to be determined from a preliminary investigation? What are the site activities? What is the site function? What resources were exploited? • How do the located sites compare to others reported from different surveys conducted in the area?
• How do the located sites fit existing models of settlement and subsistence for valley environments of the region?
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Data Needs
At the survey level, the principal research objective is a generalized investigation of changing settlement patterns in both the prehistoric and historic periods within the study area. The overall goal is to understand settlement and resource procurement patterns of the project area occupants. Therefore, adequate information on site function, context, and chronology from an archaeological perspective is essential for the investigation. The fieldwork and archival research were undertaken with these primary research goals in mind:
1) To identify cultural resources occurring within the project; 2) To determine, if possible, site type and function, context of the deposit, and chronological placement of each cultural resource identified; 3) To place each cultural resource identified within a regional perspective; and 4) To provide recommendations for the treatment of each of the cultural resources identified.
2.5 Applicable Regulations
Resource importance is assigned to districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess exceptional value or quality illustrating or interpreting the heritage of Riverside County in history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. A number of criteria are used in demonstrating resource importance. Expressly, criteria outlined in CEQA provide the guidance for making such a determination. The following sections detail the specific CEQA criteria that a resource must meet in order to be determined important.
California Environmental Quality Act
According to CEQA (§ 15064.5a), the term “historical resource” includes the following:
1) A resource listed in, or determined to be eligible by the State Historical Resources Commission for listing in, the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) (Public Resources Code SS5024.1, Title 14 CCR [California Code of Regulations].
Section 4850 et seq.).
2) A resource included in a local register of historical resources, as defined in Section 5020.1(k) of the Public Resources Code or identified as significant in an historical resource survey, meeting the requirements of Section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resources Code, shall be presumed to be historically or culturally significant. Public agencies must treat any such resource as significant unless the preponderance of evidence demonstrates that it is not historically or culturally significant. 3) Any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript, which a lead agency determines to be historically significant or significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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or cultural annals of California may be considered to be an historical resource, provided the lead agency’s determination is supported by substantial evidence in light of the whole record. Generally, a resource shall be considered by the lead agency to be “historically significant” if the resource meets the criteria for listing on the CRHR (Public Resources Code SS5024.1, Title 14, Section 4852) including the following:
a) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of California’s history and cultural heritage; b) Is associated with the lives of persons important in our past; c) Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of construction, or represents the work of an important creative individual, or possesses high artistic values; or
d) Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
4) The fact that a resource is not listed in, or determined eligible for listing in the CRHR, not included in a local register of historical resources (pursuant to Section 5020.1[k] of the Public Resources Code), or identified in an historical resources survey (meeting the criteria in Section 5024.1[g] of the Public Resources Code) does not preclude a lead agency from determining that the resource may be an historical resource as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(j) or 5024.1.
According to CEQA (§ 15064.5b), a project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment. CEQA defines a substantial adverse change as:
1) Substantial adverse change in the significance of an historical resource means physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of an historical resource would be materially impaired.
2) The significance of an historical resource is materially impaired when a project:
a) Demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics of an historical resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its inclusion in, or eligibility for, inclusion in the CRHR; or b) Demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics that account for its inclusion in a local register of historical resources pursuant to Section 5020.1(k) of the Public Resources Code or its identification in an historical resources survey meeting the requirements of A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resources Code, unless the public agency reviewing the effects of the project establishes by a preponderance of evidence that the resource is not historically or culturally significant; or, c) Demolishes or materially alters in an adverse manner those physical characteristics of an historical resource that convey its historical significance and that justify its eligibility for inclusion in the CRHR as determined by a lead agency for purposes of CEQA.
Section 15064.5(c) of CEQA applies to effects on archaeological sites and contains the following additional provisions regarding archaeological sites:
1) When a project will impact an archaeological site, a lead agency shall first determine whether the site is an historical resource, as defined in subsection (a). 2) If a lead agency determines that the archaeological site is an historical resource, it shall refer to the provisions of Section 21084.1 of the Public Resources Code, Section 15126.4 of the guidelines, and the limits contained in Section 21083.2 of the Public Resources Code do not apply.
3) If an archaeological site does not meet the criteria defined in subsection (a), but does meet the definition of a unique archaeological resource in Section 21083.2 of the Public Resources Code, the site shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of Section 21083.2. The time and cost limitations described in Public Resources Code Section 21083.2 (c-f) do not apply to surveys and site evaluation activities intended to determine whether the project location contains unique archaeological resources. 4) If an archaeological resource is neither a unique archaeological nor historical resource, the effects of the project on those resources shall not be considered a significant effect on the environment. It shall be sufficient that both the resource and the effect on it are noted in the Initial Study or EIR, if one is prepared to address impacts on other resources, but they need not be considered further in the CEQA process.
Section 15064.5(d) and (e) contain additional provisions regarding human remains.
Regarding Native American human remains, paragraph (d) provides:
(d) When an Initial Study identifies the existence of, or the probable likelihood, of Native American human remains within the project, a lead agency shall work with the appropriate Native Americans as identified by the NAHC as provided in Public Resources Code SS5097.98. The applicant may develop an agreement for treating or disposing of, with appropriate dignity, the human remains and any items associated with Native American burials with the appropriate Native Americans as identified by the NAHC. Action implementing such an agreement is exempt from:
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1) The general prohibition on disinterring, disturbing, or removing human remains from any location other than a dedicated cemetery (Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5).
2) The requirement of CEQA and the Coastal Act.
Local Guidelines – City of Cathedral City 2040 General Plan The City of Cathedral City includes the following goal and policy related to cultural, historical, and archaeological resources in their General Plan (City of Cathedral City 2021).
Goal 1: Identification, preservation, and revitalization of significant cultural, historical, and archaeological resources that are valuable to the City of Cathedral City’s heritage.
Policy 1: The City will ensure that sites in archaeologically and historically sensitive areas are surveyed prior to development.
In order to implement the above General Plan goal and policy, the General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report (City of Cathedral City 2021) includes the following Mitigation Measures:
Mitigation Measure CUL-4 Pre-Construction Surveys.
The City shall require intensive-level cultural resources surveys by qualified archaeologists, historians, and/or architectural historians, where deemed necessary and especially in areas of high sensitivity for cultural resources, as shown on Exhibit 2.6-1. Studies should include in-depth records search at the EIC, historic background research, intensive-level field survey, and consultation with the Cathedral City Historical Society, Native American representatives, and/or other relevant parties, as well as impact evaluation and mitigation programs, as needed.
The City shall monitor and enforce recommended mitigation measures.
Mitigation Measure CUL-5 Archaeological and/or Tribal Resource Procurement and Documentation.
Should unknown archeological or tribal cultural resource materials become unearthed, the area of potential resources shall be cordoned off and protected from further disturbance until a qualified archeologist can investigate the discovery. The qualified archaeologist shall prepare a findings report summarizing the methods and results of the investigation, including an itemized inventory and detailed analysis of recovered artifacts upon completion of field and laboratory work. The report shall include an interpretation of the cultural activities represented by the A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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artifacts and a discussion of the significance of all archaeological or tribal finds.
The submittal of the report to the City and Tribal representative, as appropriate, along with final curation of the recovered artifacts, will signify completion of the monitoring program and, barring unexpected findings of extraordinary significance, the mitigation of potential project impacts on cultural and tribal resources.
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3.0 METHODOLOGY
The archaeological program for the Verano Residential Project consisted of institutional records searches, an intensive pedestrian survey of the project and off-site improvement areas by a qualified archaeologist, and preparation of this report. This archaeological study conformed to City of Cathedral City requirements and the statutory requirements of CEQA, Section 15064.5.
Specific definitions for archaeological resource type(s) used in this report are those established by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO 1995).
3.1 Archaeological Records Search
The records search for the property was requested from the EIC at UCR. The records search results are discussed in Section 4.1. BFSA reviewed the NRHP index, historic USGS data, and historic aerial photographs. In addition, land patent records, held by the BLM and accessible through the BLM GLO website, were reviewed for pertinent project information, and the BFSA research library was consulted for any relevant historical information.
3.2 Field Methodology
The archaeological surveys of the project were conducted on June 5 and 6, 2023, and consisted of a series of parallel transects spaced at approximately 15-meter intervals covering the entire project and off-site areas. Photographs were taken to document project conditions during the surveys (see Section 4.2). Ground visibility throughout the property was generally good.
Rodent spoil piles and patches of turned soil were closely inspected for evidence of subsurface archaeological materials.
3.3 Report Preparation and Recordation
This report contains statutory requirements for the project, a brief description of the setting, research methods employed, and the overall results of the survey. The report includes all appropriate illustrations and tabular information needed to make a complete and comprehensive presentation of these activities, including the methodologies employed and the personnel involved.
A copy of the final technical report will be placed at the EIC at UCR. Any newly recorded sites or sites requiring updated information will be recorded on the appropriate Department of Parks and Recreation forms, which will be filed with the EIC.
3.4 Native American Consultation
BFSA requested a review of the SLF by the NAHC on June 6, 2023, to determine if any recorded Native American sacred sites or locations of religious or ceremonial importance are present within the project vicinity.
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4.0 RESULTS
4.1 Records Search Results
An archaeological records search for the project and the surrounding area within a onemile radius was requested from the EIC at UCR. The records search did not identify any recorded resources within the subject property. However, the search did identify four resources within one mile of the subject property (Table 4.1–1). The resources consist of a rock ring, a historic commercial building, a historic transmission line segment, and a historic isolate.
