4337 Sheridan Lane
San Diego, CA, 92120
Phone: 619.972.7932
Phone: 619.972.8714
www.blackhawkenv.com
1 June 3, 2025
Gary Franzen
650 Bercut Drive, Suite C
Sacramento, CA 95811
916-802-2987
Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project
Biological Resources Letter Report
Chula Vista, San Diego County, California
Dear Mr. Franzen:
Blackhawk Environmental, Inc. (Blackhawk) has prepared this biological resources letter report for the proposed Chula Vista Energy Center 2 (CVEC2) Project (Project) located in the City of Chula Vista, California on Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 629-062-04. This biological resources letter report details the Project Site’s existing conditions, provides an analysis of potential impacts to biological resources, and discusses potential biological resources that may be subject to regulation under the City of Chula Vista’s Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Subarea Plan (Subarea Plan) (City of Chula Vista 2003), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and/or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
1.0 PROJECT LOCATION
The subject property (Project Site) for the proposed Project is located at 3497 Main Street in the City of Chula Vista, California, approximately 0.9-mile east of Interstate 5 and approximately 1.2 miles west of Interstate 805 (Attachment A – Figures 1 and 2). The Project Site consists of an approximately 1.4-acre undeveloped parcel and 0.5-acre of the developed Chula Vista Energy Center (CVEC) surrounded by warehouse facilities and residential development to the west, commercial development to the east, a scrap yard and residential development to the north, and the CVEC to the south. A 10-foot chain- link fence with plastic inserts for visual screening surrounds the site and CVEC to the north, east, and west, increasing to approximately 20- feet high on the south side of the CVEC. Access to the Project Site is provided by an existing driveway off Main Street, north of the Project Site. The Project Site is located approximately 250 feet north of the nearest City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan MSCP Preserve Area (Attachment A – Figure 3).
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The CVEC2 Project, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is proposed to be a utility-scale, unstaffed, Biological Resources Letter Report Ch ula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
2 remotel
y monitored and operated BESS located on a 1.9-acre project area within a 3.82-acre parcel at 3497 Main Street in the City of Chula Vista (City). The CVEC2 BESS will be a 50MW project, with ad- ditional space included in the site plan for augmentation. The Project will be located over 800 feet south of Main Street, and its visibility from a public viewpoint is screened by a 10-ft chain link fence with plastic visual screening inserts. The Project will be designed and constructed to meet City stan- dards.
The Project would consist of lithium -ion batteries within fully enclosed, unoccupied purpose -built containers. The unoccupied, reach-in enclosures containing the batteries are temperature controlled and constructed in compliance with the applicable California Fire Code requirements. The Project will be connected to the SDG&E transmission system by an existing 69 kV transmission line connected to the SDG&E Otay 69kV substation, located within 1,300 feet. Battery charging would occur during high- renewables-supply/low-demand hours (typically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.), with battery discharge back to the grid during periods of low -renewables-supply/high-demand. Charge/discharge commands will be provided from a remote operations desk under the direction of CAISO.
The Project would include bi-directional inverters and transformers, switchgear, and all the necessary safety equipment specified by California Electric Code and/or SDG&E. The containers and related equipment will be fully secured and monitored 24/7, remotely operated, and fully screened from public view to City standards. The final Project size will be determined by multiple factors, including CAISO’s and SDG&E’s reliability needs for the local area.
The Project fire protection systems and site access will comply with Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) requirements and inspection protocols. The Project, along with other utility -scale battery energy facilities throughout California, is a critical public utility facility necessary to store solar -generated daytime power for overnight use, stabilize voltage from fluctuating renewable power generation sources, and provide local generation capacity in the event regional SDG&E transmission lines are inoperative or de- energized during a Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS) high -wind period. The Project could provide power supply on selected SDG&E circuits during the PSPS outages that would otherwise turn off traffic signals, force the use of gas and diesel emergency generators, and potentially damage refrigerated and frozen food and goods and inconvenience thousands of residents and employees.
The Project is designed to be remotely operated and will not increase parking demand above those already needed for the existing peaker plant. The Project will include a security system which will be monitored 24 hours/day. Access to the Project Site is via existing entrances from Main Street. Access to the Project will utilize existing driveways for the CVEC.
3.0 METHODS
Evaluation of the Project Site consisted of conducting a literature review and field survey to document existing conditions and identify sensitive native vegetation communities, wildlife, and plant species occurring (or potential to occur) on site. Methods described below focused on determination of potential for occurrence of sensitive plant and wildlife species. Species are considered to be sensitive and are therefore subject to analysis in this section, if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
3 ● Plant and animal species listed as endangered (FE), threatened (FT), or candidates (FC) for listing under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA);
● Plant and animal species listed as endangered (SE), threatened (ST), or candidates (SC) for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA);
● Animals designated as Fully Protected Species (FP), as defined in California Fish and Game Code (CFGC) Sections 3511, 4700, 5050, and 5515;
● Animal species designated as Species of Special Concern (SSC) by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW);
● Bird species designated as Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS);
● Bat species designated as High Priority (H) by the Western Bat Working Group (WBWG);
● Plants that are State-listed as Rare
1; or
● Plant species ranked by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) as having a California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) of 1 or 2
2;
● City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan covered species.
Sensitive natural communities are communities that have a limited distribution and are often vulnerable to the environmental effects of projects. These communities may or may not contain special -status species or their habitats. For purposes of this assessment, sensitive natural communities are considered to be any of the following:
● Vegetation communities listed in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB);
● Communities listed in the Natural Communities List with a rarity rank of S1 (critically imperiled), S2 (imperiled), or S3 (vulnerable);
● City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan sensitive vegetation communities.
3.1 Literature Review
1 Plants that were previously state listed as “Rare” have been re -designated as state threatened. 2 Under the CEQA review process, only CRPR 1 and 2 species are considered, as these are the only CNPS species that meet CEQA’s definition of “rare” or “endangered.” Impacts to List 3 and 4 species do not meet CEQA’s definition of “rare” or “endangered.”
Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
5 Aerial imagery, the NWI database, USGS 3D Hydrography Program, and USGS topographic maps (USGS 2025b) of the Project Site were reviewed to identify any known or potential drainage features, water bodies and/or other features that may fall under United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and/or CDFW jurisdictions and that may have required investigation during the f ield survey. The presence of any potentially jurisdictional features, including associated vegetation/communities, presence of ordinary high watermarks (OHWMs) or streambeds, substrates, hydrological indicators and potential connectivity, were documented during the field survey. Although the survey did not include a formal jurisdictional delineation, the survey included evaluation of potentially jurisdictional water bodies that may be subject to USACE, RWQCB, and/or CDFW jurisdictions within or adjacent to the Project Site.
The habitat assessment included a review of the proposed Project Site for stock ponds, ephemeral pools, road ruts, and other seasonally ponded areas which may support listed fairy shrimp species. The survey was performed during the 2025 winter season, but conditions were dry at the time of the survey.
The biologist did not observe any areas that would support standing water in excess of 2 centimeters or any indicators of non-riverine seasonally ponded areas such as water marks, soil cracks, algal mats, or other indicators which may indicate intermittent ponding. Methods included the review of historic aerial imagery to determine if inundation was readily visible in previous years.
The initial habitat assessment did not include focused or protocol level surveys for any sensitive plant or wildlife species. A formal wetland delineation was also not conducted due to the complete lack of wetland vegetation onsite. Representative photographs of the Project Site were taken during the field survey and are included in Attachment D.
Following the habitat assessment, potentials for sensitive species to occur were evaluated based on proximity, recency and abundance of known occurrences, availability of suitable habitats, and historic distributions of the species. Potentials for occurrence were generally evaluated based on the following criteria:
● Present – The species was observed within the Project Site during the survey effort.
● High – Historic records indicate that the species has been known to occur within the vicinity of the Project Site (1 mile), and highly suitable habitat occurs onsite.
● Moderate – Historic records indicate that the species has been known to occur within the vicinity of the Project, but low-quality suitable habitat occurs onsite, or; no historic records occur within the Project Site, but the Project Site occurs within the historic range of the species, and moderate to high quality habitat occurs.
● Low – Historic records indicate that the species has not been known to occupy the immediate vicinity of the Project Site, and low-quality habitat for the species exists onsite.
● No Potential – The species is restricted to habitats not occurring within the Project Site or is considered extirpated from the Project Site.
Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
8 ornamental trees including pine ( Pinus sp.), eucalyptus ( Eucalyptus sp.), Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta ), and ficus ( Ficus sp.) along the western and northeastern boundaries. The surrounding survey buffer also contains Urban/Developed areas that are characterized by paved roads, industrial buildings, bare ground, and irrigated, ornamental species, including herbs, shrubs and large trees.
