Public Hearing on Ellwood Mesa Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan Development Plan In-Concept Coastal Development Permit - Part 2 (LARGER SIZED FILE) — Goleta City Council, October 17, 2023 (part 1 of 4)

ATTACHMENT 4

Resolution 23-____ entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF GOLETA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN ADDENDUM

TO THE ELLWOOD MESA MONARCH BUTTERFLY HABITAT

MANAGEMENT PLAN INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 15164 OF STATE CEQA

GUIDELINES AND APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT PLAN/IN-CONCEPT

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR THE PHASE I

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN OF THE ELLWOOD MESA MONARCH
BUTTERFLY HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN.”

1 RESOLUTION 23-___

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

GOLETA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN ADDENDUM TO THE

ELLWOOD MESA MONARCH BUTTERFLY HABITAT

MANAGEMENT PLAN INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 15164 OF STATE

CEQA GUIDELINES AND APPRO VING THE DEVELOPMENT

PLAN AND IN-CONCEPT COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

FOR THE PHASE I IMPLEMENTATION PLAN OF THE ELLWOOD
MESA MONARCH BUTTERFLY HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN.

The City Council of the City of Goleta does resolve as follows:

SECTION 1: Recitals. The City Council finds and declares that:

A. Development and implementation of the Ellwood Mesa /Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP) is identified as a priority policy object and goal in the City General Plan Open Space Element; and

B. The MBHMP outlines the programmatic approach and methods for the City of Goleta to manage and improve the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus forest for the benefit of the overwintering behavior of the monarch butterfly, other wildlife, and the public’s use and enjoyment and the MBHMP is to be effectuated through subsequent implementation plans; and

C. The MBHMP was adopted by City Council on March 19, 2019 via Resolution No. 19-14; and

D. The City reviewed the MBHMP’s environmental impacts in accord ance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000 et seq., “CEQA”), the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000 et seq. , the “CEQA Guidelines”), and the City’s Environmental Review Guidelines (“Goleta Guidelines”), and adopted a Final IS - MND for the MBHMP attached as Exhibit 2 to this Resolution and incorporated by reference and was prepared in full compliance with CEQA and concluded that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment; and

E. A $3.9 million California Coastal Conservancy grant has funded extensive studies whose findings have been utilized to develop the first phase of the MBHMP implementation plan to restore the greatly diminished monarch butterfly habitat and begin sustainable and science-based management of Ellwood Mesa; and

F. For decades the regionally-important monarch butterfly overwintering habitat has been studied and overwintering monarch butterflies counted and recorded. In 2020 the City and a diverse team of consulting entomologists, biologists, arborists, landscape designers, engineers, and environmental consultants began focused

2 studies to develop the implementation of activities envisioned in the MBHMP, which became the Phase 1 Implementation Project; and

G. The Phase 1 Implementation Project is a subset of the MBHMP and includes enhancement activities necessary to meet specific goals of the MBHMP, including installation of a permanent irrigation system, improvements to butterfly viewing areas, installation of a temporary water meter, and emergency/maintenance road renovation (“Project”).

H. The Project will require a Development Plan/Coastal Development Permit in concept from the City and a Coastal Development Permit from the California Coastal Commission; and

I. The City determined that an Addendum for the Project was appropriate pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15164 since the Project made minor technical changes to the MBHMP and no circumstances exist calling for the preparation of a subsequent or supplemental Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §§ 15162 and 15163; and

J. The CEQA Addendum for the Project was prepared in full compliance with CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines, and Goleta’s Guidelines; and

K. On or before October 2, 2023, the Project site was posted for the October 17, 2023 City Council hearing by the applicant, the City Public Works Department (a minimum of 15 days prior to the City Council meeting); and

L. On October 5, 2023 , n otice of the public hearing was published in the Santa Barbara Independent and notices were mailed to owners within 500 feet of the project site and occupants within 500 feet of the project site; and

M. This Resolution is adopted based upon the entirety of the administrative record including, without limitation, staff reports, and evidence submitted during the public hearing.

SECTION 2: Factual Findings and Conclusions. The City Council finds as follows:

A. The Project site is entirely within Ellwood Mesa Open Space and Sperling Preserve and includes historic monarch aggregation sites: Ellwood North, Ellwood Ironbark, Ellwood West, Ellwood Main, Ellwood Main Annex, and Ellwood East at Assessor Parcel Numbers 079-210-069, 079-210-024, 079-210-051, 079-210-050, 079-491- 016, 079-445-001, 079-395-015, 079-395-016, and 079-395-012.

B. The entire site is zoned OSPR (Open Space -Passive Recreation) with an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) overla y and is located within the Coastal Zone.

3 C. Access to the project site is from 13 public trail entrances and throughout the network and is accessible from roads at Hollister Avenue and the Ellwood Mesa Sperling Preserve public parking lot, the terminus of Santa Barbara Shores Drive, and the terminus of Coronado Drive.

D. The proposed project adequately addresses the policy objectives of 2004 Draft Ellwood-Devereux Open Space Area and Habita t Management Plan in a manner which balances habitat management and enhancement with improved public safety, access, and passive coastal recreational opportunities.

E. The project site is entirely City -owned and no easements are required for implementation from private property owners.

F. Upon approval of the City Council, the City will file an application for a Coastal Development Permit for Phase I implementation of the Ellwood Mesa Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan that would be considered for approval by the California Coastal Commission.

G. Based on the location, size, and nature of the Project, an Addendum was prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15164.

H. The factual findings in this Section are based upon substantial evidence found within the entirety of the administrative record. Notwithstanding the identification of specific facts within this Section, the entire administrative record adequately provides substantial evidence for all findings set forth in this Resolution.

SECTION 3: Environmental Assessment for the Project. The City Council makes the following environmental findings:

A. The Project was analyzed for its environmental impacts and the Addendum was prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15164. An Addendum is appropriate as there are only minor technical changes or additions that do not result in any new significant impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant impacts. The Addendum is attached as Exhibit 3 and incorporated herein by reference.

B. The Addendum need not be circulated for public review (CEQA Guidelines §15164(c)). While the Addendum has not been circulated for public review it has been available to the public since April 18, 2019. An addendum must be considered by the decision-making body before making a decision on the Project (CEQA Guidelines §15164(d)).

C. There is substantial evidence in the record showing that the Addendum is appropriate for the Project.

D. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15074, the Addendum reflects the City’s independent judgment and analysis. The City Council has independently reviewed and analyzed the Addendum prepared for the Project. The Addendum is an

4 accurate and complete statement of the potential environmental impacts of the Project.

The Addendum was prepared by the City of Goleta and reflects its independent judgment and analysis of the environmental impacts.

SECTION 4. Development Plan Findings. The City Council makes the following findings in accordance with Sections 17.52.070 (Common Findings), 17. 59.030 (Required Findings)

A. 17.52.070.A (Common Procedures Required Findings for Approval)

1. There are adequate infrastructure and public services available to serve the proposed development, including water and sewer service, existing or planned transportation facilities, fire and police protection, schools, parks and legal access to the lot.

Public services to the existing project site are currently provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Goleta Water District, Goleta Sanitary District, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, and Santa Barbara County Sheriff. Such public services to the existing site will not change. With these existing utility services , the proposed Development Plan has adequate infrastructure and public services available

2. The proposed project conforms to the applicable regulations of Title 17, and, any zoning violation enforcement on the subject premises has been resolved as permitted by law.

The proposed MBHMP Phase I implementation will meet Title 17 zoning code requirements for height, lighting, and setbacks as applicable to projects located in Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas . No zoning violations exist on the site where the proposed project will be built.

3. The proposed development is located on a legally created lot.

The project is located on City-owned parcels and maintained by the City of Goleta. Project development included title searches , and all title clearances appear in order to proceed with final project design and construction.

4. The development is within the project de scription of an adopted or certified CEQA document or is statutorily or categorically exempt from CEQA.

The proposed project is within the project description of the Final IS-MND for the Ellwood Mesa Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan adopted by the City Council on March 19, 2019 . The environmental impacts associated with the proposed project were analyzed within the Final IS-MND and impacts anticipated with the construction and operation of the project have be en mitigated to the maximum extent feasible upon final permitting and compliance with mitigation measures included in the MMRP.

5 B. 17.59.030. (Required Findings, Development Plans)

1. The project as proposed is consistent with the General Plan.

The MBHMP Phase 1 implementation is consistent with the City of Goleta General Plan which identifies this project and proposed project elements on Figure 3-3 and 3-4, and policies OS 5.1 – OS 5.6. (Open Space and Habitat Management Plan maps), These plans are also consistent with prior planning documents from the County of Santa Barbara, prior to Goleta incorporation, as well.

2. The site for the project is adequate in size, shape, location, and physical characteristics to accommodate the density and density of development proposed.

The 60-acre project site is located in an area designated for open space and habitat management. No physical development other than trail and bridge repair, minor drainage improvements, and public trail interpretive signage is associated with the project.

3. Any significant environmental impacts are mitigated to the maximum extent feasible.

The Project has been primarily analyzed for its impacts in the IS-MND that was was approved on March 19, 2019 for the entire MBHMP. The additional activities proposed in the Project have been evaluated in the Addendum and no additional impacts have been identified , and the previous analysis in the IS-MND continues to apply. All potential environmental effects associated with construction of the Project and identified mitigation measures to minimize such adverse effects ensure with implementation of all mitigation measures in the IS/MND, no significant environmental impacts are anticipated with the Project.

Additional analysis by state and federal permitting authorities will also guarantee minimization of environmental effects.

4. The project will not conflict with any easements required for public access through, or public use of a portion of the property.

The project is located on City -owned parcels and no private property or easements are necessary for implementation. Because the intent of this project is to improve public access along existing trails located on public lands, it will not conflict with the public’s use of the property or any easements.

6 SECTION 5. Design Review Findings. The City Council makes the following findings, pursuant to authority granted in Section 17.50.030.H. and 17.58.040.C.2 for the MBHMP Phase 1 Implementation project:

The development is compatible with the neighborhood, and its size, bulk, and scale will be appropriate to the site and the neighborhood.

The proposed project improvements, including habitat improvements, trail improvements, creek crossing improvements, monarch butterfly viewing area improvements, signage, and sitting benches, are designed to be compatible with current site characteristics and the surrounding neighborhoods as much as the site topography and public safety requirements will allow. Conceptual design of these features are intended to respect to the maximum extent feasible the physical characteristics of the monarch grove and adjoining open space areas. Details of project’s design elements will be developed during final design of the project that can be reviewed on an advisory basis by the Design Review Board if Council directs staff to do so to further enhance the project's compatibility with nearby neighborhoods.

B. Site layout, orientation, and location of structures, including any signage and circulation, are in an appropriate and harmonious relationship to one another and the property.

Signage has been designed to be as discrete and unobtrusive as possible, yet still visible and legible, and meet the requirements of all applicable Plans as well as the California Coastal Conservancy grant agreement. The footbridge has been designed to allow users to cross the creek safely and to be harmonious with the natural environment. Monarch butterfly habitat, nectaring gardens, and native vegetation have been designed to both be consistent with the existing habitat and improve the quality of the habitat.

C. The development demonstrates a harmonious relationship with existing adjoining development, avoiding both excessive variety as well as monotonous, repetition, but allowing similarity of style, if warranted.

All proposed structural development (signage, footbridge and benches) would include sensitive design details and colors to blend it into the natural setting of the surrounding habitat areas and be compatible with the overall natural aesthetic of the grove and surround neighborhood.

D. There is harmony of materials, colors, and composition on all sides of structures.

The project as proposed includes sensitive design details that will blend it into the natural setting of the grove and be compatible with the surrounding habitat areas and be compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods.

7 E. Any outdoor mechanical or electrical equipment is well integrated in the total design and is screened from public view to the maximum extent practicable.

No mechanical or electrical equipment is proposed as part of the project.

Future design details can be reviewed by Design Review Board, if City Council directs on an advisory basis prior to final plan preparation and construction.

F. The site grading is minimized and the finished topography will be appropriate for the site.

Site grading for the for the project will be limited to approximately 500 cubic yards necessary for the installation of three new 24-inch CMP culverts, an open-bottom 72 inch diameter culvert to replace and existing 72-inch culvert in Devereux creek, and recreational trail and butterfly viewing area renovations requiring the minimal necessary amount of soil movement to provide public safety and accessibility. Overall grading will be minimized to the greatest extent feasible while still allowing for proper site drainage. The amount of disturbed soil area for the culvert installation is anticipated to be

0.058 acres and this will be minimized to the maximum extent feasible while still meeting City design standards.

G. Adequate landscaping is provided in proportion to the project and the site with due regard to the preservation of specimen and protected trees, and existing native vegetation.

Landscaping is adequate to restore and enhance the historic monarch grove. Findings from extensive studies have been utilized to determine the number and location of trees to plant to recreate the characteristics of the tree canopy for monarch overwintering sites. Specimen and protected trees, and native vegetation have been mapped and will be protected and retained.

Future final design details can be reviewed by Design Review Board, if City Council directs them on an advisory basis prior to final plan preparation and construction.

H. The selection of plant materials is appropriate to the project and its environment, and adequate provisions have been made for the long-term maintenance of the plant materials.

Plant materials and locations for planting have been selected specifically to be consistent with the grove’s main characteristics and have long -term success. Invasive vegetation species will be removed and native species planted. Long term maintenance will be conducted in compliance with the MBHMP, as described in the Final Monitoring Plan section of the

8 Implementation Plan prepared for the Coastal Commission re view, and all approvals from regulatory agencies.

Future design details can be reviewed by Design Review Board, if City Council directs, on an advisory basis prior to final plan preparation and construction.

I. All exterior lighting, including for signage, is well designed, appropriate in size and location, and dark-sky compliant.

No lighting is proposed.

J. The project architecture will respect the privacy of the neighbors, is considerate of private views, and is protective of solar access of site.

The project will not adversely affect privacy, private views, and solar access of other properties given the fact that no significant structural vertical development is included in the project.

K. The proposed development is consistent with any additional design standards as expressly adopted by the City Council.

There are no additional design standards expressly adopted by the City Council applicable to the Project.

SECTION 6 : Coastal Development Permit Findings . In addition to the findings required pursuant to Section 17.52.070, Common Procedure —Findings for Approval, and any other finding required by this Title, a Coastal Development Permit application may be approved or conditionally approved only after the Review Authority has made the following additional finding:

A. The proposed development conforms to the public access and public recreation policies of Chapter 3 of the California Coastal Act. (Ord. 20-03 § 6)

During construction, only daily temporary trail closures will be necessary and alternative trail routes will be provided. These improvements were developed in close coordination with a team of biologists and resources experts to ensu re monarch and other sensitive habitats will be protected to the maximum extent feasible. As such, the project is inherently consistent with the public access and public recreation policies of the Coastal Act which provides (specifical policies 30210 and 3 0213) for providing maximum access and lower- cost recreational opportunities in a manner which protects the rights of private property owners and natural resources areas from overuse.

9 SECTION 7: General Plan Consistency Findings. Based on the General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Consistency Analysis (Exhibit 4), which is incorporated herein by reference, the City Council finds that the project conforms to the General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan.

SECTION 8: Zoning Ordinance Consistency. Based on the exclusion of capital improvement projects from zoning ordinance provisions per Title 17, the City Council finds that the Project is consistent with the Zoning Ordinance:

SECTION 9: Actions. The City Council hereby takes the following actions:

A. Adopt the Addendum provided as Exhibit 3 to this Resolution, which is incorporated by reference, required by CEQA § 21081.6 and CEQA Guidelines § 15097, based on the findings of Section 3 above. Direct staff to file a Notice of Determination within five (5) business days.

B. Approves the Development Plan and the In Concept Coastal Development Permit for the Ellwood Mesa /Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan Phase 1 Implementation Project , based on the Findings provided in Sections 3 through 8 above and the General Plan Consistency analysis , attached as Exhibit 4, provided to this Resolution, subject to the Conditions of Approval attached as Exhibit 5 to this Resolution, and incorporated herein by reference

C. Authorize transmittal of the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) application to the California Coastal Commission.

SECTION 10 Reliance on Record. Each and every one of the actions in this Resolution is based on the competent and substantial evidence, both oral and wri tten, contained in the entire record relating to the Project. The findings and determinations constitute the independent findings and determinations of the City Council in all respects and are fully and completely supported by substantial evidence in the record as a whole.

SECTION 11: Limitations. The City Council analysis and evaluation of the project, including this Resolution, are based on the best information currently available. It is inevitable that, in evaluating a project, absolute and perfect knowledge of all possible aspects of the project will not exist. One of the major limitations on analysis of the project is the City Council’s lack of knowledge of future events. In all instances, best efforts have been made to form accurate assumptions. Somewhat related to this are the limitations on the City's ability to solve what are in effect regional, state, and national problems and issues. The City must work within the political framework within which it exists and with the limitations inherent in that framework.

SECTION 12: Summaries of Information . All summaries of information in the findings, which precede this section, are based on the substantial evidence in the record. The absence of any particular fact from any such summary is not an indication that a particular finding is not based in part on that fact.

10 SECTION 13: This Resolution will remain effective until superseded by a subsequent Resolution.

SECTION 14: This Resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption.

SECTION 15: The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.

11 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of October 2023.

__________________________

PAULA PEROTTE
MAYOR

ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

_________________________ __________________________
DEBORAH S. LOPEZ MEGAN GARIBALDI

CITY CLERK ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY

12 STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss.

CITY OF GOLETA )

I, DEBORAH S. LOPEZ, City Clerk of the City of Goleta, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 23-__ was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Goleta at a regular meeting held on the 17th day of October, 2023 by the following vote of the Council:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

(SEAL)

_________________________
DEBORAH S. LOPEZ

CITY CLERK

Coastal Development Permit Application

Ellwood Mesa
/Sperling Preserve Open Space

Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan
Implementation

–

Phase I
P

Prepared by:

Rincon Consultants, Inc.

Planning
&
Environmental Review

Department

/
Public Works Department

130 Cremona, Suite B

Goleta, California 93117

City
Contact:

George Thomson, Parks and Open Space Manager

[email protected]

(805) 961
-
7578

Submitted to:

California Coastal Commission

89 South California Street, Suite 200

Ventura, California 93001

Contact:

Jonathon Hasbun

June
2023

This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space

Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

March 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary

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iii

1.0 Project Background

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...............................

1 Ellwood Mesa Open Space MBHMP

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..

4 Studies Conducted at Ellwood Mesa
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..

4 Ellwood Mesa
-

Past Coastal Development Permits

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......

6 Waiver de Minimis

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.

7 Habitat Conditions as of 2022

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9 2.0

Project Description

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12 Habitat Re
-
establishment

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...................

12 Public Access Improvements

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16 Sensitive Resource Protection
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19 3.0

Public Engagement

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21 Public Input

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24 4.0

Regulatory Setting

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26 Federal

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26 State

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26 City of Gol
eta

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26 Regulatory Agencies, Permits and Approvals

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27 5.0

Final Monit
oring Program

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28 Annual Monarch Butterfly Surveys

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..

28 Habitat Assessments and Management
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28 Forest Health

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28 Planted Native Vegetation

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29 Invasive and Non
-
native Plants

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29 Irrigation

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29 Microclimate Success Criteria

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30 Nesting Bird Surveys

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30 Annual Reporting

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30 C
ompensatory Mitigation for Project Impacts

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31 6.0

Adaptive Management

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33 7.0

References

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35 Table of Contents

City of Goleta

March 202
3 ii

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

List of Tables

Table 1 Field Survey Summary

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.......................

6 List of Figures

Figure 1

Regional Location

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2 Figure 2

Project Location

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3 Figure 3

Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Sites

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5 List of Appendices

Appendix A

Waiver De Minim
i
s

Appendix B

Past Coastal Development Permit NOI S
pecial Conditions Matrix

Appendix C

Resource Avoidance Program

Appendix D

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Habitat Analysis and Recommendations for Restoration Report

Appendix
E

Construction Documents

Appendix
F

Biological Resources Assessment Report

Appendix
G

Jurisdictional D
elineation Report

3 City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

iii

March 2023

SUMMARY

This document provides
a detailed summary of the
actions the

City of Goleta
will take
wi
th the
imp
lementation of the
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open
Space

Monarch Butterfly Habitat
Management Plan

(
March 2019
)
. The project activities are the

maintenance

and management
of
the
r
egionally important
ov
erwintering
habita
t for m
onarch butterflies

at Ellwood Mesa Open Space

and
are the first phase of implemen
tation
for

the management plan.

Ellwood Mesa Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat management area
is
located on a coastal bluff
top and is
comprised of
90 acres of
blue gum eucalyptus forest
.

Over the past
decade the
eucalyptus
tree

forest that protects the
seasonally

migrating monarchs from winter storms
has

begun to die at a
rate and pace that has
resulted
in

open trees ca
nop
ies

t
hat

no longer provide

adequate
protection
during winter wind
s

and
rain
, where
the monarchs

have sought
and found
protection
for many
decades.

Over the past five years

the City and its team of consulting scientists
,

including
Califorina’s foremost
experts in monarch butterfly
overwintering

habitat
, utilized

state of the art technology

to study the
monarch habitat
at Ellwood Mersa
to d
evelop thi
s plan to
manage and enhance
the
historic
eucalyptus
habitat
.

N
ative habitat within the management area
, including seasonal drainages and waters of
Devereux
Creek,

be enhanced for the benefit of the wider ecosystem,
the aggregation viewing
site
s

will be repaired
,
and
public access

and public safety

improved
.

The City has engaged in an extensive
public outreach effort
and ha
s
carefully
plan
ned the enhancements
to be in
balance with
and to
r
et
ain

the
rustic character

of the open space
.

The numerous project technical reports,
project
construction documents
, and
applicable plans
are
attached as appendices and

are referenced throughout th
is

document.

Summary

City of Goleta

March 202
3 iv

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling
Preserve Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

1 March 2023

1.0 PROJECT

BACKGROUND

The
story of the monarch butterfly habitat
at
the City of Golet
a
’s
Ellwood Mesa
Open Space
(Ellwood
Mesa)
begins
with Mr.

Ellwood Cooper
, who bought and
plant
ed the land with

a variety of

eucalyptus
species
,
but predominately favored
Tasmanian blue gum (
Eucalyptus globulus
)

to create a forest
.

187
6 what’s now Ellwood Mesa
contained roughly 150,000
b
lue
g
um
eucalyptus
trees
on 100
-
plus acres.

Records as early as the 19
6 0s show monarch butterflies were using the
eucalyptus
forest for
over
-
wintering and in the 1990s the forest bec
ame

a regionally important overwintering site for monarch

butterflie
s

(
Danaus plexippus
)
.

Ellwood Mesa
as it’s known today
(
Figure
1 and
Figure
2 ) was formed
in 2004 when private development rights
were
transferred
to the City

of Golet
a (City)
and the
forest
was zoned for

r
ecreation

and designated an open space
.

The
unprecedented
regional
drought
from 2012 to 2016 led to massive tree die
-
off

in the eucalyptus
forest.

The quality of habitat for overwintering monarchs and other wildlife has been diminished
greatly by the tree die
-
off.

While monarch overwintering counts have increased in 2022/2023 at Ellwood Mesa compared to the last several years, the grove no longer provides shelter to the monarchs from winter storms. Many trees have fal
len at the historic site that provided shelter for the greatest number of overwintering monarchs regionally, known as Ellwood Main. Trees have fallen on the viewing site at Ellwood Main damaging the seats, at the other historic sites, across trails, and in to water
ways throughout the grove.

For a
detailed discussion regarding the drought and impacts to the eucalyptus trees
at Ellwood Mesa
see
S
ection 4.4 of
the Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Habitat
Analysis and Recommendations For Restoration (
A
&M
Habitat Report) by Althouse and Meade, Inc

Fire is presently the highest risk to the monarch habitat and historic overwintering sites, as well as to the surrounding neighborhood
s
. The high fire risk
is being addressed by the City via a Waiver de
Minimis
(W
aiver)
request
to
remove high risk fire fuel (vegetation)
.

The waiver request was submitted
to the Coastal Commission in March of 2023.

The most important factor for successful management
of the habitat
,
after

the high fire risk is addressed through vegeta
tion management described in the
Waiver
,

i
s

imple
me
n
ting the action
s

described here
and in the corresponding construction documents
(
Appendix

A
)
.

The public has been intrinsically involved with the

Ellwood Mesa
open space and
was instrumental
in
its
prese
rvation
.

Proposed m
anagement
actions at Ellwood Mes
a

have
been
met with
both
strong
support and strong opposition.

For the past four years the
City has engaged with its
constituents

through outreach events and meetings
,

request
ed

input and feedback
,

and modified this plan to
address concerns,
reduce impacts, and retain its unique character.

In 2019 the California Coastal Conservancy awarded the City a $3.9 million which created the unique opportunity to restore lost monarch butte
rfly habitat and begin sustainable and science
-
based
management of Ellwood Mesa.

Restoration solutions have been

analyzed

using the best available
technology and
methodologies.

This Implementation Plan provides details to manage and improve the eucalyptus
forest for the benefit of the overwintering monarch butterfly, other wildlife, and for the public’s use and enjoyment.

Appendices A
–

provide the in
-
depth results of those studies, which have informed the actions presented in this report.

The time to a
ct to preserve the

Ellwood Mesa Open Space
monarch habitat is now.

June 2025 is the
deadline for
implementing the
se

actions funded by the

grant from the Coastal Conservancy.

Projec
t Background

City of Goleta

March 202
3 2

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

Figure
1 Regional Locatio
n

City of Goleta

Project Background

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

3 March 2023

Figure
2 Project Location

Project Background

City of Goleta

March 202
3 4

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

ELLWOOD MESA OPEN SPACE M
BHMP

To address enhancement and management of the monarch habitat, Goleta City Council approved the 2019 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP). The

MBHMP is a management plan for the approximately 90
-
acres of Ellwood
Mesa
. It
identifies 22 programs, each with specific goals, policies, and actions that are the management strategy for the sustainability of monarch habitat at Ellwood Mesa. The MBHMP man agement area
encompasses the

six

sites where monarch butterflies have historically formed overwintering aggregations within Ellwood Mesa’s eucalyptus groves: Ellwood Main,

Ellwood West,

Ellwood East,
Ocean Meadows, Ellwood North, and Sandpiper

(
Figure
3 )
.

The MBHMP calls for an implementation plan with specific details when enhancement actions will be taken. This Implementation Plan, Phase 1, addresses the portions of the
management area
that
have historically hosted the highest number of aggregating monarchs ( Figure
3 ) and is limited to the
area that the funding can
feasible cover

prior to the funding deadline
. Phase 2 is anticipated to be
developed in the coming 3
-
5 years and will cover the remaining portions

of the
management are
a
.

This plan provides the detailed approach to managing and maintaining Ellwood Main, El lwood West,

and Ellwood North, as well as
enhancements to
promote

a new site called Ellwood Ironbark. Ellwood
Main is known to have the highest number of aggregating monarchs throughout the management area, Ellwood North has sustained some of the worst euc alyptus die
-
off,

Ellwood West and East
are
reliable
overwintering sites, and

Ellwood Ironbark provides potential

for new

over
-
wintering
habitat
.

Actions for Ellwood East are proposed only for the portion of habitat that is owned by the city.

STUDIES CONDUC

TED AT ELLWOOD MESA

Beginning in 2017
numerous
focused
biological
studies were conducted within the management area
to obtain data needed to prepare the plan to address the dead and down trees, and design Phase 1 of the implementation. Studies were conduct
ed by the City Parks and Open Space Manager, biologists, butterfly experts, GIS technicians, botanists, arborists, avian and wildlife experts, engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects. Field studies included reconnaissance surveys, jurisdictional del ineations,
native tree surveys, native plants surveys, and various site walks with the team to assess monarch habitat, discuss tree removals and replacement planting, identify strategies to remove down and dead trees while maintaining live trees and habita
t, and identify zones in which to plant native nectaring plants.

Table

1 below provides a summary of studies completed in 2022

and the n
umerous additi
onal
studies
that
have occurred since 2017.

City of Goleta

Project Background

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

5 March 2023

Figure
3 Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Sites

Project Background

City of Goleta

March 202
3 6

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

Table

1 Field Survey Summary

Date

Survey Type

February 2022

Reconnaissance Survey for Biological
Resources

February
and
December 2022

Jurisdictional Delineation

March 2022

and
January 2023

Fuel Load and Grove Survey

and Analysis

December 2022

Hazardous Tree Assessment

March 2022

Arborist Tree Survey

April and June 2022

Native Plant Survey

March and April 2022

Restoration of Monarch Habitat Survey

March 2022

Restoration of Native Vegetation Survey

February 2022

Nesting Bird Surveys

2015, 2016, 2017,
2018, 2019, 2020,
2021, 2022, 2023

Biweekly
Monarch Surveys

1997
–

2023

Western
Monarch Thanksgiving Count

1990, 1998, and 2021

Hemispherical photography

2017
-
2018

Tree Health Assessment

September and October 2021

LiDAR, digital imagery, and ground survey

November 2022

Wind Model verification

2011
-

2023

Monarch
butterfly overwintering habitat assessments and site visits

The Biological Resources Assessment Report is included in Appendix G, and the Jurisdictional Delineation Report is included in Appendix H.

ELLWOOD

MESA

P
AST

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMITS

Applications to conduct habitat management activities at Ellwood Open Space have been submitted to the CCC, beginning in 2016. This section provides a timeline regarding the City’s application requests and CCC resulting approvals and requirements:

Coastal

Development Permit 4
-
16 -
1055

2016:

Application submitted through the Santa Barbara County Trails Council.

August 2019
: The City received issued CDP No. 4
-
16 -
1055
-

Implementation of the Ellwood Mesa

Coastal Trails and Habitat Restoration Project issued
to the Santa Barbara County Trails Council. As
discussed below under CDP 4
-
18 -
1223, the City is currently modifying the project description for the Trails and Habitat project and anticipates submitting the modified project description and supporting docume
nts in the next 1
-
2 years.

Emergency Permit G
-
4 -
17 -
0048

September 26, 2017:

The City submitted an emergency notification to remove 29 eucalyptus trees that were dead or at high risk of failure. The CCC approved the request through Emergency Permit G
-
4 -
17 -
0048 with the requirement of a follow
-
on CDP application.

Coastal Development Permit 4
-
18 -
1223

City of Goleta

Project Background

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

7 March 2023

April 2018
: The City submitted the follow
-
on CDP application for emergency tree removal under
Emergency Permit G
-
4 -
17 -
0048 and the 2018 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Pre
serve Open Space
Implementation Plan, with the detailed approach to implement MBHMP activities at Ellwood

North.

October 23, 2019
:

The CCC issued the City a Notice of Intent to Issue CDP No. 4 -
18 -
1223 for the

follow
-
on application of Emergency Permit
G
-
4 -
17 -
0048 and approving the implementation of the
2018 Final Implementation Plan for Ellwood North. The NOI for CDP No. 4 -
18 -
1223 was
conditioned with six special conditions and required that the Special Conditions be satisfied within two years of issuan
ce of the NOI (October 23, 2021).

Presently
:

The City revised the strategy to implement the MBHMP at only Ellwood North and has instead developed a new Phase 1 Implementation Plan to address the entire management area, including enhancement at Ellwood Main
, Ellwood West, Ellwood Ironbark, and Ellwood North.

Phase 1 addresses 60 acres of the 90
-
acre management area. Phase 2 will address the remaining 30 acres and is anticipated to be submitted in 2024/2025. The City is currently preparing

applications,
docu
ments, and plans to meet the NOI CDP No. 4
-
18 -
1223 Special Conditions and will do so by
applying for two CDPs for each phase. Appendix J provides a matrix that summarizes the Special Conditions and the status of the City’s compliance with the conditions or

describes the permitting
strategy where it differs from the Ellwood North Implementation Plan.

WAIVER DE MINIMIS

March
13, 2023,

the

City submitted
a
Waiver de Minimis

request
to the Coastal Commission to
remove dead and hazardous eucalyptus trees
in o
rder
to address the high fire risk of the management
area.

The waiver

request
wa
s to implement the MBHMP CWPP vegetation t
reatments which
are

the
removal of dead and downed trees
,

and trimming and removing vegetation zero to six feet in height.

Fire risk reduction

became
essential

due to
2022/2023 winter storms
that
brought precipitation to the
region i
n

record amounts and
c
reate
d

the scenario for
more

abundan
t

growth of
high fire
risk
vegetation

for the
summer and early fall of 2023.

From 2020
-

2022 the
City and its consulting
team

carefully assessed the monarch aggregation habitat
in relationship to the dead eucalyptus trees and
heavy vegetative fuel loads. Using the
vegetation
management
treatments

from the
CW
PP
in the MBHMP
and based on the ground assessments

with
the monarch butterfly experts
,

t
he team

refined
a
n

approach to

reduce the fire risk without

negatively
alter
ing

the

character and integrity of the aggregation sites.

Trea
t
ments
in the CWPP were
strategically
modified by the team and were mapped
.

Appendix
A

has the Wavier application package and includes
mapping, the written modifications

to the CWPP treatments
, a lette
r fro
m butterfly experts regarding
vegetation management and its impact on monarch habitat, and the ma
t
r
i
x of
extensive resource
protection measures from the MND and MBHMP
.

Other resources that will be considered and
avoided during vegetation management ar
e

the presence of
sensitive resources such as
wildlife,

native
plants,
native trees, or an active bird nest, vegetation
treatments have been
refined.

For the area within 100 feet of structures,
1 00
-
foot x 100
-
foot
work zones were created and mapped.

The squares were mapped in zones for various reasons including for recording the modified
treatments, tracking progress,
future tracking
,

and

based on functionality of the vegetation
in
relationship to

the historic
aggre
gation

sites.

A comprehensive Resource Avoidance Plan (RAP) was developed to protect environmental resources, it includes measures from the MND, CWPP, as well as Applicant Proposed Measures. All measures have and will be complied with during any/all MBHMP

implementation actions. A qualified biologist
and/or arborist will be on site for all activities during vegetation management. The biologist or arborist Project Background

City of Goleta

March 202
3 8

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

will be on the ground advising and monitoring
vegetation management
crews at all times. The
Resource A
voidance Program can be found in Appendix
C
. The City will provide compliance updates
in a transparent way for the public as well as meeting the requirements of all agencies who provide authorizations, permits, certifications, etc.

During the execution of
Waiver great care will be taken to remove
only
dead eucalyptus trees and
vegetation that are creating a fire risk.

Three types of dead wood that do not create a fire risk will be retained in the management area, including snags or standing dead trees with cavities for wildlife, large
trunks that are in contact with the ground and are decomposing, and twigs gathered into a brush pile.

Where snags are known to provide perching opportunities or nest habitat, they will be retained. Where an opportunity exists t
o create cavities in standing dead wood for potential wildlife habitat, holes will be drilled. Large down trunks and branches in contact with the ground will be stripped of small branches, twigs and foliage that create fire risk and left in place to decomp ose. Brush piles will be
strategically retained or placed, where they do not cause fire risk and for the benefit of wildlife.

Vegetation management, specifically that of the trees

and the CWPP
, is approved in the MBHMP
through numerous programs, goals and

actions.

Most of the goals and actions in the MBHMP directly
relate to managing the eucalyptus trees and forest, the three that address the current fire risk reduction, and state of the trees and overall habitat are:

MBHMP Program 4
-

Community Wildfire
Protection Plan



Goal 4.

To provide management practices within the eucalyptus groves and windrows that support healthy monarch butterfly habitat and are compatible with the City’s CWPP.



Policy

4 -

1. The goals, policies, and actions of this MBHMP shall be consistent with the intent of the CWPP to reduce the ignitability of homes and structures.



Action 4
-

1.1. Support implementation of Goleta’s CWPP in the 100 -
ft. buffer from homes and
structures as th
e 100 ft. extends into the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves with actions outlined in
Table

1 (as seen in Table 14 of the CWPP).

MBHMP Program
9 -

Catastrophic Event Res
ponse Program



Goal 9.

To prepare for possible catastrophic environmental events within the monarch butterfly aggregation sites by adopting a set of actions that potentially minimize the impacts and plan for a response should such events affect the groves in which aggregation s ites are located.



Policies 9
-
1 and 9.2
including: The City shall adopt a set of protocols that could minimize the impacts from potential catastrophic environmental events.



Action 9
-

1.1. through 9
-

2.3 There are six actions under this program.

MBHMP Progr
am 12
-

Tree Management Program



Goal 12.

To manage the eucalyptus groves within monarch butterfly aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa in a manner that provides for (1) healthy trees, (2) suitable aggregation site structure, (3) sustainable butterfly aggregation sites, (4) public safety while visito rs are on trails
within the groves, and (5) sensitivity to wildfire hazards.



Policies 12
-
1 through 12
-
4 including:
eucalyptus trees in the groves within the Coverage
Area shall be managed, as feasible, to ensure tree health and longevity. Nothing in this program
should be interpreted to preclude tree maintenance work required to address immediate hazards to life or property.