Table 4.1–1
Cultural Resources Recorded Within One Mile of the
Verano Residential Project
The EIC records search also identified 40 previous studies conducted within one mile of the project. However, none of the previous studies included the subject property.
BFSA also reviewed the following sources to help facilitate a better understanding of the historical use of the property:
• The NRHP index
• BLM GLO records (patents and maps)
• Historic USGS maps
o 1941 Edorn and 1958 Thousand Palms (15-minute) quadrangle maps o 1958, 1960, 1964, and 1973 Cathedral City (7.5-minute) quadrangle maps • Historic aerial photographs (1953 through 2020)
No properties listed on the NRHP were identified within the subject property. The BLM GLO records list a 1905 patent for the property to the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. This was a large land grant encompassing 109,318.23 acres and the associated plat maps (1856 and 1914) do not show any potential historic features within the property. Likewise, the historic USGS maps and aerial photographs do not show any historic development within the property. Rather, the project appears as vacant desert land. Sometime between 1999 and 2002, the property appears to have been graded as graded pads are visible on the latter photograph.
Site Description
P- 33-002171 Isolated rock ring (temporal period not assigned) P-33-006381 Historic commercial building
P-33-015035 Historic transmission line segment
P-33-024688 Historic isolate
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BFSA also requested a SLF search from the NAHC. The NAHC SLF results were negative for any recorded Native American sacred sites or locations of religious or ceremonial importance within the project vicinity. All correspondence is provided in Appendix C.
4.2 Survey Results
Staff archaeologist Sabrina Corcoran conducted the archaeological surveys of the project on June 5 and 6, 2023. Vegetation across the landscape was dominated by creosote bushes and other desert plants as well as non-native weeds and grasses (Plates 4.2–1 and 4.2–2). The archaeological surveys of the property and off-site areas consisted of a series of parallel survey transects spaced at 15-meter intervals. Consistent with the aerial photographs, the survey found areas of the project had been previously impacted by clearing and grading. Evidence of grading was found throughout much of the project as pads, which were first visible on the 2002 aerial photograph, and were noted within the northwestern and norther portion of the project (Plate 4.2– 3). Other noted impacts to the property included a large, pushed stockpile of soil in the western side of the property, pushed rocks throughout, metal and wood fencing bisecting and lining the property, a modern block wall located along the northern portion of the project, paved entry roads, and modern trash which had been dumped in multiple locations (Plates 4.2–4 through 4.2–6). The survey did not result in the identification of any historic or prehistoric cultural resources.
Plate 4.2–1: Overview of the project, facing east.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.0–3
Plate 4.2–2: Overview of the project, facing southeast.
Plate 4.2–3: Overview of graded pad, facing southeast.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.0–4
Plate 4.2–4: Modern block wall and metal fencing, facing southeast.
Plate 4.2–5: Pushed rocks, facing southeast.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.0–5
Plate 4.2–6: Paved entry road, facing north.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.0–1
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The Phase I archaeological assessment for the Verano Residential Project was negative for the presence of cultural resources. However, the pedestrian survey did find that the property has been previously cleared and disturbed. This is supported by evidence from aerial photographs illustrating grading on the property between 1996 and 2002. Although it appears areas of the project have previously been graded, the level of these impacts is not clear. This characterization of the property as surficially disturbed is relevant to the consideration of cultural resources being present within the project. When parcels are cleared, disked, or otherwise disturbed, evidence of surface artifact scatters is lost. Whether or not cultural resources have ever existed within this property, the current status of the area appears to have affected the potential to discover any surface scatters of artifacts.
Given the uncertainty of the level of prior impacts to the property coupled with the project’s proximity to prehistorically available natural resources, such as the Whitewater River and ancient Lake Cahuilla, monitoring of grading is recommended. Consistent with the General Plan and the General Plan Final EIR, as a condition of approval, the project will implement a cultural resources monitoring program conducted by an archaeologist during the initial clearing and grading of the property (first three to five feet). The consulting archaeologist shall have the authority to modify and reduce the monitoring program to either periodic spot-checks or suspension of the monitoring program should the potential for cultural resources appear to be less than anticipated.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6.0–1
6.0 CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the statements furnished above and in the attached exhibits present the data and information required for this archaeological report, and that the facts, statements, and information presented are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
January 2, 2024
Andrew J. Garrison, M.A., RPA Date
Project Archaeologist
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.0–1
7.0 REFERENCES
Barrows, David P.
1900 The Ethno-botany of the Cahuilla Indians of Southern California. Chicago Press. (Reprinted by the Malki Museum Press, 1976).
Bean, Lowell John
1978 Cahuilla. In Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 8. California, edited by Robert F. Heizer. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Bean, Lowell John and Florence C. Shipek
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Heizer. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Bean, Lowell John and Charles R. Smith
1978 Gabrielino. In Handbook of North American Indians, Vol 8. California, edited by Robert F. Heizer. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Bean, Lowell John and Katherine Siva Saubel
1972 Temalpakh: Cahuilla Indians Knowledge and Usage of Plants. Malki Museum Press, Banning, California.
Beattie, George W. and Helen P. Beattie
1939 Heritage of the Valley: San Bernardino’s First Century. Biobooks, Oakland, California.
Brigandi, Phil
1998 Temecula: At the Crossroads of History. Heritage Media Corporation, Encinitas, California.
Byrd, Brian F.
1998 Harvesting the Littoral Landscape During the Late Holocene: New Perspectives from Northern San Diego County. Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology 20(2):195–218.
Caughey, John W.
1970 California, A Remarkable State’s Life History. Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Chapman, Charles E.
1921 A History of California: The Spanish Period. The Macmillan Company, New York.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.0–2
City of Cathedral City
2009 City of Cathedral City Comprehensive General Plan. Prepared by Terra Nova Planning & Research, Inc., Palm Springs, California. Document on file with the City of Cathedral City, California.
Cook, Sherburne F.
1976 The Conflict Between the California Indian and White Civilization. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, California.
Curtis, E.S.
1926 The North American Indian, Volume 15. The University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Dibblee, T.W., Jr.
2008 Geologic map of the Palm Desert and Coachella 15-minute quadrangles, Riverside County, California. Dibblee Foundation Map DF-373, J.A. Minch, ed. Dibblee Geological Foundation, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Engelhardt, Zephyrin
1921 San Luis Rey Mission, The King of the Missions. James M. Barry Company, San Francisco, California.
Erlandson, Jon M. and Roger H. Colten (editors)
1991 An Archaeological Context for Early Holocene Sites on the California Coast. In Hunter-Gatherers of Early Holocene Coastal California, edited by Jon M. Erlandson and Roger H. Colten, pp. 101–111. Perspectives in California Archaeology 1. Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles.
Fagan, B.
1991 Ancient North America: The Archaeology of a Continent. Thames and Hudson.
London.
Gallegos, Dennis
1987 A Review and Synthesis of Environmental and Cultural Material for the Batiquitos Lagoon Region. In San Dieguito-La Jolla: Chronology and Controversy. Editor. San Diego County Archaeological Society Research Paper 1.
1992 Patterns and Implications of Coastal Settlement in San Diego County: 9000 to 1300 Years Ago. In Essays on the Prehistory of Maritime California, edited by Terry Jones.
Center for Archaeological Research, Davis, California.
Gallegos, Dennis R. and Carolyn E. Kyle
1988 Five Thousand Years of Maritime Subsistence at Ballast Point Prehistoric Site SDI-48 (W-164) San Diego, California. Unpublished report on file at the South Coastal Information Center at San Diego State University, San Diego, California.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.0–3
Gunther, Jane D.
1984 Riverside County, California, Place Names. Rubidoux Printing Co., Riverside, California.
Harris, Marvin
1991 Cultural Anthropology. HarperCollins Publishers Inc., New York, New York.
Hooper, Lucille
1920 The Cahuilla Indians. In Studies in Cahuilla Culture, pp. 41–106. Malki Museum Press, Banning, California.
Jertberg, Patricia R.
1981 Archaeological Salvage Investigation of CA-RIV-1180, Locus II on Dune La Quinta Parcel. Unpublished report on file at the Eastern Information Center at the University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California.
Kaplan, Dave and Pam O’Connor
2017 Historic Resource Context and Historic Resource Program, Cathedral City, California.
Prepared by Kaplan Chen Kaplan, Santa Monica, California. Document on file with the City of Cathedral City, California.
Koerper, Henry, C., Jonathan E. Ericson, Christopher E. Drover, and Paul E. Langenwalter, II 1986 Obsidian Exchange in Prehistoric Orange County. Pacific Coast Archaeological Society Quarterly 22(1):33–69.
Kowta, M.
1969 The Sayles Complex: A Late Milling Stone Assemblage from Cajon Pass and the Ecological Implications of Scraper Planes. University of California Publications in Anthropology 6.
Kroeber, A.L.
1976 Handbook of the Indians of California. Reprinted. Dover Editions, Dover Publications, Inc., New York. Originally published 1925, Bulletin No. 78, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Lancaster, J.T., Hayhurst, C.A., and Bedrossian, T.L.
2012 Preliminary Geologic Map of Quaternary Surficial Deposits in Southern California:
Palm Springs 30' x 60' Quadrangle. California Geological Survey Special Report 217, pl. 24.