The regional value of Urban/Developed habitat is low and falls into the Tier IV (other uplands) as defined in the City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan (City of Chula Vista 2003).
Disturbed Habitat (Holland 11300)
Disturbed Habitat makes up the majority of the Project Site apart from the southern, western, and eastern boundaries. Disturbed Habitat on the Project Site is dominated by commonly found non-native annual grasses and ruderal species including Bermuda grass ( Cynodon dactylon ), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), and short -pod mustard ( Hirschfeldia incana). Other, less dominant native and non - native species were also identified within this habitat type (Attachment B). No native shrub species were documented within this habitat type.
Visible signs of recent and periodic disturbance from mowing were observed within this habitat type, precluding the potential for most special- status plant and wildlife species. The regional value of Disturbed Habitat on site is low; this habitat falls into the Tier IV (other uplands) as defined in the City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan (City of Chula Vista 2003).
4.1.4 Sensitive Natural Communities
The literature review identified one sensitive natural community within the Project vicinity (Southern Willow Scrub); however, none were found within the Project Site that would fall into Tier I (rare uplands), Tier II (uncommon uplands), or III (common up lands) as defined by the City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan (City of Chula Vista 2003).
4.1.5 Special-Status Wildlife Species
A total of 45 wildlife species were evaluated for potential to occur at the Project Site, including all species addressed in tables 4 -1, 4- 2, and 4- 3 of the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan, as well as additional species identified during the CNDDB and IPaC database queries. The field evaluation determined that the site lacks suitable habitat for the majority of these species based on a number of factors including lack of site connectivity to natural communities, lack of suitable habitat, lack of suitable soils, outside of known range, and/or lack of historical records. The Project Site does not contain any wildlife movement corridors and lacks connectivity to native habitat. Of the 45 wildlife species evaluated, 39 were found to have no potential to occur within the Project Site due to lack of suitable habitat. Two species were found to have moderate potential to occur due to the presence of moderately suitable nesting habitat within the large, ornamental trees along the eastern and western boundaries of the Project Site and overall abundance of the species in the region. The remaining four species were determined to have a low potential to occur due to low-quality habitat within the Project Site and/or suitable habitat within 300 feet of the Project Site:
Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
9 ● Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii) – Moderate Potential – CDFW Watch List and Chula Vista Subarea Plan Covered
● Least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) – Low Potential – Federally and State Endangered and Chula Vista Subarea Plan Covered
● Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) – Low Potential – Federal Candidate Species ● Tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) – Low Potential – State Threatened, USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern, CDFW Species of Special Concern, and Chula Vista Subarea Plan Covered
● Western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) – Moderate Potential – Chula Vista Subarea Plan Covered ● Western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus) – Low Potential – CDFW Species of Special Concern and Western Working Bat Group High Priority
These species and their potentials for occurrence are further described in Attachment E. A complete list of wildlife species observed is included in Attachment C.
4.1.6 Special-Status Plant Species
A total of 77 plant species were evaluated for potential to occur at the Project Site, including all species addressed in tables 4 -1, 4- 2, and 4- 3 of the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan (including Narrow Endemics) as well as additional sensitive species iden tified in the CNDDB, CNPS, and IPaC database queries. The field evaluation determined that all 77 plant species evaluated were found to have no potential to occur within the Project Site due to and lack of connectivity to source populations, lack of suitable habitat, lack of suitable soils, level of anthropogenic disturbance, outside of known range, and/or lack of historical records.
These species and their potentials for occurrence are further described in Attachment F below. A complete list of plant species observed is included in Attachment B.
5.0 REGULATORY CONTEXT
The proposed Project is subject to a host of state and federal regulations associated with a number of regulatory programs. These programs often overlap and were developed to protect natural resources, including: state and federally listed plants and animals; aquatic resources including rivers and creeks, ephemeral streambeds, wetlands, and areas of riparian habitat; other special-status species that are not listed as threatened or endangered by the state or federal governments; and other special-status vegetation communities.
The primary regulatory framework for projects in the City of Chula Vista is the MSCP Subarea Plan. In 1998, the MSCP Subregional Plan was implemented for municipalities within the southwestern region of San Diego County. The MSCP is a comprehensive, long -term habitat conservation plan which addresses the needs of multiple species and the preservation of natural vegetation communities in San Diego County. The MSCP addresses the potential impacts of urban growth, loss of natural habitat and species endangerment, and creates a plan to mitigate for the potential loss of Covered Species and their habitat due to the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of future development of both public Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
10 and private lands within the MSCP area. The MSCP is a subregional plan under the California Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act of 1991. The Multiple Species Conservation Program:
MSCP Plan (August 1998) (MSCP Subregional Plan) was prepared for the Subregion, an area encompassing twelve jurisdictions and 582,243 acres. The MSCP Subregional Plan is implemented through local Subarea Plans.
The Subarea Plan for the City of Chula Vista is the guiding document for development projects within the City of Chula Vista and was prepared pursuant to the general outline developed by the USFWS and the CDFW (Wildlife Agencies) to meet the requirements o f the NCCP and serve as a Habitat Conservation Plan pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Through implementation of the MSCP, participating jurisdictions can authorize take of plant and wildlife species identified within the plan area. The City of Chula Vista is a participating jurisdiction of the San Diego MSCP. The USFWS and CDFW have granted take authorization for otherwise lawful actions, such as public and private development that may result in incidental take o r harm to individual species and/or their habitat outside of the designated Preserve areas in exchange for the creation and management of MSCP Preserve Lands.
The Project Site is not within a designated Preserve or Conservation Area and is designated as a “Development Area Outside of Covered Projects” according to the City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan (Attachment A – Figure 4). The Subarea Plan states that projects within the Development Area outside of Covered Projects planning area shall adhere to the City’s Habitat Loss and Incidental Take (HLIT) Ordinance. Additional details about the Project’s consistency with the ordinance is discussed below.
5.1 Habitat Loss Incidental Take (HLIT) Ordinance
The HLIT Ordinance is consistent with the conservation and mitigation goals of the MSCP Subregional Plan and the City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan and establishes development standards, identifies specific impact thresholds, and defines the mitigation requi rements for impacts to native and some non-native communities (e.g., non -native grassland). Impacts to Tier I, II, and III habitats are to be mitigated pursuant to HLIT mitigation standards provided in Table 5 -3 of the Subarea Plan. Existing conditions on the Project Site reveal there are no native or unique non- native habitats requiring mitigation.
The HLIT affords protection of narrow endemic species and wetland impact avoidance/minimization; however, decades of repeated disturbances have eliminated the potential for narrow endemic species to occur on the Project Site. Additionally, there are no potentially jurisdictional wetlands or non- wetland waters regulated by the USACE, RWQCB and CDFW on the Project Site.
6.0 PROJECT IMPACTS
This section includes a discussion of the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts to onsite sensitive biological resources that may result upon the construction and implementation of the Project.
Direct impacts include those involving the loss, alteration and/or disturbance of plant communities, and consequently, the flora and fauna of the affected area. Direct impacts also include the destruction of individual plants and/or wildlife. Direct impact s may adversely affect regional
Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
12 6.1.3 Sensitive Wildlife Species
A total of 45 sensitive wildlife species were evaluated during the literature review and biological resource assessment survey (Attachment E). Two sensitive avian species (western bluebird and Cooper’s hawk) were found to have a moderate potential to occur based on presence of suitable nesting habitat immediately adjacent to and foraging habitat within the Project Site. Western bluebird and Cooper’s hawk are covered under the City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan. Four additional sensitive wildlife species (least Bell’s vireo, monarch butterfly, tricolored blackbird, and western mastiff bat) were determined to have a low potential to occur based on presence of low-quality suitable habitat within and adjacent to the Project Site. Of these species with low potentia l to occur, least Bell’s vireo and tricolored blackbird are covered under the City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan.
The biological resources survey identified suitable habitat and substrate for migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and CDFW Codes 3503 and 3503.5 and potentially suitable nesting and foraging areas for western bluebird, Cooper’s hawk, least Bell’s vireo, and tricolored blackbird. Permanent direct impacts to migratory birds as a result of the Project may include habitat loss, nesting habitat removal, roosting site loss and/or loss of individuals. Through implementation pre- construction nesting bird surveys (MM -BIO-1) outlined in Section 7 below, potential direct impacts to western bluebird, Cooper’s hawk, and other migratory birds protected under the MBTA and CDFW Codes 3503 and 3503.5 are less than significant.
One special status invertebrate species, the monarch butterfly (Federal Candidate Species), was not detected during the survey but was found to have a low potential to occur based on presence of low- quality suitable habitat and a limited number of availabl e nectar sources. Additionally, milkweed (monarch butterfly hostplant) was not observed within the disturbed habitat associated with the proposed development footprint. Based on this information, impacts to monarch nectar sources will be largely avoided an d no impacts to monarch hostplant will occur. No additional avoidance and impact minimization measures are proposed for this species. Potential direct impacts to the monarch butterfly are therefore considered less than significant.