City of Goleta

Project Background

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

9 March 2023



Actions 12.1 through 12
-

4.5 There are 27 actions listed under this program.

The Althouse and Meade’s Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly
Overwintering Habitat Analysis and Recommendations for Restoration Report

(
A&M
Habitat
Report)
, Appendix
D

provides aggregation site
-
specific recommendations for dead tree removal that
will be carefully followed by the City’s c
ontractors.

qualified butterfly habitat ecologist will be on
site for
vegetation management activities

at the aggregation sites.

HABITAT CONDITIONS
AS OF 2022

Ellwood Mesa

contains topographic

features that provide conditions supportive of the

microclima
te
needs of migratory monarch butterflies. Overwintering monarch butterflies tend to cluster in specific areas where cold air is allowed to sink and drain away from the aggregation trees.

The loss of trees
and canopy cover
throughout the management area
ha
s opened the overwintering sites to increased
wind exposure from various directions.

See
S
ection
5 of the A&M
Habitat Report

for extensive data
and wind simulations of the existing habitat.

Monarchs adjust their distribution among trees and
branches as winds and insolation shift, and will
completely abandon sites if the microclimate, primarily wind, exceeds their tolerance. When weather is mild, monarchs will use a wide variety of sites and have an expansive micro -
distribution. When
storms ap
proach monarchs concentrate in the most wind
-
sheltered spots and as the front passes,
monarchs may readjust their cluster sites when they can fly again. Overwintering habitat has a delicate balance of dense canopy cover and open areas for sunlight. Dense p erimeter trees and/or sheltering
topography for wind protection in all directions, with an interior canopy gap for a varied insolation environment, is an ideal habitat configuration

sometimes referred to as

a “cathedral”
or

central
opening.

Monarch butter
flies choose preferable and suitable habitat and
display their
location

preference
s with
their numbers

at any
given

site
. There is a direct relationship between suitable habitat and monarch counts. In a year with a decent population abundance to span the e ntire distribution of overwintering
sites, we can assume that the sites with suitable and protective habitat will have higher monarch butterfly counts relative to those sites with less suitable and poorly protective habitat. Th erefore
, the
decline of habit
at quality can be shown in the relative decline of monarch numbers at a site over time.

Monarch butterfly surveys and counts have been conducted for many years

at
Ellwood Mesa
.

See
Appendix
D

and
the A&M
Habitat Report S
ection

4.1 for a detailed overview.

Early in the overwintering season of
November
2022 biologists observed
the highest
number of
aggregating monarchs at Ellwood
since

2 016
,
12,387

butterflies
.

T
he first winter storm

occurred

the
first week of December
2022
and was followed by

intermittent systems with
heavy
rain and high winds

that month
. The count
of monarchs
on December 30
th

was 1,911.

This

illustrates that

the sites did not
provide
monarchs
shelter, either the monarchs
perished,

or they moved to another site.

Ellwood Main

E
llwood Main is a stand of predominantly blue gums that surrounds a north -
south running side
drainage of Deveraux Creek. The stand of trees has a distinctive cathedral structure, with an elongated north
-
south gap over the drainage feature that allows signif
icant insolation into the cluster sites. The
trees on the shoulders of the drainage, extending onto the mesa top, provide multiple layers of shelter from southerly, easterly, and westerly winds. This unique combination of features has made Ellwood Main a p
remiere overwintering site for monarchs for several decades.

Project Background

City of Goleta

March 202
3 10

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

However, recent mass mortality of blue gums has greatly weakened wind shelter for the monarch roosting areas. Ellwood Main supported season
-
long aggregations, with suitable site factors for
prote
ction from powerful winds. At this time (March 2023), significant gaps in shelter have
formed
to the west and southwest resulting in what may be an "ecological trap," attracting monarchs early in the overwintering season but leaving them vulnerable to stro ng winter storms each year.

Several trees
have fallen on the eastern viewing area, causing damage to the log seats. To the west of Ellwood Main, the eucalyptus die
-
off has been at the forest level, thousands of trees have fallen.

For
additional

information regarding the current status of the habitat by aggregation site please see A&M Habitat
Report

S
ection 5, page
s 5
1 -
10 8
.

The drainage below the Ellwood Main site has been subject to sedimentation over the past decade.

Observations by scientists
who have monitored the site for the past several decades have observed a rise
as much as 5 feet
in the elevation
.

Sedimentation has also changed the type of dominant vegetation

from what was wet

to now be
drier
upland species.

Ellwood West

E
llwood West i
s a subsidiary overwintering site to Ellwood Main, where the monarchs roost in a cathedral opening along Deveraux Creek. The area has experienced massive tree mortality with many dead trees still standing and a significant amount of dead wood on the forest

floor. The site generally
has a closed canopy with maximum directional exposure to the east. While some areas receive substantial insolation in October, by December much of the site is in deep shade, and as a result, Ellwood West tends to be abandoned mid
-
season. The low insolation and east exposure may
contribute to the relative low use of Ellwood West by December and the abandonment by mid -
season.

Additionally, the east exposure may pose a problem during storms as it is a common wind direction with occas
ionally strong winds.

Ellwood Ironbark

The Ellwood Ironbark region is situated at the southwest corner of Ellwood North. It encompasses a stand of red ironbark

(
Eucalyptus sideroxylon
)

trees located between blue gums alongside the drainage
channel to the w
est and another stand of blue gums to the east. Monarch observations were documented in 2019, and the dead standing trees and downed trees in the map are exclusively blue gums. The red ironbark trees are planted closely together, resulting in dense stands that are highly
effective in blocking wind but also obstruct insolation, except in narrow gaps along trails. At the southern end of the stand, there is a double row of ironbarks running east -
west with a narrow trail on
the north
-
side, which proves to be ef
fective in minimizing south exposure. The interior of the ironbark stand is exceptionally dim, with low directional exposure in almost all directions.

Ellwood North

Ellwood North is a large rectangular area covered by eucalyptus forest, where monarch butte rflies
have historically aggregated in the northern portion, but more recently have been observed closer to the center of the area, which are referred to as Ellwood North -
North and Ellwood North
-
Central,
respectively. Ellwood North
-
Central is the area loca
ted south of the cross trail within Ellwood North
and has the highest potential for cluster sites. However, only single butterflies or small groups have been observed in this area since the 2017
-
2018 season. The entire Ellwood North area has experienced si
gnificant tree mortality, particularly in Ellwood North -
North. While there are scattered areas of tree
mortality in Ellwood North
-
Central, the most severe instances are concentrated along the cross trail.

Notably, Ellwood North does not feature a cathedral

structure over a creek or gully like the other sites
City of Goleta

Project Background

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

11 March 2023

(Ellwood Main, West, and East), and historical cluster sites have occurred in small gaps within the forest.

Ellwood East

Ellwood East is in the eastern portion of the eucalyptus forest
, south of Deveraux Creek in a
topographic bowl at the base of
a
slope and provides some intrinsic wind shelter from east through southwest.

The Ellwood East stand has several species of eucaly
ptus in addition to blue gums
,
including

red river gums (
E. camaldulensis
), and numerous non
-
native evergreen ash (
Fraxinus uhdei
)
trees, some of which are
up to
100 f
eet

tall. Substantial mortality of blue gum on the slope and in the flat
has
opened the f
orest and dead downed
trees are

strewn across the forest floor.

Ellwood East has been heavily used in recent years (see Althouse and Mead Habitat Report,
Section

4.1). In 2021
-
2022, monarchs abruptly abandoned Ellwood Main in late December, and many moved

to Ellwood East for the remainder of the season. A similar, less abrupt movement from Ellwood Main to Ellwood East occurred in 2022
-
2023. But unlike 2022, Ellwood East was abandoned as monarch numbers
throughout
Ellwood crashed following a series of inten
se winter storms in late

December
2022
and early
-
January

2023.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space

Final Ellwood North

Implementation Plan

12 March 2023

2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Through the actions detailed here, the City will fulfill a major commitment to the natural resources of Ellwood Mesa
and its residents, and to all those committed to the conservation of monarch butterflies.

This Phase, Phase 1, addresses implementation of the MBHMP at f ive

of the eight aggregation sites
at Ellwood
Mesa
: Ellwood North, Ellwood Ironbark, Ellwood West, and
Ellwood Main
, and Ellwood
East
(
Figure
3 )

and implements 20 of the 22 programs outlined in the MBHMP.

The Phase I project area includes 60 acres containing the four aggregation sites with the highest
number of overwintering populations historically, within the overall

management area. The
approximate center of Ellwood Mesa is located at latitude 34.423149 and longitude -
119.892695
(NAD83). It is depicted on the
D
os Pueblos Canyon, California
, United States Geographical Survey
(USGS) 7.5
-
minute topographic quadrangle, and is located within Township 4 North, Range 29 West, and Sections 14,

15 and 23 (San Bernardino base and meridian)

(see
Figure
1 above)
.

Two types of
activities
will occur in Phase1
:

1. H
abitat
re
-
establishment

of the management area
. Habitat enhancement will include strategic
planting of trees for monarch roosting
, specific tree planting to
restore wind protection

around
roosting sites, planting of nectaring vegetation for monarchs

and other pollinators
, and planting
of native vegetation for other wildlife and the overall habitat health of the management

area
.

2. Publ
ic a
ccess
improvement
s

for
the
safety
of
and use by the public
.

Public access

improvements
will include the replacement of deteriorated wooden planks that serve d

as a
foot
b
ridge to cross
Devereux Creek at the main aggregation site
, replacement of c
ulverts conveying water to and in
Devereux Creek
,
emergency/maintenance road renovation,
earthen trail repairs and rerouting,
improvements to the
two viewing areas at Ellwood Main
, and way
-
finding signage
.

i
s

important to note that Ellwood Mesa Open Sp
ace has a unique quality that will not be altered
through the implementation of the MBHMP
,
with
this Phase or those in
to

the future
.

Through this
plan the City will strike
the

delicate balance of
restoring
the
diminished habitat of
non
-
nat
i
ve
eucalyptus

fo
rest

that is ESHA
and monarch habitat
,

w
hile

preserving and enhancing

the
native
eco
system

it resides
within.

Ellwood Mesa has
a forested
coastal bluff
character
istic

that allows
the
experience of getting away from the city
and neighborhoods, a
nd into
nature
. The
amenities are sparse
and natural, the signage minimal, and
trails plentiful.

All activities planned in Phase 1 were
review
ed in the MND for the MBHMP. A subsequent
applic
ation addressing the remaining portions of the management area is planned to be submitted to the

Coastal

Commission in 2024.

H
ABITAT
RE
-

ESTABLISHMENT

The
short
-
term

goal

of these actions is

to
plant and establish trees and vegetation
in order
to
restore
the characteristics

of
Ellwood Mesa

and t
he long
-
term goal is to retain them.

The first
recommendation from the monarch butterfly biologists’ technical report is to conduct strategic fuel reducti
on.

The second is to

restore wind protection to the historic overwintering locations .

This
includes restoration of
historic aggregations sites and
as well as the greater grove that provides
transitory sites. Transitory sites often have several of the

overw
intering

elements but are lacking key
elements to offer the full spectrum of protection for monarchs through the entire overwintering season

and are where the monarchs both arrive to aggregate and disperse after over -
wintering.

City of Goleta

Project Description

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

13 March 2023

R
eplacement trees
for
wind protection
at and around aggregations sites
were selected by the monarch
butterfly experts based on several factors including their canopy structure for wind protection
,
canopy
height at maturity, relatively fast growth rate, incr
eased likelihood for survival during drought
conditions

compared to blue gums, reduced
propensity to spread (invasiveness)

compared to other
eucalyptus

species
,
and
distribution in Mediterranean

climate
s

similar that that in Goleta
. Red ironbark
(
Eucalyptu
s sideroxylon
)

and
karri (
Eucalyptus diversicolor
)
will be strategically planted to
provide wind
protection and
provide typical overwintering canopy structure. B
lue gums
that
served as aggregation
trees
at the historic aggregation sites

in the past and have died will
replaced with blue gum eucalyptus
trees.

This r
eplacement
of blue gums
will occur
either be replaced by trained resprouts
with strong
leaders
from existing trees, transplanted saplings from within the immediate aggregation s ite, or
planted saplings grown from eucalyptus experts at Cal

Poly
.

Native trees
will also be planted to provide wind protection
including Western sycamores (
Platanus
racemos
a
), California bay laurel (
Umbellularia californica
),
t
oyon (
Heteromeles arbutifo
li
a),
c
oast live oak
(
Quercus agrifolia
) and Freemont cotton wood (
Populus freemontii)
.

The native trees will also
improve
ecologic richness. They will
create

opportunistic shade and/or enhance native plant communi ties
.

Toyon
will

compliment the tall trees

because it grows to a mature height of 20 feet, which fills potential wind gaps of the red ironbark’s lower canopy that are naturally thin in maturity. This will create a continuous wall of wind protection from the ground to the top of the canopy.

Transit
ional vegetation, from tallest to shortest (at full maturity), will be planted from the edge of the eucalyptus canopies to the adjacent grasslands. Nectaring and native vegetation will be planted in designated areas selected due to proximity to aggregation

sites, existing conditions such as water
availability, slopes, overstory, and surrounding vegetative communities. All native vegetation and native plant communities will be retained and in the long -
term, native vegetative communities will
establish where
non
-
natives are currently present. Invasive non
-
native herbs and shrubs will be
removed. Where ground disturbance occurs along Devereux Creek, the banks will be restored with native plants appropriate for waters and wetland areas as required by regulatory agencies.

Native plants will be planted

in gardens for nectaring and to enhance the overall ecosystem

including
s
hrubs, sub
-
shrubs and herbaceous species
.

Ellwood Main

To restore the aggregation habitat at Ellwood Main, dead trees that have historically served as roosting
trees will be replaced with blue gum eucalyptus, blue gum recruitment and growth will be promoted, tall trees will be retained for shelter, fuel reduction will be carefully managed, standing dead trees and smaller diameter w
ood will be removed, red ironbark shelterbelts will be planted to fill in gaps, karri trees will be planted for tall canopy, and California bay and other naive trees will be planted along the south side of Devereaux Creek. It is important to note that stan ding dead trees threaten nearby cluster
and windbreak trees. It is, therefore, crucial to monitor the stand and remove any standing dead trees to maintain the structural integrity of the windbreaks and the overwintering habitat for the monarchs.

To enhance

the drainage habitat beneath Ellwood Main
,

built up sediment will be removed, earthen
and/or rock weirs will be placed to hold water, and wetland vegetation planted. Enhancement by restoring a wetland quality to the site will contribute to the microhabita t conditions of humidity,
provide a water source for a longer period of time during the dry season, and create vegetative ladders that monarchs can use to climb off of the ground if blown off the roosting trees

during storms
.

Project Description

City of Goleta

March 202
3 14

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

Ellwood West

To improve the h
abitat for monarch butterflies at Ellwood West blue gum eucalyptus trees will be planted, establishment of existing trees and saplings will be encouraged, standing trees that pose a hazard to the site will be removed, and red ironbark and karri trees will be planted to address wind
vulnerability.

Blue gum trees will be planted to replace monarch roosting trees.

A double ironbark row
will be planted on the north side and the south edge to provide wind shelter. Only native trees will be planted in the riparia
n zone along Devereux Creek while maintaining the cathedral structure.

Understory native shrubs and oaks will be planted. The overhead canopy will be studied to understand a potential need for opening of the canopy.

Ellwood North

Where the historic aggrega
tion site is located karri and red ironbark (
Eucalyptus sideroxylon
) will be
strategically planted with blue gum (
Eucalyptus globulus
) so that the canopy density is sufficiently dense
for roosting. Aggregation trees will be spaced so that the trees have en ough space to grow to their
typical size when mature and far enough apart that the overall canopy structure doesn’t become overly dense.

To address vulnerabilities to wind, three red ironbark shelterbelts will be established, including a double row south
of the cross trail, an inner shelterbelt on the east side, and one on the west side. The forest interior will contain well
-
spaced karri to add diversity. Future management should avoid densification of the blue gums, which have thinned to a density commens urate with drought intensity.

Native shrubs and live oak trees will fill the understory. Fuels management is crucial, as mismanagement of the fuels buffer zone to the east could expose the forest to northeast, east, and southeast winds.

Ellwood Ironbark

Th
e enhancement of Ellwood Ironbark requires a set of improvements. The primary action is the creation of a new gap within the well
-
protected interior of the ironbark stand, where the current insolation levels are inadequate for roosting monarchs. Similar ga p creation has been successfully
executed at three other sites in California.

In addition to gap creation dead standing trees, high fractions of downed wood, and accumulated litter within the ironbark stand will be removed to reduce fuel loads and promote new growth. To improve
wind shelter within the gaps in the interior, ironbark and karri will be planted, while maintaining a lower density of blue gums established after the drought. Dieback zones will be replanted with a native understory such as live oak
s and should be managed to promote their growth and restoration.

Ellwood East

The cluster site is bisected by a property line, the City owns the western section, and the Rancho Estates owns the eastern section. The actions described here are for the City’s

portion of the site.

B
lue
gum eucalyptus
will be planted where monarch aggregation trees have
died,

and r
ecruitment and
establishment of blue gum saplings
will be encouraged. An i
ronbark shelterbelt
will be planted
along
the crest of the Mesa slope in an

arc from southwest to south to southeast.

R
ed ironbark and karri
wi
ll be planted
north of cluster zone to address north
-
northwest
wind
vulnerability.

City of Goleta

Project Description

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

15 March 2023

Plant Propagation

and Storage

Eucalyptus trees and some native trees will be grown by California Polytechnic State University

in San
Luis Obispo under the direction of Dr. Matt Ritter.

Replacement eucalyptus trees will be grown from
seeds to 5
-
gallon pots.

Native plant nursery,

Santa B
arbara Natives
,

will
propagate
a
n
d store
local
native plants fr
om

Santa
Barbara County
.

Santa Barbara Natives practices
i
ntegrated
p
est
m
anagement and uses organic
fertilizers.

All n
ursery plants
will be

maintained in a healthy condition until delivery. Al
l plants obtained
from the native plant nursery will be free of Argentine ants ( Linepithema humile
).

Plant Installation Methods

Most non
-
tree species will be installed
in up to

1 -
gallon containers, but other sizes may be used
depending on the species. On a
verage,
plant spacing will range from
5 to 15
-
foot spacing for shrubs,
vines, grasses, and forbs. Trees will be installed as
5 -
gallon to 24
-
inch
gallon containers. On average,
tree species will be installed at 20
-
foot spacing.

Holes for the container plants will be dug by hand using a shovel, hang auger, or similar device. Care will be taken not to disturb the root ball, stems, or branches when in stalling each container plant.

Planting pits will be backfilled with native soil so that the soil surface of the container plant is level with the ground. Soils will be prepared and amended per specifications

from the laboratory
, if needed
.

After installat
ion, a minimum
2 -
4 -
inch layer of bark mulch will be placed on all exposed soil surfaces in planting areas
.

If applicable, mulch originating from the dead eucalyptus removal efforts would be allowed dry and then would be used around installed plants as feas ible.

See the planting plans
developed by RRM Design Group, L3.0
-
L3.7 for details.

Plant Protection

Signage and temporary
boundaries

will be placed around the
native gardens

to inform people to stay
out of the restoration area to minimize trampling of native plants.

Irrigation

A
n

irrigation system will be installed to irrigate areas where replacement trees and native vegetation are planted to promote establishment.

The main

lines of the system will be installed permanently
within the existing trails.

T
renches will be
dug
6 inches wide by 18 inches deep and will

temporarily
displace approximately 210
cubic yards

of soil. The displaced soil will be placed back in the trench and recompacted
immediately after

the mainline is installed.

Temporary
lateral lines will be
phase
d

and
coordinated

with vegetation plating
.

Lateral lines will be
connected to the main lines a
nd placed on the ground.

Where lateral lines cross trails, 6 inch wide by
12 -
inch
-
deep

trenches will be dug, temporarily displacing approximately 14 cubic yards

of soil.

L
ateral
lines installed on
-
grade
will be
held in place on grade by
18 -
inch
-
long

U
-
shaped sections of rebar at
20 foot

intervals.

Temporary lateral lines will be disa
ssem
bl
ed
in phases, removed from established areas
and
reassembled to irrigate
new planting areas.

No more than
41,000
linear feet

of above ground irrigation
will be on site at any given time.

An agreement with Goleta Water District

(GWD)

will be established to provide
temporary water
service
for ha
bitat mitigation or restoration purposes under
Chapter

6.12.060
(
4 )

of the 2022 Goleta

Project Description

City of Goleta

March 202
3 16

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

Water Distri
ct Code
.

Under
the
agreement with GWD, a temporary 3
-
inch water meter will be
installed at an existing fire hydrant located
near
the south
western

corner at the intersection of Hollister
Avenue and Ellwood Elementary School
.

reduced pressure
backflow

prevention

device will be

installed near the temporary point of connection.

Beginning at

the downstream side of the backflow
prevention device
,

the m
ain line will
be

trenched and
permanently
installed below grad
e

and

will
transition above grade
t
o supply temporary irrigation valve manifolds and quick coupler devices . These
valve
s will be

controlled by battery operated irrigation controllers to meter

th
e application of irrigation
water to the

on
grade lateral lines and spray rotors.

The system's temporary components will be
removed upon the establishment of the replacement trees and native vegetation.

See the
I
rrigation
P
lans developed by RRM Design Grou
p, sheets L2.0
-
L2.8 for
additional detail
.

Use of
P
esticides

No pesticides will be used.

PUBLIC
A
CCESS

IMPROVEMENTS

Public access throughout Ellwood Mesa
has been

diminished by
falling trees,

and

heavy winter winds
and rain

have caused

a culvert failure, compromised the only emergency access road and

exacerbated
trail

erosion
.

During the December 2022 and January 2023
rain
storms the footbridge comprised of
wooden planks l
ying directly over Devereux Creek and providing passage to the Ell wood Main
viewing area were washed away. The
culvert in Devereux Creek providing water conveyance under the only emergency access road
to the coastal bluffs at E
l
lwood Mesa

failed.

The emergency access
road is now
vulnerable

to being fully compromised
.

The

MBHMP
has three Municipal programs that addre
s
s Trail Management,
Waste Management, and
Aesthetic Resource
Management
.

The sections below address the actions the City will take to repair
and improve public access.

Construction documents (
Appendix

A
) provide details for actions described below.

All public access
improvements detailed in this section will meet California Building Code and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Safe public access to the beach will be maintained throughout

construction, implementation, and
habitat restoration.

Viewing Area
s

Repair and Improvement

Dead and dying e
ucalyptus trees have fallen on and around the viewing areas on the west and east sides of the aggregation site

at Ellwood Main
, rendering them unus
able
. The

existing

east
ern

viewing
area will be repaired
via

the replacement of the
existing
seating with new
wood
benches

constructed
from downed eucalyptus trees

and
replacement of the degraded
delineating ropes

that serve to

keep
the public away from th
e aggregation trees.

A series of new interpretive signage panels will be installed to detail the migratory cycle of monarch butterfl
ies

and the
unique
history of monarchs at this site.

On the west
,

the
existing
viewing area will

receive minor
grading

to
provide a

similar

terraced area

with two benches

for visitors to access.

The
interpretive signs

and delineating ropes

described above
will

also
be installed

at the western viewing area
.

See the Public Access Plan
s

developed by RRM
Design Group,
sheets L1.0
-
L1.10 for additional detail.

Culvert Replacement
s

The
existing 72” galvanized steel corrugated metal pipe

(CMP)

culvert
in

Devereux Creek

located

near

the southern terminus of
Santa Barbara Shores Drive
is failing and
is proposed for
replacement
. The
City of Goleta

Projec
t Description

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

17 March 2023

culvert spans an important creek crossing that provides emergency and maintenance vehicle
access
into the open

space
.

A larger open bottom culvert made of corrugated aluminum is proposed as a replacement and has been sized to accommodate 1
00 -
year storm flows without overtopping
.

failing

existing
24” CMP
culver
t

on the west side of the
access
road will be re
placed in kin
d
. To
reduce trail erosion
t
wo
additional 24” CMP culverts will be installed
on the north side of Devereux
Creek
to conv
ey storm water flows from the terminus of Santa Barbara Shores into the c
reek
.

A new
24” CMP culvert is proposed on the south side of Devereux Creek to convey storm water under an existing trail crossing and into the creek.

See the Grading Plans developed
by RRM Design Group,
sheets C1.0
-
C2.1 for additional detail.

Foot
b
ridge

Replacement

A c
itizen

constructed

wooden plank

has served as a ground level footbridge over

Devereux Creek
,

spanning
from the trail

on the northern bank

the
Ellwood Main

aggregation site

to the south
.

The

existing bridge

and the trail used
for

access along the north
ern

side of the creek are located in a flood
zone and are
periodically
impassable during the wet season.

The
existing bridge
will be replaced with
a
n elevated

wooden
pedestrian bridge
that will meet current
California Building Code
and A
DA

requirements and
will provide a safe pedestrian creek crossing during the wet season .

The proposed
bridge will span the identified jurisdictional areas and grading required fo r install
ation of the three
concrete bridge abutments will remain outside of these jurisdictional areas .

Helical piers are proposed
within jurisdictional areas to support the bridge.

See the Public Access Plans developed by RRM
Design Group, sheets L1.0
-
L1.10 for additional detail.

Emergency/Maintenance
Road

Renovation

A portion of the access road spanning the southern terminus of Santa Barbara Shores and extending south approximately
800 linear feet will be replaced with a new road designed to comply with current Santa Barbara County Fire Development Standards. The proposed road surface will mostly be compacted road base with a short section exceeding a maximum allowable 10% gradient r equiring
concrete or asphaltic concrete surfacing.

An approximately 250
-
foot portion of the existing earthen
trail on the west side of Ellwood Main will be
graded slightly
,
compacted and surfaced

for emergency
access

from the bluff top
.

T
he Grading Plans d
eveloped by RRM Design Group, sheets C1.0
-
C2.
5 for
additional detail.

Vehicles expected to be used during habitat enhancement activities include rubber -
tired flatbed trucks,
pickup trucks, and water trucks. The enhancement areas will largely be accessed by

these vehicles from
the
emergency access road, existing
parking lot

and
the existing dirt trails

currently used by
maintenance vehicles
.

Trail

Repair

Trails within the work area

will be improved
to provide a

consistent
, well
-
drained

surface as detailed
in

Figure 18 of
the 2004 Ellwood
-
Devereux Coast Open
S
pac
e
M
anagement Plan
.

Trail types that
apply within the work area are
excerpted

from the Management Plan and
included

on sheet L1.10 of
RRM Design Group’s Public Access Plans.

Steep, unsustainable
trails

in key areas will be re
-
routed to
facilitate access by
impaired

users and
to promote
positive drainage

over trail surfaces
.

Abandoned
sections of trail

will be restored
with native vegetation
and decommissioned.

Approximately
975

linear
feet of new trail will be created.
1,150

feet of trail will be restored to native vegetation.

See the Public
Access Plans developed by RRM Design Group, sheets L1.0 -
L1.10 for additional de
tail.

Project Description

City of Goleta

March 202
3 18

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

Staging Areas

Approximat
ely
9,300
sq
uare f
ee
t (

0.25 acr
es
)
of currently disturbed or
non
-
native grassland
will be
utilized as

four separate

staging area
s

for
implementation
.

These locations will provide efficient

temporary

access
to

container plants, tools, materials, and
construction equipment
.

No
other
materials
will be stored overnight within the staging area;
and
only the number of plants needed for the day’s
activities will be brought on
-
site at any given time. The staging area
s

will be temporarily fenced with
6 -
foot
-
tall chain
-
link fence

installed on grade
.

Staging locations and fencing are shown in the Public
Access Plans developed by RRM Design Group, sheets L1.0 -
L1.10 for additional detail.

Water will be stored at the site in

a temporary aboveground water tank. The water tank area will be sufficient to accommodate a

5,000
-
gallon

water tank at approximately 111 square feet (0.003 acre).

Signage
Program

A s
ignage

program

will be implemented to
provide wayfinding directional sig
nage, interpretive
educational signage, and regulatory signage
.

Interpretive educational signage will be
permanently
mounted to low
-
profile prefabricated metal structures and located
in key areas to provide educational
content for trail

users. Possible top
ics for interpretive educational signage include monarch butterfl ies,
local
flora and fauna
, habitat restoration, and the history of Ellwood Mesa.

Wayfinding signage will
include wooden posts with butterfly symbols and arrows to direct trail users to the E llwood Main
monarch butterfly
aggreg
ation site

and trail maps at major entrances and intersections mounted

in the
same fashion

as the interpretive educational signage panels
.

Permanent
regulatory

signage will be
fastened to

fencing at

existing and proposed open space entrances and

pole mounted at

aggregation
site entrances
.

See the Public Access Plans developed by RRM Design Group, sheets L1.0 -
L1.10 for
additional detail.

Erosion Control

Erosion control mitigation measures will be impl
emented during any/all grading activities.

Temporary
Fenc
ing

S
ensitive
, rare and native vegetation will be temporarily protected by flagging or
fencing (orange plastic
snow fencing or similar)
each day by a qualified biologist
within and near work activi
ties
.

S
taging areas

will be delineated with t
emporary
6 -
foot chain link

fencing.

All fencing/flagging will immediately be
removed as enhancement activities are completed.

Work Area Delineation and Safety

At the beginning of each workday the work zone and
staging areas

will be delineated with highly visible
f
lagging/fencing

to exclude the public. A designated safety foreman will be on site daily to direct vehicles and equipment into
and out of
the enhancement area. The foreman will be responsible for public

safety
.

Open Space Accessories

T
rash

receptacles, d
og pick
-
up stations
, and bike racks

will be installed

in key areas within the work
area
.

See the Public Access Plans developed by RRM Design Group, sheets L1.0 -
L1.10 for additional
detail.

City of Goleta

Project Description

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

19 March 2023

Access
Routes

Workers will utilize trails to access the enhancement areas on foot as needed. Access routes from staging areas to the enhancement activities will be the least impactful route and will not require vehicles to traverse native habitats.

See the Public

Access Plans developed by RRM Design Group, sheets L1.0 -
L1.10.

The City will maintain coastal access within Ellwood Mesa at all times, temporary trail closures and te
mporary detours will be posted and updated daily on signs within the open space and onlin e for
the public.

Phasing and Timeline

Timing constraints to complete phase 1 project activities include overwintering monarchs
,

timeframes
of approval for work in regulated waters,
nesting bird
s
,
weather, and the
Coastal Conservancy
grant
funding deadlin
e. Civil improvements
(culvert replacements, mainline irrigation
installation
,
the bulk
of the
Santa Barbara Shores

Drive entrance and
maintenance
road

repair,
and
the
Ellwood Main access
road repair) are scheduled to occur May through

July.

Boa
rdwalk replacement, trail work and viewing
area work is scheduled

from
J
uly through
mid
-
September. Final road repair work is scheduled for
August through mid
-
September.

Planting will be ongoing and will begin after the irrigation mainline is installed.

NSITIVE RESOURCE PROTECTION

A comprehensive resource protection program has been
develop
ed

and will be complied with
in order
to protect sensitive resources within the management area .

D
aily biological and arboricultural
monitoring and/or surveys prior to any activities occurring, and coordination with Native American tribe monitors, and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for vehicle and equipment use.

The program
includes the mitigation me
asures described in the MND and MBHMP and applicant proposed measures listed in the Biological Resources Assessment technical report.

In addition, the City is
engaged with agencies who regulate resources including waters and threatened and endangered speci
es, as well as fire authorities and the California Coastal Commission to acquire needed permits and approvals.

Appendix
D

provides the comprehensive list of measures that the City will implement and that will provide protection to sensitive resources.

Project Description

City of Goleta

March 202
3 20

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

Thi
s Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space

Final Ellwood North

Implementation Plan

21 March 2023

3.0 PUBLIC

ENGAGEMENT

Many residents and visitors over the years have been inspired to help in the preservation and conservation of the important natural phenomenon of Ellwood Mesa
. Public engagement helped drive
the 2004 land transaction that led to City's acquisition of it an d its designation as open space. Beginning
in 2020 the City held public engagement events to present these implementation concepts and details, request public input and feedback, and answer questions. The table below provides a summary of public engagement

activities the city has held.

Table 2
–

Summary of Public Engagement

Date

Event

Location

Key Issues

Response

JAN
2002

Community meeting on the
future of the Ellwood and
Devereux hosted by the County,
UCSB and developers

Ellwood
School

Support for protection of open
space. Opposition to number of
proposed parking lots and paving

Pre
-

City of Goleta

JAN
2002

City of
Goleta Incorporated and
assumed jurisdictional
responsibility for Ellwood Mesa

The protection of Ellwood Mesa
from development was a key
issue that led to the City’s
incorporation

APR
2004

Community meeting on Ellwood
Mesa Open Space & Habitat
Managemen
t Plan (Joint
Management Plan) hosted by the
County

Isla Vista
School

Opposition to parking lots, trail
closure, loss of golf range and
potential environmental impacts

Pre
-

City of Goleta. Comments
addressed by the County in final
draft

APR
-
JUL
2004

The
City of Goleta Planning
Agency and City Council jointly
held eight duly noticed public
hearings to consider the
proposed Ellwood
-
Devereux
Coast Open Space and Habitat
Management Plan

Various

JUL
2004

Goleta City Council adopts the
Ellwood Mesa Open
Space &
Habitat Management Plan as it
pertains to City property, certifies
Final EIR & Addendum

Goleta
City Hall

FEB
2005

City of Goleta takes ownership of
Ellwood Mesa

Goleta Mayor Jean Blois called
the preservation of Ellwood
Mesa “one of the city’s
most
significant accomplishments
since incorporation three years
ago.”

OCT
2010

Goleta City Council authorizes a
contract for preparation of a
Monarch Butterfly Inventory and
Habitat Management Plan in
association with preparation of a
Goleta
City Hall

Consent agenda, approved with
no discussion

Public Engagement

City of Goleta

March 2023

22 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

Community Wildfir
e Protection
Plan

NOV
2012

Goleta City staff presented
results of meetings with
neighborhood groups and public
meetings to address growing
concerns arising from increasing
numbers of
visitors to the
Butterfly Grove

Impact to neighborhoods:
parking, traffic, safety, buses,
speed, vandalism and trash.

Impacts to the grove: how do
visitors impact trees and
butterflies? Extended discussion
re: proposed renaming to Goleta
Butterfly Grove.

Some locals feel
like the name change loses the
history of the community saving
Ellwood Mesa.

Staff responded to public
concerns with 3 goals: redirect
butterfly parking to the Ellwood
Mesa parking lot; rebrand as the
Goleta Butterfly Grove; create a
webs
ite to provide information
about the grove and the docent
program. Renaming is for signage
and website
-

capturing non
-
local
visitors looking for butterflies in
Goleta. Official maps and docs still
refer to Ellwood Main
Aggregation Site. Issues will be
add
ressed further in the Ellwood
Trails and Habitat Restoration
Design project and the MBHMP

JUL
2017

Goleta City Council considers
Tree Assessment prepared for
Monarch Butterfly Habitat
Management Plan, with
recommendations for trail
closure and tree remova
l

Goleta
City Hall

Strong opposition to trail closure
and large
-
scale tree removal.

Concern over public access,
impacts to butterflies and lack of
environmental assessment.

Friends of the Ellwood
Monarchs’ (FOTEM) lawyer
worked with staff and
consultants t
o draft an
alternative solution that would
allow removal of minimal
number of trees, keep some
trails open, and delay further
tree removal until the habitat
management plan is prepared
and approved

Council supported the FOTEM
-
proposed option. The City also

agreed to prioritize and fund
completion of the Ellwood Mesa
Monarch Butterfly Habitat
Management Plan, including
several in
-
depth scientific studies
to better understand the forest
habitat. The City was granted
emergency approval from the
Coastal Commiss
ion to remove 29
critically hazardous trees. A
follow
-
on Coastal Development
Permit (CDP) application was
required

JUL
2017

Public discussion on proposal to
close trails and remove dead and
dying trees

Goleta
City Hall

SEP
2017

City Council to
consider scope of
tree removal work and next steps

Goleta
City Hall

SEP
2017

Special meeting: City Council to
review public comments and
decide

Goleta
City Hall

AUG
2018

Individual Stakeholder Meetings

Various

City dept responsible for
implementation
, definitions,
dogs, environmental impacts,
fire, funding, handicap access,
human impacts, irrigation, native
habitats, public involvement,
restoration details, and signs

Comments and staff response
included in Appendix B

AUG
2018

Public Workshop to
review and
discuss the Habitat Management
Plan and Implementation Plan

Goleta
City Hall

SEP
2018

City Council Meeting

Goleta
City Hall

SEP
2018

Public Tree Advisory Commission

Goleta
City Hall

Comments and Staff Response
included in Appendix B

JAN
-
FEB
2019

Comment period for Draft Initial
Study and Mitigated Negative
Declaration prepared for the
Monarch Butterfly Habitat
Management Plan

Chemical use, butterfly tagging,
visual character, monitoring and
reporting, historic and cultural
value, f
ire safety, migratory and
nesting birds, vagueness of
mitigation measures, staging,
and timing of the MBHMP

Comments and staff response
included in Appendix C

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

23 March 2023

MAR
2019

City Council adopts Ellwood Mesa
/ Sperling Preserve Monarch
Butterfly Habitat Manageme
nt
Plan

Goleta
City Hall

Support for butterfly habitat
restoration, replanting and
maintaining trees in the grove,
fire safety and vegetation
management; request to abate
risks to adjacent
properties/power lines and
include native habitat
restoration in th
e MBHMP

Comments and staff response
considered by City Council prior to
adopting the plan

FEB
2020

Forum on Monarch Butterflys and
the Monarch Butterfly Habitat
Management Plan hosted by the
City of Goleta

Ellwood
School

Frustration among those in the
community at the slow pace of
action.