Laylander, Don (editor)
1985 Some Linguistic Approaches to Southern California’s Prehistory. San Diego State University Cultural Resource Management Casual Papers 2(1):14–58.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.0–4
Laylander, Don, Jerry Schaefer, Nick Doose, Jessica Hennessey, and Ian Scharlotta 2014 A Regional Synthesis of Prehistoric Archaeological Landscapes in the Jacumba/McCain Valley Region, San Diego and Imperial Counties, California.
Prepared for the Bureau of Land Management and San Diego Gas & Electric by ASM Affiliates, Carlsbad, California.
Martin, P.S.
1967 Prehistoric Overkill. Pleistocene Extinctions: The Search for a Cause, edited by P.
Martin and H.E. Wright. Yale University Press, New Haven. 1973 The Discovery of America. Science 179(4077):969–974.
Masters, Patricia M.
1983 Detection and Assessment of Prehistoric Artifact Sites off the Coast of Southern California. In: Quaternary Coastlines and Marine Archaeology: Towards the Prehistory of Land Bridges and Continental Shelves, edited by P.M. Masters and N.C.
Flemming, pp. 189–213. Academic Press, London.
Meighan, Clement W.
1954 A Late Complex in Southern California Prehistory. Southwestern Journal of Anthropology 10(2).
Miller, J.
1966 The Present and Past Molluscan Faunas and Environments of Four Southern California Coastal Lagoons. Master’s thesis. University of California, San Diego.
Moratto, Michael J.
1984 California Archaeology. Academic Press, New York.
Moriarty, James R., III
1966 Culture Phase Divisions Suggested by Topological Change Coordinated with Stratigraphically Controlled Radiocarbon Dating in San Diego. Anthropological Journal of Canada 4(4):20–30.
Moss, M.L. and J. Erlandson
1995 Reflections on North American Coast Prehistory. Journal of World Prehistory 9(1):1–
46. Norris, R.M. and R.W. Webb
1990 Geology of California. Second edition. John Wiley & Sons, New York. Pp. i-xiii + 1-541, illustrated.
Patterson, Tom
1971 A Colony for California: Riverside’s First Hundred Years. Press-Enterprise, Riverside, California.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.0–5
Pourade, Richard F.
1961 Time of the Bells. The History of San Diego Volume 2. Union-Tribune Publishing Company, San Diego, California.
1963 The Silver Dons. The History of San Diego Volume 3. Union-Tribune Publishing Company, San Diego, California.
Raven-Jennings, Shelly, Brian F. Smith and Johnna L. Buysse 1996 The Results of a Cultural Resource Study at the 4S Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, County of San Diego. Unpublished report on file at the South Coastal Information Center at San Diego State University, San Diego, California.
Rogers, Malcolm J.
1939 Early Lithic Industries of the Lower Basin of the Colorado River and Adjacent Desert Areas. In San Diego Museum Papers (No. 3 – 1989 printing). San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego, California.
Rogers, Thomas H.
1965 Geologic Map of California: Santa Ana Sheet: California Division of Mines and Geology, scale 1:250,000.
Rolle, Andrew F.
1969 California: A History (Second Edition). Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York.
Ross, J.E.
2020 Formation of California’s Salton Sea in 1905-07 was not “accidental,” in, Miller, D.M., ed., Changing facies. The 2020 Desert Symposium field guide and proceedings, p. 217-230. Published by Desert Symposium, Inc.
Shumway, George, Carl L. Hubbs, and James R. Moriarty, III 1961 Scripps Estate Site, San Diego, California: A La Jollan Site Dated 5,460-7,370 Years Before the Present. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 93(3).
Smith, Brian F. and James R. Moriarty, III
1985 An Archaeological Reconnaissance of San Diego Motor Racing Park, Otay Mesa, San Diego. Unpublished report on file at the City of San Diego, Environmental Analysis Division, San Diego, California.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
1995 Instructions for Recording Historical Resources. Office of Historic Preservation, Sacramento.
Strong, William Duncan
1929 Aboriginal Society in Southern California. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology 26(1).
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.0–6
Sutton, Mark Q.
2009 People and Language: Defining the Takic Expansion into Southern California. Pacific Coast Archaeological Society Quarterly 41(2&3):33–93.
2011a The Palomar Tradition and Its Place in the Prehistory of Southern California. Pacific Coast Archaeological Society Quarterly 44(4):1–74.
2011b A Prehistory of North America. Routledge, New York.
Sutton, Mark Q. and Jill K. Gardener
2010 Reconceptualizing the Encinitas Tradition of Southern California. Pacific Coast Archaeological Society Quarterly 42(4):1–64.
True, Delbert L.
1958 An Early Complex in San Diego County, California. American Antiquity 23(3). 1980 The Pauma Complex in Northern San Diego County. The Journal of New World Archaeology 3(4):1–39
Wallace, William J.
1955 A Suggested Chronology for Southern California Coastal Archaeology. Southwestern Journal of Anthropology 11:214–230.
Warren, Claude N. (editor)
1968 Cultural Tradition and Ecological Adaptation on the Southern Coast. In Archaic Prehistory in the Western United States, C.I. Williams, editor. Eastern New Mexico University Contributions in Anthropology 1(3):1–14.
Warren, Claude N. and D.L. True
1961 The San Dieguito Complex and its Place in California Prehistory, In Archaeological Survey Annual Report 1960-1961. University of California Press, Los Angeles, California.
Warren, Claude N., D.L. True, and Ardith A. Eudey
1961 Early Gathering Complexes of Western San Diego County: Results and Interpretations of an Archaeological Survey. Archaeological Survey Annual Report 1960-1961.
University of California, Los Angeles.
Wilke, Philip J.
1978 Late Prehistoric Human Ecology at Lake Cahuilla, Coachella Valley, California.
University of California Archaeological Research Facility Contributions No. 38, Berkeley, California.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.0–7
1986 Archaeological Investigations at La Quinta, Salton Basin, Southeastern California:
Chapter 1. Unpublished report on file at the Eastern Information Center at the University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A
Qualifications of Key Personnel
Andrew J. Garrison, M.A., RPA
Project Archaeologist
BFSA Environmental Services, a Perennial Company
14010 Poway Road Suite A
Phone: (858) 679-8218 Fax: (858) 679-9896 E-Mail: [email protected] Education
Master of Arts, Public History, University of California, Riverside 2009 Bachelor of Science, Anthropology, University of California, Riverside 2005 Bachelor of Arts, History, University of California, Riverside 2005 Professional Memberships
Register of Professional Archaeologists
Society for California Archaeology
Society for American Archaeology
California Council for the Promotion of History
Society of Primitive Technology
Lithic Studies Society
California Preservation Foundation
Pacific Coast Archaeological Society
Experience
Project Archaeologist June 2017–Present
BFSA Environmental Serives, A Perennial Company Poway, California Project management of all phases of archaeological investigations for local, state, and federal agencies including National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) level projects interacting with clients, sub-consultants, and lead agencies. Supervise and perform fieldwork including archaeological survey, monitoring, site testing, comprehensive site records checks, and historic building assessments. Perform and oversee technological analysis of prehistoric lithic assemblages. Author or co-author cultural resource management reports submitted to private clients and lead agencies.
Senior Archaeologist and GIS Specialist 2009–2017
Scientific Resource Surveys, Inc. Orange, California
Served as Project Archaeologist or Principal Investigator on multiple projects, including archaeological monitoring, cultural resource surveys, test excavations, and historic building assessments. Directed projects from start to finish, including budget and personnel hours proposals, field and laboratory direction, report writing, technical editing, Native American consultation, and final report submittal.
Oversaw all GIS projects including data collection, spatial analysis, and map creation.
Preservation Researcher 2009
City of Riverside Modernism Survey Riverside, California Completed DPR Primary, District, and Building, Structure and Object Forms for five sites for a grantfunded project to survey designated modern architectural resources within the City of Riverside.
BFSA Environmental Services, A Perennial Company, 2
Information Officer 2005, 2008–2009
Eastern Information Center (EIC), University of California, Riverside Riverside, California Processed and catalogued restricted and unrestricted archaeological and historical site record forms.
Conducted research projects and records searches for government agencies and private cultural resource firms.
Reports/Papers
2019 A Class III Archaeological Study for the Tuscany Valley (TM 33725) Project National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 Compliance, Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, California.
Contributing author. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2019 A Phase I and II Cultural Resources Assessment for the Jack Rabbit Trail Logistics Center Project, City of Beaumont, Riverside County, California. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2019 A Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for the 10575 Foothill Boulevard Project, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2019 Cultural Resources Study for the County Road and East End Avenue Project, City of Chino, San Bernardino County, California. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2019 Phase II Cultural Resource Study for the McElwain Project, City of Murrieta, California.
Contributing author. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2019 A Section 106 (NHPA) Historic Resources Study for the McElwain Project, City of Murrieta, Riverside County, California. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2018 Cultural Resource Monitoring Report for the Sewer Group 818 Project, City of San Diego. Brian F.
Smith and Associates, Inc.
2018 Phase I Cultural Resource Survey for the Stone Residence Project, 1525 Buckingham Drive, La Jolla, California 92037. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2018 A Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for the Seaton Commerce Center Project, Riverside County, California. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2017 A Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for the Marbella Villa Project, City of Desert Hot Springs, Riverside County, California. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2017 Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for TTM 37109, City of Jurupa Valley, County of Riverside. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc.