One special status mammalian species, western mastiff bat, was not detected during the survey but was found to have low potential to occur. Western mastiff bat has a low potential to occur based on low-quality roosting habitat within the large ornamental t rees within the Project Site and existing structures adjacent to the Project Site. Given the low likelihood of this species to occur within the Project Site, no additional avoidance and impact minimization measures are proposed for this species.
Potential direct impacts to western mastiff bat are therefore considered less than significant.
6.1.4 Sensitive Plant Species
Although the literature review revealed 77 sensitive plant species occurring in the vicinity of the Project Site, none were observed during the field survey. Furthermore, no suitable habitat for these sensitive plant species occurs on the Project Site (Att achment F). As a result of frequent mowing, historical grading and development, and lack of connectivity to natural source populations, sensitive plant Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
13 species, including narrow endemics, are not expected to occur within the Project Site. Based on these findings, Project development is not anticipated to result in significant direct impacts to sensitive plants.
6.2 Indirect Impacts
6.2.1 Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
No native vegetation communities occur within or immediately adjacent to the Project Site, therefore short-term and long -term indirect impacts to native vegetation communities are not expected to occur. Indirect impacts to non-sensitive vegetation communities/land cover types are not considered significant; therefore, implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is not required to reduce indirect impacts below a significant level. Development of these areas will result in a net reduction of invasive plant species abundance and subsequently reduce potential dispersal of seed to any nearby areas.
The lone potential long- term indirect impact is the change in stormwater discharge hydrology downstream of the Project due to the net increase of impervious surfaces. It is assumed that the Project will be designed in accordance with National Pollution Dis charge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations thus not resulting in any long-term indirect adverse impacts.
6.2.2 Jurisdictional Wetlands and Non-wetland Waters
Jurisdictional resources, including wetlands and non-wetland waters regulated by USACE, RWQCB and CDFW, were not identified within the Project Site or the survey buffer. Development of the Project Site would not result in any indirect impacts to jurisdictional resources.
6.2.3 Sensitive Wildlife Species
The indirect impacts detailed for Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types above are equally applicable to sensitive wildlife species. In addition to these impacts, construction-related noise, artificial lighting, and attracting pests and/or predators t o the Project Site may also affect wildlife species (notably protected avian species) by disrupting normal behaviors such as foraging and breeding. The biological resources survey identified suitable habitat and substrate for migratory birds protected under the MBTA and CDFW Codes 3503 and potentially suitable nesting and roosting areas for sensitive western bluebird and Cooper’s hawk immediately adjacent to but outside of the Project Site in the form of ornamental trees lining the eastern and western project boundaries. The existing CVEC energy facility and associated 20 -foot fence act a visual and auditory buffer between the Southern Willow Scrub habitat south of the Project Site, lessening the potential for impacts to any species there, such as least Bell’s vireo and tricolored blackbird. Through implementation of standard BMPs, MM- BIO-1 outlined below, and Area-Specific Management Directives that includes a 300-foot impact avoidance buffer around any active Cooper’s hawk nests identified immediately adjacent to the Project Site, indirect impacts to wildlife are considered less than significant.
Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
14 6.2.4 Sensitive Plant Species
Although the literature review revealed 77 sensitive plant species occurring in the vicinity of the Project Site, none were observed during the field survey. Furthermore, no suitable habitat for these sensitive plant species occurs on the Project Site (Att achment F). As a result of frequent mowing, historical grading and development, and lack of connectivity to natural source populations, sensitive plant species, including narrow endemics, are not expected to occur within the Project Site. Based on these findings, Project development is not anticipated to result in significant indirect impacts to sensitive plants.
7.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES AVOIDANCE AND IMPACT MINIMIZATION MEASURES MM-BIO-1: Perform Pre-Construction Nesting Bird Surveys. To the extent feasible, conduct vegetation removal outside of the nesting bird season (generally between February 1 and August 31). If vegetation removal is required during the nesting bird season, conduct take avoidance surveys for nesting birds within 100 feet of areas proposed for vegetation removal. Surveys should be conducted by a qualified biologist(s) within three days prior to vegetation removal. If active nests are observed, a qualified biologist will determine appropriate minimum disturbance buffers or other adaptive mitigation techniques (e.g., biological monitoring of active nests during construction-related activities, staggered schedules, etc.) to ensure that impacts to nesting birds are avoided until the nest is no longer active.
Furthermore, implementation of Area -Specific Management Directives (conditions of coverage) per Table 3-5 of the MSCP for active Cooper’s hawk nests (if detected during nesting bird surveys) include establishment of a 300-foot impact avoidance area.
Development of the Project Site does not warrant compensatory mitigation, drawing credits from a mitigation bank or on -site habitat restoration. By following the biological mitigation measures listed above, impacts to special-status species, sensitive vegetation communities and MBTA-covered avian species are considered less than significant.
8.0 SURVEYOR CERTIFICATION
All data, statements, analyses, findings and attachments within this report are accurate and truthful in terms of describing the existing conditions and the Project as proposed to Blackhawk Environmental.
By implementing standard BMPs, adhering to the avoi dance and impact minimization measures proposed within this report, and payment of any appropriate development fees to the City of Chula Vista, compensatory mitigation for the Project will be met to CEQA significance thresholds.
If there are any questions or concerns regarding the findings of this report, please contact me at (626) 483-3290 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
16 REFERENCES
Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, D. J. Keil, R. Patterson, T. J. Rosatti, and D. H. Wilken, editors. 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, Second Edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.
Calflora
2025 Information on California plants for education, research and conservation. [web application]. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non -profit organization].
Available: http://www.calflora.org/. Accessed January 2025.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
2025 California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS). Database accessed January 2025.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
2025 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8 -02). California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA. Accessed on January 28, 2025 from:
http://www.cnps.org/inventory.
City of Chula Vista.
2003. City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan. February 2003.
Google
2025 Google Earth. US Department of State Geographer. Data SIO, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO.
Available: earth.google.com/.
Holland, R.F.
1986 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California . State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game, Natural Heritage Division, Sacramento, California.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
1997 Special Public Notice: Regional General Conditions to the Nationwide Permit. “Regional General Condition #1- Vernal Pool Notification.” November 25, 1997.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 2025 Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available:
http://soils.usda.gov/technical/classification/osd/index.html. January 2025.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
2025a Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC). Accessed January 2025 from https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov.
2025b National Wetland Inventory. Accessed January 2025, from:
https://www.fws.gov/program/national-wetlands-inventory/wetlands-mapper.
Biological Resources Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
17 United States Geological Survey (USGS)
2025a 3D Hydrography Program. Access January 2025 from:
https://hydro.nationalmap.gov/arcgis/rest/services/3DHP_all/MapServer.
2025b 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map for Imperial Beach, California.
ATTACHMENT A
Figures
ATTACHMENT B
Photograph Pages
Biological Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
1 Photo Point 1: Northwest-facing overview of the Project Site and the Disturbed Habitat present within Project boundaries.
Photo Point 2: Southwest-facing overview of the Project Site from the northeastern Project boundary, depicting Disturbed Habitat and a concrete-lined drainage ditch.
Biological Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
2 Photo Point 3: Southwest-facing view of ornamental trees along the western Project boundary.
Photo Point 4: Southeast-facing overview of the Project Site with Disturbed Habitat and a concrete- lined drainage ditch near the northwest corner of the Project Site.
Biological Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
3 Photo Point 5: Northeast-facing overview of the Project Site and Disturbed Habitat within Project boundaries.
Photo Point 6: Northeast-facing view of ornamental trees along the eastern boundary of the Project Site, with a small drainage swale running through Project boundaries.
Biological Letter Report Chula Vista Energy Center 2 Project Chula Vista, San Diego County, CA
4 Photo Point 7: Southwest-facing view of the existing Chula Vista Energy Center facility south of the Project Site, showing a small drainage swale running through Project boundaries.
ATTACHMENT C
Potential for Occurrence – Wildlife Species
Belding’s savannah sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis
beldingii
Federal: None
State: SE
Local: Conserved
This non-migratory subspecies is narrowly restricted to coastal marshes dominated by pickleweed.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Additionally,
suitable habitat for this species is absent.
Surrounding urban development further precludes
this species.
Burrowing owl
Athene cunicularia
(burrow sites and some
wintering sites)
Federal: None
State: Candidate
Other: USFWS-BCC
CDFW-SSC
Local: Conserved
Shortgrass prairies, grasslands, lowland scrub,
agricultural lands (particularly rangelands), coastal
dunes, desert floors, and some artificial, open areas as a year-long resident. Occupies abandoned ground
squirrel burrows as well as artificial structures such as culverts and underpasses.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable burrows
were absent. Surrounding urban development
further precludes this species.