Plans to rehabilitate
Ellwood have existed in some
form or another since 2011

Educational forum
–

no formal
response

JAN
2021

Public Tree Advisory Commission

City Hall

Informational item, no public
comment. Concerns about other
species/wood rats, tree removal
method. Staff emphasized intent
to use waiver process rather
than emergency permit process
for tree removal. Expecting
major work through 2025

JUL
2022

Walking
tours of the butterfly
grove with City of Goleta Parks
and Open Space Manager George
Thomson to show proposed
enhancements

Ellwood
Mesa
Monarch
Butterfly
Grove

Educational forum
–

no formal
response

AUG
2022

Informal Q&A session to address
neighbor’s questions about what
the City is proposing to improve
the Ellwood Mesa Butterfly
Grove.

Ellwood
Mesa
Parking
Lot &
Devereux
crossing

Informal Q&A session
–

no formal
response

SEP
2022

Ellwood Mesa Monarch Butterfly
Habitat Management Plan
Workshop

Ellwood
School

Impact on butterflies, over
-
development of park
infrastructure, effectiveness of
proposed planting for butterfly
habitat (tree species) and the fire
risk of dead trees and brush to
the neighborhood

Design modifications were made
to
address community concerns:
eliminate eastern footbridge,
change remaining footbridge to
wood construction and make it
smaller, make benches from
fallen eucalyptus trees, cover
plastic irrigation with wood chips,
shrink kiosk height and width

OCT
2022

Mon
arch Butterfly Habitat
Management Plan presented to
the City of Goleta Parks and
Recreation Commission

Goleta
City Hall

Entrances and access, scale and
location of infrastructure, tree
species, future plans, relevancy
of some project components to
butterfl
y habitat, and developing
nature preserve into city park.

Commission supports staff’s
work and proposals on the
MBHMP and encourages staff to
Commission’s recommendation
goes to Goleta City Council, no
response necessary

Public Engagement

City of Goleta

March 2023

24 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

continue working with the
community, keep the
improvements as natural as
possible and balance accessibility
and fi
re risk with the mitigation
of environmental impact

FEB
2023

Individual Stakeholder Meetings

Various

Eucalyptus species, creek
restoration

Prepare fact sheet with backup
information on species selection

PUBLIC INPUT

Implementation Plan Changes Based on Public Input

Public access improvements have been re
design
ed.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

25 March 2023

This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.

Regulatory Setting

City of Goleta

March 2023

26 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

4.0 REGULATORY SETTING

FEDERAL

I
n 2014, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the USFWS to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under section 4(d) of the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA; Center for Biological Diversity, 2014). The USFWS updated their status ass essment on December 15, 2020
(USFWS, 2020), finding listing of the western monarch population was warranted but precluded. The finding stated that the USFWS could not identify Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) for monarchs, because historically when in
vertebrates, including butterflies, are evaluated, they are evaluated across the entire range. The evaluation was based on the global population which includes monarchs that occur East of the Rocky Mountains and on multiple continents. Hence, the listing w as precluded by
species of higher priority. Monarchs were ranked at priority level #8 on species list, where they still remain, with the next USFWS determination set for 2024 (USFWS 2022). The USFWS will review/revisit the status of Western monarchs on an
annual basis. The extremely low counts for 2021
were not included in the determination despite having been announced by the time the USFWS released their findings in 2022. The monarch butterfly therefore remains a candidate species for federal ESA listing.

STATE

Monarchs are included on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Terrestrial and Vernal Pool Invertebrates of Conservation Priority list with a State Ranking of S2S3, Imperiled/Vulnerable (CDFW, 2017). The monarch is also listed as a S pecies of Greatest
Conservation Need on California’s State Wildlife Action Plan (CDFW, 2015). The Sacramento Superior Court recently ruled in Almond Alliance of California v. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento Superior Court No. 34
-
2019
-
80003216 (Nov. 13, 2020) that insects are not
protected under the California Endangered Species Act. This applies to Monarchs. However, monarchs are protected under California Fish and Game Code Section (1002) which prohibits the take or possession of wil
dlife and California Code of Regulations Title 14 Sections 650(a) and (b) which requires a valid Scientific Collection Permit issued by CDFW for “handling monarchs, removing them from the wild, or otherwise taking them for scientific or propagation purpose s,
including captive rearing.” The California Coastal Commission also considers all monarch overwintering sites within the Coastal Zone to be Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA).

However, many Local Coastal Plans do not explicitly list overwinte ring sites as such, and thus
enforcement of ESHA status is inconsistent across overwintering sites (International Environmental Law Project and Xerces, 2012).

CITY OF GOLETA

The MBHMP was developed to be consistent with the other local
governing documents
:



T
he Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan (General Plan; City of Goleta 2006)



The Ellwood
-
Devereux Coast Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (Open Space Plan; City of Goleta et al. 2004).



The Goleta Urban Forest Management Plan (as amended and ap proved February 21, 2017)

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

27 March 2023

REGULATORY
A

GENCIES,

PERMITS AND APPROVALS

Agencies with authority over sensitive resources at Ellwood Mesa were notified during the preparation
of the MBHMP
. They
reviewed and provided commen
ts on the document
, to which the City

responded
. All agencies will be notified
again, before the City commences
of

activities described in
th
is

project description. In instances when r
egulatory permits
/
approvals
/

certifications
/
etc. are
required, the City will ascertain them prior to
commencement of project activities including

from the
Regional Water Quality Control Board
,
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, and in the event a federally protected species is observed or present the United St
ates Fish and Wildfire Service. All agency requirements for pre, during and post project activities including those for impacts to protected resources will be met by the City.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space

Final Ellwood North

Implementation Plan

28 March 2023

5.0 FINAL MONITORING

PROGRAM

The
Biological Monitoring Program,
Program
20 in the MBHMP, will be implemented. T
h
is
monitoring plan is
consistent with the MB
HMP and provides additional detail. Afte
r
tree replacement
and native plant
installation is complete, monitoring
will
commence

and will continue for a 10
-
year
monitoring period
.

During Year 1, points will be established so that photog raphs can be taken from
the same vantage point, at the same scale, and of the same area each year. Photographs will qualitatively document plant
establishment
, hydrologic conditions, and other site conditions
.

Each photo point
location will be documented u
sing global positioning system (GPS) and marked in the field with PVC pipes anchored by rebar, or a similar mechanism, which will be removed after completion of the 10 -
year monitoring period. The photographs will be included in the annual monitoring report

to allow
comparison between monitoring years.

The goal of the
monitoring program

integrat
es

various
components of the

biological resources
of
the eucalyptus groves that support seasonal monarch

butterfly aggregation sites
.

A
NNUAL
M
ONARCH
B

UTTERFLY
S
URVEYS

The City will conduct annual counts of the butterfly population at the aggregation sites .

Counts
wi
ll
be conducted
twice a month

throughout

the overwintering season (October 1 through March

15)
utilizing the counting protocol established b
y the Xerces Society

(The Xerces Society for Invertebrate
Conservation 2017)
.

Counts will be recorded and reported to the Xerces Society and regulatory agencies as needed or requested.

Tree numbers will be linked to observed aggregations where applicable

(
Policy 20
-
1 and Action 20
-

1.1 of the MBHMP)
.

HABITAT ASSESSMENTS

AND MANAGEMENT

Monitoring the overwintering habitat should be done by a qualified biologist/entomologist using the Western Monarch Butterfly Count Long Form Habitat Assessment for Year 1, and every 3 -
5 years

thereafter.

Replacement eucalyptus trees will be monitored by
a certified arborist or
monarch butterfly expert

contracted with the City to
track

tree
health and
adjust

care to
so that

establishment

occurs
.

R
eplacement tree
s

that di
e

will be assessed and
replaced
,

so that aggregation or wind barrier trees are
sufficie
nt to provide monarch overwintering habitat
.

Depending upon the size of the trees planted and planting conditions (soil, water availability, etc.), trees could take up to 20 years to reach full maturity and height, and shrubs could take 5 -
10 years. The
goal of the plantings is to provide wind protection in the management area and particularly at the aggregation site. Wind penetration will be measured every 3 -
5 years to understand the effectiveness of
the plantings. Results of this analysis shall be synth
esized with the Tree Management Program in order
to determine necessary management actions.

F
OREST

H
EALTH

The City will conduct annual assessments of ecosystem
-
wide vegetation and
overall
tree
and forest
health throughout Ellwood Mesa
. The assessment will

include
assessing the presence and extent of
pests

and

disease, fire

risk due to dense and/or dead vegetation
,
an
y

issues th
at

arise due to
flood
ing
and
erosion, vandalism, and
presence of
non
-
native

or invasive

plant
s
.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

29 March 2023

Selective thinning will be
done to reduce competition between trees

and benefit the overall grove
health.

Trees selected for removal should include trees that are of lesser health , trees that are generally
within the understory of the grove and should include trees that are evenly s paced out to prevent large
canopy openings. Selective thinning will reduce competition and better distribute essential

resources
such a
s

water and soil nutrients, allowing the remaining groves health to increase. The remaining canopy w
ill

expand and fill i
n the gaps of the removed trees over time. Selective thinning would also decrease the groves susceptibility to a high
-
intensity crown fire by decreasing the overall
canopy
fuel
load. Care should be taken to not overthin the grove.

In addition to forest thi
nning, tree limbs and
trees that have naturally fallen throughout the management area will be actively removed to decrease fuel loading and eliminate ladder fuel within the understory. Mid -
story trees and shrubs

will

be
separated from each other and the
tr
ee

canopy by offsetting the plantings to avoid the creation of ladder fuels to the maximum extent feasible.

Ellwood Mesa experiences massive tree
die
-
off in the future, a forest
-
wide assessment will be
accomplished through use of high resolution multispec
tral and hyperspectral imaging and analysis, or
similar means.

Results of this analysis shall be synthesized with the Tree Management Program

(Program 12 of the
MBHMP)

in order to determine necessary management actions and any adaptations needed.

P
LANTED
N
ATIVE
V
EGE
T
ATION

Where native vegetation is planted a qualified biologist will qualitatively monitor establishment and health monthly, for a year. After the first year of establishment the areas will be quantitatively monitored once in the spring a
nd once in the winter for 10 years.

If planted vegetation dies and the
area is not vegetated to the extent that a naturally occurring community would be, the City will replant the native
vegetation annually.

NVASIVE
AND
N
ON
-
NATIVE
PLANT
S

M
onitoring of in
vasive plant
s
will be conducted at a minimum annually to
identify and eradicate or
control occurrences
of invasive non
-
native plant species classified

by the California Invasive Plant
Council
(Cal
-
IPC) as “High” or “Moderate”
priority for control

(Program
15 of the MBHMP)

(Cal
-
IPC 2012)
. Eradication effo
rts and tracking of invasive non
-
native plant populations will be included
in the annual monitoring reports.

Non
-
native plants will be
monitored simultaneously and
removed primarily using hand removal
metho
ds, such as hand
-
held weed whips, loppers, and hoes.

The majority of invasive non
-
native plant removal efforts will be conducted during the peak growing season (winter and spring) when non
-
native plant species are most prevalent. A regular but lower level

of effort during the rest of the year is recommended to minimize the spread of non -
native plant seeds.

The maintenance schedule and crew size will be adjusted based on the abundance of non -
native plants
on
-
site and the effort it takes to remove them befor
e going to seed.

IRRIGATION

Replacement trees
will

be watered until established, which may require several years depending on rainfall patterns. Native
vegetation

will be watered until established

or no longer than 5 years.

irrigation schedule to maximize growth of the eucalyptus plantings and native vegetation will be
established

after the first year of monitoring
. The schedule will

account for natural rainfall and
will
Final Monitoring Program

City of Goleta

March 2023

30 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

minimiz
e

growth of invasive non
-
native plants. General
ly, if irrigation is needed, more irrigation will
be provided during the growing season (winter and spring) to mimic seasonal weather patterns, and minimal irrigation will be provided during the summer and fall as needed to keep plants alive.

MICROCLIMATE

SUCCESS CRITERIA

Current scientific understanding provides a general model of climatic factors necessary for favorable monarch butterfly overwintering habitats (refs
). However, the microclimates that are available vary
with latitudinal from north to so
uth across the overwintering range, and monarch butterflies select habitat from what is available rather than selecting a singular suite of conditions across all sites (refs ).

Consequently, criteria for success based on a singular combination of physica l climate measures such
as temperature, humidity, wind, and light cannot be quantified in any meaningful, science -
based way
and would not be sufficient to document success relative to our long -
term restoration goals (refs)
. The
microclimate conditions,
especially wind, that drive monarch micro
-
distributions are highly transient
(Leong 2016). In addition, predicting how many monarchs will cluster and where they will cluster is impractical over the 10
-
year monitoring period. This is because the overall pop ulation size fluctuates
annually and the relative proportion of the overwintering population at any one grove varies across years (refs).

To better define these goals, success criteria should be more management based and monitoring should document th
e transformation from former conditions. Planting eucalyptus and other
trees at
a set density in areas with considerable canopy loss is intended to create a heterogeneous aged forest that provides suitable habitat for monarchs. Thus, our primary goal must

be to actively encourage
and maintain future canopy creation via forest management and new tree planting, with adaptive management conducted through replacing lost trees. From this perspective, success would be measured using forest management and tree pl
anting metrics, such as percent of initial canopy gaps
filled in 10 years (these canopy gaps are identified in the A&M H
abitat
R
eport

and can be measured
with hemispherical photography
), survivorship rate of planted trees, and occupancy
patterns
of the
gro
ve by monarch butterflies (given other groves in the region also continue to be occupied).

NESTING BIRD SURVEYS

The City will avoid vegetation disturbance throughout the nesting bird season (March 15 to August

15)
to the extent feasible. If habitat enhance
ment activities involving vegetation disturbance is scheduled during nesting bird season, a biological monitor will conduct pre -
activity nesting surveys to ensure no
active nests are present in the work area and vicinity (Action 11 -

1.3, MBHMP).

ANNUAL REPO
RTING

The City will create an annual monitoring report detailing the progress and findings documented during
the monarch surveys

and

assessments

described
above and

will include a summary of
management actions taken
. This report will include
information recorded in monitoring logs
maintained during implementation of the MBHMP

and
Visitor Impact Assessment to track trail use
trends, potential impacts on trails, erosion changes on trails, and potential impacts on aggregation sites near trails.

A
ny corrective actions implemented to address threats to monarch habitat and changes to monarch habitat use.

As needed, recommendations for adaptive management strategies will be provided in the annual report.

The results of this report will be assessed al
ongside the Adaptive Management Program
(Program 22 of the MBHMP) to determine if changes in management actions are necessary.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

31 March 2023

Annual reports will be submitted to the
Coastal
Commission for a period of ten years for the review
and approval of the Executive

Director.

COMPENSATORY MITIGATION FOR PROJECT IMPACTS

When regulatory agencies require compensatory mitigation for impacts to protected resources the City will conduct r
equired monitoring and reporting to meet agency approval requirements. A separate restoration plan will be prepared for each agency as required.

This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.

Final Monitoring Program

City of Goleta

March 2023

32 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

33 March 2023

6.0 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

A tremendous amount of study and analysis

informed the selection and location of the
eucalyptus and
native

trees

and native plants
to be planted
.

Th
is

is unique in
nature, namely
in
that Ellwood
Mesa
is a
eucalyptus
forest

now comprised of
severely degraded
trees

and is ESHA
.

The City is balancing
the
restoration,
enhancement
,

and management of monarch habitat with
in the context of an open
space
that also has rich native biological resources and provides habitat to numerous flora and fauna.

The translation of success of the re
placement tree plantings, and therefore the habitat, will be told somewhere in the range of 20
-
30 years from now, when the tees achieve the height and structure needed for monarch overwintering. Changes in our climate are likely to continue to affect the h ealth
and viability of all of the vegetation in California, and we are not able to predict what that will look like. Monarch counts in the future are likely to fluctuate greatly, regionally and at this, site due to many factors including climate change.

Th
e monitoring program described in
Section 4
, above, will be implemented and will contribute to
the information base that provides insight into the MBHMP, which plantings are performing well and those that could be performing better or differently with chan ging situations. Program 8 of the
MBHMP and this section of the document provides a vehicle for the City to make adjustments in management approaches on an as
-
needed basis, especially as new information provides new opportunities for improved management pr
actices and resource stewardship.

Ongoing maintenance,
restoration, monitoring, and research programs will
be
pivotal in understanding and addressing any
evolving needs of the habitat.

If the western monarch butterfly population is listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS the
agency will designate critical habitat for the species. It is likely the known or historic overwintering sites will be included as critical habitat. As a result, the regulatory setting for managing their habitat will become more

complex and will include review and approval by USFWS. This management plan would very likely require an update or amendment to be consistent with the federal habitat protection requirements.

Adaptive Management

City of Goleta

March 2023

34 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve

Open Space

Final Ellwood Implementation Plan

35 March 2023

7.0 REFERENCE
S

Althouse and Meade, Inc. 2023.

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Habitat Analysis and Recommendations
f
or Restoration, Goleta, California.

Prepared for City of Goleta, Public Works Department. Feb r
uary.

California I
nvasive Plant Council (Cal
-
IPC). 2012. Preventing the spread of Invasive Plants: Best Management Practices for Land Managers (3rd ed.). Cal
-
IPC Publication 2012
-

03. California
Invasive Plant Council, Berkeley, CA. Available at
www.cal
-
ipc.org
.

City of Goleta.

2004.

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space: Overwintering Monarch Butterfly Survey Report 2021
-
2022. April 2022.

____.

2006. City of Goleta General Plan/Coastal Use Plan
F
inal Environmental Impact Report.

September 2006.

____.
2011b. Goleta Urban Forest Management Plan. Originally adopted June 7, 2011. Amended and approved February 21, 2017.

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. 2017.

Step
-
by
-
Step Western Monar
ch Than
ksgiving Count
Monitoring Guide
.

Available:
https://www.westernmonarchcount.org/downloads
.

Last
updated
:

October 2017

References

City of Goleta

March 2023

36 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Final Ellwood
Implementation Plan

This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.

Appendix A

Waiver De Minim
i
s

Rincon Consultants, Inc.
2 0 9 E a s t V i c t o r i a S t r e e t
San ta Ba rba ra , Ca lifo rnia 93101

8 0 5 3 1 9 4 0 9 2

i n f o @ r i n c o n c o n s u l t a n t s . c o m
w w w . r i n c o n c o n s u l t a n t s . c o m
E n v i r o n m e n t a l S c i e n t i s t s P l a n n e r s E n g i n e e r s

079-210-024 079-210-070 079-442-023
079-210-050 079-210-071 079-445-001
079-210-051 079-210-072 079-491-016
See Figure 1.

Project Description
(Include detailed description of the proposed development, including existing and proposed square footage, and existing and proposed height, as applicable – attach additional sheets if needed):

The City of Goleta (City) submits this request to the California Coastal Commission (Commission) for review and approval of a Waiver de Minimis (waiver) to conduct immediate removal of dead and downed eucalyptus trees (hazardous fuel reduction activities) as described in the City of Goleta’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP 2012) at Ellwood Mesa. Reduction of the hazardous fuel load within Ellwood Mesa is critical for preventing potential catastrophic fire in Ellwood Mesa and the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Implementation of the CWPP on 78 acres of open space will March 10, 2023
Project No: 20-10199
California Coastal Commission
South Central Coast District Office
89 South California Street, Suite 200
Ventura, California 93001-4508
Subject: Waiver Request – Ellwood Mesa Neighborhoods Hazardous Fuel Reduction Name, mailing address, telephone number of all applicants/owners:

City of Goleta – Public Works Department
130 Cremona Drive, Suite B
Goleta California, 93117
(805) 961-7578
Name, mailing address, telephone number of applicant’s representative:

George Thomson, Parks and Open Space Manager
City of Goleta
130 Cremona Drive, Suite B
Goleta California, 93117
(805) 961-7578
Project location (Address & APN): Goleta, CA 93117
APNs of Waiver de Minimis CWPP
079-210-019 079-210-069 079-395-015
City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
2 protect life and property and the environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHA), the monarch butterfly overwintering habitat and raptor habitat.

The Cit
y and its consulting team have carefully assessed monarch aggregation habitat and the CWPP vegetation treatments to develop a refined approach to reduce fire risk without negatively altering the character and integrity of
monarch
aggregation sites

(
Figure
2 a through
Figure
2 d
)
. Treatments in the
CWPP were strategically modi
fied and mapped to avoid resources, including native plants, native trees, and active bird nests. Great care will be taken to remove dead eucalyptus trees and vegetation that are creating fire risk
while
retain
ing

three types of dead wood that do not creat
e a fire risk and do provide
wildlife habitat: snags or standing dead trees with cavities, large trunks in contact with the ground and in decomposition, and twigs gathered into a brush pile.

Description of Need

In 20
19 the CWPP determined that Ellwood Mesa

has one of the highest levels of ignition risk within
Goleta, with an average 0.68 ignitions per year during 1998 -
2020, and
a Hazard Level Code of “3” which
indicates the highest fire threat level
. Th
e threat

has
continue
d

to increase due to the ongoing d
rought
and increasing temperatures in central California. Between 2012 and 202 3 the City witnessed an
unprecedented die off
in
the eucalyptus grove
. High winds and heavy rains
in 2022 and 2023
have
caused dozens of eucalyptus trees to fall or be at imminen t likelihood of failure. In addition, as of March
2023 the City has received 111% of its rainfall for a normal water -
year, which is anticipated to result in
increased vegetation growth/fuel load and increased fire risk during the upcoming 2023 dry summer/f all
months.

Values at risk include residences, powerlines, hiking trails, public coastal access, ESH A
, sewer collection
and water distribution lines, and monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Recent fire events in the immediate region include the Alisal a nd Hollister fires that have burned
approximately 17,500 acres immediately north of the City boundary (in November 2021 and March of 2022 respectively). These fires are indicative of the vulnerability of the Goleta area to fire.

Attachment
1 is a summary prepared by the monarch biologists describing the need and benefit of the dead wood removal on the monarch habitat that the City proposes in this waiver.

Attachment
2 provides photographs of representative fuel loads
from
20 21 and
2022,
throug
hout the
forest.

Permit History

Has any application for development on this site including any subdivision been submitted previously to the Coastal Commission? If yes, state previous application number (s), date, and brief description.

Previous applicatio
n numbers: Yes.

G
-
4 -
17 -
0048, September 26, 2017, Emergency approval to remove 29 eucalyptus trees that were dead or at high risk of failure at Ellwood Mesa open space. Follow -
on CDP application was
required.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
3 4
-
18 -
1223, October 23, 2019, Notice of Intent to Issue Permit issued for implementation of the 2018 Final Implementation Plan for Ellwood Mesa to restore habitat for overwintering monarch butterflies. This was a follow
-
on application to G
-
4 -
17 -
0048. The 20
18 Final Implementation Plan
described how work was planned that would fulfill the requirements and conditions of the Emergency Permit. The NOI Permit Application No. 4
-
18 -
1223 was conditioned with
six
special
conditions.

The City is currently preparing a
pplications, documents and plans to meet the special conditions and will do so by applying for two CDPs to implement t
he MBHMP for the entire management
area
: 1) Phase One of the Comprehensive Management Plan includes

enhancement
of the
habitat for 60 acre
s of the management area and public access improvements, and Phase Two
of the Comprehensive Management Plan
includes the same for the remaining 30 acres
. The first
phase application will be submitted to the
Commission in June 2023
, and second in 202
4 /2025
.

4 -
16 -
1055, August 2019, Implementation of the Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trails and Habitat Restoration Project through the Santa Barbara County Trails Council. The C
ity is currently
developing a revised strategy to improve the trail system and will submit a CDP

application
amendment in 2024
/2025
.

In February 2022 a
W
aiver de
M
inimis
,

Waiver 4
-
21 -
0358
-
W
,

was issued to Southern California Edison
(SCE) to tr
im

eucalyptus trees

within the management area
,
along the

company’s

distribution power
line
s
.

Applicable
CEQA

Review

The Goleta City Council approved the Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP)
(Attachment 3)
Initial Study
-
Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS
-
MND) in 2019

(Attachment
4)
. The MBHMP i
ncludes specific measures for protecting monarch
aggregation sites and other sensitive biological resources and incorporates CWPP vegetation removal prescriptions.

E
nvironmental impacts associated with fuel management activities within the butterfly habita
t areas were analyzed under CEQA approval of the IS
-
MND. The Ellwood
-
Devereux Coast Open
Space Plan and the MBHMP and the City’s General Plan serve as governing documents for the management of Ellwood Mesa.

Timeline

In 2019 the Coastal Conservancy executed

a
$

3.9 million grant to the City, to implement the MBHMP for habitat management and safety. Since that time, the City and its

team of consultants have performed
numerous studies to understand and assess the conditions of the diminished habitat and high fi re risk,
and develop a strategy to enhance the ESHA while reducing the fire risk.

In
202
1 t
he
City applied for a
nd

was awarded a
$1.7 million grant from CAL FIRE to implement the CWPP
at Ellwood Mesa.

The City is prepared to begin implementing the CWPP ac
tivities in the Spring of 2023.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
4 Fuel Reduction Activities

The highest priority areas for prescribed vegetation management are those within the 100 -
foot
defensible space buffer. Defensible space is the space between a structure and the wildland area or nei
ghboring structures that, under normal conditions, creates a sufficient buffer to slow or halt the spread of a wildfire to a structure. Defensible space protects a structure from direct flame impingement, radiant heat, and some burning embers and is essent
ial for structure survivability during wildfires. In
California, citizens are required to follow 100’ defensible space guidelines specified in PRC -
4291 (CWPP
2012).

The CWPP Prescription Guidance for Vegetation Management Units (VMUs) prescribed by CAL FIR E, is
provided in Attachment
5 . The fuel management prescriptions for each of Goleta’s VMUs were developed to guide treatments to achieve a less hazardous fuel profile through mechanical and hand vegetation management. Treatment types depend largely on vegetation type, site topography,

project
objectives, and may have limitations due to sensitive habitat, archaeological concerns, soil, water courses, and proximity to structures. Treatment zones were identified in consideration of these factors and proximity to developed and/or recreatio
nal areas as specified by CAL FIRE, the Goleta City Project Manager, monarch butterfly biologists, and certified arborists.

Equipment

Equipment to be utilized to conduct vegetation management will be:



Grapple saw
s
,



Chipper
s
,



Skid steer
s
,



Crane,



Spider
lift,



Aerial bucket truck
s
,



Standard work trucks,



Mowers,



Hand tools
-

including trimmers, weed whackers, hedgers, shovels, wheelbarrows, and rakes

Chipped materials will be spread around
the grove
s to enhance water retention and promote healthy
trees.

Work areas will be accessed via existing roads for work trucks, and existing trails for crews to walk to work areas. Access to the coastline via Ellwood Mesa will not be blocked by the vegetation man agement
activities. The work areas will be delineated daily so that the work area extent is visible from a distance.

A safety foreman will be on site daily to direct the public around the work areas and to alternative trails as needed
.

Ne
ighboring

property

owners will be notified if planned vegetation management activities are expected to occur within
100
’ of their property boundary. They will be provided an approximate schedule for work planned near their property at least 30
-
days in advance of the start o
f construction.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
5 Best professional standards will be employed at all times. The City’s methods for the emergency tree removals will be included in the contractor’s bid specifications and are as follows:



Securing areas where tree removal work will be condu
cted from public access during the time that
work is being conducted. Ensuring the safety of workers and the community at large is of paramount importance.



Construction notification signs will be posted at the staging and access areas alerting the public t o
the presence of heavy equipment and tree work.



Branches and cut wood will be chipped in place where feasible, and trunks or large branches too large to chip will be laid on the forest floor or cut to appropriate length and used as trail barriers.



Soil disturbance will be minimized and appropriate erosion controls will be used.



Construction equipment staging, fueling, and storage areas shall be located outside of the eucalyptus groves (the outer dripline plus 5 feet), and no closer than 10 0 feet from Devereux Creek.

Localized staging along the sewer line road north of Devereux Creek is permissible when removing trees along trails, as the road represents the least environmentally damaging staging area for this location.



Wooden boards or othe
r protective devices (rubber matting) should be placed within groves and under heavy equipment to distribute the weight of any heavy machinery used during removal (trucks, cranes, etc.).



Pesticides and herbicides will not be used.



Fire suppression equipm
ent will be onsite at each work area.

The City’s onsite arborist and/or environmental monitor will work with the Contract Manager to minimize tree removal impacts to adjacent habitat and public access.

Trails and Signage

During fire risk reduction activiti
es trails will be closed within
at least 1
00 feet of work, for public safety.

Trails will be open every day, after activities conclude.

During daily activities
,

signs will be posted to
reroute the public to the open trails. The City will post the weekly sc hedule on their website dedicated
to this effort. Signs will be posted at all 13 entrances to the open space with the following information:

Need for Project, City Contact, Background, Applicable Permits, and a For More Information link.

Alternative routes

and construction staging areas will not disrupt native habitats and will utilize the existing trail network, as shown in
Figure
3 a and
Figure
3 b
.

S
igns, site demarcation materials, and
equipment will be removed daily. No
overnight

trail closures will occur.

Refined Fuel Treatment Design

The City and its team of consulting biolog
ists, including monarch butterfly specialists Dr
.

Dan Meade of
Althouse and Meade and Dr. Stu Weiss of Creekside Center for Earth Observation, have carefully assessed the monarch aggregation site habitat in relationship to the dead eucalyptus trees and the

project team has refined the fuel reduction activities, specially to remove only the dead eucalyptus trees and dead debris that will help meet the treatment objectives but will maintain the character and integrity of the habitat that supports the monarch
aggregation sites
.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
6 Where actual conditions on the ground require special consideration or a modification to the treatments described in the CWPP Table 14 (Attachment
5 ), the City has assigned a more refined treatment (for vegetation removal). This may be due to the presence
of native plants, orientation of vegetation that
provides important wind protection to aggregation sites, etc.

Figure
2 a through
Figure
2 d

shows the
treatment areas as individual zones.

Attachment
6 provides a table
with
a general summary of the
treatment types
as well as a table with the CWPP Treatment Zones

mapped in

Figure
2 a through
Figure
2 d
(including

details regarding the treatments based on the on
-
the
-
ground assessment of current
monarch habitat
)
.

Note that b
oth Modified and Unmodified Aggregation treatments retain the trees that provide wind protection to the aggregation sites,
and
vegetation removal is focused on dead and
downed trees and

vegetation
that is
zero to six feet in height.

Ecological Surveys and Studies

The City

has completed and continues to conduct extensive surveys to identify and map native biological resources that will be avoided during fuel reduction activities

and implementation of the MBHMP
.

The
City has conducted surveys for

sensitive vegetation commun
ities, native and rare plants, native trees,
special
-
status wildlife species (including monarch butterfly over -
wintering aggregation sites), historic
nesting bird sites and perching sites, locally known migrating bird congregation sites, jurisdictional wat
ers and wetlands, ESHA that is protected by both the City General Plan and the California Coastal Act.

Sensitive Resource Protection

The City will take actions prior to and during fuel reduction activities to protect biological resources .

All
fuel reducti
on activities will be conducted in compliance with the MBHMP and corresponding final MND.

The project will
also
comply with the Conditions of Approval associated with NOI Permit Application No. 4 -
18 -
1223.

The current status of the City’s implementation of

Special Conditions from NOI Permit
Application No. 4
-
18 -
1223 is provided in Attachment
7 .

Project Plans

Include two (2) sets of proposed project drawings (site plan, floor plan, and other plans as necessary).

Drawings must be to scale with dimensions show
n. All oak trees and riparian vegetation (canopy),
streams and drainages, wetlands, easements, and public hiking and equestrian trails (including existing offers to dedicate trails) must be identified on the site

plan
.

See

Figure
3 a

and
Figure
3 b
.

Structures Destroyed by Disaster

If the proposed development is the replacement of a structure(s) destroyed due to disaster, please include copies of previous building or site plans, if av ailable, to indicate the location, size and height of
structure(s). Other potential information that can be used to demonstrate the size and location of structures includes, but is not limited to, photos of the property, surveys showing foundation(s), buil ding
permits, and assessor’s

records.

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
7 Not applicable.

Filing Fee

Per the application fee schedule (effective July 1, 2021), the filing

fee for an exemption determination is

$
706
.00.

Sincerely
,

Rincon Consultants, Inc.

S
tephanie Lopez
,
ISA Certified Arborist

Chris
topher

Julian

Supervising Biologist

Principal

Regulatory Specialist

Attachments

Attachment 1
–

Letter Regarding Dead Tree Removal and Habitat Values

Attachment 2
–

Examp
le Photos of Vegetative Fuel Load at Ellwood Mesa

Attachment 3
–

Monarch Habitat Management Plan

Attachment 4
–

Initial Study
–

Mitigated Negative Declaration

Attachment
5 –

Community Wildfire Protection Plan
–

Fuels Mitigation Prescription
Guidance

Attachment
6 –

Refined Vegetation Fuel Load
Reduction

Attachment
7 –

Special Conditions from NOI Permit Application No. 4
-
18 -
1223

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
8 Figure
1 Waiver 1 APNs

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
9 Figure
2 a

Waiver 1 Fuel Reduction
–

CWPP Treatment

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
10 Figure
2 2
b

Waiver 1 Fuel Reduction
–

CWPP Treatment

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
11 Figure
2 2
c

Waiver 1 Fuel Reduction
–

CWPP Treatment

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
12 Figure
2 2
d

Waiver 1 Fuel Reduction
–

CWPP Treatment

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
13 Figure
3 a

Waiver 1

Area
Resouces

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

Page
14 Figure
3 b

Waiver 1

Area
Resouces

Attachment
1 Dead

wood

removal

and

monarch

butterfly

habitat

effects

March

2022

TO:

George

Thomson

Parks

Open

Space

Manager

City

Goleta

Public

Works

Department

FROM:

Dan

Meade

and

Stu

Weiss

Removal

dead

downed

wood

and

dead

standing

trees

benefits

monarch

butterfly

habitat

and

forest health. Forest habitat is best for monarch butterflies when it provides a balance between

cover and room for flight.

Wind shelter by a dense outer screen of trees is critical. Inside that

screen,

dappled light is key to monarch aggregation locations. Very dense canopies from

overcrowded trees or open canopies from death of trees are not suitable as monarch

aggregation

habitat.

The Xerces Society guidelines for managing monarch groves (The Xerces Society 2017)

suggests that even very important trees (VITs), “…that are also hazard trees should be

replaced.” (pg. 14).

“Completely dead trees and branches generally do not contribute to

monarch habitat and are a potential liability.

Felled debris from d
iseased and infected trees

should be removed from the habitat to eliminate host material.” (pg. 19).

“Standing dead trees

generally

not

contribute

monarch

habitat

and

are

hazard

people

and

other

trees.”

(pg.

25).

The

1993

Monarch

conservation

and

management

guidelines

(Bell

al.

1993)

state,

“The

authors recognize the importance of removing hazardous trees from forests.”

(Recommendation 18). And, “Understory levels should be managed to prevent a localized

buildup

dead

plant

ma
terials.”

(Recommendation

30).

Monarch

Habitat

In our experience of visiting scores of monarch butterfly aggregation sites during more than 30

years

observation,

monarch

butterflies

prefer

aggregate

locations

with

wind

protection

buffer
surrounding a more open center that allows access and patrolling space for flying

butterflies.. Monarchs leave roosts subject to disruptive wind (Leong 2016) for protected

locations

that

provide

dappled

light

and

ameliorate

temperature

and

humidity

extreme
s.

Monarch aggregation habitats often have low to moderate densities of ground vegetation with

an open mid story within the wind protected area.

Several famous monarch butterfly

aggregation sites, such as Pismo Beach and Pacific Grove have highly managed u nderstories

free

downed

wood.

The

relatively

clear

floors

those

groves

include

wide

walking

paths

that

are

not

detrimental

monarch

aggregations

that

form

the

surrounding

trees..

In Ellwood, monarchs have sought out
wind
-
sheltered gaps in the forest to form their

aggregations.

Ellwood Main prior to the recent drought die
-
off was the exemplar of an

aggregation site with a “Cathedral” structure consisting of an open understory, minimal ground

cover, and a high vertical
open space encompassed by protective trees. Surrounding slopes

contributed to wind shelter and tall canopy trees formerly provided ideal dappled light and room

to fly.

The northern entrance to the aggregation site remained open and thicker vegetation

aroun
d the edges of the site provided excellent wind buffering.

The drought die
-
off of trees

changed the site and where protective trees stood west and east of the grove, tangles of dead

fallen wood and standing dead stems occupy the space and allow wind to pen etrate far deeper

into

the

grove

than

previously.