2017 A Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for the Winchester Dollar General Store Project, Riverside County, California. Brian F. Smith and Associates, Inc. 2016 John Wayne Airport Jet Fuel Pipeline and Tank Farm Archaeological Monitoring Plan. Scientific Resource Surveys, Inc. On file at the County of Orange, California. 2016 Historic Resource Assessment for 220 South Batavia Street, Orange, CA 92868 Assessor’s Parcel Number 041-064-4. Scientific Resource Surveys, Inc. Submitted to the City of Orange as part of Mills Act application.
BFSA Environmental Services, A Perennial Company, 3
2015 Historic Resource Report: 807-813 Harvard Boulevard, Los Angeles. Scientific Resource Surveys, Inc. On file at the South Central Coastal Information Center, California State University, Fullerton. 2015 Exploring a Traditional Rock Cairn: Test Excavation at CA-SDI-13/RBLI-26: The Rincon Indian Reservation, San Diego County, California. Scientific Resource Surveys, Inc. 2014 Archaeological Monitoring Results: The New Los Angeles Federal Courthouse. Scientific Resource Surveys, Inc. On file at the South Central Coastal Information Center, California State University, Fullerton.
2012 Bolsa Chica Archaeological Project Volume 7, Technological Analysis of Stone Tools, Lithic Technology at Bolsa Chica: Reduction Maintenance and Experimentation. Scientific Resource Surveys, Inc.
Presentations
2017 “Repair and Replace: Lithic Production Behavior as Indicated by the Debitage Assemblage from CA-MRP-283 the Hackney Site.” Presented at the Society for California Archaeology Annual Meeting, Fish Camp, California.
2016 “Bones, Stones, and Shell at Bolsa Chica: A Ceremonial Relationship?” Presented at the Society for California Archaeology Annual Meeting, Ontario, California. 2016 “Markers of Time: Exploring Transitions in the Bolsa Chica Assemblage.” Presented at the Society for California Archaeology Annual Meeting, Ontario, California. 2016 “Dating Duress: Understanding Prehistoric Climate Change at Bolsa Chica.” Presented at the Society for California Archaeology Annual Meeting, Ontario, California. 2014 “New Discoveries from an Old Collection: Comparing Recently Identified OGR Beads to Those Previously Analyzed from the Encino Village Site.” Presented at the Society for California Archaeology Annual Meeting, Visalia, California.
2012 Bolsa Chica Archaeology: Part Seven: Culture and Chronology. Lithic demonstration of experimental manufacturing techniques at the April meeting of The Pacific Coast Archaeological Society, Irvine, California.
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX B
Archaeological Records Search Results
(Deleted for Public Review; Bound Separately)
A Phase I Cultural Resources Survey for the Verano Residential Project _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX C
NAHC Sacred Lands File Search Results
(Deleted for Public Review; Bound Separately)
DRAFT
PRELIMINARY GEOTECHNICAL EXPLORATION –
DUE DILIGENCE/UPDATE
PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT –
VERANO
CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA
Prepared For NCP VERANO, LLC
C/O NORTHLIGHT CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC
55 SAUGATUCK AVE., 1ST FLOOR
WESTPORT, CT 06880
Prepared By LEIGHTON AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
41945 BOARDWALK, SUITE V
PALM DESERT, CA 92211
Project Number 13678.002
November 8, 2022
DRAFT
November 8, 2022
Project No. 13678.002
NCP Verano, LLC
c/o Northlight Capital Partners LLC
55 Saugatuck Ave., 1st Floor
Westport, CT 06880
Attention: Mr. Ben Gerig
Subject: Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update Proposed Residential Development – Verano
Cathedral City, California
In accordance with your request and authorization, we are pleased to present herewith the results of our geotechnical exploration for the subject site located northwest of the intersection of Verano Road and Landau Boulevard, in the City of Cathedral City, California. This report summarizes our findings and conclusions and provides preliminary geotechnical recommendations for site development. Based on the results of this evaluation, the site appears suitable for the intended use provided our recommendations included herein are properly incorporated during design and construction phases of development. However, it should be noted that additional geotechnical evaluations or review might be needed as site development and/or grading plans become available.
If you have any questions regarding this report, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. We appreciate this opportunity to be of service on this project.
Respectfully submitted,
LEIGHTON AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
Bashir S. Saiid, PE
Senior Project Engineer
Ext 8927 [email protected]
Robert F. Riha, CEG
President / Sr. Principal Geologist
Ext 8914 [email protected]
Distribution: (1) Addressee
DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose and Scope.............................................................................................1
1.2 Site Location and Description .............................................................................1
1.3 Proposed Development.......................................................................................2
2.0 FIELD EXPLORATION AND LABORATORY TESTING....................................... 3
2.1 Previous Studies ................................................................................................. 3
2.2 Field Exploration..................................................................................................3
2.3 Laboratory Testing ..............................................................................................3
3.0 GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOLOGIC FINDINGS.................................................... 5
3.1 Regional Geology................................................................................................5
3.2 Site Specific Geology ..........................................................................................5
3.2.1 Artificial Fill (Map symbol Af) ..............................................................................5
3.2.2 Quaternary Alluvium (Map Symbol Qal).............................................................5
3.3 Groundwater and Surface Water ........................................................................6
3.4 Faulting and Fissuring.........................................................................................6
3.5 Ground Shaking ..................................................................................................6
3.6 Dynamic Settlement (Liquefaction and Dry Settlement).....................................7
3.7 Flooding...............................................................................................................8
3.8 Seiche and Tsunami ...........................................................................................8
3.9 Expansive/Collapsible Soils ................................................................................8
3.10 Slope Stability and Landslides ............................................................................8
4.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS................................................. 9
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................ 10
5.1 General..............................................................................................................10
5.2 Earthwork Considerations.................................................................................10
5.2.1 Site Preparation and Remedial Grading...........................................................10
5.2.2 Cut/Fill Transition Lots......................................................................................11
5.2.3 Structural Fills...................................................................................................11
5.2.4 Shrinkage and Subsidence ..............................................................................12
5.2.5 Import Soils.......................................................................................................12
5.2.6 Utility Trenches.................................................................................................12
5.2.7 Drainage...........................................................................................................13
5.2.8 Slope Design and Construction........................................................................14
5.3 Foundation Design ............................................................................................14
5.3.1 Bearing and Lateral Pressures.........................................................................14
5.3.2 Settlement ........................................................................................................15
5.3.3 Vapor Retarder.................................................................................................15 DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 ii
5.4 Retaining Walls ................................................................................................. 16
5.5 Geochemical Characteristics ............................................................................17
5.6 Preliminary Pavement Design Parameters.......................................................17
6.0 GEOTECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES ................................................ 19
7.0 LIMITATIONS....................................................................................................... 20 REFERENCES.............................................................................................................. 21 Accompanying Tables, Figures and Appendices (end of text) Tables
Table 1. 2019 CBC Site-Specific Seismic Coefficients................................................... 7 Table 2. Retaining Wall Design Earth Pressures (Static, Drained)............................... 16 Table 3. Preliminary Pavement Design ........................................................................ 17 Figures
Figure 1 – Site Location Map
Figure 2 – Boring Location Plan
Figure 3 – Regional Geology Map
Figure 4 – Regional Fault Map
Appendices
Appendix A – Field Exploration / Geotechnical Borings
Appendix B – Results of Geotechnical Laboratory Testing Appendix C – General Earthwork and Grading Specifications Appendix D – GBA Important Information about this Geotechnical Engineering Report DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose and Scope
This geotechnical report is for the proposed “Verano” project located in the city of Cathedral City, California (see Figure 1). Our scope of services for this exploration included the following:
Review of provided previous geotechnical explorations (Sladden, 1999 and 2003) and other available geologic information and relevant publications listed in the references at the end of this report.
A site geologic reconnaissance and visual observations of surface conditions. Excavation, sampling and logging of 7 exploratory geotechnical hollow stem auger borings throughout the site. Logs of test borings are presented in Appendix A.
Laboratory testing of representative soil samples obtained from the subsurface exploration program. A brief description of laboratory testing procedures and laboratory test results are presented in Appendix B.
Geotechnical engineering analyses performed or as directed by a California registered Professional Engineer (PE) including preliminary foundation and seismic design parameters based on the 2019 California Building Code (CBC).
A California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) performed engineering geology review of site geologic hazards.
Preparation of this report which presents the results of our exploration and provides preliminary geotechnical recommendations for the proposed residential development. It should be noted that geotechnical reviews and/or additional subsurface investigation and evaluation may be recommended based on future site development plans.
This report is not intended to be used as an environmental assessment (Phase I or other), and foundation and/or a rough grading plan review.
1.2 Site Location and Description
The project site is located on twelve (12) contiguous undeveloped parcels, totaling approximately 145-acres, located northwest of the intersection of Verano Road and Landau Boulevard, City of Cathedral City, California. The approximate limits of the site are shown on the Site Location Map, Figure 1. The property is bounded on the north and west by vacant land, Rio Vista Elementary School and existing DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 2 residences to the east, and Verona Road to the south. A perimeter wall exists along the northern boundary of the site. The Riverside County Assessor designates the site as Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs) 677-050-015 through - 018, -023, -027, -029, -031 thru -034, and -039.
Topographically, the site and surrounding area slopes to the south and southeast.