California brown pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
californicus
(nesting colony &
communal roosts)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-FP
Local: MSCP
Roosts on beaches and structures along the coast and
in bays and harbors. Forages over shallow waters and
sheltered bays. Colonial nester on the ground or cliffs on offshore islands or in low trees.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable beach
habitat and open waterbodies are absent from the
Project Site and vicinity. Surrounding urban
development further precludes this species.
California glossy snake
Arizona elegans
occidentalis
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC
Local: None
This nocturnal species inhabits a variety of grassland, sage scrub, dry wash and chaparral habitats from sea
level to over 7,000 feet in elevation. Tends to prefer
sandy, loose soils. It remains in its burrow by day.
No Potential. This species was documented in 1946
within one mile of the Project Site. However, suitable
habitat is absent from the Project Site.
California least tern
Sternula antillarum browni
(formerly Sterna antillarum
browni)
Federal: FE
State: SE
Other: CDFW-FP
Local: Conserved
Nests on exposed sandy or gravelly beaches and
tidal flats around bays of the Pacific Ocean, usually
among sparse vegetation. May also nest on man-
made substrates, such as airport islands, that mimic
natural qualities. Forages near shore in the ocean, as
well as bays and estuary mouths.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable beach
and tidal flat habitats are absent from the Project
Site and vicinity. Surrounding urban development
further precludes this species.
California mountain lion
Puma concolor californica
(formerly Felis concolor)
Federal: None
State: SC
Local: MSCP
Found in riparian woodland, forest, scrub, chaparral,
grassland and desert -- wherever mule deer and
sufficient cover to stalk them exist.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable extensive native habitat is absent from the Project Site.
Additionally, given the disturbed nature of the
Project Site and the tall wall, it is unlikely that this species would utilize the Project Site for hunting.
California red-legged frog
Rana draytoni
(formerly Rana aurora
draytonii)
Federal: FT
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC
Local: MSCP
Found mainly near ponds in humid forests,
woodlands, grasslands, coastal scrub, and stream
sides with plant cover.
Most common in lowlands or foothills.
Breeding habitat is in permanent or ephemeral water
sources; lakes, ponds, reservoirs, slow streams,
marshes, bogs, and swamps. Ephemeral wetland
habitats require animal burrows or other moist refuges
for estivation when the wetlands are dry.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site and is
documented to be extirpated from the region.
Suitable habitat is absent from the Project Site and
vicinity. Listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.”
Canada goose
Branta canadensis
Federal: None
State: None
Local: MSCP
Occurs in various habitat types associated with open
water and agricultural fields including ponds, lakes,
rivers, grainfields, fresh and saltwater marshes. Known to occasionally utilize urban lawns and associated
ponds.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable open
water bodies are absent from the Project Site and
vicinity. A lack of suitable food sources further
precludes this species.
Coast horned lizard
Phrynosoma
blainvillii
(formerly
Phrynosoma coronatum
blainvillei)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC
Local: MSCP
Occurs widely in sage scrub, woodlands, grasslands,
and chaparral communities within microhabitats of
loose granitic soils and open areas for sunning and
foraging. This species is commonly associated with the
presence of native harvester ants.
No Potential. This species was documented in 1935
within one mile of the Project Site, but the record
indicated this species as being possibly extirpated.
Additionally, suitable habitat for this species is
absent and no native harvester ants were observed
during the site survey.
Coastal cactus wren
Campylorhynchus
brunneicapillus
Federal: None
State: None
Other: USWFS-BCC
CDFW-SSC
Local: Conserved
Occurs in coastal sage scrub on typically south-facing
slopes, at bases of hillsides, or in dry washes. Requires thickets of cholla or prickly pear cactus for nesting.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Additionally,
suitable habitat for this species is absent.
Coastal California
gnatcatcher
Polioptila californica
californica
Federal: FT
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC
Local: Conserved
This resident southern California species is strongly
associated with coastal sage scrub communities but
will also utilize other habitats where coastal sage scrub species forms some component. It prefers a gap rate
of about 25% between mature shrubs from three to
five feet tall.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Additionally,
suitable habitat for this species is absent.
Cooper’s hawk
Accipiter cooperii
(nesting)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW- WL
Local: MSCP
Mature forest, open woodlands, wood edges, river
groves. Nests in coniferous, deciduous, and mixed
woods, typically those with tall trees and with
openings or edge habitat nearby. Also found along
trees along rivers through open country, and
increasingly in suburbs and cities where some tall
trees exist for nest sites.
Moderate Potential. This species has not been
documented within one mile of the Project Site but is
abundant and widespread throughout San Diego
County, including urban areas where large
ornamental trees occur. Suitable nesting substrate is
present in the large ornamental trees surrounding
the Project Site. There is also potential for foraging by this species due to abundant prey in the vicinity (i.e., common passerine bird species).
Elegant tern
Sterna elegans
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-WL
Local: MSCP
Preferred habitats are inshore coastal waters, bays,
estuaries and harbors. Forages in shallow ocean
waters and protected bays and lagoons.
Congregates on beaches and tidal flats when not
feeding. There is an established nesting colony in San
Diego Bay.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable open
water bodies associated with bays, lagoons and the
ocean are absent from the Project Site and vicinity.
Ferruginous hawk
Buteo regalis
(wintering)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-WL
USFWS-BCC
Local: MSCP
Winters in open grasslands, fields, open desert scrub
and savannah habitats. Forages on a variety of
mammals.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable open
habitat types are absent from the Project Site and
vicinity.
Golden eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
(nesting & wintering)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: USFWS-BCC
CDFW-FP
Local: MSCP
In southern California, occupies grasslands,
brushlands, deserts, oak savannas, open coniferous
forests, and montane valleys. Typically nests on rock
outcrops and ledges.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable open
habitat types for foraging and cliffs for nesting are
absent from the Project Site and vicinity.
Large-billed savannah
sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis
rostratus
(wintering)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC
Local: Conserved
Nonbreeding winter visitor that occurs in saline
emergent wetland, salt marsh, beaches, and kelp
wracks.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Furthermore, the
Project Site and vicinity lacks suitable wetland, salt
marsh, beach, and kelp wrack habitat.
Least Bell's vireo
Vireo bellii pusillus
(nesting)
Federal: FE
State: SE
Local: Conserved
Occupies riverine riparian habitats that typically
feature dense cover within 1-2 meters of the ground
and a dense, stratified canopy. It inhabits low, dense
riparian growth along water or along dry parts of
intermittent streams. Primarily associated with willows and mule fat.
Low Potential. This species was documented in 2008
and 2013 within one mile of the Project Site. The
Project Site lacks any potentially suitable riparian
habitat. However, riparian thickets and willow trees
associated with Otay River are present
approximately 300 feet south of the Project Site.
Light-footed Ridgway’s rail
Rallus longirostris levipes
Federal: FE
State: SE
Other: CDFW-FP
Local: Conserved
Occurs in emergent wetlands and brackish wetland
areas often dominated by cattails, bulrush and/or
cordgrass.
No Potential. This species has not been
documented within one mile of the Project Site.
Suitable emergent and brackish wetlands are
absent from the Project Site and vicinity.
Long-billed curlew
Numenius americanus
(nesting)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: USFWS-BCC
CDFW-WL
Local: Conserved
Occurs within large coastal estuaries, upland
herbaceous areas, and croplands. Requires elevated
salt marsh, pastures, salt ponds for roosting during
high tide periods.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable coastal
estuarine, upland herbaceous areas, and croplands
are absent from the Project Site and vicinity.
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
(Pop. 1 California
overwintering population)
Federal: FC
State: None
Local: None
At overwintering sites, monarchs require high
humidity, fresh water, and an absence of freezing
temperatures or high winds. They are found at sites
consisting of roost trees, in which monarchs cluster,
surrounded by a larger grove or windrow of trees.
Trees most commonly used for roosting include
Monterey pine, Monterey cypress blue gum
eucalyptus, red gum eucalyptus, western sycamore,
and coast live oak. This species is still observed
passing through many habitat types of the region,
including both urban and natural lands on the
coastal strand.
Low Potential. This species has not been
documented within one mile of the Project Site.
However, this species is abundant and widespread
throughout San Diego County. The required host
plant (milkweed) was not observed, and nectar
sources were minimal on the Project Site.
Mountain plover
Charadrius montanus
(wintering)
Federal: BCC
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC
Local: MSCP
Wintering habitats include desert flats and fallow or
plowed agricultural fields.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable fallow
agricultural fields and/or desert flats are absent from the Project Site and vicinity. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista
Subarea.”