Within

the

aggregation

site,

standing

dead

trees

place

other

trees

at risk,and

downed trees and debris interfere with recruitment of replacement trees.

Ellwood

Main

longer

provides

the

excellent

aggregation

habitat

past

years.

Monarchs are often observed flying through stands of trees investigating habitat. This behavior

c
an

lead

them

aggregations.

Groves

where

trees

are

too

dense,

where

debris

and

tangles

of dead wood block patrolling areas, reduce access and increase effort to locate suitable

roosting

locations.

Historically,

Ellwood

forests

were

managed

remove

dead

wood

and

maintain

healthy

stands

of trees through normal forestry practices (Santos 1997, Meade pers. observ.). Failure to

manage a grove results in over recruitment of trees during periods of higher rainfall and then

death of trees during time
s of water stress (droughts).

Appropriately managing tree density

based on water demand creates a more stable grove and is a fundamental tenet of forestry

management,

even

for

groves

managed

for

wildlife

(Grebner

al.

2021,

Taylor

2018)

Eucalyptus does
not break down as quickly as native vegetation and wood and bark debris that

accumulates on the ground retains nutrients and can inhibit new growth. Fallen blue gum

eucalyptus

trees

decompose

very

slowly

(DiTomaso

al.

2013),

especially

dry

climates.

The

high level of phenolics in eucalyptus inhibits fungi from breaking down the wood and allows

accumulation

fire

fuel

(Reid

al.2005).

Chipping

will

aid

the

release

nutrients

from

woody

debris by converting coarse wood to fine pieces (Ru
ssell et al. 2015). Mulching around new

forest plantings can increase planting survival and growth rate (Cahill et al. 2005, Chalker -
Scott

2007).

Wildfire

Risk

Accumulation of bark and dead wood on the ground and leaning into the tree canopy creates a

major fire hazard to monarch habitats (Xerces 2017). Ignition from camp fires and other human

sources can feed on ground debris and quickly escalate into a catastrophic fire event.

This risk

can be managed by reducing fuel load through
removal of dead branches, trunks and highly

flammable vegetation that can create fire ladders into the forest crown.

The Ellwood groves,

once

managed

for

wood

production,

now

present

tangle

downed

wood,

dead

leaning

trunks

and over abundant understory

shrubs.

The City of Goleta Community Wildfire Protection Plan

(2012) provides management recommendations to reduce,

“potential fire intensity, rate of

spread,

and

severity

effects.”

(pg

58).

Management

prescriptions

the

CWPP

whenimplemented

will

hel
p

protect

life,

property,

and

natural

resources

including

monarch

butterfly

habitat.

The

presence

large

quantity

dead

wood

Ellwood

results

in:

●

Increased

wind

penetration

and

speed

aggregation

locations

due

downed

trees.

●

Higher

risk

remaining

live

trees

●

Reduction

shade

aggregation

sites

●

Loss

cover

for

butterflies

from

predators

●

Poor

recruitment

and

growth

replacement

trees

●

Increased

wildfire

risk

intensification

fires

and

fire

ladder

canopy

●

Public

safety

hazard

from

dead

standing

and

leaning

trees

and

ground

debris

Removal

dead

wood

from

the

Ellwood

forests

and

monarch

groves

will

have

positive

effects

for

monarch

butterflies.

●

Removal

and

replacement

dead

trees

will

increase

humidity

and

shade

and

boost

protection

monarchs.

●

Removal

downed

trees

and

branches

eliminates

debris

tangles

that

interfere

with

recruitment

saplings

and

growth

trees

with

good

form.

●

Space

for

planting

trees

will

opened

removing

dead

wood.

●

Removal

leaning

dead

trees

and

branch

and

debris

tangles

will

improve

patrolling

and

clustering

habitat

for

monarch

butterflies.

●

Reduction

hazards

for

visitors

the

grove

●

Preserve

habitat

reducing

intensity

and

rate

spread

fires.

Photo

1 shows

the

dead

stand

along

the

trail

that

runs

west

the

gully

Ellwood

Main.

Large

tangles

fallen

trees

lie

among

the

standing

dead,

and

the

canopy

very

open.

The

hemispherical

photographs

(hemiphotos)

below

show

some

the

impacts

tree

mortality

on the effectiveness of windbreaks.

Photo 2 was taken near the same site as Photo 1 above.

The hemiphoto is taken straight up
-

the horizon is at the circular edge, and the zenith is the

center of the circle.

North is at the top o
f the photograph, and east and west are reversed from

a map view because the photograph is looking upward. The opening in the orange circle in the

SW direction is where many trees died (the site in Photo1), allowing wind to penetrate well into

the aggregat
ion site.

The dead standing trees block only a tiny fraction of the sky compared

with the live trees in other directions. Photo 3 was taken 10 meters south of Photo 2, showing

the same wind shelter gap, which affects a large area downwind.

In this case, th
e loss of

shelter

against

prevailing

winds

has

degraded

the

quality

Ellwood

Main.

Photo

2 Photo

3 The

map

below

shows

measure

canopy

greeness

(Normalized

Difference

Vegetation

Index,

NDVI) where the blue
-
green shows
healthy foliage and the brown shows dead canopy (and

brown grass outside of the forest).

Note how much of the canopy around Ellwood Main has

died,

leaving

dead

standing

trees,

and

large

piles

downed

wood.

The

orange

circle

the

gap

Photos

1 -

3.,

which

leaves

the

aggregation

area

the

east

the

photograph sites (424 and 425) vulnerable to prevailing SW winds.

Note also the numerous

dead tree crowns throughout Ellwood Main, and the particularly large dead area at the western

edge

the

ma
p,

which

shown

from

the

ground

Photo

4. Normalized DIfference Vegetation Index

(NDVI)

map

Ellwood

Main.

Blue
-
green

live foliage (high NDVI) and brown is dead

trunks,

branches,

and

grass.

Map

1 Photo

4 Below

profile

forest,

with

the

same

NDVI

color

scale

Map

taken

along

the

west

edge

of Ellwood Main (red rectangle).

The small dip at the left is the road from the mesa going down

to Deveraux Creek.

The large masses of brown dead trees stand out,
with a particularly dense

mass of dead trees at the center
-
right.

The oblique view gives some sense of the depth of the

dead

zone.

All

the

dead

standing

material

will

eventually

fall

the

ground,

further

opening

the

canopy

wind.

Profile

view

west

side

Ellwood

Main

Oblique

view

west

side

Ellwood

Main

Maps

wind

exposure

The map below shows “wind roses” of the exposure from eight cardinal directions, with size of

the arrow being proportional to the
fraction of open sky in that direction.

The arrows are color

coded where blue is well
-
sheltered (<0.20), yellow is marginal (0.20
-

0.30) and red is high

exposure

(>0.30).

The

same

colors

are

used

for

the

interpolated

surfaces

wind

(left)

and

wind

(right).

The

increased

wind

penetration

into

the

western

edge,

caused

the

tree

deaths,

apparent

the red and yellow intrusions.

Sealing up this edge will greatly increase habitat suitability within

Ellwood

Main.

References

Bell, Elizabeth, et al. 1993. Conservation and Management Guidelines for Preserving the

Monarch

Butterfly

Migration

and

Monarch

Overwintering

Habitat

California.

The

Monarch

Project.

Cahil, A., L. Chalker
-
Scott and K Ewing. 2005. Wood
-
chi
p mulch improves plant survival and

establishment

no
-
maintenance

restoration

site

(Washington).

Ecological

Restoration

Vol.

23. 212
-
213.

Chalker
-
Scott,

2007.

Impact

mulches

landscape

plants

and

the

environment

–

review.

Journal

Environmental

Horticulture

25(4):

239
-
249.

DiTomaso,

J.M.,

G.B.

Kyser

al.

2013.

Weed

Control

Natural

Areas

the

Western

United

States.

Weed

Research

and

Information

Center,

University

California.

544

pp.

Grebner,

Donald,

Pete

Bettinger,

Jacek

Siry,

and

Kevin

Boston.

2021.

Introduction

Forestry

and

Natural

Resources.

2nd

Edition,

Academic

Press.

Leong,

Kingston

L.H.

2016.

Evaluation

and

Management

California

Monarch

Winter

Sites.

Western

WIldlife

3:19
-

26. Reid,
J.B., B.M .Potts, R.S. Hill, M.J. Brown and M. J. Hovenden.

2005. Eucalypt Biology,

Vegetation

Tasmania,

Australian

Biological

Resources

Study,

Canberra.

ISBN

064644512X
.

Russell MB, Fraver S, Aakala

T, Gove JH, Woodall CW, D’Amato AW, Ducey MJ 2015:

Quantifying

carbon

stores

and

decomposition

dead

wood:

review.

For.

Ecol.

Manage.
,

350,

107
–
128.

Taylor,

Mac.

2018.

Improving

California’s

Forest

and

Watershed

Management.

Legislative

Analyst’s

Office,

State

California.

The

Xerces

Society.

2017.

Protecting

California’s

Butterfly

Groves.:

Management

Guidelines

for

Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Habitat. 32+vi pp. Portland, OR: The Xerces Society for

Invertebrate

Conservation.

Santo
s,

1997.

The

Eucalyptus

California.

Alley
-
Cass

Publications.

165

pp.

Attachment
2 –

2021/2022 Photographs

Site Photographs

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

4 -
1 Photograph 1.

View looking northeast into the Santa Barbara Shores neighborhood. High fuel load within
100

feet of a structure and over
-
hanging
the residential fence
.

Photograph 2.

View facing southeast into Santa Barbara Shores neighborhood near

Ellwood Main

monarch butterfly over
-
wintering site
.

High fuel load within
10 0 feet of a structure and over
-
hanging the
residential fence
.

City of Goleta

Waiver de Minimis Application Form

4 -
2 Photograph
3 .

View facing northwest into Santa Ba
rbara Shores neighborhood

near Ellwood Main

monarch butterfly over
-
wintering site
. High fuel load along hillside
and within 100 feet of

structures.

Photograph 4.

View facing northeast into the Santa Barbara Shores neighborhood near Ellwood West

monarch b
utterfly over
-
wintering site
. Ornamental landscape and dense native vegetation

within 100
feet of structures.

Site Photographs

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Fuel Reduction
–

Waiver de Minimis

4 -
3 Photograph
5 .

View facing northeast into the Santa Barbara Shores neighborhood and Ellwood North

monarch butterfly over
-
wintering site
.

High fue
l load along fence line
and within 100 feet of structures
.

Photograph
6 .

View facing north into
Santa Barbara Shores neighborhood and Ellwood North

monarch
butterfly over
-
wintering site
. Eucalyptus branches overhanging property lines
and within 100 feet of
structures
.

City of Goleta

Waiver de Minimis Application Form

4 -
4 Photograph
7 .

View facing north
into Ellwood North

monarch butterfly over
-
wintering site
. Dry, dense
shrubbery and hazardous trees create high fuel load potential within monarch
aggregation

site.

Photograph
6 .

View facing
south

at the north end of the
Ellwood
North monarch butterfly over
-
wintering
site
.

Downed and dead
Eucalyptus
trees create high fuel load

within the grove

near monarch aggregation
sites
.

Attachment 3
Final Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Final
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

March 2019

Prepared by:

Planning and Environmental Review Department
Public Works Department
130 Cremona, Suite B
Goleta, California 93117
(805) 961-7500

Adopted by City Council on March 19, 2019 via Resolution No. 19-14

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City of Goleta
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Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan i March 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................V INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................. 1 POLICY .............................................................................................................................................. 4 Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan – Conservation Element ..................... 4 Ellwood Mesa Open Space Plan ......................................................................................... 5 Community Wildfire Protection Plan ............................................................................... 6 Goleta Urban Forest Management Plan ........................................................................... 6 PURPOSE .......................................................................................................................................... 6 METHODS ........................................................................................................................................ 7 THE HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................... 9 A. ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS ............................................................................................ 9

1. Municipal Management Program .......................................................................... 9

2. Fiscal Program ........................................................................................................11

3. Interagency Cooperative Program .....................................................................12

4. Community Wildfire Protection Program .......................................................13

5. Trail Management Program .................................................................................19

6. Waste Management Program ..............................................................................20

7. Aesthetic Resources Management Program ....................................................21

8. MBHMP Review, Update, and Amendment Program ....................................22

9. Catastrophic Event Response Program ............................................................23 B. NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS ...............................................26

10. Monarch Butterfly Management Program ........................................................26

11. Wildlife Habitat Management Program .............................................................27

12. Tree Management Program .................................................................................29 Table of Contents City of Goleta
March 2019 ii Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

13. Integrated Pest Management Program .............................................................. 34

14. Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program ............................................ 36

15. Invasive Plant Management Program ................................................................. 38

16. Ecosystem-wide Management Coordination Program .................................. 41 C. OUTREACH PROGRAMS .................................................................................................... 43

17. Community Advisory and Docent Program .................................................... 43

18. Interpretive Program ............................................................................................ 44

19. Education Program ................................................................................................ 45 D. MONITORING, RESEARCH, AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS ..... 47

20. Biological Monitoring Program ........................................................................... 47

21. Monarch Research Program ................................................................................ 48

22. Adaptive Management Program ......................................................................... 49 E. CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................... 51 F. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 52 G. LIST OF PREPARERS .............................................................................................................. 53 City of Goleta ...................................................................................................................... 53 Althouse and Meade, Inc. .................................................................................................. 53 Rincon Consultants, Inc. .................................................................................................... 53 Agri-Turf Supplies, Inc. ....................................................................................................... 53

APPENDICES
Appendix A. Implementation Priorities, Schedule, and Estimated Costs ...................... A-1 Appendix B. Spectral Imaging and Analysis for Assessing Tree Health ........................... B-1 Appendix C. Native Plants to be Included in Habitat Restoration Efforts .................... C-1

City of Goleta Table of Contents
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. CWPP Prescription Guidance for Butterfly Aggregation Areas Adjacent to Structures .................................................................................................................16 Table 2. Identified Threats and Potential Response Actions ...............................................30 Table A1. Implementation Priorities and Cost Estimates.................................................. A-1 Table A2. Cost Estimates by Action ...................................................................................... A-3

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Vicinity Map ..................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2. Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Sites ......................................................................... 3 Figure 3. CWPP Related Fuel Reduction Zones within the MBHMP Area ......................15

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP) outlines the programmatic approach and methods for the City of Goleta (City) to manage and improve the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus forest for the benefit of the overwintering behavior of the m onarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus ), other wildlife , and the public’s use and enjoyment.

Two key local policy documents drive the protection of the monarch butterfly: the Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan (General Plan; City of Goleta 2006) and The Ellwood-Devereux Coast Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (Open Space Plan ; City of Goleta et al. 2004). The Coastal Land Use Plan is not yet certified. These policy documents provide an important context for this MBHMP.

The 22 programs detailed in this MBHMP organize and integrate the many diverse aspects of habitat management into an overall plan that can be implemented in a clear and concise manner. Each specific program identifies individual goals, policies, and actions to establish a well-organized and efficient process leading to a management strategy for the sustainability of monarch habitat at Ellwood Mesa. The programs are followed by implementation priorities, schedules, needs, and contacts for those responsible for the implementation.

The 22 programs are organized into four categories: Administrative Programs; Natural Resources Management Programs; Outreach Programs; and Monitoring, Research, and Adaptive Management Programs.
• The nine Administrative Programs are designed to assist the City with and inform the many MBHMP stakeholders of the details regarding implementation of the MBHMP. • The seven Natural Resources Management Programs articulate the goals, policies, and actions necessary to maintain and improve the many important natural resources, including biological diversity and ecosystem functions associated with the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves and the monarch butterfly aggregation sites they support. • The three Outreach Programs are designed to provide information for visitors, educators, and students to help develop a broad appreciation for natural resources and local natural heritage, with a focus on monarch butterflies.
• The three Monitoring, Research, and Adaptive Management Programs provide a mechanism for assessing environmental conditions and conducting original studies to help understand the ecology of monarch butterflies, particularly at Ellwood Mesa. Information obtained from these programs and other sources can be used to adapt the MBHMP in response to additional information or changing conditions.

With adoption and implementation of this MBHMP, the City will fulfill a major commitment to the natural resources of Ellwood Mesa and its residents, and to all those committed to the conservation of monarch butterflies.

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March 2019 vi Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Funding for implementation of the MBHMP will be drawn from a variety of sources, which may include grants, donations, mitigation fees, and City funds. An implementation budget estimate is included in Appendix 1. On June 29, 2018, the California state budget for the 2018–2019 fiscal year was approved and included a provision allocating 3.9 million dollars to the City for management and restoration of the monarch butterfly habitats on Ellwood Mesa. The state funds will be maintained in an account separate from other City funds and will be used only for actions to restore, enhance, manage, and monitor butterfly habitats on Ellwood Mesa. In the near -term, this funding will be instrumental in getting the MBHMP’s programs operational and in addressing some of the imminent habitat issues that presently face the grove.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 1 March 2019

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) use of the eucalyptus groves on Ellwood Mesa in the City of Goleta (City), California has inspired many residents and visitors over the years to help in the preservation and conservation of this important natural phenomenon. These eucalyptus groves occur in the City-owned Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space (Ellwood Mesa Open Space or Ellwood Mesa) (Figure 1).

Over-wintering monarch butterfly aggregations in Ellwood Mesa groves have numbered in the tens of thousands during some years, making Ellwood Mesa one of the most important sites for monarch butterflies in California (Pelton et al. 2016). Each fall, monarch butterflies in the western United States migrate to the coast of California from various locations throughout western North America. The butterflies arrive at Ellwood Mesa in mid -September and, as winter approaches, cluster into aggregation roosts , often called overwintering or winter ing colonies. The butterflies remain until about mid-February, when they generally disperse inland.

The eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa are called the Ellwood Complex. As shown on Figure 2, six monarch butterfly over-wintering sites occur in the complex: Sandpiper, Ellwood North, Ellwood West, Ellwood Main, Ellwood East, and Ocean Meadows. The Ellwood East site is on private property and not within the Ellwood Mesa Open Space and is therefore outside the scope of this Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP); however, it is included for context. The Ellwood Main site is located along Devereux Creek and is the primary aggregation site for over - wintering butterflies in Ellwood Mesa.

Information and data regarding the condition of the butterfly popul ation and groves—as well as trends in butterfly health, number, and behavior—were compiled over the last several years through a collaborative effort between City staff and the City’s consultants—Althouse and Meade, Rincon Consultants, and Agri-Turf Supplies. Tracking butterfly numbers at Ellwood aggregation sites has been an ongoing effort that began in 1989 and has been maintained by the City since the City ’s incorporation in 2002 . A Habitat Assessment was completed for Ellwood Mesa in 2013 to document the habitat conditions and health of the eucalyptus groves on the mesa (Althouse and Meade, Inc. 2013). In 2017, during the 5-year drought, the condition of the eucalyptus trees was assessed at the aggregation sites, and tree mortality was determined throughout Ellwood Mesa. The development of management priorities was an expanded effort between City staff, the consultant team, the City’s monarch butterfly docents, and members of the public.

The monarch butterfly populations at Ellwood Mesa and in California statewide have declined at least 74% since the 1990’s (Pelton et al. 2016) . The monarch butterfly is listed on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife ’s (CDFW) Special Animals List with overwintering roosts designated as imperiled to vulnerable in the state (CDFW 2017). Currently, the species is under federal review for potential listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) plans to make its determination of whether this species warrants ESA listing by June 30, 2019.

Introduction City of Goleta

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Figure 1. Vicinity Map

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Figure 2. Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Sites
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Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Photo 1. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Aggregation on Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus)
POLICY
Two key local policy documents drive the protection of the monarch butterfly: the Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan (General Plan; City of Goleta 2006) and The Ellwood-Devereux Coast Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (Open Space Plan ; City of Goleta et al. 2004). These policy documents provide an important context for this MBHMP. Additionally, the City ’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) was used as a key reference. The Goleta Urban Forest Management Plan (as amended and approved Fe bruary 21, 2017) was also used to guide management recommendations. A summary of related policies and/or actions is provided below.

Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan – Conservation Element Monarch butterfly overwintering sites are considered Enviro nmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs) under the Coastal Act because the occupied groves meet the definition of an ESHA in Section 30107.5 of the California Coastal Act. An ESHA is defined as follows:

Any area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments.

As such, autumnal and overwintering sites are protected by the Coastal Act and the General Plan.

Specifically, the General Plan protects monarch butterflies and associated habitat via General Plan Conservation Element Policy 4, Protection of Monarch Butterfly Habitat Areas. The objective of the policy is as follows:

City of Goleta Introduction

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 5 March 2019

To preserve, protect, and enhance habitats for monarch butterflies in Goleta, including existing and historical autumnal and winter roost or aggregation sites, and promote the long-term stability of over- wintering butterfly populations.

The definition of butterfl y habitat is stat ed in subpolicy CE 4.1 , Definition of Habitat Area, as follows:

Sites that provide the key elements essential for successful monarch butterfly aggregation areas and are locations where monarchs have been historically present shall be considered ESHAs. These elements include stands of eucalyptus or other suitable trees that offer shelter from strong winds and storms, provide a microclimate with adequate sunlight, are situated near a source of water or moisture, and that provide a source of nectar to nourish the butterflies.

Additional subpolicies pertaining to the protection of this important local resource are provided in Policy CE 4 of the General Plan Conservation Element and were used to guide the preparation of this MBHMP.

Ellwood Mesa Open Space Plan
The 230 -acre Ellwood Mesa is part of a 652 -acre contiguous open space along the Ellwood- Devereux Coast that is managed by the City, the County of Santa Barbara, and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). In March 2004, these thr ee agencies released The Ellwood- Devereux Coast Open Space and Habitat Management Plan (City of Goleta et al. 2004) . The sections of the plan applying to the Goleta properties (referred to as the Ellwood Mesa Open Space Plan) were adopted by the Goleta City Council on June 24, 2004.

The Ellwood Mesa Open Space Plan establishes the following goal and policies that guide the management actions related to the monarch butterfly and supporting habitat:

Monarch Goal 1. Protect and maintain existing monarch butterfly populations in the Open Space Plan Area, and manage the habitats to be self-sustaining.

Monarch Policy 1 . Manage public access to protect butterflies and their habitat, while promoting public enjoyment, education, and scientific research.

Monarch Policy 2. Conduct scientifically sound studies using appropriate and cautious methods to maintain and improve habitat conditions to ensure long-term viability of the population.

Monarch Policy 3. Implement phased habitat improvements using pilot programs, small-scale projects, and adaptive management.

Additional overarching management goals and policies are provided in the Ellwood Mesa Open Space Plan and were used to guide the preparation of this MBHMP.

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Community Wildfire Protection Plan
The City’s CWPP was adopted by the City Council on March 20, 2012. The purpose of the CWPP is to enhance community wildfire protection by identifying fire hazard treatments that are in balance with sustainable ecological management and fiscal resources. The CWPP presents design standard recommendations for fuel treatments specific to areas near butterfly aggregation sites that are intended to minimize adverse effects on adjacent habitat while reducing hazardous fuels. Key recommendations focus on the coordination between butter fly and wildland fire experts during planning and implementation of fuel treatment strategy prescriptions. The CWPP was used during the preparation of this MBHMP, and this MBHMP is intended to support implementation of the CWPP, which is further discussed in detail in Program 4 (City of Goleta 2012).

Goleta Urban Forest Management Plan
The Goleta Urban Forest Management Plan (GUFMP) (as amended and approved February 21, 2017) was also used to guide management recommendations. The GUFMP provides a guide for the long-term preservation and enhancement of the urban forest within the City‘s jurisdiction. The urban forest is defined as all public and private trees including the street tree system, trees in parks and other public lands, and trees on private properties throughout the City. The vision statement of the GUFMP is:

Goleta’s urban forest is a thriving and sustainable mix of tree species and ages that creates a contiguous and healthy ecosystem that is valued and cared for by the City and all of its citizen s as an essential environmental, economic and community benefit.

The GUFMP Section 4.7 Very Mature Tree Care calls to establish a regular maintenance program for trees located in parks, open spaces, and median islands to ensure very mature tree health.

Mulching, fertilization, and pruning are t hree major practices used to tend to mature trees. The MBHMP fulfills this section for a tree maintenance program for Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves.

PURPOSE
The purpose of the MBHMP is to provide a programmatic approach to management of the habitats that support the monarch butterfly seasonal aggregation areas at the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, as well as a variety of other plant and animal species and coastal access and recreation. The intent of the management approach is to maintain and improve habitat conditions to ensure long -term viability of the monarch butterfly population , while allowing for coastal access, education and compatible recreational opportunities . The 22 programs detailed in this MBHMP organize and integrate the many diverse aspects of habitat management into an overall plan that can be implemented in a clear and concise manner.

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METHODS
This MBHMP is the result of careful consideration of existing information, site surveys, inventory, and assessment of tree health within the groves, consultation with a broad array of professionals and interested public, and discussions with City staff. The City collaborated with Althouse and Meade, Inc. and Rincon Consultants, Inc. in the preparation of this MBHMP. This MBHMP is composed of 22 programs, each of which contains a goal, one or more policies, and one or more actions associated with each policy. Information on program status, needs, and contacts are also included, as well as general priority and schedule information and an annual cost estimate (Appendix 1). A main focus of each program is to establish an implementation structure with targets and actions to achieve present and future goals. . The scope of this MBHMP includes monarch butterfly habitat in the City’s Ellwood Mesa Open Space, including aggregation sites, forest areas, and nectaring locations (refer to Figure 1 for a vicinity map and Figure 2 for a map of the butterfly aggregation sites and Habitat Management Area).

For the purposes of this MBHMP, the following definitions apply:

Program: a planned series of activities.

Goal: a broad statement of program intentions.

Policy: a set of plans or actions agreed upon by the interested parties.

Action: the process of doing something to achieve a goal.

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THE HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN
This MBHMP for the Ellwood Mesa Open Space is organized into four categories: Administrative Programs; Natural Resource Management Programs; Outreach Programs; and Monitoring, Research, and Adaptive Management Programs. These programs—including their goals, policies, actions, implementation priorities, and schedules—are described in the sections that follow. None of the MBHMP’s programs should be interpreted to preclude maintenance work required to remove immediate hazards to life or property.

A. ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS
Administrative programs are designed to assist the City and inform the many MBHMP stakeholders of the details regarding implementation of the MBHMP . Identifying specific programs and their goals, policies, and actions enables a well-organized and efficient process to be established that leads to a management strategy for the sustainability of monarch habitat at Ellwood Mesa.

It is the City ’s intent that the goals and policies of this MBHMP should be considered and incorporated into future land use planning and policy documents, such as General Plan amendments and a Local Coastal Program, as appropriate, as these documents are developed.

1. Municipal Management Program
Overview: This program focuses on the role of the City as manager of the Ellwood Mesa Open Space and, in particular, the role of the City in the implementation of th is MBHMP. Habitats included in this MBHMP include primarily the eucalyptus groves and windrows used by monarch butterflies for winter aggregations at Ellwood Mesa, covering approximately 230 acres from Hollister Avenue south to the ocean bluffs and from UCSB west to the Sandpiper Golf Course. The eucalyptus groves and windrows occur in the context of coastal mesa grasslands, coastal scrub, riparian habitats, and residential development. Therefore, they are part of a larger coastal ecosystem and neighborhood, with management priorities for which the MBHMP is designed to be compatible.

Goal 1. To implement the MBHMP, with the City providing the administrative structure to oversee the programs and scheduling, and to interface with the community at large.

Policy 1-1. The City shall review, and revise as necessary, the MBHMP to reflect current data, butterfly conservation science, and management techniques that apply to the local monarch population.

Action 1-1.1. Conduct a public workshop to inform the community regarding the content and implementation of this MBHMP.

Action 1-1.2. Conduct environmental review of this MBHMP, including a public hearing.

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March 2019 10 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Action 1-1.3. Prepare any necessary revisions to this MBHMP to resolve any issues identified during public review.

Action 1-1.4. Submit this MBHMP to the Goleta City Council for review and discussion, followed by adoption and implementation.

Policy 1-2. During implementation of the programs, goals, policies, and actions described in this MBHMP, and during the planning and implementation of other projects that may affect monarch butterfly habitat within the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, protection of the environment and specifically of monarch butterfly habitat shall be given the utmost consideration.

Action 1-2.1. Whenever vegetation removal, ground disturbance, construction, or other activities with the potential to significantly disrupt habitat values are proposed within the MBHMP coverage area by the City or any other agency or utility, environmental protection measures shall be implemented. These measures shall be determined in coordination with a qualified biologist, and shall include at a minimum pre-activity surveys for nesting birds or other wildlife, pre -activity surveys for monarch butterfly aggregations, presence of an environmental monitor during construction, and other protections, as deemed appropriate.

The City will monitor these activities to ensure that environmental protection measures are used and that activities are limited to those permitted.

Policy 1-3. Because many of the MBHMP actions are related to trail improvements, tree work, and rel ated project implementation monitoring and reporting, the City ’s Public Works Department shall oversee the implementation of this MBHMP. Public Works personnel overseeing implementation will have specific knowledge and experience to properly follow directives of this MBHMP.

Action 1-3.1. The City’s Public Works Department, Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department, and Planning and Environmental Review Department will coordinate regularly regarding MBHMP implementation.

Policy 1-4. The MBHMP is an overarching, long-term conservation strategy, setting forth the broad objectives, desired outcomes, and management policies for the Ellwood Mesa monarch butterfly habitat. Periodic Implementation Plans shall identify and describe short-term actions needed to further the goals and objectives of the MBHMP, taking into consideration current conditions and funding levels at the time each Implementation Plan is prepared.

Action 1 -4.1. On an annual basis, or as warranted based on habitat conditions as determined by the City’s Public Works Department , prepare an Implementation Plan identifying the actions planned to implement the MBHMP’s programs, goals, policies, and actions during the coming year.

Action 1 -4.2. The City’s Public Works Department shall present e ach annual Implementation Plan at a public hearing for stakeholder input and City Council approval.

City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 11 March 2019

Program Status : This MBHMP has been completed and is in the process of undergoing environmental review.

Program Needs : A public workshop, MBHMP review and revision as needed, and a public hearing—followed by adoption by City Council—are to be achieved.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

2. Fiscal Program
Overview: Successful implementation of this MBHMP and related conservation of the Ellwood Mesa Op en Space depend in part on the ability to provide funding for the various programs contained in this MBHMP. Funding will come from a variety of sources as identified herein.

Goal 2 . To provide short -term (annual), long -term (endowment), and special project (grant) funding for the implementation of this MBHMP.

Policy 2 -1. The City shall consider providing annual funding to support MBHMP implementation.

Action 2-1.1. Consider appropriating General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, or Grant Fund monies, as available, during the bi-annual and mid-cycle budget processes.

Action 2-1.2. Consider including the implementation of MBHMP as a project sheet in the Capital Improvement Program annual budget.

Action 2-1.3. Develop an annual needs list from which the annual operating budget can be determined. This list should be included in the annual Implementation Plan (see Policy 1-3).

Policy 2-2. The City shall manage and use the City’s Ellwood Mesa Butterfly Fund (Butterfly Fund) (226-5-9800-706) to pay for the implementation of the MBHMP and special projects consistent with the requirements of the fund. The Butterfly Fund shall be supplemented by grant funds and compensatory mitigation fees, as available.

Action 2 -2.1. Manage the Butterfly Fund such that the fund may serve as an implementation funding source. Continue to identify grant funds to supplement the Butterfly Fund. Accept donations specific to the Butterfly Fund.

Action 2-2.2. Allow payments of compensatory mitigation fees into the Butterfly Fund, as deemed appropriate during CEQA analysis for projects with limited impacts on monarch butterfly habitat.

Program Status: The City provides annual funds in support of planning initiatives and general management needs at the Ellwood Mesa Open Space. With adoption of this MBHMP, funds can be The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

March 2019 12 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

earmarked annually for implementation of programs and specific actions within this MBHMP.

Furthermore, grants and other fundraising opportunities will exist for which City funds can be used as a local match to new funds raised from exter nal sources. In the near term, the $3.9 million allocated in the State Budget will provide a vital funding source.

Program Needs: Adoption of this MBHMP so the Fiscal Program can be implemented.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

3. Interagency Cooperative Program
Overview: In today ’s complex regulatory environment, important sites for natural resource conservation can be subject to conflicting regulatory goals at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. Management of threatened or endangered species that may occur in the future— and rare species and sensitive habitats at Ellwood Mesa—require careful coordination among regulatory partners so that conflicts are minimized.

Goal 3. To develop cooperative relationships with federal, state, county, and municipal agencies toward the implementation of integrated management practices favorable to the conservation of the monarch butterfly habitats at Ellwood Mesa Open Space.

Policy 3-1. The City shall pursue cooperative relationships with other agencies regarding regulatory goals and policies that the partners have in common concerning the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, in particular , goals and policies that have an impact on the management of the monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 3-1.1. As appropriate and productive, pursue cooperative relationships with federal agencies such as the USFWS and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to obtain potential permits, identify funding opportunities, and identify/pursue other potentially shared interests regarding t he natural resources at Ellwood Mesa, with a focus on sustaining monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 3-1.2. As appropriate and productive, pursue cooperative relationships with state entities such as the CDFW, Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), UCSB, and California Coastal Commission (CCC) to obtain potential permits, identify funding opportunities, and identify/pursue other potentially shared interests regarding the natural resources at Ellwood Mesa, with a focus on sustaining monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 3-1.3. As appropriate and productive, pursue cooperative relationships with Santa Barbara County departments (such as Agricultural Commissioner, Fire, Parks, Planning and Development, Flood Control, and Public Works) to obtain potential permits, identify funding opportunities, solve problems, and identify/pursue other potentially shared interests regarding the natural resources at Ellwood Mesa and adjacent properties, with a focus on sustaining monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 13 March 2019

Program Status: City staff regularly coordinates with the County of Santa Barbara and UCSB.

Additionally, City staff has formed a functioning interdepartmental working relationship among the Public Works Department, Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department, and Planning and Environmental Review Department regarding the management of Ellwood Mesa. Many additional productive relationships can be pursued related to the conservation of monarch and other butterflies.

Program Needs: Adoption of this MBHMP and implementation of its programs.

Program Contacts : Public Works Department, Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department, and Planning and Environmental Review Department

4. Community Wildfire Protection Program
Overview: One of the most important efforts regarding coordination of potentially competing management goals is the identification and resolution of conflicts between the actions to protect the adjacent communities from the threat of wildfires while also providing protection of the habitats for seasonal aggregation of monarch butterflies at the Ellwood Mesa Open Space. The groves and windrows, composed primarily of blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), are fire-prone and can present a threat to residential communities adj acent to the butterfly habitats. The CWPP was produced in coordination with this MBHMP to provide management practices compatible with monarch butterfly aggregation site protection. The City ’s adopted CWPP provides important context for the management of these resources.

Ellwood North, Main, and West sites are the aggregation locations within the groves on Ellwood Mesa that are directly adjacent to residences along eucalyptus grove boundaries (Figure 2). T he Sandpiper site is not directly adjacent to structures, but it is adjacent to the Sandpiper Golf Course (Figure 2). In habitat areas that are not adjacent to structures, fuel treatments consist of mowing along the outside edge of the grove.

The Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Area Treatment Strategy section of the CWPP states that fuel treatments in areas near human developments are critical measures in the wildfire protection strategy for both residences and butterfly aggregations and habitat. Trees along grove edges provide wind and weather protection for aggregation sites. Therefore, it is important to maintain adequate tree density inside these edges (The Xerces Society 2017) . Larger trees are not the primary fuel of concern in the spread of wildfire; rather, the greater hazard and threat are understory vegetation, dead/downed trees, and fuels that could create fire ladders. The CWPP describes the prescription guidance for butterfly aggregation areas adjacent to structures and outlines approved actions to be taken within 100 ft. of structures to reduce the ignitability of those structures. Figure 3 shows the CWPP fuel reduction zones within the MBHMP area.

In butterfly aggregation areas within 100 ft. of homes, the fuel treatment strategy prescribed by the CWPP includes removal of u nderstory, ladder fuel , and dead/downed fuel. Careful thinning of smaller or unhealthy trees within 30 feet of the grove edge is recommended while considering the wind buffering needs of the aggregation site. Fuel reduction implementation and subsequent monitoring should involve input by City-approved monarch butterfly and wildfire professionals.

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March 2019 14 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Goal 4. To provide management practices within the eucalyptus groves and windrows that support healthy monarch butterfly habitat and are compatible with the City’s CWPP.

Policy 4-1. The goals, policies, and actions of this MBHMP shall be consistent with the intent of the CWPP to reduce the ignitability of homes and structures.

City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 15 March 2019

Figure 3. CWPP-related fuel reduction zones within the MBHMP area The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

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Action 4-1.1. Support implementation of Goleta’s CWPP in the 100-ft. buffer from homes and structures as the 100 ft. extends into the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves with actions outlined in below in Table 1 (as seen in Table 14 of the CWPP).