Site elevations range from high point elevation of approximately 480 feet above mean sea level (msl) near the northwestern corner to a low point elevation of approximately 428 (msl) near the southeast corner of the property. The site is currently vacant with sand dune topography along the northern boundary.
1.3 Proposed Development
Plans for site development are not available at this time but are assumed herein to include typical single family detached homes with 1 to 2-story wood frame construction. The foundation loads are not expected to exceed 2,500 pounds per lineal foot (plf) for continuous footings.
We anticipate that site grading will include typical cut and fill grading to create level pads, access streets and 2:1 slopes. The maximum proposed cut and fill thickness is unknown at this time but we estimate it could be on the order of 5 to 15 feet. If site development significantly differs from the assumptions made herein, the recommendations included in this report should be subject to further review and evaluation.
DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 3 2.0 FIELD EXPLORATION AND LABORATORY TESTING
2.1 Previous Studies
Based on our review of site-specific geotechnical reports (Sladden, 2003), partial rough-grading of the site started in October, 2001, and consisted of overexcavation of native surface soils and placement of engineering fill to construct present grade. Although no documentation was available for our review to confirm the extent of remedial grading, the project soils report (Sladden, 1999) recommended removal of 3 feet below existing grade or 2 feet below the bottom of footings, whichever is deeper. Remedial grading for pavement and exterior flatwork consisted of scarifying and/or removing the upper 12 inches and recompacting to 90 percent relative compaction per ASTM 1557. Groundwater was not encountered within the explored depth of 50 feet and “the potential for liquefaction affecting the site is considered negligible.” According to the project soils report, “the soils underlying the site consist primarily of fine-grained to coarse blown and alluvial sands.” The expansion potential is expected to be very low.
2.2 Field Exploration
Our field exploration program consisted of 7 hollow-stem auger borings excavated at the approximate locations shown on the Boring Location Map (Figure 2). During excavation, bulk samples and relatively “undisturbed” Ring samples were collected from the exploration borings for further laboratory testing and evaluation. The relatively undisturbed samples were obtained utilizing a modified California drive sampler (2⅜-inch inside diameter and 3-inch outside diameter) driven 18 inches in general accordance with ASTM Test Method D3550. Standard penetration tests (SPT) were performed using a 2-inch outside diameter (1⅜-inch inside diameter) sampler driven 18 inches in general accordance with ASTM Test Method D1586.
The number of blows to drive the samplers are recorded on the boring logs for each 6-inch increment (unless encountering refusal or >50 blows per 6 inches).
Sampling was conducted by a staff geologist from our firm. After logging and sampling, the excavations were loosely backfilled with spoils generated during excavation. The logs of exploratory test borings are presented in Appendix A.
2.3 Laboratory Testing
Laboratory tests were performed on representative bulk and undisturbed drive samples to provide a basis for development of remedial earthwork and geotechnical design parameters. Selected samples were tested for the following DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 4 parameters: insitu moisture and density, maximum dry density (Proctor), R-Value, gradation, collapse, soluble sulfate, pH, resistivity and chloride content. The results of our laboratory testing are presented in Appendix B.
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 5 3.0 GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOLOGIC FINDINGS
3.1 Regional Geology
The site is located in the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert Geomorphic Province of California. The San Bernardino Mountains of the Transverse Ranges Geomorphic Province are to the north and the San Jacinto Mountains of the Peninsular Range are to the south. The dominant structural feature in this region is the active San Andreas transform system that consists of several major northwest-trending right lateral strike slip faults that extend through the San Gorgonio pass along the southern foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, and along the northeast margin of the Coachella Valley. The San Andreas Fault Zone is composed of a series of fault zones of which the Garnet Hill and south branch of the San Andreas are located in the immediate site vicinity north of the site.
Figure 3, Regional Geology Map, shows the region as unconsolidated Holocene sediments (alluvium and other deposits). The site itself is underlain by wind-blown (aeolian) sand deposits as well as alluvial soil eroded from the nearby mountains and deposited in the site vicinity.
3.2 Site Specific Geology
Based on the results of our field exploration and review of relevant geologic data for this area (see References), the site subsurface materials consist of dune sands over alluvium to the depths explored. These units are discussed in the following sections in order of increasing age and further described on the logs of geotechnical borings in Appendix A.
3.2.1 Artificial Fill (Map symbol Af)
Based on the soil types described in previous reports and our field exploration, artificial fill generally consisted of poorly-graded sand to silty sand with gravel/cobbles. It is estimated that the artificial fill generally extends to a depth varying of 5 to 6 feet below ground surface (BGS).
Based on the results of our laboratory testing, these materials are expected to possess a very low expansion potential (EI<21).
3.2.2 Quaternary Alluvium (Map Symbol Qal)
Quaternary-aged alluvial deposits were encountered in all of our borings to the maximum depth explored. As encountered, the alluvium typically consists of light brown to brownish gray, medium dense to very dense, poorly-graded fine sand to silty sand. The alluvium is expected to generally possess very low expansion potential (EI<21).
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 6 3.3 Groundwater and Surface Water
Groundwater was not encountered in any of the borings and no standing water was observed on the ground surface during the time of the investigation.
According to Department of water Resources, Southern District, Well 338628N1165236W001 (local well 9) located west of the site, groundwater depths may be between 250 and 335 feet below ground surface (bgs). Based on this data, it appears that shallow groundwater has not been present recently, or historically. As such, groundwater is not expected to be a constraint to development of the site. However, it should be noted that local perched water conditions may exist intermittently and may fluctuate seasonally, depending on rainfall and irrigation conditions. Surface runoff from the adjacent elevated portions of the site should be anticipated.
3.4 Faulting and Fissuring
This site is not located within a currently designated Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone or County of Riverside Fault Zone. No active, inactive fault traces or fissuring are known to traverse the planned development portions (Bryant and Hart 2007) and no evidence of onsite faulting was observed during our investigation.
As defined by the California Geologic Survey, an active fault is one that has had surface displacement within the Holocene Epoch (roughly the last 11,000 years).
The closest known active fault zone is the San Gorgonio Pass-Garnet Hill Segment of the San Andreas Fault Zone. The San Gorgonio Pass-Garnet Hill Segment of the San Andreas Fault Zone is located approximately, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northwest of the site (USGS, 2022). The San Gorgonio Pass-Garnet Hill Segment of the San Andreas Fault Zone is considered to be the source of the design earthquake.
3.5 Ground Shaking
Strong ground shaking can be expected at the site during moderate to severe earthquakes in this general region. This is common to virtually all of Southern California. Intensity of ground shaking at a given location depends primarily upon earthquake magnitude, site distance from the source, and site response (soil type) characteristics. Based on the 2019 California Building Code (CBC) and using the USGS Ground Motion Parameter Calculator, the seismic coefficients for this site are provided in the following table:
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 7 Table 1. 2019 CBC Site-Specific Seismic Coefficients
CBC Categorization/Coefficient Design Value (g)
Site Longitude (-116.4834) Site Latitude (33.8589)
Site Class Definition D
Mapped Spectral Response Acceleration at 0.2s Period, Ss 2.29 Mapped Spectral Response Acceleration at 1s Period, S1 0.97 Short Period Site Coefficient at 0.2s Period, Fa 1.00
Long Period Site Coefficient at 1s Period, Fv 1.70
Adjusted Spectral Response Acceleration at 0.2s Period, SMS 2.29 Adjusted Spectral Response Acceleration at 1s Period, SM1 1.65 Design Spectral Response Acceleration at 0.2s Period, SDS 1.53 Design Spectral Response Acceleration at 1s Period, SD1 1.10 * g- Gravity acceleration
The seismic coefficients for Site Class D follow Exception (2) in Section 11.4.8 of ASCE 7-16 that assumes a fundamental period of vibration less than 0.5s for the proposed structures. The project structural engineer should confirm such assumption or else a site–specific ground motion analysis will be required. Based on this analysis, the Peak Horizontal Ground Acceleration (PGA) is 0.98g and the site modified Peak Horizontal Ground Acceleration (PGAm) is 1.08g.
3.6 Dynamic Settlement (Liquefaction and Dry Settlement) Liquefaction and dynamic settlement of cohesionless soils can be caused by strong vibratory motion due to earthquakes. Research and historical data indicate that loose granular soils below a near-surface groundwater table are most susceptible to liquefaction. Due to the absence of shallow groundwater, the liquefaction-induced settlement is considered very low on this site.
However, during a strong seismic event, seismically-induced settlement can still occur within loose to moderately dense, dry or saturated granular soils. Settlement caused by ground shaking is often non-uniformly distributed, which can result in differential settlement. Based on the proposed remedial grading recommendations in areas of planned development, the potential total settlement resulting from ground shaking is considered minimal or less than 1 inch in the upper 50 feet of soils.
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 8 3.7 Flooding
The site is not within a flood plain and potential for flooding is considered very low for this site.
3.8 Seiche and Tsunami
Due to the sites elevated location and lack of nearby open bodies of water, the possibility of the affects due to seiches or tsunami is considered nil.
3.9 Expansive/Collapsible Soils
Limited laboratory testing indicated that onsite soils possess a very low expansion potential (EI<21). Based on the remedial grading recommendations in areas of planned development, the potential impact due to collapsible soils, if they exist onsite, is considered nil.
3.10 Slope Stability and Landslides
Significant slopes are not located on or near the site. As such, slope instability is not considered an issue at this site. The site is not considered susceptible to seismically induced landslides.