Northern harrier
Circus cyaneus
(nesting)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC
Local: MSCP
Inhabits marshlands, wet meadows, dense grasslands,
open riparian scrub and open riparian woodland
habitats. May forage occasionally over other nearby
habitat types. Hunts for a variety of prey items,
consuming mostly small mammals.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable open
habitat types are absent from the Project Site and
vicinity.
Orange-throated whiptail
(Aspidoscelis hyperythra)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-WL
Local: MSCP
Occurs widely in sage scrub, woodlands, grasslands,
and chaparral communities within microhabitats of
loose granitic soils and open areas for sunning and
foraging.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Additionally,
suitable habitat for this species is absent.
Quino checkerspot butterfly
Euphydryas editha quino
Federal: FE
State: None
Local: Conserved
Generally restricted to topographically diverse open
woody canopy landscapes containing low to
moderate levels of nonnative vegetation compared
to disturbed habitat. Vegetation types include
coastal sage scrub, open chaparral, juniper
woodland, and native grassland. Requires suitable
host plants for reproduction such as dot-seed
plantain, Chinese houses, birds-beak, purple owl’s
clover and some species of snapdragons, and
requires suitable shallow-flowered nectar plants such
as flat-top buckwheat, goldfields, popcorn flower.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site and suitable scrub, grassland, and open habitats to support this species
are not present. Additionally, topographic relief on
the Project Site lacks hilltops and is heavily disturbed.
Lastly, the site is mostly isolated from surrounding
areas by urban development, and the species is not
expected to occupy the site for dispersal.
Reddish egret
Egretta rufescens
Federal: None
State: None
Local: MSCP
Occurs within salty or brackish water such as coastal
tidal flats, salt marshes, and lagoons.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable salty or
brackish open water habitat is absent from the
Project Site and vicinity.
Riverside fairy shrimp
Streptocephalus wootoni
Federal: FE
State: None
Local: MSCP
Restricted to deep seasonal vernal pools, vernal pool
like ephemeral ponds, and stock ponds and other
human modified depressions (TLMA 2004). Riverside
fairy shrimp prefer warm-water pools that have low to
moderate dissolved solids, are less predictable, and
remained filled for extended periods of time (Eriksen
and Belk 1999). In Riverside County, Riverside fairy
shrimp have been found in pools formed over the
following soils: Murrieta stony clay loams, Las Posas
series, Wyman clay loam, and Willows soils (U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service 2001).
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable vernal
pool, ephemeral ponds, stock ponds or other
human-modified depressions are absent from the
Project Site and vicinity.
San Diego fairy shrimp
Branchinecta
sandiegonensis
Federal: FE
State: None
Local: MSCP
This species is associated with vernal pools and other
seasonally ponded areas that become inundated
during the rainy season, typically November through
March. The species lays eggs which tolerate
prolonged periods of drought, hatching during
periods of inundation, and completing a life cycle
within 7 to 14 days from hatch to maturity. Suitable
habitat for the species includes short duration cold-
water pools with as little as 2 inches of water depth
following rainfall and may include man-made
features such as road ruts.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable vernal
pools or seasonally inundated areas are absent from
the Project Site and vicinity.
Southern California rufous-
crowned sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps
canescens
Federal: None
State: None
Local: Conserved
Found in coastal lowlands and foothills in sage scrub,
open or burned chaparral, and grassland with
scattered shrubs. Typical habitat is fairly steep south- facing slopes with about 50% cover of low shrubs.
Sage scrub on gentle rolling hillsides is even more
favorable but now greatly reduced and fragmented.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable coastal
sage scrub, chaparral, and grassland habitats are
absent from the Project Site and vicinity.
Southern mule deer
Odocoileus hemionus
fuliginata
Federal: None
State: None
Local: MSCP
In Southern California, inhabits a wide array of
habitats from coastal sage scrub to chaparral, oak
woodland, riparian woodland, and montane conifer-
hardwood forest in the mountains and riparian
woodland and desert scrub on the east slope of the
mountains. Tend to use south-facing slopes in winter
and north-facing slopes in summer.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable extensive native habitat is absent from the Project Site, but is
present to the south along the Otay River. Given the
disturbed nature of the Project Site, and the 10- to
20-foot-tall walls that encompass the Project Site
and act as a barrier to access, this species is unlikely to forage onsite.
Southwestern willow
flycatcher
Empidonax traillii extimus
(formerly Empidonatrailii
extimus)
(nesting)
Federal: FE
State: SE
Other: USFWS-BCC
Local: MSCP
Restricted to riparian woodlands along streams and
rivers with mature, dense stands of willows,
cottonwoods, or smaller spring fed or boggy areas
with willows or alders.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Additionally,
suitable riparian woodland habitat for this species is
absent from the Project Site and vicinity.
Swainson’s hawk
Buteo swainsoni
(nesting)
Federal: None
State: ST
Other: USFWS-BCC
Local: MSCP
Prefers open habitats including plains, dry grasslands, agricultural fields, and ranchlands with nearby stands
of trees for nesting sites.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable open
habitat types are absent from the Project Site and
vicinity.
Thorne’s hairstreak
Callophrys thornei
(formerly Mitoura thornei)
Federal: None
State: None
Local: MSCP
Found in chaparral that contains Tecate cypress,
typically on north facing slopes to 4,200 feet in
elevation.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site and Tecate
cypress is absent from the Project Site. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the
Chula Vista Subarea.”
Tricolored blackbird
Agelaius tricolor
(nesting colony)
Federal: None
State: ST
Other: USFWS-BCC
CDFW-SSC
Local: MSCP
Nests in colonies and prefers freshwater marshes
dominated by cattails or bulrushes and occasionally
in willows, blackberries, thistles, and nettles. Breeding habitat now includes diverse upland and agricultural
areas. Small breeding colonies in southern California
occur at lakes, reservoirs, and parks surrounded by
urban development. Adults from such colonies may
forage in nearby undeveloped uplands.
Low Potential. This species was documented within
one mile of the Project Site; however, this record was
from 1936. Suitable freshwater marsh or agricultural
habitat is absent from the Project Site. Freshwater
marsh habitat associated with the Otay River is
present approximately 300 feet south of the Project
Site.
Wandering skipper
(saltmarsh skipper)
Panoqina errans
Federal: None
State: None
Local: Conserved
Coastal salt marsh; requires moist salt grass for
development.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable coastal
marsh habitat types are absent from the Project Site
and vicinity.
Western bluebird
Sialia mexicana
Federal: None
State: None
Local: MSCP
Found in areas of scattered trees, open conifer
forests, farms. Breeds in semi-open areas including
pine woods, oak woodlands, streamside groves,
ranch country, sometimes in pinyon-juniper woods,
but avoiding hot dry regions. Winters in many kinds of
open or semi-open habitats, especially in pinyon-
juniper, also in desert, farmland, others.
Moderate Potential. This species has not been
documented within one mile of the Project Site;
however, this species is known to occupy urban
areas with adequate cavities (including manmade
nest boxes) and ornamental trees. The Project Site
provides suitable marginal foraging habitat for this
species.
Western mastiff bat
Eumops perotis californicus
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC,
WBWG:H
Local: None
Occurs in many open, semi-arid to arid habitats,
including conifer and deciduous woodlands, coastal
scrub, annual and perennial grasslands, palm oases,
chaparral, desert scrub, and urban. Crevices in cliff
faces, high buildings, trees, and tunnels are required
for roosting. When roosting in rock crevices, it needs
vertical faces to drop off to take flight. Reproduction:
Nursery roosts described as tight rock crevices at least 35 inches deep and two inches wide, or crevices in
buildings. Suitable habitat consists of extensive open
areas with abundant roost locations provided by
crevices in rock outcrops and buildings. Is known to
forage over 25 miles away from its roost site.
Low Potential. This species has been documented
once within one mile of the Project Site, but the date
of occurrence is unknown. Cliff faces, high buildings,
and tunnels are absent from the Project Site.
Marginally suitable tall, ornamental trees surround
the Project Site. However, suitable open habitats for
foraging are absent.
Western pond turtle
Actinemys marmorata
(formerly Emmys
marmorata, formerly
Clemmys marmorata
pallida)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC
Local: MSCP
Found in ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, creeks,
marshes, and irrigation ditches, with abundant
vegetation, and either rocky or muddy bottoms, in
woodland, forest, and grassland. In streams, prefers
pools to shallower areas. Logs, rocks, cattail mats,
and exposed banks are required for basking. May
enter brackish water and even seawater. Estivates
during summer droughts by burying itself in mud.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable ponds,
lakes, rivers, streams, etc. are absent from the
Project Site and vicinity.
Western snowy plover
Charadrius alexandrinus
nivosus
(nesting)
Federal: FT
State: None
Other: USFWS-BCC
CDFW-SSC
Local: Conserved
Breeds above the high tide line on coastal beaches,
sand splits, dune-backed beaches sparsely vegetated
dunes, beaches at creek and river mouths and salt
pans at lagoons and estuaries.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable habitat
types are absent from the Project Site and vicinity.