Table 1. CWPP Prescription Guidance for Butterfly Aggregation Areas Adjacent to Structures
Location
Primary Defense Zone (A)***
(0 – 30’)
Fuel Reduction Zone (B***
(30’ – 100’)
Fuel Type Based on Defensible Space PRC – 4291 and Firefighter Safety Grass/ Forbs Reduce fuel depth to 4 inches;
methods include mowing, masticating,
weed-whacking, biological browsing

Same treatment as (A); longer grass in
isolated open areas is acceptable.

Surface dead/
down material
Clear dead/down flammable materials;
methods include raking, hand-piling/
removal, masticating chipping/
dispersal on site

Reduce dead/down flammable material
to < 3” depth; methods same as (A).

Brush/ Shrub
fuel
Remove to a spacing (between edges
of brush) generally 2x brush height on
<20% slopes; methods include
masticating or hand-cutting, biological
browsing

Same Treatment as (A); a pocket or
clump of brush can be treated as one
large shrub in more open site
conditions.

Trees Overstory
without brush
understory
Trim or thin only trees that do not
provide protection to monarch
butterfly aggregation sites* Thin
smaller or unhealthy trees at 10 – 20
ft crown spacing (as determined by
slope, tree size and type); Leave
larger trees unless toppling hazard.**
Reduce ladder fuels by pruning lower
branches 6-15 ft up, or lower 1/3 of
tree height on trees smaller than 18
ft.

Trim or thin only trees that do not
provide protection to monarch
butterfly aggregation sites* Thin smaller
or unhealthy trees at approximately 10
ft crown spacing (as determined by
slope, tree size and type);. Leave larger
trees unless toppling hazard.** Reduce
ladder fuels by pruning lower branches
approximately 6 ft up, or lower 1/3 of
tree height on trees smaller than 18 ft.

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Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 17 March 2019

Location
Primary Defense Zone (A)***
(0 – 30’)
Fuel Reduction Zone (B***
(30’ – 100’)
Fuel Type Based on Defensible Space PRC – 4291 and Firefighter Safety Trees Overstory
with brush
understory
Trim or thin only vegetation that
does not provide protection to
monarch butterfly aggregation sites*
Thin small or unhealthy trees at 10-20
ft crown spacing (based on slope, tree
size and type). Leave larger trees at
10 ft. crown spacing unless toppling
hazard.**( Reduce ladder fuels by
pruning lower branches 6-15 ft up, or
lower 1/3 of tree height on smaller
trees In understory: remove brush
ladder fuel. Methods include
masticating or hand-cutting.

Trim or thin only vegetation that does
not provide protection to monarch
butterfly aggregation sites* Thin small
or unhealthy trees to approximately 10
ft. crown spacing. Leave larger trees
unless toppling hazard.** Reduce ladder
fuels by pruning lower branches
approximately 6 ft up, or lower 1/3 of
tree height on smaller trees. In
understory remove brush ladder fuel.

In non-canopied areas, non-continuous
patches of shrubs or small trees in
openings is acceptable. Methods
include masticating or hand-cutting.
*As determined by the Goleta City Project Manager overseeing mitigation work in consultation with a City-approved monarch butterfly specialist and a City-approved wildland fire specialist. **As determined by the Goleta City Project Manager and Goleta City arborist. ***For further information specific to homeowner/structure mitigation measures see CWPP Section

6.2.1. Action 4 -1.2. Support implementation of Goleta’s CWPP , specifically in regard to guidelines that are not in potential conflict with the management of the groves that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites, as noted below.

Action 4 -1.3. Maintain and revegetate moderate cover of understory in and around aggregation sites with fire -resistant, native plant species (The Xerces Society 2017) (Appendix 3).

Action 4 -1.4. Conduct all wildfire protection work within 300 feet of butte rfly aggregations areas between April 1 and September 15, outside of monarch butterfly overwintering season.

Action 4-1.5. Coordinate with City-approved butterfly and wildland fire experts during planning and implementation of any fuel treatments since co nditions within groves can change and aggregation locations may shift.

Action 4 -1.6. Install a large, bilingual “NO PARKING -FIRE LANE” sign at Santa Barbara Shores access gate.

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Policy 4 -2. Trees in the groves containing monarch butterfly aggregation sites shall be managed, as feasible, to ensure their health and longevity in the context of a high fire hazard environment.

Action 4-2.1. Implement Program 12, Tree Management Program, to reduce fire hazard, improve public safety, and eliminate trees that are t hreatening the sustainability of the aggregation sites, including dead, diseased, and dying trees.

Photo 2. Evidence of Wildfire (Charred Trunks) at Main Grove – East, Ellwood Mesa Open Space
Program Status: The CWPP was adopted with the passage of Resolution No. 12-21 by the Goleta City Council on March 20, 2012.

Program Needs: Adoption and implementation of CWPP and the MBHMP will result in a reduction of wildfire hazards associated with eucalyptus groves.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

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Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 19 March 2019

5. Trail Management Program
Overview: Public access trails are located through or adjacent to most of the monarch butterfly aggregation sites on Ellwood Mesa. These localized trails link to gether a series of regional trails, adjacent residential neighborhoods, and other preserves, such as the Coronado Butterfly Preserve managed by the Santa Barbara Land Trust and open space lands managed by th e University of California system. Public access, including organized field trips to see the seasonal aggregations of monarch butterflies, is an important part of the Ellwood Mesa experience. However, repeated and increasing access along the semi -formal trails can result in negative impacts on the habitats and overall site aesthetics. Additionally, the trees constituting the butterfly habitat do occasionally die, fall, and shed limbs, creating hazardous conditions for recreationalists at certain locations.

Goal 5. To develop and maintain public access trails that provide a safe and meaningful experience for visitors while also limiting impacts on habitats and wildlife, in particular, monarch butterflies and their seasonal aggregation sites.

Policy 5-1. The City shall maintain existing public access trails that provide a safe experience for visitors to the eucalyptus groves supporting seasonal monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 5 -1.1. Maintain existing public access trails through the eucalyptus groves supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites by reducing threats of trips, slips, and falls.

May use Trails Council and CCC to help with maintenance.

Action 5-1.2. Implement Program 12, Tree Management Program, to reduce the threats from falling tree limbs and trunks.

Action 5-1.3. Repair damage to trial boundary ropes and posts, as needed.

Action 5-1.4. Prevent damage to seasonal monarch habitat by installing additional trail boundary posts, ropes, and signs, as necessary, consistent with those at the Ellwood Main monarch aggregation area.

Action 5-1.5. Use wood chips on trails to reduce soil compaction and decrease erosion during wet months.

Action 5-1.6. Retain and maintain Ellwood Main visitor viewing area boundary signs and rails.

Action 5-1.7. Review locations of trail and viewing area delineations and adjust if needed to protect trees or butterflies, annually.

Action 5-1.8. Review trail conditions on an annual basis and provide recommendations on improvements and modifications regarding human safety, trail maintenance, and ecosystem health, including conservation of monarch butterfly habitat in relationship to location, The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

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condition, use of trails, and number of visitors. Include recommendations for any tree trimming, removal recommendations, or other tree safety issues in the annual Implementation Plan.

Action 5-1.9. Long-term closure of official trails is undesirable and should not be used as a management approach. It is preferable to remedy trail hazards promptly, or to allow trails to remain open with appropriate signage alerting users to the risks present.

Policy 5-2. Maintain and improve existing links betwe en trails associated with eucalyptus groves that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa with the adjacent Coronado Butterfly Preserve.

Action 5-2.1. Coordinate trail improvement activities with the Santa Barbara Land Trust and UCSB staff to ensure that improvements are compatible.

Action 5-2.2. Coordinate trail improvements with proposals for the Coastal and Juan Bautista De Anza trails that traverse Ellwood Mesa, which also link to trails within the eucalyptus groves that support mona rch butterfly aggregation sites, to ensure protection measures are addressed for the aggregation sites.

Program Status: Public access trails already exist within the majority of the aggregation sites, but human safety issues exist because of the poor condition of many eucalyptus trees along the trails and eroded trail conditions. Impacts on eucalyptus groves supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites also exist as a result of public access.

Program Needs: Dead and dying trees along trails and viewing areas present a public safety risk and risk to habitat stability. The Implementation Plan should detail work to be accomplished on an annual basis to maintain access and protect the public and sensitive habitat. Eroded trail conditions and overhanging trees can be public safety issues as well as tree health issues, necessitating trail improvements.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

6. Waste Management Program
Overview: Although the City’s Public Works Department staff conducts inspections and removes easily visible waste and trash, unauthorized off-trail use, homeless encampments, and related trash dumping periodically occur in the Ellwood Mesa’s eucalyptus groves. The City’s butterfly docents also remove trash and alert the Public Works Department staff when there are new accumulations of trash and/or other debris that are too large or abundant for hand removal.

Goal 6. To maintain a waste-, trash-, and debris-free butterfly habitat management area.

Policy 6-1. The City shall collect, remove, and appropriately dispose of all waste, trash, and debris that accumulate in habitat on Ellwood Mesa.

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Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 21 March 2019

Action 6-1.1. Continue to remove existing accumulations of waste, trash, and debris from monarch butterfly habitat and dispose of them in an appropriate manner. Coordinate with Sheriff’s Office for removal of homeless encampments, if necessary.

Policy 6-2. The City shall inform visitors of the monarch butterfly habitat of rules relating to trash and debris policies associated with monarch butterfly habitat.

Action 6-2.1. Post signs at appropriate locations stating open space user rules; for example, “Please take out your trash” and, “Day Use Only – Camping Prohibited.” Action 6-2.2. Educate the public through seasonal, on-site presence by the City’s butterfly docents about the importance of maintaining the groves free of trash.

Action 6-2.3. Place trash cans in the parking lot. Inspect annually and replace as needed.

Program Status: Despite trash removal attempts by Public Works Department staff and the City’s butterfly docent s, various sites throughout the monarch butterfly habitat at Ellwood Mesa accumulate trash and other debris from human activity.

Program Needs: Trash and debris should be removed, where feasible, from the Ellwood Mesa habitat that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Program Contact: Public Works Department, Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department

7. Aesthetic Resources Management Program
Overview: Portions of Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves suffer from grove senescence, drought, pests, disease, or lack of formal management efforts that maintain consistent aesthetic values.

Fencing and signs are irregularly installed and inconsistently maintained. They also lack a consistent theme. This MBHMP would provide a consistent management structure.

Goal 7. To integrate this MBHMP’s programs into an effort to improve the quality of aesthetic resources of the Ellwood Mesa, in particular , the eucalyptus groves and windrows supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Policy 7.1. The City shall provide stewardship and management oversight of the eucalyptus groves, in particular, those areas supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 7 -1.1. Adopt and implement this MBHMP, including its 22 management programs.

Action 7-1.2. Provide integration of program goals, policies, and actions to improve the overall aesthetics of the various groves , including installation of a consistently designed The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

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interpretive program and strategically placed fencing, as more specifically outlined in Program 18, Interpretive Program.

Policy 7.2. Signs, fencing, and restoration efforts associated with monarch butterfly habitat on Ellwood Mesa shall be aesthetically compatible with natural conditions.

Action 7-2.1. Review signage and fencing design for compatibility with the Ellwood Mesa natural areas.

Action 7 -2.2. Review restoration plantings and activities for appropriate aesthetic compatibility.

Program Status: Adoption and implementation of this MBHMP will result in a more sustainable and visually pleasant user experience because of the improved aesthetic value of the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves and monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Program Needs: Adopt and implement this MBHMP.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

8. MBHMP Review, Update, and Amendment Program
Overview: Reviewing and updating key planning documents would ensure that the management goals and actions are working as intended. Updating and amending programs, when needed, would ensure that the planning document is responsive to the changing needs of the community and the resource.

Goal 8 . To maintain the relevance of this MBHMP with periodic reviews, updates , and amendments.

Policy 8-1. The City shall review this MBHMP as the need for updates and amendments arises (e.g., changes in physical conditions, regulations, or expansion of habitat management knowledge or strategies) or at least every 5 years.

Action 8-1.1. Conduct internal and public review of this MBHMP, as conditions warrant.

Action 8-1.2. Update information in this MBHMP, as conditions warrant.

Action 8-1.3. Amend programs, goals, polices, and actions in this MBHMP to reflect the results of the review and update process.

Action 8-1.4. Seek public input on amendments to programs, goals, polices, and actions in this MBHMP.

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Action 8-1.5. Conduct environmental review, if necessary (new or modified policies and actions pose new impacts).

Action 8-1.6. Obtain approval by the Goleta City Council and adopt amended MBHMP.

Program Status: Adoption of this MBHMP by the City wi ll provide the mechanism for review, update, and amendment.

Program Needs: Commitment to update this MBHMP to ensure that it is meeting the demands of the existing conditions.

Program Contacts: Planning and Environmental Review Department and Public Works Department

9. Catastrophic Event Response Program
Overview: The eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa are at risk of catastrophic environmental events. For example, trees falling during powerful storms could cause collapse of additional trees, excessive fuel loads can spread wildfires, and infestations of insect pests can weaken or kill trees.

Because such potential catastrophic events are likely to occur within the monarch butterfly aggregation sites, Program 9 , Catastrophic Event Response Program , would put in place a preliminary plan of action to address the consequences of loss of trees or entire groves containing monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

For the purpose of this MBHMP, a catastrophic environmental event is defined as an event causing great ecological distress and damage, either sudden or gradual, across a significant portion of the monarch butterfly habitat within the Ellwood Mesa plan area. This is distinct from an emergency, which may involve emergency responders such as the fire department and would involve immediate actions under their direction to protect life and property. A qualifying catastrophic event could negatively affect a large portion of the eucalyptus groves within the Ellwood Mesa, or could cause substantial damage to single monarch butterfly overwintering site.

The response actions for catastrophic events would primarily involve restoration activities, would not necessarily be funded in the annual budget for this MBHMP and would likely require supplemental funding with approval from the City Council. Funding approved by the City Council should include a finding that the condition is a qualifying catastrophic event. If such a finding is made, funding received through the State Budget or other sources may be also used to address catastrophic events.

As of this writing, the 5-year drought in Goleta from 2012 to 2016 has created dire conditions for the eucalyptus trees at Ellwood Mesa (County of Santa Barbara 2018). Arborists estimate that over 1,200 trees are dead or dying due to dro ught, drought stress, and infestation by pests across the Ellwood Mesa. The monarch overwintering sites are suffering from the die-back of trees with the loss of canopy and wind protection and loss of roosting branches. The last similar 5-year drought on record for the Goleta area was in 1947–1951 and was not as severe, with 58.05 consecutive rainfall inches, compared with 50.83 inches during the 2012–2016 drought years (County of Santa Barbara The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

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2018). Timing of rainfall since 2012 has also been more concentrated than in prior years, with the annual rainfall occurring in a small number of intense storm events rather than a larger number of small or gentle events. This concentration has come with an increased rainfall intensity, which leads to increased runoff, excess erosion and sediment transport, and decreased groundwater recharge.

The ultimate result has been less available water for uptake by trees.

The 5-year drought and the death of over 1,200 trees may qualify as a catastrophic event, if so determined by the City Council.

Goal 9. To prepare for possible catastrophic environmental events within the monarch butterfly aggregation sites by adopting a set of actions that potentially minimize the impacts and plan for a response should such events affect the groves in which aggregation sites are located.

Policy 9-1. The City shall adopt a set of protocols that could minimize the impacts from potential catastrophic environmental events.

Action 9-1.1. Implement Program 12, Tree Management Program, to reduce potential impacts on eucalyptus groves that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 9-1.2. Implement Program 4, Community Wildfire Protection Program, to reduce potential impacts on monarch butterfly aggregation sites from wildfire.

Action 9-1.3. Implement Program 13, Integrated Pest Management Program, to reduce the potential impacts from pest infestations.

Policy 9-2. The City shall assess the damage of catastrophic events as they occur and respond with corrective action to restore damaged monarch butterfly habitat.

Action 9-2.1. Measure the extent and assess the magnitude of the damage to the monarch butterfly overwintering habitat.

Action 9-2.2. Design and implement a response strategy with actions to correct and restore the habitat after t he catastrophic event and include them in the annual Implementation Plan (Policy 1-3), if practical. When feasible, employ phased approaches with consistent monitoring to evaluate success or need for changes in strategy or actions.

Assign priorities, including sources of materials, constraints, and methods for debris management.

Steps for Response Strategy:

1. Define the extent of the damage to the monarch butterfly habitat within the plan area.

2. Divide affected area into sections for a phased approach, based on level of damage and importance of overwintering site compared to other areas.

3. Assign priorities to the divided sections of the damaged area.

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Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 25 March 2019

4. Implement guidance from Programs 4, 12, and 13 for specifics in those areas.

Example Response Strategy for a catastrophic event that causes the die-back of 25% of the trees in the MBHMP area. The catastrophic event for this example could be fire, drought, pest, disease, wind storm, etc.

1. Consider whether the catastrophic event presents an imminent danger to the public, and install warning signage and/or closures as appropriate.

2. Assess and analyze the extent of the dead/dying trees in the forest at Ellwood Mesa in relation to the monarch butterfly aggregation areas.

3. Establish a phased approach for restoration acti vities, starting with the most affected areas. Tag and map the trees that are dead, dying, diseased, burnt, hazardous, or otherwise affected by the catastrophic event. Confer with arborists, biologists, and/or other relevant specialist to select trees for removal to benefit the forest on a whole and facilitate restoration. Remove selected trees in the first phase area. The removed trees may be disposed of off=site or chipped for use on site as ground cover. Install new trees and native understory species with irrigation.

4. Monitor the success of the plantings and irrigation over a set time (e .g., 1–2 years).

Replace plantings, as needed.

5. Adjust restoration methods if necessary and implement phased approach at the next priority phase area for restoration.

6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 until every area has been attended to and restored.

7. Continue to monitor for the presence of monarch butterflies during the aggregation season and other wildlife.

Action 9-2.3. Request City Council approval for supplemental funding, with a finding that the condition is a catastrophic event. Use funding received from the State Budget, apply for grants, and/or accept private donations for the dedicated mission of monarch butterfly overwintering habitat restoration.

Program Status: Tree condition surveys that have been completed for Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus trees have identified the number of dead trees. Cause of tree mortality has been identified as drought and pest infestations. Ellwood Main and Ellwood North monarch butterfly aggregation sites contain many dead trees. In-depth planning for management and recovery of a living eucalyptus forest will be detailed in an annual Implementation Plan. Similar events have occurred in the past and are likely to be part of the future.

Program Needs: Development of an Implementation Plan addressing the significant die -off of eucalyptus trees on Ellwood Mesa is underway. The City should have an ongoing response program in place so that careful and measured decisions following a catastrophic event can be implemented.

Program Contact: Public Works Department
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B. NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
Seven natural resources management programs are provided that articulate the goals, policies, and actions necessary to maintain and improve the many impor tant natural resources, including biological diversity and ecosystem functions, associated with the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves and the monarch butterfly aggregation sites they support.

10. Monarch Butterfly Management Program
Overview: The City ’s Gener al Plan includes a policy specific to the protection of monarch butterfly habitat areas, including the habitat on Ellwood Mesa. The City ’s Ellwood Mesa Open Space Plan further specifies the need to protect and maintain the eucalyptus habitat to be self - sustaining and identifies the need for managed public access, scientifically sound existing conditions studies, phased habitat improvements, and adaptive management. The primary focus of the Habitat Management Plan described below is to implement the directives of the General Plan and Ellwood Mesa Open Space Plan.

Goal 10. To ensure the ongoing use of Ellwood Mesa by the monarch butterfly.

Policy 10-1. The City shall implement management strategies that facilitate the use of Ellwood Mesa by monarch butterflies.

Action 10-1.1. Implement Program 12, Tree Management Program, to help facilitate the conservation of the eucalyptus groves and windrows in the Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan Coverage Area as habitat for the monarch butterfly.

Action 10-1.2. Implement Program 20, Biological Monitoring Program, and Program 21, Monarch Research Program, to expand the body of knowledge and further the understanding of the monarch butterflies’ use of the resources at Ellwood Mesa.

Policy 10 -2. Preservation of th e eucalyptus groves and windrows on Ellwood Mesa as monarch butterfly habitat shall be the focus of management activities, as feasible, and in coordination with Program 9, Catastrophic Event Response Program.

Action 10 -2.1. Should one or more catastrophic events result in impact s on the sustainability of monarch butterfly aggregation sites, consider alternative management and recovery strategies that incorporate goals for sustaining aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa.

Policy 10-3. Ecosystem functions proposed for habitat restoration projects at Ellwood Mesa shall consider inclusion of native plant species.

Action 10-3.1. Implement Program 14, Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program, as feasible, to improve conditions for native plants and animals and the ecosystem functions City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
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they provide in and adjacent to the eucalyptus groves containing monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Policy 10-4. To avoid impacts on monarch butterflies while they are present at the Ellwood aggregation sites, no maintenance or res toration work, except for maintenance required to remove immediate hazards to life or property, shall be conducted in the eucalyptus groves and windrows at Ellwood Mesa from October 1 through March 31 of each year, unless protective recommendations are implemented in consultation with a qualified biologist.

Action 10-4.1. Unless authorized by a qualified biologist, conduct all site maintenance, tree trimming and removal, habitat restoration, exotic plant removal, and other potentially invasive activities between April 1 and September 30 of each year , when there would not likely be direct impacts on monarch butterflies.

Program Status: Monarch butterflies are important to the ecosystem of Ellwood Mesa and to the City’s sense of community. Development and implementation of this MBHMP is an important step in the active conservation of the monarch butterflies and their habitat at Ellwood Mesa.

Program Needs: New information about monarch butterflies regularly emerges from the scientific community, and the Ellwood Main site is an important site for the sustainability of monarchs. The more monarch butterfly biology is understood, the better Ellwood Mesa can be managed.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

11. Wildlife Habitat Management Program
Overview: Eucalyptus groves supporting seasonal aggregation sites for monarch butterflies also provide habitat for other wildlife species. Examples include or have included perches for red- shouldered hawks, roosting sites for turkey vultures, and nesting sites for white-tailed kites, Cooper’s hawks, great horned owls, and acorn woodpeckers. This MBHMP identifies management strategies for conserving habitat for monarch butterflies that are intended to be consistent, where feasible, with management of habitat for other wildlife species.

Goal 11 . Manage eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa for monarch butterflies in a manner consistent with ecosystem functions for other wildlife species that use the groves as habitat.

Policy 11 -1. The eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites shall be managed in a manner consistent with ecosystem functions supporting other wildlife species, where feasible.

Action 11-1.1. All personnel associated with the implementation of this MBHMP will receive educational information regarding the presence of monarch butterfly and other native wildlife species and the need to protect all native wildlife species.

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Action 11-1.2. Preserve some trees with cavities to provide opportunities for cavity - nesting birds, such as acorn woodpeckers.

Action 11-1.3. Avoid removal of or disturbance to trees or other woody vegetation during nesting bird season (March 1 5 to August 15), when feasible. If not feasible, a biological monitor will survey for nesting birds in the area of proposed vegetation removal and ensure no active nests are present prior to removal or disturbance.

Action 11-1.4. Limit vegetation removal and ground disturbance activities to the dry season. Avoid areas with open water in Devereux Creek and tributaries.

Policy 11-2. Program 14, Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program, shall complement the Wildlife Habitat Management Program.

Action 11-2.1. Include native plant species that are important for wildlife habitat and food in enhancement and restoration projects (Appendix 3).

Action 11-2.2. Require a Planting Plan for any proposed enhancement plantings near the groves containing aggregation sites.

Action 11-2.3. Consider increasing mid-canopy and low-stature or groundcover native plant species to enhance wildlife habitat complexity and increase potential use of eucalyptus groves by a variety of wildlife species.

Action 11 -2.4. Implement restoration for the Devereux Creek riparian corridor to improve functions for wildlife, consistent with the goals of this MBHMP for monarch butterflies.

Program Status: A variety of management actions have occurred in the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves, including monitoring the butterfly populations, evaluating the health of the eucalyptus grove and individual trees, and educating the public regarding the sensitivity of the aggregation sites.

However, a comprehensive approach to managing and educating the public as to the importance of all native wildlife species that inhabit the Ellwood Mesa e ucalyptus groves will benefit both the visitors and the natural resources of the open space area.

Program Needs: Adoption and implementation of this MBHMP will include programs to improve the health of the habitats and their ecosystem functions for wildlife species in general, and monarch butterflies in particular.

Program Contact: Public Works Department
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12. Tree Management Program
Overview: One of the most important aspects of this MBHMP is the set of management practices that would result in a sustainable eucalyptus forest that supports aggregation sites for monarch butterflies. Health of the individual eucalyptus trees, structure of the aggregation sites, and long-term sustainability of the groves supporting the sites are of primary importance. In response to these management needs, as well as concern for public safety within the groves and concern for wildfire hazards, City staff continues to work with professional biologists and arborists to develop protocols for managing the eucalyptus groves supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites. The information obtained during inventories and assessments, and coordination with the development of the CWPP, resulted in the management recommendations as presented in this MBHMP.

Goal 12. To manage the eucalyptus groves within monarch butterfly aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa in a manner that provides for (1) healthy trees, (2) suitable aggregation site structure, (3) sustainable butterfly aggregation sites, ( 4) public safety while visitors are on trails within the groves, and (5) sensitivity to wildfire hazards.

Policy 12-1. Eucalyptus trees in the groves within the Coverage Area shall be managed, as feasible, to ensure tree health and longevity. Nothing in this program should be interpreted to preclude tree maintenance work required to address immediate hazards to life or property.

Action 12-1.1. Include guidance for necessary tree work in the annual Implementation Plan (Action 1-4.1). Tree work will take place in the month of September each year. The Implementation Plan should specify responsible parties, work locations, individual trees addressed, work to be accomplished, restoration measures, and methods and procedures for managing tree health. An annual plan is recommended but may be prepared on an as-needed basis based on conditions and progress of the previous Implementation Plan.

Action 12-1.2. Preliminarily identify potential threats to aggregation sites that may occur over time and develop a framework for mitigating the threats and maintaining/recovering suitable overwintering habitat. Threats may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Drought
• Pests
• Disease
• Fire
• Flood/erosion
• Vandalism
• Invasion by non-native plants (not including eucalyptus) These threats, as well as others, may arise and impair the function of Ellwood Mesa as habitat for overwintering monarch butterflies. When threats are encountered, a specific plan The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

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of action should be undertaken to address the needs of the situation. However, for planning purposes, the City should be prepared to undertake the response measures out lined in Table 2 below. Although not exhaustive , these measures represent a prudent suite of response tools to address future conditions. Measures listed below may prevent or rectify impacts from multiple types of threats, as the intent of the measures is to restore and encourage healthy habitat.

Table 2. Identified Threats and Potential Response Actions Potential Actions/Tools
for Management Purpose/Goal/Target Threat/Cause
Selective removal of
standing dead trees
To protect the living trees from being taken
out if a dead tree falls, and to provide space
for growth of young trees.

Drought, disease,
pests, fire
Selective removal of
downed trees/debris
To open up space in the grove for younger
trees to grow and replace dead trees.

To reduce fuel load.

Drought, disease,
pests, fire
Watering/irrigation

To prevent trees (established and newly
planted) from declining in health because of
insufficient water, or attempt to recover
drought-stressed trees. Provide water to
establish replacement trees. Use of reclaimed
water should be explored.

Drought
Planting eucalyptus trees or
planting native trees
To correct habitat deficiencies such as:
 The overstory has become too sparse.
 Wind speeds in the grove are too strong.
 A tree died, fell over, or was removed.

Death of one or
more trees,
insufficient canopy,
or aggregation site
protection.

Planting understory species To add or create a diverse understory.

To add nectar sources.

To create variable edge barrier.

Non-native plants,
poor/homogeneous
understory
Planting nectar sources
within and near groves
To make nectar sources for adult monarchs
available near the overwintering sites.

Non-native plants,
understory lacking
nectar species
Selective pruning To prune or remove understory plants when they reduce monarch butterfly flight space or
aggregation areas. To protect/maintain the
open interior of the grove.

Understory
becomes too dense
Re-contouring/grading In the case of a flood, to correct erosion and reshape the drainage channel to protect
trees.

Flood/erosion
Installation of erosion
control best management
practices (BMPs)
To prevent future erosion and direct flows
away from erosion-sensitive areas (exposed
roots, etc.).

Flood/erosion

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Action 12 -1.3. Thresholds should be established to direct professional review and potential action to address conditions in the groves. Ultimately, it is envisioned that quantitative thresholds will be established based on the results of monitoring and scientific study within the groves (Programs 20, 21, and 22). However, until adequate reference data are available, action thresholds will be determined qualitatively by the City in consultation with a qualified monarch butterfly biologist.

Factors for Consideration:
• Did a major tree fall down in or adjacent to a known overwintering site? • Is a butterfly expert recommending that action be taken? • Has the butterfly overwintering population at a specific site decreased dramatically in a way that does not follow the populations at other sites in the vicinity? • Is there erosion or threat of exposed roots of trees in or adjacent to a known overwintering site?
• Has the tree canopy decreased noticeably and dramatically? • Has a certified arborist identified a high-risk tree that could degrade the aggregation site?
Steps for Taking Action:

1. Identify the threat (persistent or temporary, site-specific or large-scale).

2. Consult with a qualified monarch butterfly biologist, guided by the goals for a sustainable overwintering habitat.

3. Develop a plan of action.
• If the problem is large -scale, a prescribed action may be taken in phases and the effect will be evaluated to assess success before any large-scale implementation of the action.
• Manipulative experiments may occur in coordination with adaptive management, such as pilot studies, to inform decisions.

4. Obtain approvals. Depending on the plan of action, authorization from the City Council, CCC, and/or resource agencies may be needed. Environmental review may also be required, depending on the scope.

5. Implement the plan of action.

6. Monitor and document results.
• Areas affected by response actions, especially major ones, should be included in the monitoring program conducted under Program 20, Biological Monitoring Program.

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Action 12-1.4. Implement Program 13, Integrated Pest Management Program, to hel p maintain tree health and control infestation in the eucalyptus groves supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 12-1.5. Cut down or prune trees identified as a threat to butterfly aggregation sites because they may fall and cause injury or collapse o n other trees important to sustaining aggregation sites.

Action 12-1.6. Maintain a living eucalyptus forest within the outline of pre-drought forest extent as determined with historic aerial photographs. R eplant sections of the eucalyptus forest where dead zones occur due to multiple tree die-offs.

Action 12-1.7. Implement Program 14, Invasive Plant Management Program, particularly regarding non- native vines that could affect the quality of monarch butterfly habitat, following recommendations for eradication consistent with the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) and conservation priorities of monarch butterflies and their habitat.

Action 12 -1.8. Implement Program 20 , Biological Monitoring Program , to provide information regarding manage ment of eucalyptus groves to ensure their health and longevity.

Action 12-1.9. Annually, identify conditions that threaten trees at aggregation sites and include recommended actions in the Implementation Plan to reduce perceived threats.

Action 12-1.10. Plant trees as needed to maintain grove density and improve monarch butterfly habitat. Plant in locations that improve aggregation site conditions as per the best available scientific analysis, and replant eucalyptus in areas within historic eucalyptus grove extent where monarch habitat has deteriorated from drought die-back.

Action 1 2-1.11 Following evaluation of compatibility with existing habitat and functionality with respect to butterfly habitat, conduct a pilot planting for any eucalyptus species considered for tree restoration that is not present in the MBHMP area as of 2018.

Policy 12-2. Eucalyptus trees in the groves containing monarch butterfly aggregation sites shall be managed, as feasible, to provide sustainable habitat for butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 12-2.1. When considering eucalyptus or other tree replacement actions, consider tree configurations that retain open areas for monarch butterfly patrolling and monarch overwintering preferences.

Action 12-2.2. Investigate potential enhancement to monarch butterfly patrolling habitat by reducing tree tangles and fallen debris.

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Action 12-2.3. Remove hazard trees as necessary to protect monarch butterfly cluster locations, as consistent with goals for public safety.

Action 12-2.4. Implement, as feasible , Program 10 , Monarch Butterfly Management Program, to facilitate improvements in eucalyptus groves that help sustain aggregation sites.

Action 12-2.5. Protect blue gum saplings as necessary to encourage natural recruitment of trees in the eucalyptus forest.

Policy 12-3. Eucalyptus trees within the groves containing monarch butterfly aggregation sites shall be managed, as feasible and consistent with conservation of monarch habitat, to provide safe conditions for the visiting public.

Action 12-3.1. Prune and remove dead, dying, or particularly vulnerable tree trunks and branches that overhang trails and seating areas, or lay across trails, inside and near monarch butterfly aggregation sites to reduce the threat of injury from falling trunks and branches, debris on trails (trip hazards), or low-hanging material across trails that visitors could bump heads on.

Action 12 -3.2. As recommended by the City arborist and detailed in the annual Implementation Plan, conduct work designed to protect and im prove the structure of aggregation sites.

Action 12 -3.3. As recommended by the City arborist and detailed in the annual Implementation Plan, remove or prune dead standing, dead suspended, dead on the ground, or thick understory trees both to improve grove tree health and monarch butterfly habitat and to correct hazard conditions for human safety along trails and at observation sites.

Action 12-3.4. Consider using downed, dead trees for seating along trails, or to add to slope stability or help control erosion, for preservation rather than removal, as feasible , considering human safety or wildfire threat.

Action 12-3.5. Remove ground debris, such as accumulations of branches and leaves, at trailheads in particular to reduce threat from wildfires, to reduce threat to human safety from obscured views, and to increase aesthetic appeal.

Action 12-3.6. In consultation with the City arborist, conduct an annual review of tree health in April and May at aggregation sites . D evelop and implement an annual Implementation Plan to address issues identified during the review, including potential need for tree removal or pruning, treatment of diseases or pests, and other potential recommendations.

Policy 12-4. Eucalyptus trees within the groves containing monarch butterfly aggregation sites shall be managed, as feasible, to provide for low wildfire hazards.

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Action 12-4.1. Implement Program 4, Community Wildfire Protection Plan, to provide wildfire protection consistent with the City’s adopted CWPP.

Action 12-4.2. Reduce accumulations of dead, dry, and loose organic and other flammable material within eucalyptus groves to decrease potential for ground -level fires becoming canopy fires as a result of ladder effect of fire hazard materials. Sufficient downed wood, debris, and ground cover will be left in place to provide substrate and shelter for monarchs dislodged from clusters.

Action 12-4.3. Remove accumulations of dead plant material along southern grassland margins of eucalyptus groves and at southern trailheads to reduce threat of grassland fires becoming eucalyptus grove fires as a result of fire hazard s at the boundary between grasslands and groves via mowing or selective weed-whacking. Herbicides shall not be used.

Action 12-4.4. Replace removed understory plants as recommended by the City monarch butterfly biologist with fire-resistant native shrubs to restore and improve habitat structure for monarch butterflies (Appendix 3).

Action 12-4.5. Coordinate (1) butterfly habitat management, (2) public access and safety needs, (3) fire management requirements, and (4) wildlife habitat restoration proposals to ensure management priorities and implementation of procedures that provide the most compatible result for the conservation of monarch butterflies, while also respecting the goals of the other MBHMP programs, as feasible.

Program Status: Although eucalyptus trees in some groves with monarch butterfly aggregation sites are in good health (e.g., Sandpiper and Ocean Meadows, both of which are more windrow-like than grove-like), others are of average health (Ellwood West), and some are rated poor (Ellwood East, Ellwood North, and the important Ellwood Main ). As of July 2017, a significant die-off of trees occurred from drought and pest infestation, resulting in over 1,200 dead trees on Ellwood Mesa.

Program Needs : Quantitative habitat condition standards based on best available science that establishes thresholds for action. With adoption of this MBHMP and implementation of the 22 programs—in particular, Program 12, Tree Management Program—the health of the eucalyptus groves supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites is anticipated to improve and become a more sustainable resource.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

13. Integrated Pest Management Program
Overview: Eucalyptus trees are subject to a variety of pests and diseases that can injure or kill trees. When trees occur in groves, the spread of pests and disease is facilitated by proximity to infected trees, resulting in the potential of widespread loses. Curr ent and past infestations at Ellwood Mesa of blue gum and river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) include lerp psyllids on leaves, tortoise beetles, longhorned borer beetles, and orange sulfur fungus. Insect pests are often present in City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
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equilibrium with their predators and do not need further control. However, new threats to trees on Ellwood Mesa may occur that require pest control measures. Invasive non-native species such as English ivy and cape ivy also can be problematic, smothering entire trees and changing or destroying wildlife habitat (Refer to Program 15, Invasive Plant Management Program). Various approaches to pest management will be necessary to try experimentally to determine which approach works best for each pest without affecting native plant and animal species , including birds, and monarch butterflies and their seasonal aggregation sites.

Goal 13. Control or eradicate, as feasible, plant, animal, fungal, and other pests that would result in detectable impacts on monarch butterflies or degrade monarch butterfly habitat.

Policy 13-1. To maintain current knowledge of pests and diseases, the City shall conduct an annual inventory of organisms negatively affecting trees in the groves at Ellwood Mesa.

Action 13-1.1. Conduct an inventory of pests and diseases throughout the groves and windrows at Ellwood Mesa.