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 9 4.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results of this exploration, it is our opinion that the proposed development is feasible from a geotechnical/geologic standpoint. The following is a summary of the main geotechnical findings or factors that may affect development of the site. The depth of compacted fill appears to range from approximately 5 to 6 feet below existing pads elevation. The tested fill appears to be medium dense to dense based on the results of the field Standard Penetration Tests (SPTs). The existing onsite soils appear to be suitable for reuse as fill during proposed grading provided they are relatively free of organic material and debris. Undocumented fill soils, topsoil, and loose dune sand are considered to be potentially compressible. These materials should be removed and recompacted in areas of planned development.
Based on our subsurface explorations, it is our opinion that the onsite earth materials in most areas can be excavated with heavy-duty conventional grading equipment in good working condition.
Evidence of active faulting was not identified within the planned development area of the subject site. Strong ground shaking may occur at this site due to local earthquake activity.
Perched groundwater was not encountered, however, may develop in areas of soils with contrasting permeabilities possibly resulting in saturated fills or seepage from slopes. This condition is often a result of individual homeowners’ water use and irrigation practices.
Based on preliminary laboratory results and field observations, onsite earth materials are expected to possess a very low expansion potential and negligible sulfate exposure to concrete. Additional testing should be performed during site grading to verify these observations.
Cut slopes greater than 3 feet in height are recommended to be constructed as replacement fill slopes.
Fill slopes are anticipated to be less than 20 feet in height and are expected to be grossly and surficially stable.
Unprotected pads and slope faces will be susceptible to erosion. This risk can be reduced by planting the slopes as soon as possible after grading, and by maintaining proper erosion control measures
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 10 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 General
Based on the results of this preliminary exploration, it is our opinion that the subject site is suitable for the proposed development from a geotechnical viewpoint.
Grading of the site should be in accordance with our recommendations included in this report and future recommendations based on additional site-specific development plans and evaluations made during construction by the geotechnical consultant.
5.2 Earthwork Considerations
Earthwork should be performed in accordance with the General Earthwork and Grading Specifications in Appendix C as well as the following recommendations.
The recommendations contained in Appendix C, are general grading specifications provided for typical grading projects and some of the recommendations may not be strictly applicable to this project. The specific recommendations contained in the text of this report supersede the general recommendations in Appendix C.
The contract between the developer and earthwork contractor should be worded such that it is the responsibility of the contractor to place the fill properly in accordance with the recommendations of this report, and applicable County Grading Ordinances, notwithstanding the testing and observation of the geotechnical consultant during construction.
5.2.1 Site Preparation and Remedial Grading
Prior to grading, the proposed structural improvement areas (i.e. all structural fill areas, pavement areas, buildings, etc.) of the site should be cleared of surface and subsurface obstructions, heavy vegetation and boulders. Roots and debris should be disposed of offsite. Septic Tanks or seepage pits, if encountered, should be abandoned in accordance with the County of Riverside Department of Health Services guidelines.
The near surface soils (undocumented artificial fill, blown sand dunes, debris, etc.) are potentially compressible in their present state and may settle under the surcharge of fills or foundation loading. As such, these materials should be removed (over-excavated) and re-compacted in all settlement-sensitive areas in accordance with the criteria presented below. In addition, weathering of the surficial soils, local disturbance and vegetative growth has resulted in some surface loosening and drying. As such, the following is a summary of our recommendations:
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 11 For the previously graded and partially graded pads (“Af”, See Figure 2), we recommend that the upper 12 inches of surface soils within the building pad envelope (and 2 feet beyond all structural components) be removed. The removal bottom should then be thoroughly scarified 12- inches, moisture conditioned to near optimum moisture, and compacted to 90 percent relative compaction (ASTM D1557).
For the previously non-graded areas (“Qa”, See Figure 2), we recommend that the upper 3 feet of alluvium or 2 feet below bottom of footings, whichever is deeper, should be removed/over-excavated and recompacted prior to foundation construction or placement of any additional fill. This remedial grading may be reduced to the upper 2 feet of alluvium or 1 foot below soil subgrade for paved and hardscaped areas.
The scarification, moisture conditioning and compaction should result in subgrade soils possessing near optimum moisture content and a minimum 90 percent relative density per ASTM D1557.
Acceptability of all removal bottoms should be reviewed by the geotechnical consultant and documented in the as-graded geotechnical report. The removal limit should be established by a 1:1 (horizontal: vertical) projection from the edge of fill soils supporting settlement-sensitive structures downward and outward to competent material identified by the geotechnical consultant. Removal will also include benching into competent material as the fills rise. Areas adjacent to existing structures or property limits may require special considerations and monitoring. Steeper temporary slopes in these areas may be considered.
5.2.2 Cut/Fill Transition Lots
In order to mitigate the impact of underlying cut/fill transition conditions, we recommend over-excavation of the cut portion of transition lots. Overexcavation should extend to a minimum depth of 3 feet below the bottom of the proposed footings or one-half of the maximum fill thickness on the lot, whichever is deeper (not to exceed 10 feet). This overexcavation does not include scarification or preprocessing prior to placement of fill.
5.2.3 Structural Fills
The onsite soils are generally suitable for re-use as compacted fill provided they are free of debris, organic matter and oversize rock. Areas to receive structural fill and/or other surface improvements should be scarified to a minimum depth of 8 inches, conditioned to at least optimum moisture content, and recompacted. Fill soils should be placed at a minimum of 90 percent relative compaction (based on ASTM D1557) and near or above optimum moisture content. Placement and compaction of fill should be performed in accordance with local grading ordinances under the observation and testing of the geotechnical consultant. The optimum lift thickness to produce a uniformly compacted fill will depend on the type and DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 12 size of compaction equipment used. In general, fill should be placed in uniform lifts not exceeding 8 inches in thickness and not contain rocks greater than 12-inches in maximum dimension.
Fill slope keyways will be necessary at the toe of all fill slopes and cut slope replacement fills. Keyway schematics, including dimensions and subdrain recommendations, are provided in Appendix D. All keyways should be excavated into dense bedrock or dense alluvium as determined by the geotechnical engineer. The cut portions of all slope and keyway excavations should be geologically mapped and approved by a geologist prior to fill placement.
Fills placed on slopes steeper than 5:1 (horizontal:vertical) should be benched into dense soils (see Appendix D for benching detail). Benching should be of sufficient depth to remove all loose material. A minimum bench height of 2 feet into approved material should be maintained at all times.
5.2.4 Shrinkage and Subsidence
The volume change of excavated onsite materials upon compaction is expected to vary with materials, volume of roots and deleterious materials, density, insitu moisture content, location, and compaction effort. The inplace and compacted densities of soil materials vary and accurate overall determination of shrinkage and bulking cannot be made. Therefore, we recommend site grading include, if possible, a balance area or ability to adjust import quantities to accommodate some variation. Based on our experience with similar materials, we anticipate 12 to 15 percent shrinkage in the upper 5 to 10 feet of dune sand/alluvium.
Subsidence due solely to scarification, moisture conditioning and recompaction of the exposed bottom of overexcavation, is expected to be on the order of 0.10 foot. This should be added to the above shrinkage value for the recompacted fill zone, to calculate overall recompaction subsidence.
5.2.5 Import Soils
Import soils and/or borrow sites, if needed, should be evaluated by the geotechnical consultant prior to import. Import soils should be uncontaminated, granular in nature, free of organic material (loss on ignition less-than 2 percent), have a very low expansion potential (with an Expansion Index less than 21) and have a low corrosion impact to the proposed improvements.
5.2.6 Utility Trenches
Utility trenches should be backfilled with compacted fill in accordance with Sections 306-1.2 and 306-1.3 of the Standard Specifications for Public DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 13 Works Construction, (“Greenbook”), 2021 Edition (or most recent). Fill material above the pipe zone should be placed in lifts not exceeding 8 inches in uncompacted thickness and should be compacted to at least 90 percent relative compaction (ASTM D 1557) by mechanical means only.
Site soils may generally be suitable as trench backfill provided these soils are screened of rocks over 1½ inches in diameter and organic matter. If imported sand is used as backfill, the upper 3 feet in building and pavement areas should be compacted to 95 percent. The upper 6 inches of backfill in all pavement areas should be compacted to at least 95 percent relative compaction.
Where granular backfill is used in utility trenches adjacent moisture sensitive subgrades and foundation soils, we recommend that a cut-off “plug” of impermeable material be placed in these trenches at the perimeter of buildings, and at pavement edges adjacent to irrigated landscaped areas.
A “plug” can consist of a 5-foot long section of clayey soils with more than 35-percent passing the No. 200 sieve, or a Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM) consisting of one sack of Portland-cement plus one sack of bentonite per cubic-yard of sand. CLSM should generally conform to Section 201-6 of the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction, (“Greenbook”), 2021 Edition. This is intended to reduce the likelihood of water permeating trenches from landscaped areas, then seeping along permeable trench backfill into the building and pavement subgrades, resulting in wetting of moisture sensitive subgrade earth materials under buildings and pavements.