Western spadefoot
(Spea hammondii)
Federal: None
State: None
Other: CDFW-SSC
Local: None
Prefers open areas with sandy or gravelly soils, in a
variety of habitats including mixed woodlands,
grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, sandy
washes, lowlands, river floodplains, alluvial fans,
playas, alkali flats, foothills, and mountains. Breeding sites include vernal pools and other temporary rain
pools, cattle tanks, and occasionally in pools of
intermittent streams. Typically, the pools are turbid with little or no cover.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site and suitable
breeding sites with adjacent aestivation areas are
absent from the Project Site and vicinity. Surrounding
urban development further precludes this species.
White-faced ibis
Plegadis chihi
(nesting colony)
Federal: None
State: None
Local: MSCP
Prefers marsh habitat but can frequently be observed
foraging in flooded agricultural fields.
No Potential. This species has not been documented
within one mile of the Project Site. Additionally,
suitable habitat types are absent from the Project
Site and vicinity.
FE Federally listed as Endangered
FT Federally listed as Threatened
FC Federal Candidate
SE State listed as Endangered
ST State listed as Threatened
SSC CDFW Species of Special Concern
WL CDW Watch List Species
MSCP Covered by the Multiple Species Conservation Plan NE City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan – Narrow Endemic Species Conserved City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan – Adequately Conserved Species WBWG:H Western Bat Working Group: High Priority
ATTACHMENT D
Potential for Occurrence – Plant Species
Blue streamwort (purple
stemodia)
Stemodia durantifolia
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.1
Local: None
A perennial herb typically occurring in
sandy, often mesic, soils in Sonoran Desert
scrub habitat typically associated with
cobblestone washes.
Blooms: Jan-Dec
Elevation: 180-300 m
No Potential. This species has been documented in 1928 within one mile of the Project Site; however, suitable habitat does not exist onsite.
Additionally, the biological resources survey was conducted during the blooming period of this species and would have been identified, if present.
Bottle liverwort
Sphaerocarpos drewei
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: None
Found in chaparral and coastal scrub.
Much of suitable habitat lost to
urbanization.
Elevation: 90- 600 m.
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Brand’s star phacelia
Phacelia stellaris
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: None
Diminutive annual herb occurs in sandy
washes and benches in alluvial flood plains,
coastal dunes, Coastal Strand and Coastal
Sage Scrub. This species is generally
dependent on periodic flooding and
sediment transport.
Blooms: Mar-Jun
Elevation: 1-400 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
California adolphia
Adolphia californica
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.1
Local: None
Perennial, deciduous shrub. Occurring in
chaparral coastal scrubs, valley foothill
grasslands. Primarily in clay soils.
Blooms: Dec-May
Elevation: 10-740 m
No Potential. This species has been documented within one mile of the Project Site in 2000 and 2009; however, suitable habitat for this species does not occur on the Project Site. Furthermore, this species is a perennial shrub that would have been detected during the biological resources survey, if present.
California Orcutt grass
Orcuttia californica
Federal: FE
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Annual herb that occurs in alkaline soils and
southern basaltic claypan. This species is
closely associated with deep ephemeral
vernal pools underlain by clay soils.
Blooms: Apr-Jun
Elevation: 15-660 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
California screw moss
Tortula californica
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: None
Moss that occurs in chenopod scrub, and
valley and foothill grasslands in sandy soils.
Elevation: 10-1,460 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Chaparral ragwort
Senecio aphanactis
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.2
Local: None
Annual herb found in chaparral,
cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub
habitats.
Blooms: Jan-Apr (May)
Elevation: 15-800 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Cliff spurge
Euphorbia misera
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.2
Local: None
Perennial shrub found in coastal bluff scrub
and coastal sage scrub. Occurring on
rocky soils.
Blooms: Jan-Aug
Elevation: 0-500 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Coast woolly-heads
Nemacaulis denudata var.
denudata
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: None
Delicate, low growing annual herb found
on coastal sandy beaches, dunes and
grassland communities.
Blooms: Apr-Sep
Elevation: 0-100 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Coastal dunes milkvetch
Astragalus tener var. titi
Federal: FE
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Low-growing annual herb with lavender
flowers that is typically known for sandy
areas along the coast (dunes, bluffs,
prairies).
Blooms: Mar-May
Elevation: 0-50 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Coulter’s goldfields
Lasthenia glabrata ssp.
coulteri
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: None
Small, annual yellow-flowering herb
typically occurs in alkali scrub, alkali playas,
alkali grasslands, salt marshes and vernal
pools.
Blooms: Feb-Jun
Elevation: 1-1,220 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Coulter’s saltbush
Atriplex coulteri
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: None
This perennial herb prefers alkaline or clay
soils. Found in coastal bluff scrub, coastal
dunes, coastal scrub, valley and foothill
grassland.
Blooms: Mar-Oct
Elevation: 0-850 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Decumbent goldenbush
Isocoma menziesii var.
decumbens
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: None
Sandy soils in coastal scrub, chaparral,
landward side of dunes, hillsides and
arroyos.
Blooms: Jul-Nov
Elevation: 0-200 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Dehesa nolina (Dehesa
bear-grass)
Nolina interrata
Federal: None
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial herb found in gabbro soils of
chaparral in foothills.
Blooms: Jun-Jul
Elevation: 185-855 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Although the biological resources survey was conducted prior to the blooming period, this species and any senesced remnants likely would have been identified on the site, if present. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.”
Del Mar manzanita
Arctostaphylos glandulosa
ssp. crassifolia
Federal: FE
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Perennial shrub of limited distribution found
in coastal chaparral of San Diego County.
Foliage features distinctive gray-green,
leathery leaves.
Blooms: Dec-Feb (June)
Elevation: 0-100 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, manzanita species are detectable outside of their blooming period and this species would have been identified on the site, if present.
Del Mar sand aster
Corethrogyne filaginifolia
var. linifolia
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Endemic perennial herb found in coastal
sage scrub and chaparral of San Diego
County. Foliage and stems are typically
gray-green and puberulent to hairy.
Blooms: Mar-Aug
Elevation: 0-100 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Dense reed grass
Calamagrostis koeleriodes
(formerly Calamagrostis
densa)
Federal: None
State: None
Local: MSCP
Perennial glasslike herb found in meadows,
slopes, dry hills, and ridges.
Blooms: June-Aug
Elevation: <2,300 m.
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Dunn’s mariposa lily
Calochortus dunnii
Federal: None
State: Rare
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial herb (bulb) that occurs within dry,
stony ridges in chaparral and yellow-pine
forest.
Blooms: Apr-Jun
Elevation: 1,500-1,700 m.
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project and the heavily disturbed nature of the Project Site likely precludes its existence. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.”
Encinitas baccharis
Baccharis vanessae
Federal: FT
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial deciduous shrub typically
occurring on steep slopes of sandstone
substrates in maritime chaparral and
cismontane woodlands. Encinitas
baccharis is known to occur only in San
Diego County, California, and may be
extirpated entirely from the Encinitas area.
Blooms: Aug, Oct, Nov
Elevations: 60-720 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project. Additionally, suitable habitat does not exist on site. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.” Furthermore, this species is an evergreen shrub that would have been detected during the biological resource survey, if present.
Estuary seablite
Suaeda esteroa
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: None
Perennial herb found in coastal salt
marshes and swamps.
Blooms: May–January
Elevations: 0-5 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Felt leaved rock mint (felt-
leaved monardella)
Monardella hypoleuca ssp.
lanata
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial rhizomatous herb that prefers
rocky, granitic slopes or hilltops in chaparral
and cismontane woodland habitat.
Blooms: Jun-Aug
Elevation: 300-1,575 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project and suitable habitat does not exist. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.”
Gander’s butterweed
(Gander’s ragwort)
Packera ganderi
(formerly Senecio ganderi)
Federal: None
State: Rare
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: MSCP
Perennial herb that typically occurs in burns
and gabbroic outcrops in chaparral.
Blooms: Apr-Jun
Elevation: 400-1,200 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Gander’s pitcher sage
Lepechinia ganderi
Federal: None
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.3
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial shrub that grows in various foothill
habitats such as closed-cone coniferous
forest, chapparal, coastal sage scrub, and
valley-foothill grasses within gabbroic or
metavolcanic soils.
Blooms: Jun-Jul
Elevation: 200-1,100 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is a perennial shrub that can be identified outside of its blooming period and would have been detected during the biological resource survey, if present. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.”
Golden-spined cereus
Bergerocactus emoryi
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.2
Local: None
Perennial stem succulent typically growing
in sandy substrates in coastal sage scrub
and chaparral, as well as closed-cone
coniferous forest. Mostly limited to
southwestern San Diego County and
nearby islands to the west.