Action 13-1.2. Conduct an inventory of pests and diseases within the monarch butterfly aggregation sites in the Ellwood North, Ellwood West, Ellwood Main, Ellwood East, Sandpiper, and Ocean Meadows groves.

Policy 13-2. The City shall consider using a variety of approaches to pest management to prevent pests and diseases from affecting eucalyptus groves, particularly those supporting seasonal aggregation sites for monarch butterflies.

Action 13-2.1. As feasible, experiment with different integrated pest management (IPM) approaches for different pest s and diseases to determine which approach best suits the conditions in eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa.

Action 13-2.2. Implement wise management practices in the eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa that do not facilitate the spread of pests and diseases in groves.

Action 13-2.3. Identify current problems that require immediate treatment and implement appropriate treatment protocols.

Action 13 -2.4. Implement a pest and disease monitoring program, as feasible, to determine success of treatments and any new infestations requiring treatment.

Program Status: Currently, no IPM approaches are implemented for eucalyptus trees at Ellwood Mesa. A tree inventor y was conducted in 2017 that found over 1,200 dead eucalyptus trees on Ellwood Mesa City property. An Implementation Plan is in preparation to address tree health issues.

Program Needs : Adopt the MBHMP and implement the 22 MBHMP programs—including Program 13, Integrated Pest Management Program—to reduce the threat of impacts on tree health The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

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and sustainability and the potential for degradation of habitat supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

14. Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program
Overview: This program focuses on the enhancement of the eucalyptus groves from a native plant and wildlife habitat perspective and on the restoration of the Devereux Creek corridor along the northern margin of Ellwood West , Ellwood Main, and Ellwood East groves. The mid -canopy vegetation and understory of the eucalyptus groves is generally lacking or in some situations is composed of non-native invasive plant species. Enhancement of groves with native plant species would benefit native wildlife. Various native plants are present but scattered within the groves. Most of these plant species have fleshy fruits and are bird-dispersed. Restoration of portions of Devereux Creek associated with eucalyptus groves, as feasible, is consistent with the goal to restore Devereux Creek. This restoration would provide important habitat for native plant and animal species and would potentially improve water quality flowing downstream to Devereux Slough and the Pacific Ocean.

Goal 14. To provide for the enhancement of native plant and animal habitats in the context of preserving the monarch butterfly habitat associated with established eucalyptus groves.

Policy 14-1. Establishment of appropriate native plants—in particular, ground cover, shrub, and mid-canopy species—shall be encouraged in the eucalyptus groves and along the Devereux Creek corridor outside of the eucalyptus groves.

Action 14-1.1. Plant experimental plots of native ground cover species to determine which species may result in sustainable populations.

Action 14-1.2. Focus enhancement efforts on native plants existing in the eucalyptus groves, such as toyon ( Heteromeles arbutifolia), and native plants with nectar sources for monarchs (Appendix 3).

Action 14-1.3. Coordinate with Program 13, Integrated Pest Management Program, and Program 15, Invasive Exotic Plant Management Program.

Policy 14-2. Areas between eucalyptus groves shall be considered for habitat enhancement and restoration alternatives.

Action 14.2.1. Implement priority native plant restoration activities along Devereux Creek in areas outside of eucalyptus groves.

Action 14 -2.2. Eradicate non -native herbaceous cover, seedlings, and saplings (not including eucalyptus saplings) in areas between eucalyptus groves to encourage or actively plant local natives.

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Policy 14.3. Restoration of Devereux Creek shall include appropriate actions to improve the habitat structure, ecological functions and processes, and native biodiversity of the existing native riparian areas.

Action 14-3.1. Restoration activities include establishment of a riparian area along the banks of Devereux Creek composed of native riparian tree species.

Action 14-3.2. Ensure that no restoration activities along Devereux Creek shall result in increased flooding.

Action 14-3.3. Coordinate to align efforts with other restoration projects under separate permits or mitigation plans for Devereux Creek.

Policy 14-4. Native plant species are considered to be local genotypes of plants occurring naturally within the Ellwood Mesa/Devereux Creek Ecosystem.

Action 14-4.1. Collect all plant materials for use in restoration projects from existing native plant populations in the Ellwood Mesa/Devereux Creek Ecosystem, where feasible.

Action 14 -4.2. Collect plant material from the nearest existing populations for re - introduction of extirpated species.

Action 14-4.3. Obtain native plants for use in restoration from local nurseries or growers within the Santa Barbara area, emphasizing contract-grown material of local genotypes.

Policy 14-5. No enhancement or restoration actions shall result in negative impacts on the quality of the eucalyptus groves that provide monarch butterfly habitat.

Action 14-5.1. Coordinate with Program 10, Monarch Butterfly Management Program; Program 11, Wildlife Habitat Management Program; and Program 12, Tree Management Program.

Policy 14-6. No enhancement or restoration actions shall conflict with the goals and policies of the CWPP.

Action 14-6.1. Coordinate all enhancement and restoration activities with the guidelines and recommendations of the CWPP.

Program Status: An Implementation Plan that describes work activities to occur each year will accompany this MBHMP.

Program Needs : Adoption of this MBHMP and implementation of Program 14 , Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program, and fund-raising necessary to design, permit, implement, and maintain the projects.

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Program Contacts: Public Works Department and Planning and Environmental Review Department

Photo 3. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), a Native Shrub or Small Tree in the Ellwood Main Grove

15. Invasive Plant Management Program
Overview: Cal-IPC has established a list of invasive, non-native plant species of concern regarding conservation of California natural heritage ( www.cal-ipc.org/ip/inventory/index.php). Invasive non-native plants are defined by Cal-IPC (2006) as “plants that 1) are not native to, yet can spread into, wildland ecosystems, and that also 2) displace native species, hybridize with native species, alter biological communities, or alter ecosystem processes.” Non-native invasive plants have been given High, Moderate, or Limited ratings by Cal -IPC, depending on the severity of their potential for resulting in impacts on wildland ecosystems.

The monarch butterfly aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa are themselves characterized and dominated by non-native and potentially invasive plants species—most importantly blue gum, given a “Moderate” rating, and to a lesser degree river red gum, given a “Limited” rating. However, these stands of introduced trees are designated as an ESHA in the General Plan because of their importance to monarch butterflies as fall and winter aggregation sites. Several other aggressively invasive non-native plant species have prominent visual and habitat impacts wit hin the monarch aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa. These are mostly vines that climb butterfly habitat trees, and City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
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herbaceous ground cover, which potentially endanger the character and sustainability of the aggregation sites. Examples of these deleterious invasive species at Ellwood Mesa and their ratings are listed below:
• “High” rating:
• Canary Islands ivy (Hedera canariensis)
• English ivy (Hedera helix)
• Cape ivy (Delairea odorata)
• Victorian box or mock orange (Pittosporum undulatum)
• “Moderate” rating:
• Panic veltgrass (Ehrharta erecta)
• Myoporum (Myoporum laetum)
• “Limited” rating:
• Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum)
• New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides)

Photo 4. Canary Islands Ivy (Hedera canariensis) along Trail and Growing up Trees at Ellwood Main
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Goal 15. To eradicate existing stands of invasive non-native species and prevent or control new occurrences of invasive non-native plant species within the monarch butterfly habitat at Ellwood Mesa.

Policy 15-1. The City shall undertake an inven tory and generalized mapping program to identify, locate, and prioritize for eradication or control all invasive non -native plant species within the butterfly habitat at Ellwood Mesa.

Action 15-1.1. Identify and map all invasive non-native species identified by Cal-IPC as “High” priority species.

Action 15-1.2. Identify and map all invasive non-native species identified by Cal-IPC as “Moderate” priority species.

Action 15-1.3. Identify all invasive non-native species identified by Cal-IPC as “Limited” or unrated priority species and map any medium to large populations.

Policy 15-2. The City shall control all “High,” “Moderate,” and “Limited” priority invasive plant species within the monarch butterfly habitat, except those species for which monarch butterflies are dependent, as feasible.

Action 15-2.1. Control all “High” priority invasive non-native invasive plant species.

Action 15-2.2. Control all “Moderate” priority, non-native invasive plant species.

Action 15-2.3. Eradicate or control all medium or large stands of “Limited” or unrated priority non-native invasive plant species.

Policy 15-3. The City shall undertake annual monitoring as feasible to identify and eradicate or control new occurrences of “High” or “Moderate” priority invasive non-native plant species.

Action 15 -3.1. Implement monitoring of eradication efforts and potential new occurrences as part of Program 20, Biological Monitoring Program.

Action 15-3.2. Coordinate with other programs in this MBHMP, including Program 14, Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program.

Program Status: Currently, no non-native invasive plants species control or detection program is in place for the eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa.

Program Needs : Adoption of this MBHMP and implementation of the MBHMP programs, including Program 15, Invasive Plant Management Program.

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16. Ecosystem-wide Management Coordination Program
Overview: The eucalyptus grove s, including those areas where seasonal monarch butterfly aggregation sites occur, do not exist as island ecosystems but in fact are part of a broader ecosystem of the Ellwood Mesa and Devereux Creek Watershed , including UCSB’s North Campus Open Space (Upper Devereux Slough) and Coal Oil Point Reserve. This MBHMP primarily addresses monarch butterfly eucalyptus tree habitat in the Ellwood Mesa Open Space.

Goal 16. To manage the eucalyptus trees supporting seasonal monarch butterfly aggregation sites by coordinating among the 22 programs directed toward the management of monarch butterfly habitat and to consider management of eucalyptus groves in the context of managing the entire Ellwood Mesa Open Space.

Policy 16-1. The City shall manage eucalyptus trees in the context of all e ucalyptus habitat supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa.

Action 16-1.1. When considering implementation of actions for each program, consider their relationships to other actions in the same program.

Action 16-1.2. When considering implementation of actions for each program, consider their relationships to actions in related programs.

Policy 16-2. The City shall manage eucalyptus trees supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites in the context of all eucalyptus habitat at Ellwood Mesa.

Action 16-2.1. Through results of Program 20, Biological Monitoring Program, consider potential changes in monarch butterfly use of other aggregation locations at Ellwood Mesa, impacts of pests and diseases throughout the eucalyptus groves , or other relevant factors that can potentially affect monarch butterflies and their habitats at Ellwood Mesa.

Policy 16-3. The City shall manage eucalyptus trees supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites in the context of all habitats at Ellwood Mesa.

Action 16-3.1. When considering implementation of management actions for eucalyptus trees, consider their relationships to management actions for other habitats and programs for all of Ellwood Mesa.

Program Status: The City regularly coordinates the management of Ellwood Mesa with adjoining public agency land managers , including UCSB and Santa Barbara County. The focus of these management meetings is to ensure that trails are connected, grant applications are coordinated, and general issues such as illegal encampments and police enforcement are discussed and collectively addressed.

Program Needs: Adopt this MBHMP and implement its 22 programs considering the potential interaction of the program actions and results. Examples include eradication of exotic plant species The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

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(Program 15, Invasive Plant Management Program) and removal of trash and debris (Program 6, Waste Management Program) , followed by habitat enhancement efforts (Program 14 , Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program) within the affected sites in eucalyptus groves, in particular along affected trails (Program 5, Trail Management Program) with potential for additional erosion.

C. OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Outreach programs are designed to provide information to visitors, educators, and students to help develop a broad appreciation for natural resources and local natural heritage, with a focus on monarch butterflies.

17. Community Advisory and Docent Program
Overview: The residents of Goleta have been actively involved in the protection and acquisition of Ellwood Mesa over many decades, with a focus on the conservation of the monarch butterfly aggregation sites. The long-term sustainability of the eucalyptus groves and the aggregation sites they support will depend in part on the continuing public involvement in the process.

Goal 17. To provide a formal vehicle to involve public participation, the City shall engage with the City’s butterfly docents to provide recommendations to the Public Works Department.

Policy 17 -1. The City shall engage with the City ’s butterfly doc ents to review MBHMP implementation work plans and make recommendations to the Public Works Department.

Action 17-1.1. Identify a point of contact with the City’s butterfly docents, referred to the as the Butterfly Docent Coordinator, who will coordinate with and speak on behalf of the docents with the Public Works Department , Planning and Environmental Review Department, and Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department.

Action 17-1.2. Set up regular meetings between the Butterfly Docent Coordinator and City staff.

Policy 17 -2. As needed, the City shall continue to support the City ’s Butterfly Docent Program, the Butterfly Docent Coordinator, and ongoing training for the docents to ensure that educational opportunities for the public are maintained and to demonstrate the City ’s stewardship of the eucalyptus groves.

Action 17-2.1. Continue to support the Butterfly Docent Program and the Butterfly Docent Coordinator.

Action 17-2.2. Continue to support and update the City of Goleta ’s monarch butterfly website at www.goletabutterflygrove.com.

Action 17-2.3. Continue to support development of educational materials to be used by docents during scheduled public tours of the monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 17-2.4. Train docents in the details of this MBHMP.

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Action 17-2.5. Expand the pool of trained docents and encourage docent assistance with the implementation of this MBHMP.

Program Status: An active Butterfly Docent Program, including a Butterfly Docent Coordinator, has been in operation since 2007.

Program Needs: With adoption and implementation of this MBHMP, the existing docent program becomes part of the structure of this MBHMP. No formal volunteer program exists to assist in the implementation of this MBHMP.

Program Contacts : Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department, Public Works Department, and Planning and Environmental Review Department.

18. Interpretive Program
Overview: Although there are a few signs identifying the Ellwood Main grove and several behavioral signs regarding trails, there are no interpretive signs that provide information regarding the biology of monarch butterflies , general aspects of Ellwood Mesa, and the importance of the aggregation sites. There is an interpretive sign program at the nearby Coronado Butterfly Preserve.

City butterfly docents at Ellwood Mesa provide an important role, and the City’s monarch website has important information and links to the Natio nal Geographic monarch web information .

However, for the casual visitor without web access and without the presence of a docent, there is no interpretive information to assist in understanding this significant biological phenomenon.

Goal 18. To establish a useful and informative interpretive signage program at Ellwood Mesa monarch butterfly aggregation sites that is environmentally sensitive and creates a minimum of intrusion into the habitats.

Policy 18-1. The City shall design and install an interpretive signage program that provides important information on the biology of monarch butterflies, the significance of the aggregation sites, and general information on Ellwood Mesa and the eucalyptus groves, when feasible.

Action 18-1.1. Apply for grant funding to design, construct, and install the interpretive signage program.

Action 18-1.2. Design, construct, and install an interpretive signage program that is sensitive to the environment.

Action 18 -1.3. Locate the interpretive signage program in key location s minimally intrusive to the sensitive habitats of Ellwood Mesa.

City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
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Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 45 March 2019

Policy 18-2. The Butterfly Docent Coordinator shall provide input during design, review the draft interpretive program, and make recommendations to the City’s Public Works Department.

Action 18-2.1. Involve the butterfly docents, as feasible, in development and review of the content and design of signs for the interpretive signage program.

Photo 5. Ellwood Main Grove Entrance Sign at Trailhead along Devereux Creek

Program Status : No on- site interpretive program currently exists for the eucalyptus groves supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Program Needs: Adopt this MBHMP—including Program 18, Interpretive Program—and include links to the city’s existing website and docent program.

Program Contact: Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department and the Public Works Department.

19. Education Program
Overview: Education has always been an important part of the Ellwood Mesa monarch butterfly enthusiasm expressed by the residents of the area. Local and regional schools participate on a regular The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

March 2019 46 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

basis, especially when monarch butterflies are using the seasonal aggregation sites. Also, the National Geographic educational information is available through the City ’s website :
www.goletabutterflygrove.com. Therefore, it is important that education is a part of this MBHMP.

Goal 19. To provide educational experiences and information for K–12 students.

Policy 19-1. The City shall continue to work with K–12 students and their schools to explore educational experiences regarding Ellwood Mesa and the eucalyptus groves supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 19 -1.1. Continue to support the educational opportunities provided by the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves and their monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Action 19-1.2. Create educational materials regarding biology of monarch butterflies and their habitats.

Action 19-1.3. Continue to support the position of Butterfly Docent Coordinator.

Policy 19-2. The City shall continue to support its website containing educational materials regarding monarch butterflies.

Action 19 -2.1. Support, expand, and revise as necessary the City’s website www.goletabutterflygrove.com.

Program Status: The City has active participation in K–12 education programs, including scheduled docent-led tours of the aggregation sites when monarchs are present and presentations at local area schools during science fairs. The City ’s website also includes a link to the Monarch Teachers ’ Network.

Program Needs: Adoption of this MBHMP—including Program 19 , Education Program—will formalize the city’s contributions to K–12 students as part of this MBHMP for Ellwood Mesa.

Program Contact: Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 47 March 2019

D. MONITORING, RESEARCH, AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

PROGRAMS
Monitoring and research programs provide the mechanism for assessing environmental conditions and conducting original studies to help understand the ecology of monarch butterflies, particularly at Ellwood Mesa. Information obtained from these programs and other sources can be used to adapt the MBHMP to improved or additional information or changing conditions.

20. Biological Monitoring Program
Overview: Background studies of monarch butterfly number, aggregation locations, environmental conditions, tree health, wildlife, botanical resources, and climate have been conducted at Ellwood Mesa over many years. However, more detailed studies are warranted regarding tree health and failure risk, aggregation site canopy cover and light int ensity, wind patterns, microclimate, soil moisture and water demand, viable forest density, pest control, wildlife species, invasive non-native plants, eucalyptus tree health (including pest and diseases), enhancement and restoration projects within the gr oves, impacts from access trails, and other important aspects of the biological and physical resources related to monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Goal 20: To develop and implement a monitoring program integrating various components of the biological resources and impacts related to the eucalyptus groves that support seasonal monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Policy 20-1. The City shall maintain annual counts of the butterfly population at the various aggregation sites on Ellwood Mesa.

Action 20-1.1. Count and document monarch butterfly population number and cluster locations within the six Ellwood Mesa aggregation sites every year . The counts shall be conducted every 2 weeks through the overwintering season (October 1 through March 15) using the counting protocol established by Xerces Society , as funding allows. Where possible, record the tree tag numbers of trees with clustering monarchs to establish habitat use patterns (Althouse and Meade 2018).

Policy 20 -2. The City shall conduct an annual asses sment of ecosystem-wide tree and vegetation health on Ellwood Mesa, as funding allows.

Action 20-2.1. Track ecosystem-wide tree and vegetation health on Ellwood Mesa using high resolution multispectral and hyperspectral imaging and analysis, or similar appropriate means (Appendix 2).

Action 20-2.2. Coordinate results of the ecosystem -wide tree health assessment with Program 12, Tree Management Program, as feasible, to determine necessary and applicable management actions.

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March 2019 48 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Policy 20-3. Create a Monitoring Report, updated annually, resulting from the information obtained during the implementation of the various policies and actions called for in this MBHMP.

Action 20-3.1. Track the implementation of this MBHMP in the form of a Monitoring Report.

Action 20-3.2. Conduct a Visitor Impact Assessment as part of the monitoring program to determine use patterns and potential impacts on trails, changes in erosion of trails, and potential impacts on aggregation sites through which trails are located.

Action 20-3.3. Coordinate results of the monitoring reports with Program 22, Adaptive Management Program, as feasible, to determine if changes in management actions are necessary.

Program Status: Various studies and butterfly counts have been gathered on a somewhat irregular basis. The City recently conducted a Tree Inventory and Health Analysis. However, no formal regular monitoring program has been developed or implemented at eucalyptus groves, in particular those areas that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Program Needs: Adopt and implement this MBHMP, including Program 20, Biological Monitoring Program.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

21. Monarch Research Program
Overview: Although the City has conducted field studies as part of the preparation of this MBHMP, the City has not actively encouraged scientific studies using appropriate and cautious methods to maintain and improve habitat of the Ellwood Mesa habitats.

Goal 21. Encourage research projects and identify funding for research associated with monarch butterflies and their habitats at Ellwood Mesa.

Policy 21-1. The City shall allow for certain research projects that investigate the biology of monarch butterflies and their habitats at Ellwood Mesa and that provide information helpful to this MBHMP management programs.

Action 21 -1.1. Evaluate requests for research and , where approved, issue Scientific Research Permits to regulate the research efforts.

Action 21-1.2. Ensure that scientists use non-invasive research projects at Ellwood Mesa, in particular those that focus on monarch butterflies and their habitats, and require that the City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 49 March 2019

results of the research are provided to the City and posted on the City ’s website at www.goletabutterflygrove.com.

Action 21-1.3. Encourage research of the plants native to Santa Barbara County with regard to their ability to provide suitable monarch butterfly overwintering habitat and their applications for the restoration of the Ellwood Mesa.

Program Status : No formal, ongoing research projects are conducted at the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites.

Program Needs: Adopt and implement this MBHMP, including Program 21, Monarch Research Program.

Program Contact: Public Works Department

22. Adaptive Management Program
Overview: Management plans with ongoing maintenance, restoration, monitoring, and research programs generally develop an information base that helps provide insight into those portions of the implemented management plan that are performing well and those that could be performing better or differently with changing situations. In addition to the update and amendment process provided in Program 8 , MBHMP Review, Update, and Amendment Program, the Adaptive Management Program provides a vehicle for the management authority to make adjustments in management approaches on an as-needed basis, especially as new information provides new opportunities for improved management practices and resource stewardship.

Goal 22. To establish an adaptive management approach to resource management at the eucalyptus groves that support s monarch butterfly aggregation sites and their surrounding environment at Ellwood Mesa.

Policy 22-1. The City shall use an adaptive management approach to resource management at the eucalyptus groves that supports monarch butterfly aggregation sites and their surrounding environment at Ellwood Mesa.

Action 22-1.1. Implement adaptive management procedures associated with all relevant programs of this MBHMP for Ellwood Mesa.

Action 22-1.2. Include a description of adaptive management actions in the Monitoring Report (Action 20.3-1).

Action 22-1.3. Conduct a review of management policies and actions every fifth year, as feasible, to determine possible patterns in change regarding monarch butterfly use of the aggregation sites and overall ecosystem health of the monarch butterfly habitat at Ellwood Mesa.

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March 2019 50 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Program Status : Currently, there are no adaptive management procedures associated with the management of the eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa.

Program Needs: Adopt and implement this MBHMP, including Program 22, Adaptive Management Program.

Program Contact: Public Works Department
City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
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Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 51 March 2019

E. CONCLUSION
This MBHMP for the Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space provides a fully functional programmatic plan for the management of natural resources, focusing on habitat that supports the phenomenal occurrence of seasonal aggregations of thousands of monarch butterflies at six aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa. With adoption and implementation of this MBHMP, the City of Goleta will fulfill a major commitment to the natural resources of Ellwood Mesa and its residents, and all those committed to the conservation of monarch butterflies.

The Habitat Management Plan City of Goleta

March 2019 52 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

F. REFERENCES
Althouse and Meade, Inc. 2013. Ellwood Monarch Butterfly Habitat Assessment. Prepared for the City of Goleta.

Althouse and Meade, Inc. 2018. Ellwood Mesa Implementation Plan. Prepared for the City of Goleta. July 2018.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2017. C alifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Diversity Database (NDD). Special Animals List. Periodic publication. 65 pp.

Sacramento, CA. October 2017.

California Invasive Plant Pest Council ( Cal-IPC). 2006. California Invasive Plant Inventory. Cal-IPC Publication 2006-02. February. California Invasive Plant Council, Berkeley, CA. Available:
http://www.cal-ipc.org/docs/ip/inventory/pdf/Inventory2006.pdf.

City of Goleta, County of Santa Barbara, and University of California at Santa Barbara. 2004. The Ellwood-Devereux Coast Open Space and Habitat Management Plan. March.

City of Goleta. 2006. Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan. September. Planning and Environmental Review Department.

City of Goleta. 2012. City of Goleta Community Wildfire Protection Plan. March 20, 2012 County of Santa Barbara. 2018. Historical Rainfall Data. Public Works Department. http://www.countyofsb.org/pwd/rainhistory.sbc. Accessed June 1, 2018.

Pelton, E., S. Jepsen, C. Schultz, C. Fallon, and S.H. Black. 2016. State of the Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Sites in California. 40+vi pp. Portland, OR: The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

The Xerces Society. 2017. Protecting California’s Butterfly Grov e: Management Guidelines for Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Habitat. 32+vi pp. Portland, OR: The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

City of Goleta The Habitat Management Plan
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Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 53 March 2019

G. LIST OF PREPARERS
This MBHMP was collaborative effort. Consultants and City staff involved in the preparation of this plan are listed below.

City of Goleta
Anne Wells, Advance Planning Manager, Planning and Environmental Services Bob Morgenstern, Public Works Manager, Public Works Department Althouse and Meade, Inc.

Daniel E. Meade, Ph.D., Principal Scientist
Corey Meyers, Arborist
Rincon Consultants, Inc.

Chris Julian, Program Manager/Senior Regulatory Specialist Charis van der Heide, Associate Biologist
Agri-Turf Supplies, Inc.

Robert Muraoka, Consulting Arborist
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March 2019 54 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan A-1 March 2019

APPENDICES
APPENDIX A. IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES, SCHEDULE, AND

ESTIMATED COSTS
For the purposes of this MBHMP, implementation priorities, scheduling, and cost estimates are provided on a general programmatic basis. Programs are ranked as Urgent, High, and Moderate priority. They also are given an Ongoing and Long-term (+/- 5-year) scheduling estimate. Cost estimates are on an annual basis, with staff time listed as such and some first -year estimates in brackets.

Table A1. Implementation Priorities and Cost Estimates
Program
Cost ($)
City Labor Cost
(hours)
Priority Schedule
Depart-
ment
Respon-
sible Annual
One-
Time Annual
One-
Time
A. Administrative Programs

1. Municipal Management
Program $16,000 $13,000 $26,000
(260)
$9,600
(96) High ASAP PW

2. Fiscal Program $1,000 — $19,600
(196) — High ASAP PW

3. Interagency Cooperative
Program $3,000 — $9,600
(96) — High ASAP
PW,
NSPS,
PER

4. Community Wildfire
Protection Program $8,000 — $7,800
(78) — Moderate Annually PW

5. Trail Management
Program $10,000 $10,000 $45,600
(456)
$24,000
(240) Moderate Annually PW

6. Waste Management
Program $1,500 — $10,400
(104)
$1,600
(16) Moderate Annually PW/NSPS

7. Aesthetic Resources
Management Program — — $7,000
(70) — Low Annually PW

8. MBHMP Review, Update,
and Amendment Program $10,000 — $12,400
(124) — Moderate Annually PW, PER

9. Catastrophic Event
Response Program $75,000 — $20,400
(204) — Moderate Annually PW
B Natural Resources Management Programs

10. Monarch Butterfly
Management Program $2,000 — $6,000
(60) — High Annually PW

11. Wildlife Habitat
Management Program $2,750 — $5,600
(56) — Moderate Annually PW
Appendix A City of Goleta

March 2019 A-2 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Program
Cost ($)
City Labor Cost
(hours)
Priority Schedule
Depart-
ment
Respon-
sible Annual
One-
Time Annual
One-
Time

12. Tree Management
Program $49,600 — $99,200
(992) — High ASAP PW

13. Integrated Pest
Management Program $11,500 $5,000 $11,600
(116) — Moderate As funding
is available PW

14. Habitat Enhancement
and Restoration Program $30,000 $40,000 $29,600
(296)
$16,000
(160) High ASAP PW, PER

15. Invasive Plant
Management Program $5,500 $27,500 $14,800
(148) — Moderate As funding
is available PW, PER

16. Ecosystem-wide
Management Coordination
Program
— — $5,000
(50) — Low Annually PW, PER
C. Outreach Programs

17. Community Advisory
and Docent Program $5,000 — $77,200
(772) — High Annually
PW,
NSPS,
PER

18. Interpretive Program $500 $3,000 $8,800
(88)
$6,000
(60) Moderate As needed PW, NSPS

19. Education Program — — $12,400
(124)
$2,000
(20) Moderate Annually NSPS
D. Monitoring, Research, and Adaptive Management Programs

20. Biological Monitoring
Program $20,000 — $8,000
(80) — High Annually PW

21. Monarch Research
Program $34,000 $40,000 $4,000
(40)
$4,000
(40) Low As needed PW

22. Adaptive Management
Program $5,000 — $8,000
(80) — Low Every 5
years PW
Totals $290,350 $138,500 $449,000
(4,490)
$63,200
(632)
Grand Total Over 5 Years $1,590,250 $2,308,200
(23,082) TOTAL: $3,898,450
PW = Public Works Department
NSPS = Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Department PER = Planning and Environmental Review Department

City of Goleta Appendix A
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan A-3 March 2019

Table A2. Cost Estimates by Action

Materials and
Contractors Cost
($)
City of Goleta Staff
Time (hours)
Notes/Assumptions Annual One-
Time Annual One-
Time
A. ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS

1. Municipal Management Program
Action 1-1.1 $4,000 — — 24 Prepare and conduct public
workshop, 40 consultant hours
Action 1-1.2 — $8,000 — — IS/MND
Action 1-1.3 — $5,000 — 40 Depends on quantity and scope of revisions
Action 1-1.4 — — — 32 4 hours for the review by 8
people
Action 1-2.1 — — 200 — City coordination
Action 1-3.1 $10,000 — 40 — Prepare annual Implementation Plan
Action 1-3.2 $2,000 — 20 — Prepare and conduct City
Council presentation, 20
consultant hours

2. Fiscal Program
Action 2-1.1 — — 24 — Accounting staff, 12 hours bi-
annually
Action 2-1.2 — — 8 — Accounting staff
Action 2-1.3 $1,000 — 8 — Annual needs list to be
included into Implementation
Plan, accounting staff to
determine operating budget
Action 2-2.1 — — 136 —
8 hrs/month + 40 hours grant
application coordinating
Action 2-2.2 — — 20 — As compensatory mitigation
fees are paid

3. Interagency Cooperative Program
Action 3-1.1 $1,000 — 24 — 2 hr/month for coordination
meetings/calls with City staff
and consultants
Action 3-1.2 $1,000 — 48 — 2 hr/month for coordination
meetings/calls with City staff
and consultants
Appendix A City of Goleta

March 2019 A-4 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Materials and
Contractors Cost
($)
City of Goleta Staff
Time (hours)
Notes/Assumptions Annual One-
Time Annual One-
Time
Action 3-1.3 $1,000 — 24 — 2 hr/month for coordination
meetings/calls with City staff
and consultants

4. Community Wildfire Protection Program (CWPP)
Action 4-1.1 — — 12 — CWPP
Action 4-1.2 $2,000 — 40 — PW's site maintenance. the
majority of this cost is included
in Program 14
Action 4-1.3 — — — — Restrictions on timing of work
Action 4-1.4 $6,000 — 24 — Coordination with butterfly
and fire experts 2hr/mo prior
to work activates. Expert time
for consultation/surveys/
inspections monthly as
necessary
Action 4-2.1 — — 2 — Cost incorporated into
Program 12

5. Trail Management Program
Action 5-1.1 — — 192 — 2 days/month for trail
maintenance
Action 5-1.2 — — — — Cost incorporated into
Program 12
Action 5-1.3 $1,000 — — — Staff time in Action 5-1.1
Action 5-1.4 $5,000 $10,000 96 240 Installation cost & 2 wks x 3 staff; maintenance 1 day/mo
Action 5-1.5 — — 64 — 2 day effort x 2 staff x twice
during wet season
Action 5-1.6 — — 16 — 2 day effort once annually
Action 5-1.7 — — 8 — Annual review of trails
boundaries
Action 5-1.8 $4,000 — 40 — 5 days x 1 staff and risk
assessor, trails, arborist,
butterfly biologist
Action 5-2.1 — — 20 — Staff coordination time and
meetings
Action 5-2.2 — — 20 — Staff coordination time and
meetings
City of Goleta Appendix A
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan A-5 March 2019

Materials and
Contractors Cost
($)
City of Goleta Staff
Time (hours)
Notes/Assumptions Annual One-
Time Annual One-
Time

6. Waste Management Program
Action 6-1.1 — — 96 — 1 day/mo
Action 6-2.1 $1,500 — — 16 2 days staff time and signs
Action 6-2.2 — — 4 — Cost incorporated into
Program 17
Action 6-2.3 — — 4 — Inspection of trash cans
annually

7. Aesthetic Resources Management Program
Action 7-1.1 — — 10 — Read and adopt all programs
Action 7-1.2 — — 20 — Program 18
Action 7-2.1 — — 20 — Review signage and fencing.

Cost included in Program 5
Action 7-2.2 — — 20 — Staff time to review restoration
plans

8. MBHMP Review, Update and Amendment Program
Action 8-1.1 $1,000 — 32 — Staff and consultant time for review
Action 8-1.2 $2,000 — 24 — City staff and consultant's’ time for updates
Action 8-1.3 $2,000 — 24 — City staff and consultants’ time for updates
Action 8-1.4 $2,000 — 24 — City staff and consultants’ time for response to public
comments
Action 8-1.5 $3,000 — 12 — Update IS/MND, if necessary.

Consultant time
Action 8-1.6 — — 8 — City Council approval/meeting

9. Catastrophic Event Response Program
Action 9-1.1 — — 4 — Cost included in Program 12
Action 9-1.2 — — 4 — Cost included in Program 4
Action 9-1.3 — — 4 — Cost included in Program 13
Action 9-2.1 $25,000 — 80 — Expert/arborist/risk/biologist consultant time, plus materials
to assess
Action 9-2.2 $50,000 — 80 — Expert/arborist/risk/biologist consultant time, plus materials
to design and implement
strategy
Action 9-2.3 — — 32 — City staff time
Appendix A City of Goleta

March 2019 A-6 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Materials and
Contractors Cost
($)
City of Goleta Staff
Time (hours)
Notes/Assumptions Annual One-
Time Annual One-
Time
B. NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

10. Monarch Butterfly Management Program
Action 10-1.1 — — 8 — Program 12
Action 10-1.2 — — 8 — Program 20 and 21
Action 10-2.1 — — 8 — Program 9
Action 10-2.2 $1,000 — 20 — Staying current with research, staff time, and consultant time
to inform staff.

Action 10-3.1 — — 8 — Program 14
Action 10-4.1 $1,000 — 8 — Guidance to staff and education

11. Wildlife Habitat Management Program
Action 11-1.1 $1,000 — 40 — 0.5-hr training per employee Action 11-1.2 $750 — 8 — Arborist/biologist as needed
Action 11-1.3 $800 — — — Cost of nesting bird survey if needed, NBS biologist 1 day to
confirm nests $800
Action 11-1.4 $200 — 8 — Educate City/crew to avoid
water
Action 11-2.1 — — — — Program 14
Action 11-2.2 — — — — Program 14
Action 11-2.3 — — — — Program 14
Action 11-2.4 — — — — Program 14

12. Tree Management Program
Action 12-1.1 $4,800 — 40 — Monarch biologist (8 hrs) and arborist (16 hrs) site visits.
$2400. Implementation Plan
preparation 16 hrs. $2400. =
$4800. Quarterly site visits
32 hrs, IP 8 hrs
Action 12-1.2 — — — — Guidance for identifying threats
Action 12-1.3 — — — — Guidance for establishing
thresholds
Action 12-1.4 — — — — Program 13
City of Goleta Appendix A
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan A-7 March 2019

Materials and
Contractors Cost
($)
City of Goleta Staff
Time (hours)
Notes/Assumptions Annual One-
Time Annual One-
Time
Action 12-1.5 $23,800 — 20 — Arborist for 5 days: $4000, Butterfly biologist for 1 day to
confirm tree work: $800,
Wildlife biologist to monitor
work for 5 days: $4000,
Tree crew for 5 days: 15,000.
(Total = $23,800.) City staff to
check work for 5 days @4 hrs.
(Total = 20 hours.)
Action 12-1.6 — — — — Would be accomplished with
replanting restoration.

Action 12-1.7 — — — — Program 14
Action 12-1.8 — — — — Program 20
Action 12-1.9 $1,600 — — —
Biologist/arborist field visit 2
days
Action 12-1.10 $5,000 — 60 — Container trees and labor
estimate, depends on # of
trees planted.

Action 12-2.1 — — — — Direction for restoration
design
Action 12-2.2 $800 — 32 — Biologist 1 field day, City staff labor for 4 x 4 days
Action 12-2.3 — — — — Included in 12-1.5
Action 12-2.4 — — — — Program 10
Action 12-3.1 $8,800 — 768 — Inspection of trails one per month (16 hr/mo=192hr/yr),
maintenance crew to
prune/remove hazard limbs and
trucks every month for 2 days
(3 crew, 2 d/mo = 576hr/yr).

Est. 768 total staff time plus
equipment. Arborist 5 days
$4000, butterfly biologist 1 day
to confirm tree work $800,
wildlife biologist to monitor
work 5 days $4000.

Action 12-3.2 — — — — Included in 12-1.5
Action 12-3.3 — — — — Included in 12-1.5
Action 12-3.4 — — — — Included in 12-1.5
Action 12-3.5 — — 48 — 3 days x 2 staff
Appendix A City of Goleta

March 2019 A-8 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Materials and
Contractors Cost
($)
City of Goleta Staff
Time (hours)
Notes/Assumptions Annual One-
Time Annual One-
Time
Action 12-3.6 $4,800 — 8 — Implementation Plan.

Arborist: 20 hours.