Excavation of utility trenches should be performed in accordance with the project plans, specifications and the California Construction Safety Orders (Current Edition). The contractor should be responsible for providing a "competent person" as defined in Article 6 of the California Construction Safety Orders. Contractors should be advised that sandy soils (such as fills generated from the onsite alluvium) could make excavations particularly unsafe if all safety precautions are not properly implemented. In addition, excavations at or near the toe of slopes and/or parallel to slopes may be highly unstable due to the increased driving force and load on the trench wall. Spoil piles from the excavation(s) and construction equipment should be kept away from the sides of the trenches. Leighton does not consult in the area of safety engineering.
5.2.7 Drainage
All drainage should be directed away from structures, slopes and pavements by means of approved permanent/temporary drainage devices.
Adequate storm drainage of any proposed pad should be provided to avoid wetting of foundation soils. Irrigation adjacent to buildings should be DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 14 avoided when possible. As an option, sealed-bottom planter boxes and/or drought resistant vegetation should be used within 5-feet of buildings.
5.2.8 Slope Design and Construction
Based on our understanding and planning purposes, all fill and cut slopes will be designed and constructed at 2:1 (horizontal:vertical). These slopes are considered grossly stable for static and pseudostatic conditions. For planning purposes, cut slopes exceeding 5 feet in height should be constructed as replacement fill slopes due to the highly erosive nature of site soils. Future grading plans should be subject to further review and evaluation.
The outer portion of fill slopes should be either overbuilt by 2 feet (minimum) and trimmed back to the finished slope configuration or compacted in vertical increments of 5 feet (maximum) by a weighted sheepsfoot roller as the fill is placed. The slope face should then be track-walked by dozers of appropriate weight to achieve the final slope configuration and compaction to the slope face.
Slope faces are inherently subject to erosion, particularly if exposed to wind, rainfall and irrigation. Landscaping and slope maintenance should be conducted as soon as possible in order to increase long-term surficial stability. Berms should be provided at the top of fill slopes. Drainage should be directed such that surface runoff on the slope face is minimized
5.3 Foundation Design
5.3.1 Bearing and Lateral Pressures
Based on our analysis, the proposed residential/ and retail/commercial structures may be founded on conventional foundation systems based on the design parameters provided below. The proposed foundations and slabs should be designed in accordance with the structural consultants’ design, the minimum geotechnical recommendations presented herein, and the 2019 CBC. In utilizing the minimum geotechnical foundation recommendations, the structural consultant should design the foundation system to acceptable deflection criteria as determined by the architect.
Foundation footings may be designed with the following geotechnical design parameters:
Bearing Capacity: A net allowable bearing capacity of 2,000 pounds per square foot (psf), or a modulus of subgrade reaction of 150 pci may be used for design of footings founded entirely into compacted fill. The footings should extend a minimum of 12 inches below lowest adjacent grade. A minimum base width of 18 inches for continuous footings and a minimum bearing area of 3 square feet (1.75 ft by 1.75 ft) for pad DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 15 foundations should be used. Additionally, an increase of one-third may be applied when considering short-term live loads (e.g. seismic and wind).
Passive Pressures: The passive earth pressure may be computed as an equivalent fluid having a density of 300 psf per foot of depth, to a maximum earth pressure of 3,000 pounds per square foot. A coefficient of friction between soil and concrete of 0.35 may be used with dead load forces. When combining passive pressure and frictional resistance, the passive pressure component should be reduced by one-third The footing width, depth, reinforcement, slab reinforcement, and the slabon-grade thickness should be designed by the structural consultant based on recommendations and soil characteristics indicated herein and the most recently adopted edition of the CBC.
5.3.2 Settlement
The project civil engineer, structural engineer, and architect should consider the potential effects of both static settlement and dynamic settlement presented below.
Static Settlement: Most of the static settlement of onsite soils is expected to be immediate or within 30 days following fill placement. A differential static settlement of 0.5 inch over a 40-foot span may be considered for design purposes. Additional settlement will also occur in the future if sites grades are raised or due to specific or large footing/foundation loads.
Dynamic Settlement: Based on our analysis, we estimate that total dynamic settlement is expected to be less than 1 inch. Differential settlement is expected to be minimal or less than 0.5 inches over a 40- foot horizontal span.
5.3.3 Vapor Retarder
It has been a standard of care to install a moisture retarder underneath all slabs where moisture condensation is undesirable. Moisture vapor retarders may retard but not totally eliminate moisture vapor movement from the underlying soils up through the slabs. Moisture vapor transmission may be additionally reduced by use of concrete additives. Leighton does not practice in the field of moisture vapor transmission evaluation/mitigation. Therefore, we recommend that a qualified person/firm be engaged/consulted with to evaluate the general and specific moisture vapor transmission paths and any impact on the proposed construction. This person/firm should provide recommendations for mitigation of potential adverse impact of moisture vapor transmission on various components of the structure as deemed appropriate.
The slab subgrade soils should be well wetted prior to placing concrete.
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 16 5.4 Retaining Walls
Retaining wall earth pressures are a function of the amount of wall yielding horizontally under load. If the wall can yield enough to mobilize full shear strength of backfill soils, then the wall can be designed for "active" pressure. If the wall cannot yield under the applied load, the shear strength of the soil cannot be mobilized and the earth pressure will be higher. Such walls should be designed for "at rest" conditions. If a structure moves toward the soils, the resulting resistance developed by the soil is the "passive" resistance. Retaining walls backfilled with non-expansive soils should be designed using the following equivalent fluid pressures:
Table 2. Retaining Wall Design Earth Pressures (Static, Drained) Loading
Conditions
Equivalent Fluid Density (pcf)
Level Backfill 2:1 Backfill
Active 35 50
At-Rest 50 80
Passive* 300 150 (2:1, sloping down)
* This assumes level condition in front of the wall will remain for the duration of the project, not to exceed 3,000 psf at depth. If sloping down (2:1) grades exist in front of walls, then they should be designed using passive values reduced to ½ of level backfill passive resistance values.
Unrestrained (yielding) cantilever walls should be designed for the active equivalent-fluid weight value provided above for very low to low expansive soils that are free draining. In the design of walls restrained from movement at the top (non-yielding) such as basement or elevator pit/utility vaults, the at-rest equivalent fluid weight value should be used. Total depth of retained earth for design of cantilever walls should be measured as the vertical distance below the ground surface measured at the wall face for stem design, or measured at the heel of the footing for overturning and sliding calculations. Should a sloping backfill other than a 2:1 (horizontal:vertical) be constructed above the wall (or a backfill is loaded by an adjacent surcharge load), the equivalent fluid weight values provided above should be re-evaluated on an individual case basis by us. Non-standard wall designs should also be reviewed by us prior to construction to check that the proper soil parameters have been incorporated into the wall design.
All retaining walls should be provided with appropriate drainage. The outlet pipe should be sloped to drain to a suitable outlet. Typical wall drainage design is illustrated in Appendix E, Retaining Wall Backfill and Subdrain Detail. Wall backfill should be non-expansive (EI ≤ 21) sands compacted by mechanical methods to a DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 17 minimum of 90 percent relative compaction (ASTM D 1557). Clayey site soils should not be used as wall backfill. Walls should not be backfilled until wall concrete attains the 28-day compressive strength and/or as determined by the Structural Engineer that the wall is structurally capable of supporting backfill.
Lightweight compaction equipment should be used, unless otherwise approved by the Structural Engineer.
5.5 Geochemical Characteristics
Limited laboratory testing indicated a negligible concentration of soluble sulfates in onsite soils for representative samples. The laboratory test results are presented in Appendix B.
Additional corrosion testing should be performed on representative finish grade soils at the completion of rough grading. Concrete foundations in contact with site soils should be designed in accordance with 2019 CBC. A qualified corrosion engineer should be consulted to review the results of laboratory tests and coordinate additional testing if corrosion sensitive materials are to be used.
5.6 Preliminary Pavement Design Parameters
In order to provide the following recommendations, we have assumed an R-value of 74 based on our laboratory testing and the granular nature of the onsite soils and results of our laboratory testing. For the final pavement design, appropriate traffic indices should be selected by the project civil engineer or traffic engineering consultant and representative samples of actual subgrade materials should be tested for R-value.
Table 3. Preliminary Pavement Design
Street Type
Loading
Conditions
TI
AC Pavement Section Thickness
Asphaltic-Concrete
(AC) Thickness (inch)
Aggregate Base (AB)
Thickness (inch)
Parking Stalls 5 3.0 4.0
Local Street 6 3.0 6.0
Heavy Traffic
Driveways/trucks 7 4.0 6.0
The subgrade soils in the upper 6 inches should be properly compacted to at least 95 percent relative compaction (ASTM D1557) and should be moistureconditioned to near optimum and kept in this condition until the pavement section is constructed. Proof-rolling subgrade to identify localized areas of yielding DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 18 subgrade (if any) should be performed prior to placement of aggregate base and under the observation of the geotechnical consultant.
Minimum relative compaction requirements for aggregate base should be 95 percent of the maximum laboratory density as determined by ASTM D1557. Base rock should conform to the "Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction" (green book) current edition or Caltrans Class 2 aggregate base having a minimum R-value of 78. Asphaltic concrete should be placed on compacted aggregate base and compacted to a minimum 95 percent relative compaction
The preliminary pavement sections provided in this section are meant as minimum, if thinner or highly variable pavement sections are constructed, increased maintenance and repair may be needed.
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 19 6.0 GEOTECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
Geotechnical review is of paramount importance in engineering practice. Poor performances of many foundation and earthwork projects have been attributed to inadequate construction review. We recommend that Leighton be provided the opportunity to review the grading plan and foundation plan(s).