Blooms: May-Jun
Elevation: 0-100 m
No Potential. This species has been documented within one mile of the Project Site; however, the occurrence date is unknown. Additionally, suitable habitat for this species does not occur on the Project Site.
Furthermore, this species is a perennial stem succulent that would have been detected during the biological resources survey, if present.
Heart-leaved pitcher sage
Lepechinia cardiophylla
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: MSCP
Perennial shrub that typically occurs in
closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral
and cismontane woodland habitat types.
Blooms: Apr-Jul
Elevation: 520-1,370 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is a perennial shrub that can be identified outside of its blooming period and would have been detected during the biological resource survey, if present. Furthermore, the elevation of the Project Site is well below the known elevation limit of this species.
Lakeside ceanothus
Ceanothus cyaneus
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial, large, tree-like shrub found in
chaparral and pine forest habitats on
slopes and ridge lines. Features brilliant
purple flowers and glossy green leaves.
Primarily limited to San Diego County.
Blooms: Apr-Jun (Jul)
Elevation: 45-1,050 m.
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is a perennial shrub that can be identified outside of its blooming period and would have been detected during the biological resource survey if present. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.”
Long-spined spineflower
Chorizanthe polygonoides
var. longispina
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: None
Annual, low-growing, stiff-branched herb
typically found in sandy or sandy clay soils
of chaparral, coastal scrub, meadows and
seeps, valley and foothill grassland and
vernal pool habitats.
Blooms: Apr-Jun
Elevation: 30-1,500 m.
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Mud nama
Nama stenocarpa
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.2
Local: None
Annual herb that occurs in marshes,
swamps, lake margins, and riverbanks.
Blooms: Jan-Jul
Elevation: 5-500 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Narrow-leaved nightshade
Solanum tenuilobatum or
Solanum xanti
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: None
Local: MSCP
Perennial herb that occurs on dry slopes
and in canyons, chaparral, oak-pine
woodlands, and conifer forests.
Blooms: Feb-Jul
Elevation: <2,700 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Nevin’s barberry
Berberis nevinii
Federal: FE
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial, evergreen, holly-leafed, multi-
trunked shrub found in chaparral, foothill
woodland, washes and coastal sage scrub
habitats. Prefers sandy to gravelly soils.
Blooms: Apr-May
Elevation: <650 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Although the biological resource survey was conducted outside of the blooming period for this species, given that it is a perennial woody species, it would have been detected during the survey, if present. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.” Nuttall’s acmispon (formerly
Nuttall’s lotus)
Acmispon prostrates
(formerly Lotus nuttallianus)
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Annual, perennial prostrate herb that
occurs along beaches and coastal sage
scrub along the coastal strand.
Blooms: Mar-Jun
Elevation: <30 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is largely restricted to native habitat types associated with coastal dune regions.
Nuttall’s scrub oak
Quercus dumosa
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: None
Perennial, evergreen shrub found in
chaparral, coastal scrub and closed cone
coniferous forest habitats. Prefers sandy soils
and clay loam soils. Characteristically
grows wider than taller with numerous
angled branches and branchlets.
Blooms: Feb-Apr
Elevation: 15-1230 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is a perennial shrub that can be identified outside of its blooming period and would have been detected during the biological resource survey, if present.
Orcutt’s bird-beak
Dicranostegia orcuttiana
(formerly Cordylanthus
orcuttianus)
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.1
Local: Conserved
Annual herb that occurs in coastal sage
scrub. Prefers seasonally dry drainages and
upland areas adjacent to riparian habitat.
Blooms: Apr-Jul
Elevation: <350 m
No Potential. This species has been documented within one mile of the Project Site in 2001 and 2009; however, suitable habitat for this species does not occur on the Project Site.
Orcutt’s brodiaea
Brodiaea orcuttii
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
A perennial bulbiferous herb occurring in
mesic clay soils in native grasslands often
associating with vernal pools. This plant is
also known to occur in closed-on
coniferous forests, chaparral, cis-montane
woodland, meadows and seeps, and
along stream courses at higher elevations.
Blooms: May-Jul
Elevation: 30-1,692 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.” Orcutt’s dudleya
Dudleya attenuata ssp.
attenuata
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.1
Local: None
Perennial herb found in coastal bluff scrub,
chaparral, and coastal scrub; sometimes in
rocky or gravelly substrates.
Bloom: May-Jul
Elevation: 3-50 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Orcutt’s pincushion
Chaenactis glabruiscula
var. orcuttiana
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: None
Small, annual yellow-flowering herb found
on coastal dunes and bluffs.
Blooms: (Jan) May-Jun (Aug)
Elevation: 0-100 m.
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Otay manzanita
Arctostaphylos otayensis
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: MSCP
A perennial hardwood shrub found in
chaparral and foothill woodlands.
Blooms: Jan-Apr
Elevation: 350-1050 m.
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, manzanita species are detectable outside of their blooming period and this species would have been identified on the site, if present.
Furthermore, the elevation of the Project Site is well below the known elevation limit of this species.
Otay Mesa mint
Pogogyne nudiuscula
Federal: FE
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
An annual herb heavily associated with
vernal pools, known from approximately 10
occurrences in Otay Mesa in San Diego
County. Additional populations occur in
Baja California, Mexico.
Blooms: May–July
Elevation 90-250 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Otay tarplant
Deinandra conjugens or
Hemizonia conjugens
Federal: FT
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, Conserved
Annual herb that occurs in clayey soils of
coastal sage shrub openings and valley
grasslands.
Blooms: May-Jun
Elevation: 20-300 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Palmer’s frankenia
Frankenia palmeri
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.1
Local: None
Perennial herb found in coastal dunes,
marshes and swamps (coastal salt), and
playas.
Blooms: May–July
Elevation: 0-10 m.
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Palmer's goldenbush
(Palmer’s ericameria)
Ericameria palmeri palmeri
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
A perennial evergreen shrub species
occurring in mesic soils in chaparral and
coastal scrub habitats.
Blooms: (Jul) Sep-Nov
Elevation: 30-600 m
No Potential. This species has been documented in 1990 within one mile of the Project Site; however, suitable habitat does not exist onsite.
Furthermore, this species is an evergreen shrub that would have been detected during the biological resource survey if present. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.” Parry’s tetracoccus
Tetracoccus dioicus
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: MSCP
A perennial deciduous shrub found on the
dry slopes of coastal sage scrub and
chaparral habitats.
Blooms: Apr-May
Elevation: 165-1000 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Salt marsh bird's-beak
Chloropyron maritimus ssp.
maritimus or
Chloropyron maritimum ssp.
maritimum
Federal: FE
State: SE
CNPS: 1B.2
Local: NE, Conserved
Coastal dunes, coastal salt marshes and
swamps.
Blooms: May-Oct
Elevation: <10 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
San Diego ambrosia
Ambrosia pumila
Federal: FE
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial herb found in sandy loam or clay,
often in disturbed areas, sometimes alkaline
areas, in chaparral, coastal scrub, valley
and foothill grassland, vernal pool and
wetland habitats.
Blooms: Apr-Oct
Elevation: 20-415 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.”
San Diego barrel cactus
Ferocactus viridescens
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.1
Local: Conserved
Perennial stem succulent found in coastal
sage scrub, grassland, chaparral, vernal
pools and wetland habitats.
Blooms: May-Jun
Elevation: 0-270 m
No Potential. This species has been recorded two times within one mile of the Project Site. Suitable habitat does not exist on the site. Furthermore, this succulent species can be correctly identified year-round and would have been identified during the biological resource survey, if present.
San Diego bur-sage
Ambrosia chenopodiifolia
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.1
Local: None
Perennial shrub that occurs in coastal sage
scrub. Thickly branching that can exceed 3
meters in maximum height.
Blooms: Apr-Jun
Elevation: <250 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
San Diego button celery
Eryngium aristulatum parishii
Federal: FE
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Annual forb that is associated with vernal
pools in freshwater wetlands, coastal sage
scrub, valley grassland and riparian
communities.
Blooms: Nov-Apr
Elevation: 50-900 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
San Diego goldenstar
Bloomeria clevelandii
(formerly Muilla clevelandii)
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Perennial bulbiferous herb found in coastal
scrub, chaparral, vernal pools and mesa
grasslands in association with clay soils.
Blooms: Apr-May
Elevation: 50-465 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
San Diego gumplant
Grindelia hallii
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: None
Perennial herb found in chaparral, lower
montane coniferous forest, meadows and
seeps, and valley and foothill grasslands.
Blooms: May–Oct
Elevation: 185-1,745 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
San Diego marsh-elder
Iva hayesiana
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.2
Local: None
Perennial herb found in marshes, swamps,
and playas. In San Diego County, found in
south coastal arroyos and ravines.