Monarch biologist: 20 hours.

Report prep: 8 hours. @ 100/
hr.

City staff to review
Implementation Plan
Action 12-4.1 — — 0 — Program 4
Action 12-4.2 — — — Program 4
Action 12-4.3 — — — Program 4
Action 12-4.4 — — 8 — To review programs annually
Action 12-4.5 — — 8 — Staff time to coordinate

13. Integrated Pest Management Program
Action 13-1.1 — — — — Arborist pest assessment can
be done during annual plan site
visits, 12-3.6
Action 13-1.2 — — — — Arborist pest assessment can
be done during annual plan site
visits, 12-3.6
Action 13-2.1 $5,000 — 40 — Estimate for experimental
techniques
Action 13-2.2 $2,000 — 20 — Guidance
Action 13-2.3 $3,000 — 24 — Pest inspection by specialist with recommendations; staff
time to review
Action 13-2.4 $1,500 $5,000 32 — Pest specialist to develop and maintain pest monitoring
program and materials, and
staff time to implement.

14. Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program
Action 14-1.1 $20,000 $25,000 120 80 Container plants, planting, irrigation system, water,
maintenance, and monitoring;
Initial experimental plots
allowance. City staff
maintenance: 10 hr/month.

Action 14-1.2 — — — — Guidance
Action 14-1.3 — — — — Programs 13 and 15
City of Goleta Appendix A
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan A-9 March 2019

Materials and
Contractors Cost
($)
City of Goleta Staff
Time (hours)
Notes/Assumptions Annual One-
Time Annual One-
Time
Action 14-2.1 $10,000 $15,000 120 80 Container plants, planting, irrigation system, water,
maintenance, and monitoring;
Initial experimental plots
allowance. City staff
maintenance: 10 hr/month.

Action 14-2.2 — — — — Program 15
Action 14-2.3 — — 20 — Guidance
Action 14-3.1 — — 12 — Coordination activities
Action 14-3.2 — — 12 — Coordination activities
Action 14-3.3 — — 12 — Coordination activities
Action 14-4.1 — — — — Direction for collection
locations
Action 14-4.2 — — — — Direction for collection
locations
Action 14-4.3 — — — — Direction for collection
locations
Action 14-5.1 — — — — Coordinate with Program 10,
11, 12
Action 14-6.1 — — — — Coordinate with Wildfire
Protection Plan

15. Invasive Plant Management Program
Action 15-1.1 $2,500 $5,000 Renew map every two years.

Initial mapping for 1511.1, 1.2,
and 1.3 = 40 hrs. Botanist: 10
hrs. GIS @ $100 = $5000
Action 15-1.2 — — — — Cost in 15-1.1
Action 15-1.3 — — — — Cost in 15-1.1
Action 15-2.1 $1,000 $7,500 36 Control invasive plants allowance. Hand removal,
herbicide. Hand crews CCC
for 5 days per year.

Action 15-2.2 $1,000 $7,500 36 Control invasive plants allowance. Hand removal,
herbicide
Action 15-2.3 $1,000 $7,500 36
Control invasive plants
allowance. Hand removal,
herbicide
Action 15-3.1 — — 20 — Program 20
Action 15-3.2 — — 20 — Program 14
Appendix A City of Goleta

March 2019 A-10 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Materials and
Contractors Cost
($)
City of Goleta Staff
Time (hours)
Notes/Assumptions Annual One-
Time Annual One-
Time

16. Ecosystem-wide Management Coordination Program
Action 16-1.1 — — 20 — Guidance for staff
Action 16-1.2 — — 10 — Guidance for staff
Action 16-2.1 — — 10 — Guidance for staff
Action 16-3.1 — — 10 — Guidance for staff
C. OUTREACH PROGRAMS

17. Community Advisory and Docent Program
Action 17-1.1 — — 4 — Hire docent coordinator
Action 17-1.2 — — 64 — 2 hrs/wk for 8 month (Aug–
Mar)
Action 17-2.1 $5,000 — 640 — 20 hrs/wk for 8 month (Aug– mar), supplies for the program
Action 17-2.2 — — 64 — 2 hrs/wk for 8 month (Aug–
Mar)
Action 17-2.3 — — — — Incorporated in Action 17-2.1
Action 17-2.4 — — — — Incorporated in Action 17-2.1
Action 17-2.5 — — — — Incorporated in Action 17-2.1

18. Interpretive Program
Action 18-1.1 — — 40 40 Staff prepare grant applications Action 18-1.2 $500 $3,000 20 20 Design and install signage Action 18-1.3 — — 20 — Guidance for signs
Action 18-2.1 — — 8 — Guidance for signs

19. Education Program
Action 19-1.1 — — 80 — 1 hr/tour x 80 tours average,
by docents
Action 19-1.2 — — 20 20 Create education materials and
keep them updated
Action 19-1.3 — — — — Incorporated in Action 17-2.1
Action 19-2.1 — — 24 — Monthly updates. 12 x 2 hrs. =
24 hrs
D. MONITORING, RESEARCH, AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

20. Monitoring Program
Action 20-1.1 $4,800 — 20 — This could be docents for 48 hours: 4 hours per survey for
12 surveys
City of Goleta Appendix A
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan A-11 March 2019

Materials and
Contractors Cost
($)
City of Goleta Staff
Time (hours)
Notes/Assumptions Annual One-
Time Annual One-
Time
Action 20-2.1 $4,800 — — — Per year estimate. One field day with drone to cover 4
sites; camera use, analysis, and
brief report
Action 20-2.2 — — 20 — Staff coordination
Action 20-3.1 $3,000 — 4 — 30 hrs for biologist for
monitoring report, staff review
Action 20-3.2 $3,000 — 4 —
30 hrs for biologist for visitor
impact assessment, staff review.

Action 20-3.3 $500 — 8 — Coordination of programs for
biologists and staff

21. Monarch Research Program
Action 21-1.1 — $15,000 16 40 Evaluate requests for research and issue permits as needed.

Action 21-1.2 — — 8 — Guidance for research permits

22. Adaptive Management Program
Action 22-1.1 — — 16 — 16 hours per year staff time
Action 22-1.2 — — 8 — 8 hours per year staff time
Action 22-1.3 — — 8 — 8 hours per year staff time
TOTALS $203,650 $63,500 3226 472

City of Goleta

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan B-1 March 2019

APPENDIX B. SPECTRAL IMAGING AND ANALYSIS FOR ASSESSING TREE HEALTH
To monitor and determine vegetation health within the aggregate sites, spectral imaging and analysis will be used. In the last few decades, high resolution multispectral and hyperspectral imaging have become more commonly used by agricultural and horticultural industries to manage soil, fertilizing, and irrigation, and to monitor the health of crops. Spectral imaging is similar to digital photography except that instead of just collecting an image of three primary colors or bands (red, green, and blue; RGB) the multispectral camera sensor (spectrometer) divides the color range into multiple discrete bands of colors (typically 5 to 15 bands for m ultispectral to greater than 100 for hyperspectral) across the visible and near -infrared spectrums. In addition, the image captures data about the amount of light for each band that reaches the sensor. Since most plants with chlorophyll absorb light in the red (650 to 700 nm) and blue spectrum (425 to 475 nm) and reflect green and yellow light (500 to 600 nm), changes in the ratio of light within these region s can be used to determine vegetation health over time or in comparison to known healthy vegetation. By using spectral imaging over traditional arborist techniques, small changes in vegetation health can be assessed rapidly, the data can be quantified, and management decisions can be monitored for effectiveness. In addition, very little quantifiable information about the health of vegetation and butterfly use of aggregation sites has been studied.

To monitor the health of vegetation in aggregate sites, a ground-based imaging spectrometer will be used at set locations within the study area and within known aggregates sites. The spectrometer will be placed on a tripod at a known elevation and location within a study site. A series of images (both spectral and RGB) will be taken at a predefined aspect and slope of the tree canopy and surrounding vegetation. All perennial vegetation (trees and shrubs) within each image will be identified, and a visual assessment of vegetation health will be recorded and catalogued in order to track changes over time. For at least the first 2 or 3 years of the study, images should be taken three times during the year to help determine phenotypical color differences (variation in color due to genetics) between members of the same species and to calibrate seasonal changes. Afterwards, image frequency can be reduced to twice a year (at the beginning and middle of the growing season). For each spectral image, key individuals will be identified, and multiple pixel groups will be sampled across the foliage using multispectral imaging software and statistically analyzed to determine rel ative chlorophyll absorbance and reflectance, to indicate vegetation health.

By comparing changes in spectral signatures of like species and individuals, and by looking for abnormal changes for all species over time, the health of vegetation can be assess ed. Individual, chronic changes to perennial vegetation can help determine which individuals are stressed and have a higher potential for mortality, while overall changes to the ecosystem can indicate climate stressors (e.g., drought) or toxic conditions (e.g., pollution). Since modern cameras are small and light enough to be mounted to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), this technique can be used to determine whole forest health by sampling upper canopy foliage (once yearly) along with below canopy aggregation sites. This would allow for a whole ecosystem assessment and would help determine stressed locations or individual species across the whole study area.

Appendix B City of Goleta

March 2019 B-2 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

This Page Has Been Intentionally Left Blank.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan C-1 March 2019

APPENDIX C. NATIVE PLANTS TO BE INCLUDED IN HABITAT

RESTORATION EFFORTS
The following plants are native to the Central Coast of California and are known to offer several valuable elements to enhance the quality and longevity of native coastal habitats, including: fall and winter nectar source for monarch butterflies, canopy for wind protection, food source for wildlife, drought resistance , and fire resistance. California native plants are plants that were present in California prior to the arrival of European explorers and colonists in the late 18th century. Native plant stock should be sourced from local populations.

Appendix C City of Goleta
March 2019 C-2 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Restoration Native Plant List Location Purpose
Common Name (Scientific Name)
Over-
wintering
Site
Open Area
Adjacent to
Overwintering
Site
Devereux
Creek
Understory
Windbreak
Nectar
Source
Wildlife
Habitat
and Forage
Fire
Resistant
Drought
Tolerant
Erosion
Control
Trees
coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) X X X X X X
western sycamore (Platanus
racemosa)
X X
toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) X X X X X X X
arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) X X* X X
hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia) X X* X X X
Shrubs
seacliff buckwheat (Eriogonum
parvifolium var. parvifolium)
X X* X
California bay laurel (Umbellularia
californica)
X X X* X
California wax myrtle (Myrica
californica)

X X X
lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) X X X* X X X X
golden currant (Ribes aureum) X X X X X X
mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) X X* X
California brittlebush (Encelia
californica)
X X* X X X
California goldenrod (Solidago
veluntina ssp. Californica)
X X* X X
California goldenbush (Ericameria
ericoides)
X X* X X
saltmarsh baccharis (Baccharis
glutinosa [douglasii])

X X X X
coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis) X X* X X
black sage (Salvia mellifera) X X* X X
City of Goleta Appendix C
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space
Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan C-3 March 2019

Restoration Native Plant List Location Purpose
Common Name (Scientific Name)
Over-
wintering
Site
Open Area
Adjacent to
Overwintering
Site
Devereux
Creek
Understory
Windbreak
Nectar
Source
Wildlife
Habitat
and Forage
Fire
Resistant
Drought
Tolerant
Erosion
Control
seaside fleabane (Erigeron glaucus) X X* X X
purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) X X X X
blueblossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus) X X* X X
heart-leaved Keckiella (Keckiella
cordifolia)
X X X X* X X
Groundcovers
black figwort (Scrophularia atrata) X X X X X* X X
purple needlegrass (Nassella pulchra) X X X X
blue-eyed grass (Sisrinchium bellum) X X* X X X
bluedicks (Dichelostemma capitatum) X X* X X
Santa Barbara honeysuckle (Lonicera
subspicata var. supspicata

X X X X X X
Sticky monkeyflower (Diplacus
aurantiacus)
X X X X* X X
X* indicates species that bloom during the overwintering period (October – March) Appendix C City of Goleta

March 2019 C-4 Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan

Plant List References
The Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers and Native Plants, Inc. Fire Resistant Native Plants with High Wildlife Value. Sun Valley, CA. Available; http://www.theodorepayne.org/plants/fire_resistant.htm.

The Xerces Society. 2017. Protecting California’s Butterfly Grove: Management Guidelines for Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Habitat. 32+vi pp. Portland, OR: The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Attachment 4
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch
Butterfly Habitat Management Plan
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration

prepared by
City of Goleta
130 Cremona Drive, Suite B
Goleta, California 93117
Anne Wells, Advance Planning Manager
prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
209 East Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
March 2019

Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch
Butterfly Habitat Management Plan
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
prepared by
City of Goleta
130 Cremona Drive, Suite B
Goleta, California 93117
An
ne Wells, Advance Planning Manager
prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
209 East Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
March 2019
T
his report prepared on 50% recycled paper with 50% post-consumer content.

Table of Contents
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration i
Table of Contents
Initial Study ............................................................................................................................................. 1

1. Project Title ......................................................................................................................... 1

2. Lead Agency Name and Address ......................................................................................... 1

3. Contact Person and Phone Number ................................................................................... 1

4. Project Location .................................................................................................................. 1

5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address ................................................................................. 1

6. General Plan Designation .................................................................................................... 1

7. Background Information ..................................................................................................... 4

8. Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan ................................................................... 8

9. Approval Required by Other Public Agencies ...................................................................27

10. Site Information ................................................................................................................27

11. Environmental Setting ......................................................................................................27

12. Have California Native American Tribes Traditionally and Culturally Affiliated with the Project Area Requested Consultation Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1? ............................................................................................................28 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected .........................................................................................29 Determination ......................................................................................................................................29 Environmental Checklist .......................................................................................................................31 1 Aesthetics ..........................................................................................................................31 2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources ..................................................................................37 3 Air Quality .........................................................................................................................41 4 Biological Resources ..........................................................................................................45 5 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................81 6 Energy ...............................................................................................................................85 7 Ge ology and Soils ..............................................................................................................89 8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...............................................................................................93 9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials ....................................................................................97 10 Hydrology and Water Quality .........................................................................................101 11 Land Use and Planning ....................................................................................................107 12 Mineral Resources ..........................................................................................................111 13 Noise ...............................................................................................................................113 14 Population and Housing ..................................................................................................119 15 Public Services .................................................................................................................121 16 Recreation .......................................................................................................................125 17 Transportation ................................................................................................................127 18 Tribal Cultural Resources ................................................................................................131 19 Utilities and Service Systems ..........................................................................................133 20 Wildfire............................................................................................................................139 21 Mandatory Findings of Significance ................................................................................143 City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan ii
References ..........................................................................................................................................147 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................147 List of Preparers ..........................................................................................................................153 Tables
Table 1 Prescription Guidance for Butterfly Aggregation Areas Adjacent to Structures ................ 8 Table 2 MBHMP Programs, Policies, and Actions with Potential Effects on the Environment .....16 Table 3 Habitat Types in the Coverage Area with Current Classification ......................................48 Table 4 Special-status Plant Species in the Vicinity of the Coverage Area ....................................57 Table 5 Special-status Animal Species in the Vicinity of the Coverage Area .................................60 Table 6 BAAQMD/Santa Barbara County Interim Thresholds of Significance ...............................95 Table 7 Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels ................................................................117 Figures
Figure 1 Regional Location ................................................................................................................ 2 Figure 2 MBHMP Coverage Area Location ........................................................................................ 3 Figure 3 Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Sites .................................................................................. 6 Figure 4 Peak Monarch Populations at Ellwood Main, 1997-2018 ................................................... 7 Figure 5 Site Photographs ...............................................................................................................33 Figure 6 Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas ..........................................................................49 Figure 7 Drainages and Vegetation Communities ..........................................................................50 Figure 8 Site Photographs ...............................................................................................................51 Figure 9 Western Monarch Population, 1997-2017 .......................................................................65 Appendices
Appendix A Draft Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan, Updated March 2019
Appendix B Public Comments and City of Goleta responses on the Draft Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan, Updated March 2019
Appendix C Responses to Comments Received on the Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan Draft Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Appendix D Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Initial Study
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 1
Initial Study

1. Project Title
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP)

2. Lead Agency Name and Address
City of Goleta, Planning and Environmental Review
130 Cremona Drive, Suite B
Goleta, California 93117

3. Contact Person and Phone Number
Anne Wells, Advance Planning Manager
(805) 9
61-7557

4. Project Location
The coverage area for the MBHMP (Coverage Area) encompasses approximately 75 acres of habitat supporting monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) seasonal aggregation areas in Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Open Space (Ellwood Mesa Open Space), a 137-acre open space area located on Ellwood Mesa and owned by the City of Goleta (City). The Coverage Area is south of Hollister Avenue, north of Ellwood Bluffs, east of Sandpiper Golf Club, and west of Ellwood Beach Drive and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Figure 1 shows the MBHMP’s regional location, and Figure 2 shows the Coverage Area and Ellwood Mesa Open Space.

5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address
City of Goleta, Planning and Environmental Review
130 Cremona Drive, Suite B
Goleta, California 93117

6. General Plan Designation
In October 2010, the City authorized a contract for development of the MBHMP, which outlines strategies to manage the monarch butterfly population in Ellwood Mesa Open Space. The MBHMP is scheduled for City Council consideration in March 2019.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 2 Figure 1 Regional Location
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Initial Study

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 3
Figure 2 MBHMP Coverage Area Location

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 4 7. Background Information
Ellwood Mesa Open Space
Ellwood Mesa Open Space is a City-owned, 137-acre open space area on the coastal bluffs between Sandpiper Golf Course and UCSB. The current configuration of Ellwood Mesa Open Space was formed in 2004 when private development rights transferred from coastal parcels to a portion of what was formerly Santa Barbara Shores Park. This location was subsequently used for development of a Comstock Homes housing development, “The Bluffs,” at which time the coastal parcels and remaining portion of the park were designated as permanent open space and zoned for Recreation (City of Goleta et al. 2004). The adjoining Coronado Butterfly Preserve is privately owned and managed by the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, and is not part of Ellwood Mesa Open Space.

Eucalyptus Groves
Ellwood Mesa was cultivated by Ellwood Cooper in the 1870s. Cooper was a horticulturalist, entrepreneur, and a Goleta Valley rancher who introduced eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus spp.) to Goleta in 1872. By the mid-1870s Cooper had successfully planted approximately 50,000 eucalyptus trees, comprised of more than 50 varieties. The eucalyptus trees thrived in the area and were intended to provide a source of lumber and pier pilings. However, the wood’s grain made it difficult to cut and the wood rotted in sea water. The eucalyptus groves eventually matured and became useful for windbreaks. Eucalyptus groves present on Ellwood Mesa today are a remnant of Cooper’s early attempt at eucalyptus forestry.

Ellwood Mesa is currently threatened by drought and pest infestation. The Goleta Valley is in its seventh year of the most severe drought on record, which began in 2012 (Goleta Water District [GWD] 2018). The drought has compromised the health of eucalyptus trees on Ellwood Mesa, exacerbating wildfire risk and increasing the vulnerability of eucalyptus trees to pest infestation.

Eucalyptus trees are subject to a variety of pests and diseases that can injure or kill trees. When trees occur in groves, the spread of pests and disease is facilitated by proximity, resulting in potential widespread losses. Current and past infestations at Ellwood Mesa of blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and river red gum (E. camaldulensis) include redgum lerp psyllids (a parasitic insect that attacks red gum eucalyptus; Glycaspis brimblecombei) on leaves, tortoise beetles (family Chrysomelidae), longhorned borer beetles (Phoracantha spp.), and orange sulfur fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus). Invasive, non-native species such as English ivy (Hedera helix) and cape ivy (Delairea odorata) also can be problematic, smothering entire trees and changing or destroying wildlife habitat.

The ongoing drought conditions and associated pest infestations have degraded the habitat at Ellwood Mesa, resulting in the degradation and death of numerous eucalyptus trees. According to a field study performed by Althouse and Meade, Inc., in July 2017, over 1,200 trees in the eucalyptus forest were dead, with hundreds more highly degraded and dying.

Monarch Butterflies
The monarch butterfly uses eucalyptus groves and windrows on Ellwood Mesa as winter habitat.

Each fall, monarch butterflies in the western U.S. migrate to the coast of California from various locations throughout western North America. Up to tens of thousands of these butterflies converge on Ellwood Mesa annually, making this area one of the most important sites for monarch butterflies Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Initial Study
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 5
in California. The butterflies arrive at Ellwood Mesa in mid-September and, as winter approaches, cluster into aggregation roosts, often called overwintering or wintering colonies. The butterflies remain until about mid-February, when they generally disperse inland. The congregation of butterflies attracts tourists to the site during the overwintering period. Figure 3 shows monarch butterfly aggregation sites in and around Ellwood Mesa Open Space. These include Ellwood North, Sandpiper, Ellwood West, Ellwood Main, Ellwood East and Ocean Meadows.

Monarch butterfly populations at Ellwood Mesa, and throughout California, have been in decline for several years. On average, approximately 13,800 butterflies visit Ellwood Mesa per year. In 2011, the monarch population at Ellwood Main was at a 30-year high with approximately 47,500 butterflies, as shown in Figure 4. The population has since declined to less than 0.5 percent of that level, to approximately 230 butterflies in 2018. Similarly, the state has experienced a dramatic decline in monarch populations over the last two decades, with populations in western North America currently at their lowest point in five years, despite recovery efforts (The Xerces Society 2018).

The monarch butterfly is included on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Special Animals List, with overwintering roosts designated as imperiled to vulnerable in the state. The species is under review for potential listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) plans to make its determination whether this species warrants federal ESA listing by June 30, 2019.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Goleta is prone to large wildfires and the combination of hot, dry weather and ignitable vegetation adjacent to structures creates a fire environment that could potentially threaten public safety. Santa Barbara County typically experiences numerous small fires throughout the summer and occasionally is hit by large, catastrophic fires. Recent large wildfires that burned near Goleta’s boundaries include the 1990 Painted Cave Fire, 1997 Eagle Canyon Fire, 2008 Gap Fire, 2009 Jesusita Fire, 2016 Sherpa Fire, 2017 Whittier Fire, and 2017/2018 Thomas Fire. The Jesusita Fire burned 8,733 acres east of Goleta, destroying 74 residences and damaging 18 residences. The Thomas Fire burned 281,893 acres from Fillmore to Santa Barbara, destroying 1,063 structures and damaging 280 structures.

The City Council adopted the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) in March 2012 to enhance the City’s wildlife protection by identifying key hazard treatments that are in balance with sustainable ecological management and fiscal resources (City of Goleta 2012). The CWPP covers the city of Goleta, including the Ellwood Mesa area, identifies and prioritizes areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments, and recommends the types and methods of treatment and measures to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout Goleta. The protection of human life and safety is the highest priority for all fire management strategies in Goleta, followed by the protection of property. Given the CWPP has been approved, activities under the CWPP would occur in Ellwood Mesa Open Space regardless of whether the MBHMP is implemented.

The CWPP was developed with consideration of the butterfly aggregation sites on Ellwood Mesa, and includes policies intended to minimize adverse effects on butterfly habitat while reducing fire hazards from fuel loads in these areas. The CWPP acknowledges conditions in the eucalyptus groves can change and butterfly aggregation locations may shift. The CWPP also notes the need to coordinate with City-approved butterfly and wildland fire experts during planning and implementation of any fuel treatments to minimize potential effects to butterflies. In addition, the CWPP requires any work performed near butterfly aggregation areas be conducted between April 1 and September 15, outside the monarch butterfly overwintering season.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 6 Figure 3 Monarch Butterfly Aggregation Sites
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Initial Study
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 7
Figure 4 Peak Monarch Populations at Ellwood Main, 1997-2018 Fuel treatments in areas near human developments are critical measures in the wildfire protection strategy for residences and butterfly aggregations and habitat. The CWPP includes prescription guidance for fuel treatments specific to the butterfly aggregation areas adjacent to structures that is less intensive than the prescription guidance for non-aggregation areas to balance fire safety with protection of butterfly aggregation areas. Table 1 details prescription guidance measures for the primary defense zone (0 to 30 feet from structures) and fuel reduction zone (30 to 100 feet from structures) by fuel type.

Because trees along the grove edges buffer aggregation sites from wind and weather, fuel treatment strategies are designed to maintain adequate tree density in these areas. These large trees are not the primary fuel of concern in the spread potential of wildfire. Instead, the greater threat is from the understory vegetation, dead-downed trees, and fuels that can create fire ladders.

Therefore, fuel treatment activities focus on removing hazardous fuels rather than large trees, and the CWPP’s prescription guidance for areas within 100 feet of residences and structures states only trees that do not provide protection to monarch butterfly aggregation sites should be trimmed or thinned.

The CWPP also provides prescription guidance for fuel treatment in areas not adjacent to structures; however, the CWPP limits fuel treatments for aggregation areas to mowing along the outside edge of the grove. This limited fuel treatment would apply to the Sandpiper aggregation site, adjacent to the Sandpiper Golf Course on the western edge of Ellwood Mesa Open Space, and to the Ocean Meadows aggregation site, adjacent to the undeveloped property on the eastern edge of the open space owned by UCSB.
22,000
25,000
7,500
5,200
34,500
2,500
44,760
25,000
37,200
35,000
8,020
24,500
11,800
19,800 19,360
8,750
3,000
25,175
47,510
17,500
2,400
6,915
7,617
2,120
2,185
230
0 5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
45,000
50,000
Peak Monarch Butterfly Count
Aggregation Season
City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 8 Table 1 Prescription Guidance for Butterfly Aggregation Areas Adjacent to Structures Primary Defense Zone (A)***
(0 – 30 feet from structures)
Fuel Reduction Zone ***
(30 – 100 feet from structures)
Fuel Type Based on Defensible Space PRC – 4291 and Firefighter Safety Grass/forbs Reduce fuel depth to 4 inches; methods include mowing, masticating, weed-whacking, biological
browsing.

Same treatment as in the Primary Defense Zone;
longer grass in isolated open areas is acceptable.

Surface dead/
down
material
Clear dead/down flammable materials; methods
include raking, hand-piling/removal, masticating
chipping/dispersal on site.

Reduce dead/down flammable material to less
than 3-inch depth; methods same as in the
Primary Defense Zone.

Brush/shrub
fuel
Remove to a spacing (between edges of brush)
generally 2 times brush height on <20% slopes;
methods include masticating or hand-cutting,
biological browsing.

Same treatment as in the Primary Defense Zone;
a pocket or clump of brush can be treated as one
large shrub in more open site conditions.

Trees
overstory
(without
brush
understory)
Trim or thin only trees that do not provide
protection to monarch butterfly aggregation
sites.*
Thin smaller or unhealthy trees at 10-20 foot
crown spacing (as determined by slope, tree size,
and type). Leave larger trees unless toppling
hazard.** Reduce ladder fuels by pruning lower
branches 6-15 feet up, or lower third of tree
height on trees smaller than 18 feet.

Trim or thin only trees that do not provide
protection to monarch butterfly aggregation
sites.*
Thin smaller or unhealthy trees at approximately
10-foot crown spacing (as determined by slope,
tree size, and type). Leave larger trees unless
toppling hazard.** Reduce ladder fuels by
pruning lower branches approximately 6 feet up,
or lower third of tree height on trees smaller than
18 feet.

Trees
overstory
(with brush
understory)
Trim or thin only vegetation that does not
provide protection to monarch butterfly
aggregation sites.*
Thin small or unhealthy trees at 10-20 foot crown
spacing (based on slope, tree size, and type).

Leave larger trees at 10 foot crown spacing unless
toppling hazard.** Reduce ladder fuels by
pruning lower branches 6-15 feet up, or lower
third of tree height on smaller trees. In
understory: remove brush ladder fuel. Methods
include masticating or hand-cutting.

Trim or thin only vegetation that does not
provide protection to monarch butterfly
aggregation sites.*
Thin small or unhealthy trees to approximately 10
foot crown spacing. Leave larger trees unless
toppling hazard.** Reduce ladder fuels by
pruning lower branches approximately 6 feet up,
or lower third of tree height on smaller trees. In
understory remove brush ladder fuel. In non-
canopied areas, non-continuous patches of
shrubs or small trees in openings are acceptable.

Methods include masticating or hand-cutting.
*As determined by the Goleta City Project Manager overseeing mitigation work in consultation with a City-approved monarch butterfly specialist and a City-approved wildland fire specialist. **As determined by the Goleta City Project Manager and Goleta City arborist. ***For further information specific to homeowner/structure mitigation measures, see City of Goleta CWPP Section 6.2.1.

Source: Table 14 of the CWPP (City of Goleta 2012)

8. Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan
The purpose of the MBHMP is to provide a programmatic approach to management of habitats that support monarch butterfly seasonal aggregations, while maintaining the Coverage Area’s functionality as habitat for other plants and other animals, such as red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus), turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), and acorn woodpeckers (Melanerpes formicivorus). The City prepared the MBHMP in compliance with the two, key policy documents that drive the protection of monarch butterflies in Goleta: the City of Goleta General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan (General Plan; City of Goleta 2006a) and Ellwood-Devereux Coast Open Space and Habitat Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Initial Study

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 9
Management Plan (Open Space Plan; City of Goleta et al. 2004). In addition to Ellwood Mesa Open Space, the Open Space Plan area includes properties under the jurisdiction of UCSB and the County of Santa Barbara east of Ellwood Mesa; however, the properties under UCSB and County jurisdiction are not included in the MBHMP Coverage Area.

The MBHMP is composed of 22 programs organized into 4 categories: administrative programs; natural resources management programs; outreach programs; and monitoring, research, and adaptive management programs. Each program contains a goal, one or more policies, and one or more actions to implement each policy. The MBHMP is incorporated by reference and summarized below. Analysis in this Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND) focuses on several programs with actions that could have direct, indirect, and/or cumulative physical effects on the environment, as summarized in Table 2. These programs include five administrative programs, six natural resource programs, one outreach program, and one monitoring, research, and adaptive management program.

The specific activities that could occur under each of the MBHMP programs and have the potential to result in direct, indirect, and/or cumulative physical effects to the environment are referred to as covered activities, and are described for each applicable program below. Restrictions or limitations to activities that could otherwise occur in Ellwood Mesa Open Space are included as covered activities because they could result in physical effects to the environment, some of which may be beneficial effects or reductions in adverse effects from other covered activities.

Administrative Programs
The MBHMP includes nine administrative programs articulating the goals, policies, and actions necessary for the City and stakeholders to implement the MBHMP. The purpose of the programs is to establish a well-organized and efficient process that supports a management strategy for the sustainability of habitat(s) for the monarch butterfly and other wildlife at Ellwood Mesa. The administrative programs include:
 Municipal Management Program
 Fiscal Program
 Interagency Cooperative Program
 Community Wildfire Protection Program
 Trail Management Program
 Waste Management Program
 Aesthetic Resources Management Program
 MBHMP Review, Update, and Amendment Program
 Catastrophic Event Response Program
Four of the administrative programs—the Municipal Management Program; Fiscal Program; Interagency Cooperative Program; and MBHMP Review, Update, and Amendment Program—relate to administrative structure, funding, agency coordination, and review and update of key planning documents. These four programs do not relate to physical effects to the environment, and therefore are not analyzed in this IS-MND. The remaining five administrative programs include covered activities that have the potential to result in direct, indirect, and/or cumulative physical effects to the environment, as described below.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 10 Community Wildfire Protection Program
The goal of the Community Wildfire Protection Program is to provide management practices in the eucalyptus groves and windrows that support healthy monarch butterfly habitat and are compatible with the CWPP. As discussed in Section 7, Background Information, the CWPP includes policies intended to minimize adverse effects on butterfly habitat while reducing fire hazards from fuel loads in these areas. Because the CWPP was adopted in March 2012, activities that would occur under the CWPP, such as reducing ladder fuels by pruning lower branches and clearing dead wood and brush, would occur regardless of whether the MBHMP is implemented.

The Community Wildfire Protection Program pledges support for the policies and activities contained in the CWPP, particularly those related to minimizing adverse effects on butterfly habitat, and reiterates some of the restrictions contained in the CWPP. Given these activities would occur under the CWPP regardless of whether the MBHMP is implemented, the potential environmental effects of these activities are not a result of the MBHMP and are therefore not considered in this IS- MND.

The Community Wildfire Protection Program also calls for implementation of the Tree Management Program. Covered activities related to the Tree Management Program are discussed under the Natural Resource Programs. The Community Wildfire Protection Program includes one covered activity separate from the CWPP, but designed to be consistent with the intent of the CWPP:
 Maintain and revegetate moderate cover of understory in and around aggregation sites with fire-resistant, native plant species
Trail Management Program
The goal of the Trail Management Program is to develop and maintain public access trails that provide a safe and meaningful experience for visitors while limiting impacts to habitats and wildlife, in particular monarch butterflies and their seasonal aggregation sites. This program includes the following covered activities:
 Remove safety hazards such as hanging branches
 Remove tripping hazards such as fallen branches, protruding roots, and rocks  Install and maintain trail boundary posts, ropes, rails, and signs  Use wood chips on trails to reduce soil compaction and decrease erosion during wet months  Adjust locations of trail and viewing areas if needed to protect trees or butterflies  Install water bars and/or culverts to reduce erosion
 Perform minor trail relocations to avoid wet or eroded areas  Construct and maintain crossings over drainages or other sensitive features Waste Management Program
The goal of the Waste Management Program is to maintain a waste-, trash-, and debris-free butterfly habitat management area. This program includes the following covered activities:
 Post signs citing anti-dumping ordinances and butterfly rules  Place trash cans in the parking lot
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Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 11 Aesthetic Resources Management Program
The goal of the Aesthetic Resources Management Program is to integrate the MBHMP’s programs into an effort to improve the quality of Ellwood Mesa aesthetic resources, in particular the eucalyptus groves and windrows supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites. The Aesthetic Resources Management Program relates to maintaining a consistent theme and aesthetic compatibility with natural conditions for any signage, fencing, and restoration plantings installed under some of the other programs of the MBHMP. The physical effect to the environment related to the installation of such features, and not the aesthetic components of the features, are discussed in the applicable MBHMP programs. The Aesthetic Resources Management Program includes the following covered activities:
 Ensure signs for the interpretive program are consistently designed  Ensure any new signs, fencing, and restoration plantings are aesthetically compatible with natural conditions
Catastrophic Event Response Program
The goal of the Catastrophic Event Response Program is to prepare for possible catastrophic environmental events in the monarch butterfly aggregation sites by adopting actions that potentially minimize the impacts and plan for a response should such events affect the groves in which aggregation sites are located. This program includes implementation of some of the other programs outlined in the MBHMP. The covered activities related to these other programs are discussed under each of the applicable programs. The following covered activities would potentially occur under the Catastrophic Event Response Program:
 Install warning signage
 Implement closures of areas that are not safe for public use  Remove trees that are dead, dying, diseased, burnt, hazardous, or otherwise affected by the catastrophic event
 Dispose of trees off site or chip for use on site as ground cover  Plant new trees to replace trees that were removed
 Monitor the success of the plantings and irrigation over a set time  Replace plantings as needed
Natural Resources Management Programs
The MBHMP describes seven natural resources management programs that articulate the goals, policies, and actions necessary to maintain and improve the many important natural resources, including biological diversity and ecosystem functions, associated with the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves and the monarch butterfly aggregation sites the groves support. The natural resources management programs include:
 Monarch Butterfly Management Program
 Wildlife Habitat Management Program
 Tree Management Program
 Integrated Pest Management Program
 Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program
City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 12  Invasive Plant Management Coordination Program
 Ecosystem-wide Management Coordination Program
The Ecosystem-wide Management Coordination Program includes actions focused on coordinating activities under other MBHMP programs. Such actions would not generate physical impacts beyond those associated with covered activities in other MBHMP programs. The remaining six natural resources management programs include activities that have the potential to result in direct, indirect, and/or cumulative physical effects. These programs and associated covered activities are described below.