Reasonably-continuous construction observation and review during site grading and foundation installation allows for evaluation of the actual soil conditions and the ability to provide appropriate revisions where required during construction. Geotechnical conclusions and preliminary recommendations should be reviewed and verified by Leighton during construction, and revised accordingly if geotechnical conditions encountered vary from our findings and interpretations. Geotechnical observation and testing should be provided:
After completion of site demolition and clearing,
During ground preparation, fill slope key excavations, overexcavation of surface soils and subdrain placement as described herein,
During compaction of all fill materials,
After excavation of all footings, and prior to placement of concrete, During utility trench backfilling and compaction, and When any unusual conditions are encountered.
Additional geotechnical exploration and analysis may be required based on final development plans, for reasons such as significant changes in proposed structure locations/footprints. We should review grading (civil) and foundation (structural) plans, and comment further on geotechnical aspects of this project.
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 20 7.0 LIMITATIONS
This report was necessarily based in part upon data obtained from a limited number of observances, site visits, soil samples, tests, analyses, histories of occurrences, spaced subsurface explorations and limited information on historical events and observations.
Such information is necessarily incomplete. The nature of many sites is such that differing characteristics can be experienced within small distances and under various climatic conditions. Changes in subsurface conditions can and do occur over time. This investigation was performed with the understanding that the subject site is proposed for residential and commercial development. The client is referred to Appendix D regarding important information provided by the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) on geotechnical engineering studies and reports and their applicability.
This report was prepared for NCP Verano, LLC, based on its needs, directions, and requirements at the time of our investigation. This report is not authorized for use by, and is not to be relied upon by any party except NCP Verano, LLC, and its successors and assigns as owner of the property, with whom Leighton and Associates, Inc. has contracted for the work. Use of or reliance on this report by any other party is at that party's risk. Unauthorized use of or reliance on this report constitutes an agreement to defend and indemnify Leighton and Associates, Inc. from and against any liability which may arise as a result of such use or reliance, regardless of any fault, negligence, or strict liability of Leighton and Associates, Inc.
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Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 21 REFERENCES
ASCE, 2016, ASCE Standard 7-16, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures by Structural Engineering Institute, ISBN 0-7844-0809-2, Second Printing, Published in 2016.
Blake, T. F., 2000a, EQSEARCH, Version 4.00, A Computer Program for the Estimation of Peak Horizontal Acceleration from Southern California Historical Earthquake Catalogs, Users Manual, 94pp., with update data, 2006.
Bryant, W. A. and Hart, E. W., 2007, Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones in California, Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning with Index to Earthquake Zones Maps: Department of Conservation, California Geologic Survey, Special Publication 42. Interim Revision.
California Building Code, (CBC) 2019, California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2, Volume 2 of 2.
California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) 2022, Water Data Library, http://www.water.ca.gov/waterdatalibrary/index.cfm, Data viewed August 10.
California Geologic Survey (CGS), 2012, Landslide Inventory Maps, www.quake.ca.gov/gmaps/LSIM/lsim_maps.
Civil Tech Corporation, 2005, LIQUEFYPRO Version 5.2, A Computer Program for Liquefaction and Settlement Analysis, Civil Tech Software, 2005.
Morton, D. M., et al., 1999, Preliminary Digital Geologic Map of the Santa Ana 30’X 60’ Quadrangle, Southern California, Version 1.0, USGS Open-File Report 99-172.
OSHPD, 2022, Seismic Design Maps, an interactive computer program on OSHPD website to calculate Seismic Response and Design Parameters based on ASCE 7-16 seismic procedures, https://seismicmaps.org/
Public Works Standard, Inc., 2021, Greenbook, Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction: BNI Building News, Anaheim, California.
Riverside County, 2003, Riverside County General Plan Safety Element and Appendix H, Adopted October 7, 2003, Geotechnical Report (Technical Background Document).
Riverside County Information Technology, 2022, Map My County (website), http://mmc.rivcoit.org/MMC_Public/Viewer.html?Viewer=MMC_Public.
Sladden Engineering, Inc., 1999, Geotechnical Investigation, Rio Vista Village, Tentative Tract 28639, Cathedral City, California, Project No. 544-9137, dated August 24.
Scale:1 " = 2,000 '
Project: 13678.002 Eng/Geol: BSS/RFR
Map Saved as V:\Drafting\13678\002\Maps\13678-002_F01_SLM_2022-10-28.mxd on 11/2/2022 11:12:04 AM Author: (mmurphy)
Date: November 2022
SITE LOCATION MAP
³ 0 2,000 4,000
Feet
FIGURE 1
Verano Recovery
Residential Development
Verano Road, Cathedral City, California
Reference: © 2022 Microsoft Corporation ©
2022 Maxar ©CNES (2022) Distribution Airbus
Legend
Approximate Site Boundaries
³ 0 500 1,000
Feet
Map Saved as V:\Drafting\13678\002\Maps\13678-002_F02_BLM_2022-11-01.mxd on 11/8/2022 10:02:47 AM
BORING LOCATION MAP
Verano Recovery
Residential Development
Verano Road, Cathedral City, California
Scale:
Base Map: Bing Maps, 2016 2022
1 " = 500 '
Project: 13678.002 Eng/Geol: BSS/RFR
Author: (mmurphy)
Date: November 2022
FIGURE 2
Legend
&< Approximate Location of Boring
Approximate Limit of Existing Artificial Fill
Approximate Site Boundaries
Geologic Units
Artificial Fill (Sladden, 2001)
Quaternary Alluvium
LB-7
Af
Qa
!"`$
Qg
Qg
Qs
Qa Qa
Qa
Qo
Qs
Qa
Scale:1 " = 2,000 '
Map Saved as V:\Drafting\13678\002\Maps\13678-002_F03_RGM_2022-11-01.mxd on 11/2/2022 12:12:56 PM Base Map: Geologic Map of the Thousand Palms &
Lost Horse Mountain 15 Minute Quadrangles by
Thomas W. Dibblee Jr., 2006.
Date: November 2022
³ 0 2,000 4,000
Feet
Verano Recovery
Residential Development
Verano Road, Cathedral City, California
SURFICIAL SEDIMENTS
Alluvial sand and gravel of major creeks and stream washes Alluvial sand and gravel of valley areas
Loose fine sand deposited by prevailing winds as dunes
OCOTILLO FORMATION
Fanglomerate of mostly gray conglomerate, sandstone, silts and tuff; some vertebrate fossil fragments
Qs
Qa
Qg
Qo
Legend
Approximate Site Boundaries
Project: 13678.002 Eng/Geol: BSS/RFR
REGIONAL GEOLOGY MAP FIGURE 3
Scale:1 " = 2,000 '
Project: 13678.002 Eng/Geol: BSS/RFR
Map Saved as V:\Drafting\13678\002\Maps\13678-002_F04_RFM_2022-11-01.mxd on 11/2/2022 12:29:03 PM Reference: Reference: Riverside County Mapping
Portal, 9/9/2019.
Date: November 2022
REGIONAL FAULT MAP
³ 0 2,000 4,000
Feet
FIGURE 1
Verano Recovery
Residential Development
Verano Road, Cathedral City, California
Base Map: © 2022 Microsoft Corporation ©
2022 Maxar ©CNES (2022) Distribution Airbus
Legend
Approximate Fault Location (Riverside County)
Approximate Location of Fault Zone
(Riverside County)
Approximate Site Boundaries
DRAFT
Preliminary Geotechnical Exploration – Due Diligence/Update November 8, 2022 Proposed Residential Development – Verano Project No. 13678.002 22 Sladden Engineering, Inc., 2003, Report of Observation and Testing During Rough Grading, Rio Vista Village, Tentative Tract 28639, 29751, 29752, and 29753, Cathedral City, California, Project No. 522-9137, dated July 1.
United States Geological Survey (USGS), 2000, Cathedral City 7.5-Minute Quadrangle Topographic Maps. (Printed from TOPO, website, http://www.topo.com).
United States Geological Survey, (USGS), 2006, Geologic Map of the San Bernardino and Santa Ana 30’x60’ quadrangles, California, Version 1.0, Open File Report 2006- 1217.
Youd, T.L. and I.M. Idriss (Co-Chair), 2001, Liquefaction Resistance of Soils: Summary Report from the 1996 NCEER and 1998 NCEER/NSF Workshops on Evaluation of Liquefaction Resistance of Soils, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 127, No. 10, published October 2001.
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APPENDIX A
FIELD EXPLORATION /
GEOTECHNICAL BORINGS
104
116
113
SW
SM
GW
B1
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
1 1
1 Quaternary Alluvium (Qal)
Well graded SAND, yellow, moist, fine to coarse sand, some gravel
MD = 125.5 @ 6.0, FINES 10% GRAVEL 2%
medium dense
stiff, gray to yellow
SILTY SAND, dense, gray to yellow, moist, fine to coarse sand, some silt, smaller gravel > 4"
no recovery
GRAVEL, dense, fine to coarse sand, 4 cm rock in sample
MD, SA,
CR
12 17
25 12
19 6
22 27
39 50/6"
18 35
50/3"
SIEVE ANALYSIS
SAND EQUIVALENT
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE
STRENGTH
GEOTECHNICAL BORING LOG LB-1
Hole Diameter Moisture
Ground Elevation
Depth Blows Elevation Per 6 Inches