Blooms: Apr-Oct
Elevation: 10-500 m
No Potential. This species has been documented in 2009 within one mile of the Project Site; however, suitable habitat is absent. Furthermore, as a perennial herb this plant would have been detectable if present onsite.
San Diego mesa mint
Pogogyne abramsii
Federal: FE
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Annual herb found in association with
vernal pools within chaparral, coastal sage
scrub, freshwater wetland, and wetland-
riparian habitat.
Blooms: Mar-Jul
Elevation: 90-250 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
San Diego sand aster
Corethrogyne filaginifolia
var. incana
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: None
Perennial herb that occurs in chaparral and
woodlands, forests, scrub, grasslands, and
within serpentine soils flora.
Blooms: Jun-Sep
Elevation: <2,600 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
San Diego thorn-mint
Acanthomintha ilicifolia
Federal: FT
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
Annual herb occurring in openings in valley
and foothill grasslands, coastal scrub,
chaparral, vernal pools, wetlands, and
riparian systems. The species is restricted to
certain gabbro and calcareous soils.
Blooms: Apr-Jun
Elevation: 10-960 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.” San Miguel savory
Clinopodium chandleri
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: MSCP
Perennial herb that occurs in coastal sage
scrub, chaparral, cismontane woodland,
riparian woodland, and valley and foothill
grasslands within rocky, gabbroic and
metavolcanic substrates.
Blooms: Mar-Jul
Elevation: 120-1,075 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, the Project Site is located well below the known elevation for this species.
Sand-loving wallflower
(coast wallflower)
Erysimum ammophilum
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: MSCP
Perennial, yellow-flowering herb found
along the coastal strand on sandy soils of
coastal dunes.
Blooms: Feb-Jun
Elevation: <50 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Santa Catalina Island
currant
Ribes viburnifolium
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: None
Perennial evergreen shrub found in
chaparral and cismontane woodland.
Blooms: Feb-Apr
Elevation: 30-600 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Sea dahlia
Leptosyne maritima
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.2
Local: None
Perennial, yellow-flowering herb found
along the coastal strand on sea bluffs and
in coastal sage scrub habitats.
Blooms: (Feb) Mar-May (Jun)
Elevation: <50 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Shaw’s agave
Agave shawii var. shawii
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial, succulent shrub found along the
coastal strand in coastal sage scrub
habitats on bluffs, hillsides, and mesas.
Features a strikingly inflorescence on a tall
stalk that grows from thick, toothy leaves
arranged in attractive rosettes.
Blooms: Sep-May
Elevation: <50 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is a perennial succulent that is noticeable outside of the blooming period and would have been identified during the biological resource survey, if present. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.”
Short-leaved dudleya
Dudleya brevifolia
Federal: None
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
Diminutive, fleshy-leaved perennial herb
found in very limited distribution of coastal
San Diego County on barren sandstone
terraces in chaparral and coastal sage
scrub habitats.
Blooms: Apr-Jun
Elevation: <250 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site or within the Chula Vista Subarea, and has a very limited distribution in San Diego, primarily restricted to the Torrey Pines region.
Additionally, suitable habitat does not exist on site. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.”
Singlewhorl burrobrush
Ambrosia monogyra
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.2
Local: None
Perennial shrub. Occurs in sandy soils within
chaparral, cismontane woodlands, and
Sonoran Desert scrub habitats.
Blooms: Aug-Nov
Elevation: 10-500 m
No Potential. This species has been documented in 1936 within one mile of the Project Site; however, suitable habitat is absent. Furthermore, as a perennial shrub this plant would have been identifiable during the biological resource survey, if present.
Slender cottonheads
Nemacaulis denudata var.
gracilis
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.2
Local: None
Annual herb found in coastal dunes, desert
dunes, and Sonoran desert scrub.
Blooms: (Mar)Apr-May
Elevation: -50-400 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Slender-pod jewelflower
Caulanthus stenocarpus
Federal: None
State: None – Delisted
CRPR: None
Local: MSCP
Annual herb typically occurring in disturbed
areas within coastal sage scrub and
chaparral habitats.
Blooms: Mar-May
Elevation: 20-1,630 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project; however, potentially low-quality habitat is present. This species has been documented to occur in disturbed areas, though, typically associated with nearby intact native coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities, and therefore is not expected to occur on the Project Site. Urban development surrounds the Project Site and nearby source populations of this species are not present.
Small-leaved rose
Rosa minutifolia
Federal: None
State: SE
CRPR: 2B.1
Local: MSCP
Perennial shrub that occurs within dense
scrub habitats including chaparral and
maritime succulent scrub habitats.
Blooms: Jan-Jun
Elevation: ~160 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is a perennial shrub that would have been identified during the biological resource survey, if present.
Snake cholla
Cylindropuntia californica
var. californica
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, Conserved
A perennial stem succulent usually found in
coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats.
Blooms: Apr-May
Elevation: 30-150 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is a robust succulent that is noticeable outside of the blooming period and would have identified during the biological resource survey, if present.
South coast saltscale
Atriplex pacifica
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: None
Low-growing annual herb found on coastal
bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal sage
scrub, playas, wetland/riparian habitats
and alkali sinks.
Blooms: Mar-Oct
Elevation: 0-300 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Spreading navarretia
Navarretia fossalis
Federal: FT
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Annual herb that occurs in vernal pools and
depressions and ditches in areas that once
supported vernal pools in saline and
alkaline soils. Typically found in chenopod
scrub, marshes and swamps (assorted
shallow freshwater), and playas.
Blooms: Apr-Jun
Elevation: 30-655 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist.
Sticky dudleya
Dudleya viscida
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: MSCP
Perennial, low-growing succulent found in
chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats,
often associated with bluffs and rocky cliffs.
Blooms: May-Jun
Elevation: <450 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, the leaves of this species are evergreen and Dudleya species would have been identified during the biological resource survey, if present.
Tecate cypress
Cupressus forbesii
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: MSCP
Perennial tree that occurs within chaparral
and closed-cone pine forest habitats. Host
plant for Thorne’s hairstreak (Callophyrs
gryneus thornei).
Elevation: 450-1,500 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is a perennial tree that would have been identified during the biological resource survey, if present. Furthermore, the Project Site is located well below the known elevation range of this species.
Thread-leaved brodiaea
Brodiaea filifolia
Federal: FT
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial herb (bulb) found in clay soils in
chaparral openings, cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub, playas, valley
and foothill grassland and vernal pool
communities.
Blooms: Mar-Jun
Elevation: 25-1120 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.” Torrey pine
Pinus torreyana
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: MSCP
Perennial, large, evergreen pine tree with
open, indistinct branching found in
chaparral and pine forests near the coast.
Its needles are among the longest of the
world’s pine species. Narrow endemic
species limited to coastal San Diego
County and some offshore islands.
Blooms: N/A
Elevation: <200 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. Additionally, this species is a perennial tree that would have been identified during the biological resource survey, if present.
Variegated dudleya
Dudleya variegata
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 1B.2
Local: NE, Conserved
A perennial succulent herb typically
occurring in clay soils on dry hillsides and
mesas containing chaparral, grassland,
woodland, sage scrub, vernal pool or
wetland habitats.
Blooms: Apr-Jun
Elevation: 3-580 m
No Potential. This species has been documented in 2010 within one mile of the Project Site; however, suitable habitat and soils are absent.
Wart-stemmed ceanothus
Ceanothus verrucosus
Federal: None
State: None
CRPR: 2B.2
Local: MSCP
Perennial, medium-to large-sized evergreen
shrub found in chaparral habitats, often
near the coast, occasionally on rocky
slopes. Flowers abundantly with small white
flowers.
Blooms: Jan-Apr
Elevation: 100-550 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. This species is an evergreen shrub that would have been identified during the biological resource survey, if present.
Willowy monardella
Monardella linoides ssp.
viminea
Federal: FE
State: SE
CRPR: 1B.1
Local: NE, MSCP
Perennial herb that occurs within rocky
washes with cobbles and alluvial beaches.
Blooms: Jun-Aug
Elevation: <4,000 m
No Potential. This species has not been documented within one mile of the Project Site and suitable habitat does not exist. This species is listed as a “Species not likely to occur within the Chula Vista Subarea.” FE Federally listed as Endangered
FT Federally listed as Threatened
FC Federal Candidate
SE State listed as Endangered
ST State listed as Threatened
MSCP Covered by the Multiple Species Conservation Plan NE City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan – Narrow Endemic Species Conserved City of Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan – Adequately Conserved Species CRPR California Rare Plant Rank
ATTACHMENT E
Wildlife Species Observed
ATTACHMENT F
Plant Species Observed