Monarch Butterfly Management Program
The goal of the Monarch Butterfly Management Program is to facilitate the ongoing use of Ellwood Mesa by the monarch butterfly. This program incorporates actions under the Tree Management Program, Biological Monitoring Program, and Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program, and includes the following covered activity:
 Unless authorized by a qualified biologist, limit all potentially invasive activities to the period between April 1 and September 30, including site maintenance, habitat restoration, exotic plant removal, and tree trimming and remov
al
W
ildlife Habitat Management Program
The goal of the Wildlife Habitat Management Program is to manage eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa for monarch butterflies in a manner consistent with ecosystem functions for other wildlife species that use the groves as habitat. This program includes the following covered activities:
 Preserve some trees with cavities for cavity-nesting birds  Avoid tree or woody vegetation removal during the nesting season (March 15 to August 15), when feasible
 Limit vegetation removal and ground disturbance activities to the dry season  Plant native trees, shrubs, and groundcover, including mid-canopy and low-stature or groundcover species in eucalyptus groves
 Plant riparian trees and vegetation along Devereux Creek  Install irrigation system and irrigate newly planted vegetation Tree Management Program
The goal of the Tree Management Program is to manage the eucalyptus groves in monarch butterfly aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa in a manner that provides for healthy trees, suitable aggregation site structure, sustainable butterfly aggregation sites, public safety while visitors are on trails in the groves, and sensitivity to wildfire hazards. The program implements activities included under the Community Wildfire Protection Program, Monarch Butterfly Management Program, Integrated Pest Management Program, and Biological Monitoring Program. This program includes the following covered activities:
 Selectively prune or remove standing dead, dying, or vulnerable trees that pose a threat to public safety or monarch aggregation sites
 Selectively remove downed trees and debris that pose a threat to public safety or grove health  Remove tree tangles or debris that interfere with monarch patrolling Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
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Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 13  Plant new eucalyptus trees, native and/or fire-resistant understory species, and native nectar sources
 Use downed trees or logs to provide seating, slope stability, or erosion control, as feasible  Irrigate existing and newly planted trees and other vegetation with potable and/or reclaimed water using water trucks with driplines or irrigation systems with above-ground water tanks  Install irrigation systems, using the following steps:
 Site above-ground water tanks such that they avoid existing eucalyptus trees  Utilize solar pumps to distribute water
 Remove vegetation, as needed, to install driplines
 Bury driplines a maximum of six inches below the surface  Replace soil to existing contours
 Perform replacement plantings along disturbed soils
 Drive trucks on trails/paths to deliver and apply irrigation water  Prune or remove understory plants
 Re-contour or grade drainage channels following flood events to protect trees  Apply seed or mulch to disturbed soils
 Mow or weed-whack grass along the margins of eucalyptus groves Integrated Pest Management Program
The goal of the Integrated Pest Management Program is to control or eradicate, as feasible, plant, animal, fungal, and other pests that would result in impacts on monarch butterflies or degrade monarch butterfly habitat. This program would implement management actions contained in the Invasive Plant Management Program and Tree Management Program, and includes the following covered activities:
 Introduce natural enemies of identified pests as part of planned biological control strategies  Limit stress-inducing activities (e.g., pruning, transplanting) to periods of reduced pest activity  Apply insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides, as necessary  For replacement plantings, use species that are resistant to pests and tolerant of site conditions Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program
The goal of the Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program is to provide for the enhancement of native plant and animal habitats in the context of preserving the monarch butterfly habitat associated with established eucalyptus groves. This program includes the following covered activities:
 Plant experimental plots of native ground cover species  Enhance existing native species, such as toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) and plants with nectar sources
 Plant new and replace/replant unhealthy existing native plant species individuals  Apply chemical or mechanical weed control, as necessary  Apply fertilizers to support new or existing native plantings, as necessary City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 14  Apply organic material and wetting agents to soil around new plantings  Plant native species in areas between eucalyptus groves  Eradicate non-native herbaceous cover (except for eucalyptus saplings) in areas between eucalyptus groves through hand removal or herbicide application  Remove vegetation along Devereux Creek riparian corridor, as needed  Plant native riparian tree species along Devereux Creek  Install irrigation systems and water native plantings Invasive Plant Management Program
The goal of the Invasive Plant Management Program is to eradicate existing stands of invasive, non- native species and prevent or control new occurrences of invasive, non-native plant species in the monarch butterfly habitat at Ellwood Mesa. This program would incorporate activities under the Biological Monitoring Program and includes the following covered activities:
 Conduct hand removal of invasive, non-native plant species (excluding eucalyptus)  Apply herbicides as needed to control invasive, non-native plant species  Avoid removal of invasive, non-native plant species upon which monarch butterflies depend Outreach Programs
Outreach programs are designed to provide information to visitors, educators, and students to help develop a broad appreciation for natural resources and local natural heritage, with a focus on monarch butterflies. The three outreach programs include the Community Advisory and Docent Program, Interpretive Program, and Education Program. The Community Advisory and Docent Program and Education Program would include actions targeted at improving administrative and interdepartmental coordination, creating educational materials and opportunities, and providing training to butterfly docents. Such activities would not result in physical effects on the environment and, as such, these programs are discussed no further in this IS-MND. The Interpretive Program could result in physical effects on the environment and is discussed below.

Interpretative Program
The goal of the Interpretative Program is to establish a useful and informative interpretive signage program at Ellwood Mesa monarch butterfly aggregation sites that is environmentally sensitive and minimally intrudes into habitats. This program includes the following covered activities:
 Install interpretive signage that is sensitive to the environment  Locate interpretive signage in key locations minimally intrusive to the sensitive habitats o f
E
llwood Mesa
Monitoring, Research, and Adaptive Management Programs
Monitoring and research programs provide the mechanism for assessing environmental conditions and conducting original studies to help understand the ecology of monarch butterflies, particularly at Ellwood Mesa. Information obtained from these programs and other sources can be used to adapt the MBHMP to account for improved or additional information or changing conditions. The three monitoring, research, and adaptive management programs include the Biological Monitoring Program, Monarch Research Program, and Adaptive Management Program. The Biological Monitoring Program would involve maintaining butterfly counts, assessing ecosystem health using Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
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Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 15 spectral imaging, and creating monitoring reports. The Adaptive Management Program would incorporate adaptive management actions into other MBHMP programs, and includes policy review and reporting requirements. None of the actions associated with the Biological Monitoring Program or Adaptive Management Program would result in physical effects on the environment beyond those associated with other MBHMP programs, and actions associated with these programs are not discussed further in this IS-MND. The Monarch Research Program could result in physical effects on the environment and is discussed below.

Monarch Research Program
The goal of the Monarch Research Program is to encourage research projects and identify funding for research associated with monarch butterflies and their habitats at Ellwood Mesa. This program includes the following covered activities:
 Capture, tag, and release monarch butterflies for tracking  Modify habitat structure and composition through pruning, trimming, or debris removal  Plant plots of native species as part of experimental designs City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 16 Table 2 MBHMP Programs, Policies, and Actions with Potential Effects on the Environment Programs Goal Policies Actions
4 Community Wildfire
Protection
To provide management practices
within the eucalyptus groves and
windrows that support healthy
monarch butterfly habitat and are
compatible with the City’s
Community Wildfire Protection
Plan.
4-1: The goals, policies, and actions
of this MBHMP shall be consistent
with the intent of the Community
Wildfire Protection Plan to reduce
the ignitability of homes and
structures.
4-1.1: Support implementation of Goleta’s CWPP in the 100 ft. buffer from homes and structures as the 100 ft. extends into the Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves with actions outlined in Table 1 (Table 14 of the CWPP). 4-1.2: Support implementation of Goleta’s CWPP, specifically in regard to guidelines that are not in potential conflict with the management of the eucalyptus groves that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites, as noted below.
4-1.3: Maintain and revegetate moderate cover of understory in and around aggregation sites with fire-resistant, native plant species (The Xerces Society 2017).
4-1.4: Conduct all wildfire protection work within 300 feet of butterfly aggregation areas between April 1 and September 15, outside of monarch butterfly overwintering season.
4-1.5: Coordinate with City-approved butterfly and wildland fire experts during planning and implementation of any fuel treatments since conditions within groves can change and aggregation locations may shift.
4-1.6: Install a large, bilingual “NO PARKING -FIRE LANE” sign at Santa Barbara Shores access gate.
4 -2: Eucalyptus trees in the groves
containing monarch butterfly
aggregation sites shall be managed,
as feasible, to ensure their health
and longevity in the context of a
high fire hazard environment.
4-2.1: Implement Program 12, Tree Management Program, to reduce fire hazard, improve public safety, and eliminate trees that are threatening the sustainability of the aggregation sites, including dead, diseased, and dying trees.
5 Trail Management To develop and maintain public
access trails that provide a safe
and meaningful experience for
visitors while also limiting impacts
to habitats and wildlife, in
particular monarch butterflies
and their seasonal aggregation
sites.
5-1: The City shall maintain existing
public access trails that provide a
safe experience for visitors to the
eucalyptus groves supporting
seasonal monarch butterfly
aggregation sites.
5-1.1: Maintain existing public access trails through the eucalyptus groves supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites by reducing threats of trips, slips, and falls. May use Trails council and CCC to help with maintenance. 5-1.2: Implement Program 12, Tree Management Program, to reduce the threats from falling tree limbs and trunks.
5-1.3: Repair damage to trail boundary ropes and posts, as needed. 5-1.4: Prevent damage to seasonal monarch habitat by installing additional trail boundary posts, ropes, and signs, as necessary, consistent with those at the Ellwood Main monarch aggregation area.
5-1.5: Use wood chips on trails to reduce soil compaction and decrease erosion during wet months.
5-1.6: Retain and maintain Ellwood Main visitor viewing area boundary signs and rails.

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Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 17 Programs Goal Policies Actions
5-1.7: Review locations of trail and viewing area delineations and adjust if needed to protect trees or butterflies, annually.
5-1.8: Review trail conditions on an annual basis and provide recommendations on improvements and modifications regarding human safety, trail maintenance, and ecosystem health, including conservation of monarch butterfly habitat in relationship to location, condition, use of trails, and number of visitors. Include recommendations for any tree trimming, removal recommendations, or other tree safety issues in the annual Implementation Plan.
5-1.9: Long-term closure of official trails is undesirable and should not be used as a management approach. It is preferable to remedy trail hazards promptly, or to allow trails to remain open with appropriate signage alerting users to the risks present.
5 -2: Maintain and improve existing
links between trails associated with
eucalyptus groves that support
monarch butterfly aggregation sites
at Ellwood Mesa with the adjacent
Coronado Butterfly Preserve.
5-2.1: Coordinate trail improvement activities with the Santa Barbara Land Trust and UCSB staff to ensure that improvements are compatible. 5-2.2: Coordinate trail improvements with proposals for the Coastal and Juan Bautista De Anza trails that traverse Ellwood Mesa, which also link to trails within the eucalyptus groves that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites, to ensure protection measures are addressed for the aggregation sites. 6 Waste Management To maintain a waste-, trash-, and
debris-free butterfly habitat
management area.
6-1: The City shall collect, remove,
and appropriately dispose of all
waste, trash, and debris that
accumulates in monarch butterfly
habitat on Ellwood Mesa.
6-1.1: Continue to remove existing accumulations of waste, trash, and debris from monarch butterfly habitat and dispose of them in an appropriate manner. Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office for removal of homeless encampments, if necessary.
6 -2: The City shall inform visitors of
the monarch butterfly habitat of
rules relating to trash and debris
policies associated with monarch
butterfly habitat.
6-2.1: Post signs at appropriate locations stating open space user rules; for example, “Please take out your trash” And, “Day Use Only = Camping Prohibited.”
6-2.2: Educate the public through seasonal, on site presence by the City’s butterfly docents about the importance of maintaining the groves free of trash.
6-2.3: Place trash cans in the parking lot. Inspect annually and replace as needed.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 18 Programs Goal Policies Actions
7 Aesthetic Resources
Management
To integrate the MBHMP’s
programs into an effort to
improve the quality of aesthetic
resources of the Ellwood Mesa, in
particular the eucalyptus groves
and windrows supporting
monarch butterfly aggregation
sites.
7-1: The City shall provide
stewardship and management
oversight of the eucalyptus groves,
in particular those groves
supporting monarch butterfly
aggregation sites.
7-1.1: Adopt and implement the MBHMP, including its 22 management programs.
7-1.2: Provide integration of program goals, policies, and actions to improve the overall aesthetics of the various groves, including installation of a consistently designed interpretive program and strategically placed fencing, as more specifically outlined in Program 18, Interpretive Program. 7- 2: Signs, fencing, and restoration
efforts associated with monarch
butterfly habitat on Ellwood Mesa
shall be aesthetically compatible
with natural conditions.
7-2.1: Review signage and fencing design for compatibility with the Ellwood Mesa natural areas.
7-2.2: Review restoration plantings and activities for appropriate aesthetic compatibility.
9 Catastrophic Event
Response Program
To prepare for possible
catastrophic environmental
events within the monarch
butterfly aggregation sites by
adopting a set of actions that
potentially minimize the impacts
and plan for a response should
such events affect the groves in
which aggregation sites are
located.
9-1: The City shall adopt a set of
protocols that could minimize the
impacts from potential catastrophic
environmental events.
9-1.1: Implement Program 12, Tree Management Program, to reduce potential impacts on eucalyptus groves that support monarch butterfly aggregation sites.
9-1.2: Implement Program 4, Community Wildfire Protection Program, to reduce potential impacts on monarch butterfly aggregation sites from wildfire. 9-1.3: Implement Program 13, Integrated Pest Management Program, to reduce the potential impacts from pest infestations.
9- 2. The City shall assess the
damage of catastrophic events as
they occur and respond with
corrective action to restore
damaged monarch butterfly
habitat.
9-2.1: Measure the extent and assess the magnitude of the damage to the monarch butterfly overwintering habitat.
9-2.2: Design and implement a response strategy with actions to correct and restore the habitat after the catastrophic event and include them in the annual Implementation Plan if practical. When feasible, employ phased approaches with consistent monitoring to evaluate success or need for changes in strategy or actions. Assign priorities, including sources of materials, constraints, and methods for debris management.
9-2.3: Request City Council approval for supplemental funding, with a finding that the condition is a catastrophic event. Use funding received from the State Budget, apply for grants, and/or accept private donations for the dedicated mission of monarch butterfly overwintering habitat restoration.

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Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 19 Programs Goal Policies Actions
10 Monarch Butterfly
Management
To ensure the ongoing use of
Ellwood Mesa by the monarch
butterfly.
10-1: The City shall implement
management strategies that
facilitate the use of Ellwood Mesa
by monarch butterflies.
10-1.1: Implement Program 12, Tree Management Program, to help facilitate the conservation of the monarch butterfly aggregation sites. 10-1.2: Implement Program 20, Biological Monitoring Program, and Program 21, Monarch Research Program, to expand the body of knowledge and further the understanding of monarch butterflies’ use of the resources at Ellwood Mesa.
10 -2: Preservation of aggregation
sites on Ellwood Mesa shall be the
focus of management activities, as
feasible, and in coordination with
Program 9, Catastrophic Event
Response Program.
10-2.1: Should one or more catastrophic events result in impacts on the sustainability of monarch butterfly aggregation sites, consider alternative management and recovery strategies that incorporate goals for sustaining aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa.
10 -3: Ecosystem functions
proposed for habitat restoration
projects at Ellwood Mesa shall
consider inclusion of native plant
species.
10-3.1: Implement Program 14, Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program, as feasible, to improve conditions for native plants and animals and the ecosystem functions they provide, in and adjacent to the eucalyptus groves containing monarch butterfly aggregation sites.
10 -4: To avoid impacts on monarch
butterflies while they are present at
the Ellwood aggregation sites, no
maintenance or restoration work
shall be conducted in the
aggregation sites from October 1
through March 31 of each year,
unless authorized by a qualified
biologist.
10-4.1: Unless authorized by a qualified biologist, conduct all site maintenance, tree trimming and removal, habitat restoration, exotic plant removal, and other potentially invasive activities between April 1 and September 30 of each year, when there would not likely be direct impacts on monarch butterflies.
11 Wildlife Habitat
Management
Manage eucalyptus groves at
Ellwood Mesa for monarch
butterflies in a manner consistent
with ecosystem functions for
other wildlife species that use the
groves as habitat.
11-1: The eucalyptus groves at
Ellwood Mesa that support
monarch butterfly aggregation sites
shall be managed in a manner
consistent with the ecosystem
functions supporting other wildlife
species, where feasible.
11-1.1: All personnel associated with the implementation of the MBHMP will receive educational information regarding the presence of monarch butterfly and other native wildlife species and the need to protect all native wildlife species.
11-1.2: Preserve some trees with cavities to provide opportunities for cavity- nesting birds, such as acorn woodpeckers.
11-1.3: Avoid removal of or disturbance to trees or other woody vegetation during nesting bird season (March 15 to August 15), when feasible. If not feasible, a biological monitor will survey for nesting birds in the area of proposed vegetation removal and ensure no active nests are present prior to removal or disturbance.
11-1.4: Limit vegetation removal and ground disturbance activities to the dry season. Avoid areas with open water in Devereux Creek and tributaries.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 20 Programs Goal Policies Actions
11 -2: Program 14, Habitat
Enhancement and Restoration
Program, shall complement the
Wildlife Habitat Management
Program.
11-2.1: Include native plant species that are important for wildlife habitat and food in enhancement and restoration projects.
11-2.2: Require a Planting Plan for any proposed enhancement plantings near the groves containing aggregation sites.
11-2.3: Consider increasing mid-canopy and low-stature or groundcover native plant species to enhance wildlife habitat complexity and increase potential use of eucalyptus groves by a variety of wildlife species.
11-2.4: Implement restoration for the Devereux Creek riparian corridor to improve functions for wildlife, consistent with the goals of the MBHMP for monarch butterflies.
12 Tree Management To manage the eucalyptus groves
within monarch butterfly
aggregation sites at Ellwood Mesa
in a manner that provides for (1)
healthy trees, (2) sustainable
aggregation site structure, (3)
sustainable butterfly aggregation
sites, (4) public safety while
visitors are on trails within the
groves, and (5) sensitivity to
wildfire hazards.
12-1: Eucalyptus trees in the groves
within the MBHMP coverage area
containing monarch butterfly
aggregation sites shall be managed,
as feasible, to ensure their health
and longevity.
12-1.1: Include guidance for necessary tree work in the annual Implementation Plan (Action 1-4.1 of the MBHMP). Tree work will take place in the month of September each year. The Implementation Plan should specify responsible parties, work locations, individual trees addressed, work to be accomplished, restoration measures, and methods and procedures for managing tree health. An annual plan is recommended but may be prepared on an as-needed basis based on conditions and progress of the previous Implementation Plan.
12-1.2: Preliminarily identify potential threats to aggregation sites that may occur over time, and develop a framework for mitigating the threats and maintaining/recovering suitable overwintering habitat. Threats may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 Drought
 Pests
 Disease
 Fire
 Flood/erosion
 Vandalism
 Invasion by non-native plants (not including eucalyptus) These threats, as well as others, may arise and impair the function of Ellwood Mesa as habitat for overwintering monarch butterflies. When threats are encountered, a specific plan of action should be undertaken to address the needs of the situation. However, for planning purposes, the City should be prepared to undertake the response measures outlined in Table 2 of the MBHMP. Although not exhaustive, these measures represent a prudent suite of response tools to address future conditions. Measures listed below may prevent or rectify impacts from multiple types of threats, as the intent of the measures is to restore and encourage healthy habitat.

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Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 21 Programs Goal Policies Actions
12-1.3: Thresholds should be established to direct professional review and potential action to address conditions in the groves. Ultimately, it is envisioned that quantitative thresholds will be established based on the results of monitoring and scientific study within the groves (Programs 20, 21, and 22).

However, until adequate reference data are available, action thresholds will be determined qualitatively by the City in consultation with a qualified monarch butterfly biologist.
12-1.4: Implement Program 13, Integrated Pest Management Program, to help maintain tree health and control infestation in the eucalyptus groves supporting monarch butterfly aggregation sites.
12-1.5: Cut down or prune trees identified as a threat to butterfly aggregation sites because they may fall and cause injury or collapse on other trees important to sustaining aggregation sites.
12-1.6: Maintain a living forest within the outline of pre-drought forest extent as determined with historic aerial photographs. Restore sections of the forest where dead zones occur due to multiple tree die-offs.
12-1.7: Implement Program 14, Invasive Plant Management Program, particularly regarding non-native vines that could affect the quality of monarch butterfly habitat, following recommendations for eradication consistent with the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) and conservation priorities of monarch butterflies and their habitat.
12-1.8: Implement Program 20, Biological Monitoring Program, to provide information regarding management of eucalyptus groves to ensure their health and longevity.
12-1.9: Annually, identify conditions that threaten eucalyptus trees at aggregation sites and include recommended actions in the Implementation Plan to reduce perceived threats.
12-1.10: Plant trees as needed to maintain grove density and improve monarch butterfly habitat. Plant in locations that improve aggregation site conditions as per the best available scientific analysis, and replant areas within historic eucalyptus grove extent where gaps have occurred from drought die- back.
12-1.11: Following evaluation of compatibility with existing habitat and functionality with respect to butterfly habitat, conduct a pilot planting for any eucalyptus species considered for tree restoration that is not present in the MBHMP area as of 2018.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 22 Programs Goal Policies Actions
12 -2: Eucalyptus trees in the groves
containing monarch butterfly
aggregation sites shall be managed,
as feasible, to provide sustainable
habitat for butterfly aggregation
sites.
12-2.1: When considering eucalyptus or other tree replacement actions, consider tree configurations that retain open areas for monarch butterfly patrolling and monarch overwintering preferences.
12-2.2: Investigate potential enhancement to monarch butterfly patrolling habitat by reducing tree tangles and fallen debris.
12-2.3: Remove hazard trees as necessary to protect monarch butterfly cluster locations, as consistent with goals for public safety.
12-2.4: Implement, as feasible Program 10, Monarch Butterfly Management Program, to facilitate improvements in eucalyptus groves that help sustain aggregation sites.
12-2.5: Protect blue gum saplings as necessary to encourage natural recruitment of trees in the eucalyptus forest.
12 -3: Eucalyptus trees within the
groves containing monarch
butterfly aggregation sites shall be
managed, as feasible and consistent
with conservation of monarch
habitat, to provide safe conditions
for the visiting public.
12-3.1: Prune and remove dead, dying, or particularly vulnerable tree trunks and branches that overhang trails and seating areas, or lay across trails, inside and near monarch butterfly aggregation sites to reduce the threat of injury from falling trunks and branches, debris on trails (trip hazards), or low-hanging material across trails that visitors could bump heads on. 12-3.2: As recommended by the City arborist and detailed in the annual Implementation Plan, conduct work designed to protect the structure of aggregation sites.
12-3.3: As recommended by the City arborist and detailed in the annual Implementation Plan, remove or prune dead standing, dead suspended, dead on the ground, or thick understory trees both to improve grove tree health and monarch butterfly habitat and to correct hazard conditions for human safety along trails and at observation sites.
12-3.4: Consider using downed, dead trees for seating along trails, or to add to slope stability or help control erosion, for preservation rather than removal, as feasible, considering human safety or wildfire threat.
12-3.5: Remove ground debris, such as accumulations of branches and leaves, at trailheads in particular to reduce threat from wildfires, to reduce threat to human safety from obscured view, and to increase aesthetic appeal. 12-3.6: In consultation with the City arborist, conduct an annual review of tree health in April and May at aggregation sites. Develop and implement an annual Implementation Plan to address issues identified during the review, including potential need for tree removal or pruning, treatment of diseases or pests, and other potential recommendations. Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration Initial Study
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 23 Programs Goal Policies Actions
12 -4: Eucalyptus trees within the
groves containing monarch
butterfly aggregation sites shall be
managed, as feasible, to provide for
low wildfire hazards.
12-4.1: Implement Program 4, Community Wildfire Protection Plan, to provide wildfire protection consistent with the City’s adopted CWPP. 12-4.2: Reduce accumulations of dead, dry, and loose organic and other flammable material within eucalyptus groves to decrease potential for ground- level fires becoming canopy fires as a result of ladder effect of fire hazard materials. Sufficient downed wood, debris, and ground cover will be left in place to provide substrate and shelter for monarchs dislodged from clusters. 12-4.3: Remove accumulations of dead plant material along southern grassland margins of eucalyptus groves and at southern trailheads to reduce threat of grassland fires becoming eucalyptus grove fires as a result of fire hazards at the boundary between grasslands and groves via mowing or selective weed-whacking. Herbicides shall not be used.
12-4.4: Replace removed understory plants as recommended by the City monarch butterfly biologist with fire-resistant native shrubs to restore and improve habitat structure for monarch butterflies.
12-4.5: Coordinate (1) butterfly habitat management, (2) public access and safety needs, (3) fire management requirements, and (4) wildlife habitat restoration proposals to ensure fire management priorities and implementation of procedures that provide the most compatible result for the conservation of monarch butterflies, while also respecting the goals of other MBHMP programs, as feasible.
13 Integrated Pest
Management
Control or eradicate, as feasible,
plant, animal, fungal, and other
pests that would result in
detectable impacts on monarch
butterflies or degrade monarch
butterfly habitat.
13-1: To maintain current
knowledge of pests and diseases,
the City shall conduct an annual
inventory of organisms negatively
affecting eucalyptus trees in the
groves at Ellwood Mesa.
13-1.1: Conduct an inventory of pests and diseases throughout the groves and windrows at Ellwood Mesa.
13-1.2: Conduct an inventory of pests and diseases within the monarch butterfly aggregation sites within the Ellwood North, Ellwood West, Ellwood Main, Ellwood East, Sandpiper, and Ocean Meadows groves. 13 -2: The City shall consider using a
variety of approaches to pest
management to prevent pests and
diseases from impacting Eucalyptus
groves, particularly those
supporting seasonal aggregation
sites for monarch butterflies.
13-2.1: As feasible, experiment with different IPM approaches for different pests and diseases to determine which approach best suits the conditions within eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa.
13-2.2: Implement wise management practices within the eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa that do not facilitate the spread of pests and diseases with groves.
13-2.3: Identify current problems that require immediate treatment and implement appropriate treatment protocols.
13-2.4: Implement a pest and disease monitoring program, as feasible, to determine success of treatments and any new infestations requiring treatment.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 24 Programs Goal Policies Actions
14 Habitat
Enhancement and
Restoration
T o provide for the enhancement
of native plant and animal
habitats in the context of
preserving the monarch butterfly
habitat associated with
established eucalyptus groves.
14-1: Establishment of appropriate
native plants – in particular ground
cover, shrub, and mid-canopy
species – shall be encouraged
within the eucalyptus groves and
along the Devereux Creek corridor
outside of the eucalyptus forest.
14-1.1: Plant experimental plots of native ground cover species to determine which may result in sustainable populations.
14-1.2: Focus enhancement efforts on native plants existing within the eucalyptus groves, such as toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and native plants with nectar sources for monarchs.
14-1.3: Coordinate with Program 13, Integrated Pest Management Program, and Program 15, Invasive Exotic Plant Management Program. 14 -2: Areas between eucalyptus
groves shall be considered for
habitat enhancement and
restoration alternatives.
14-2.1: Implement priority native restoration activities along Devereux Creek in areas outside of eucalyptus groves.
14-2.2: Eradicate non-native herbaceous cover, seedlings, and saplings (not including eucalyptus saplings) in areas between eucalyptus groves to encourage or actively plant local natives.
14 -3: Restoration of Devereux
Creek shall include appropriate
actions to improve the habitat
structure, ecological functions and
processes, and native biodiversity
of the existing riparian areas.
14-3.1: Restoration activities include establishment of a riparian area along the banks of Devereux Creek composed of native riparian tree species. 14-3.2: Ensure that no restoration activities along Devereux Creek shall result in increased flooding.
14-3.3: Coordinate to align efforts with other restoration projects under separate permits or mitigation plans for Devereux Creek. 14 -4: Native plant species are
considered to be local genotypes of
plants occurring naturally within
the Ellwood Mesa/Devereux Creek
Ecosystem.
14-4.1: Collect all plant materials for use in restoration projects from existing native plant populations in the Ellwood Mesa/Devereux Creek Ecosystem, where feasible.
14-4.2: Collect plant material from the nearest existing populations for re- introduction of extirpated species.
14-4.3: Obtain native plants for use in restoration from local nurseries or growers within the Santa Barbara area, emphasizing contract-grown material of local genotypes.
14 -5: No enhancement or
restoration actions shall result in
negative impacts on the quality of
the eucalyptus groves that provide
monarch butterfly habitat.
14-5.1: Coordinate with Program 10, Monarch Butterfly Management Program, Program 11, Wildlife Management Program, and Program 12, Tree Management Program.
14 -6: No enhancement or
restoration actions shall conflict
with the goals and policies of the
Community Wildfire Protection
Plan.
14-6.1: Coordinate all enhancement and restoration activities with the guidelines and recommendations of the CWPP.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Initial Study
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 25 Programs Goal Policies Actions
15 Invasive Plant
Management
To eradicate existing stands of
invasive non‐native species and
prevent or control new
occurrence of invasive non‐native
plant species within the monarch
butterfly habitat at Ellwood Mesa.
15‐1: The City shall undertake an
inventory and generalized mapping
program to identify, locate, and
prioritize for eradicatio n or control
all invasive non‐native plants
species within the butterfly habitat
at Ellwood Mesa.
15‐1.1: Identify and map all invasive non‐native species identified by Cal‐IPC as “High” priority species.
15‐1.2: Identify and map all invasive non‐native species identified by Cal‐IPC as “Moderate” pr iority invasive species.
15‐1.3: Identify all invasive non‐native species identified by Cal‐IPC as “Limited” or unrated priority species and map any medium to large populations.
15‐2: The Ci ty shall control all
“High,” “Moderate,” and “Limited”
priority invasive plant species
within the monarch butterfly
habitat, as except those species for
which monarch butterflies are
dependent, as feasible.
15‐2.1: Control all “High” priority non‐native invasive plant species. 15‐2.2: Control all “Moderate" priority, non‐native invas ive plant species. 15‐2.3: Eradiate or control all medium or large stands of “Limited” or unrated priority non‐native invasive species.
15‐3: The Ci ty shall undertake
annual monitoring as feasible to
identify and eradicate or control
new occurrences of “High” or
“Moderate” priority invasive non‐
native plant species.
15‐3.1: Implement monitoring of eradication efforts and potential new occurrences as part of Program 20, Biological Monitoring Program. 15‐3.2: Coordinate with ot her programs in the MBHMP including Program 14, Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program.
18 Interpretative
Program
To establish a useful and
informative interpretive signage
program at Ellwood Mesa
monarch butterfly aggregation
sites that is environmentally
sensitive and creates a minimum
of intrusion into the habitats.
18‐1: The City shall design and
install an interpretive signage
program that provides important
information on the biology of
mon
arch butterflies, the
significance of the aggregation
sites, and general information on
Ellwood Mesa and the eucalyptus
groves, when feasible.

18.1‐1: Apply for grant funding to design, construct, and install the interpretive program signage.
18‐1.2: Design, construct, and install an interpretive signage program that is sensitive to the en vironment.
18‐1.3: Locate the interpretive signage program in key locations minimally intrusive to the sensitive habitats of Ellwood Mesa.
18‐2: The Bu tterfly Docent
Coordinator shall provide input
during design, review the draft
interpretive program, and make
recommendations to the City.
18‐2.1: Involve the butterfly docents, as feasible, in all phases of development and review of the content and design of signs for the interpretative signage program.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 26 Programs Goal Policies Actions
21 Monarch Research
Program
Encourage research projects and
identify funding for research
associated with monarch
butterflies and their habitats at
Ellwood Mesa.
21-1: The City shall allow for certain
research projects that investigate
the biology of monarch butterflies
and their habitats at Ellwood Mesa
and that provide information
helpful to this MBHMP
management programs.
21-1.1: Evaluate requests for research and, where approved, issue Scientific Research Permits to regulate the research efforts.
21-1.2: Ensure that scientists use non-invasive research projects at Ellwood Mesa, in particular those that focus on monarch butterflies and their habitats, and require that the results of the research are provided to the City and posted on the City’s website at www.goletabutterflygrove.com. 21-1.3: Encourage research of the plants native to Santa Barbara County with regard to their ability to provide suitable monarch butterfly overwintering habitat and their applications for the restoration of the Ellwood Mesa.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Initial Study
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 27

9. Approval Required by Other Public Agencies
No approvals from other public agencies are required.

10. Site Information
Existing General Plan Land Use Designation Open Space/Passive Recreation Zoning Ordinance, Zone District Coastal Zoning Ordinance, zoned Recreation Site Size 137 acres
Present Use and Development Ellwood Mesa Open Space
Surrounding Uses/Zoning North: Hollister Avenue and residences (City of Goleta, zoned 7-R-1, M-RP, DR-12.3, and MHP)
South: Pacific Ocean and Ellwood Bluffs
East: Residences (City of Goleta, zoned DR-10 and DR-6) and UCSB West: Sandpiper Golf Club (City of Goleta, zoned REC)
Access Existing: Hollister Avenue
Proposed: Hollister Avenue
Utilities and Public Services Water Supply: Goleta Water District (GWD) Sewage: Goleta West Sanitary District (GWSD)
Power: Southern California Edison
Natural Gas: Southern California Gas Company
Cable: N/A
Telephone: N/A
Fire: Santa Barbara County Fire Department
School Districts: N/A

11. Environmental Setting
The Coverage Area is on a coastal mesa with gentle slopes and terraces immediately north of the steep, coastal Ellwood Bluffs. Devereux Creek passes through the Coverage Area, generally flowing west to east before emptying to Devereux Slough east of the Coverage Area. The Coverage Area is bordered by Hollister Avenue and single- and multi-family residences to the north; residential development in Goleta and undeveloped land zoned residential in unincorporated Santa Barbara County to the east; the Ellwood Bluffs and the Pacific Ocean to the south; and the Sandpiper Golf Club to the west.

Eucalyptus woodlands form dense canopies on the northern portion of the Coverage Area and native and non-native grasslands and coyote brush scrub are the dominant habitats occurring on the mesa or southern portion of the Coverage Area. Non-native ornamental and invasive plants are also present. The area includes a parking lot and numerous trails. Previously, the area was used for oil development and remnants of the facilities are still on site.

Monarch butterflies aggregate in the on-site eucalyptus groves during winter months to “overwinter” or pass the winter season. The Coverage Area includes five monarch butterfly City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 28 aggregation areas, referred to as the Ellwood North, Ellwood West, Ellwood Main, Sandpiper, and Ocean Meadows aggregation sites (Figure 3). Ellwood East is not included in the Coverage Area because it is outside Ellwood Mesa Open Space. Based on data collected statewide and at Ellwood Mesa between 1997 and 2009, the butterflies at the Ellwood aggregations sites account for approximately 10 percent of the entire migrating population in the western United States.

Therefore, these aggregation sites are important for the western population of the monarch butterfly, and accordingly, management of the eucalyptus trees that support the butterflies in such great numbers is paramount to continued overwintering by the species.

Some species of eucalyptus trees found on Ellwood Mesa, including blue gum, have deciduous bark, which is shed annually and presents a fire hazard. The bark catches fire readily and streamers from the loose bark tend to carry fire into the canopy and cast firebrands ahead of the main fire front.

The leaf litter, which is the accumulation of dead, dry, and oily leaves, is also a fire hazard as it is extremely flammable.

12. Have California Native American Tribes Traditionally and Culturally Affiliated with the Project Area
Requested Consultation Pursuant to Public Resources
Code Section 21080.3.1?
The City prepared and mailed letters to local Native Americans on December 21, 2018. Under Assembly Bill (AB) 52, tribes have 30 days to respond and request consultation, giving tribes until January 21, 2019 to provide a response. As of the data of this draft, the 30-day response period has ended and no tribal representatives requested formal consultation with the City.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 29 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected
This project would potentially affect the environmental factors checked below, involving at least one impact that is “Potentially Significant” or “Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
■ Aesthetics □ Agriculture and
Forestry Resources
■ Air Quality
■ Biological Resources ■ Cultural Resources □ Energy
■ Geology/Soils □ Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
□ Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
■ Hydrology/Water Quality □ Land Use/Planning □ Mineral Resources ■ Noise □ Population/Housing □ Public Services
□ Recreation □ Transportation □ Tribal Cultural Resources □ Utilities/Service Systems □ Wildfire ■ Mandatory Findings of Significance
Determination
Based on this initial evaluation:
□ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
■ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions to the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
□ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
□ I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “less than significant with mitigation incorporated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 30 □ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potential significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Aesthetics
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 31 Environmental Checklist
1 Aesthetics
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099, would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a
scenic vista? □ □ □ ■
b. Substantially damage scenic resources,
including but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings
within a State scenic highway? □ □ □ ■
c. In non-urbanized areas, substantially
degrade the existing visual character or
quality of public views of the site and its
surroundings? (Public views are those
that are experienced from publicly
accessible vantage point). If the project is
in an urbanized area, would the project
conflict with applicable zoning and othe
r
re
gulations governing scenic quality? □ ■ □ □
d. Create a new source of substantial light or
g
lare that would adversely affect daytime
or nighttime views in the area? □ □ □ ■
Existing Setting
The Coverage Area is located in Ellwood Mesa Open Space, an undeveloped open space area categorized in the General Plan as “Open Space/Passive Recreation” where “significant environmental values or resources, wildlife habitats, significant views, and other open space value” exists (City of Goleta 2006a). The visual character of the Coverage Area is dominated by existing eucalyptus groves, creating a forested landscape. The generally evergreen nature of eucalyptus trees creates a patchy- to fully-shaded setting in the Coverage Area, with hanging bark, leaves, and vegetated understory protruding between tree trunks. Parts of the Coverage Area have views of the Pacific Ocean. Hollister Avenue borders the Coverage Area to the north; this road is designated a local scenic corridor in the Visual and Historic Resources Element of the General Plan. U.S. Highway 101 (US-101) is State-eligible for listing as a scenic highway (California Department of Transportation 2018); US-101 parallels and is north of Hollister Avenue near the Coverage Area. The nearest State- designated scenic highway is State Route 154 (SR-154)/San Marcos Pass, located approximately 14 City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 32 miles away from the Coverage Area. From within its confines, the Coverage Area provides views to the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara Channel Islands in the distance. The General Plan contains policies to safeguard these views by various means. These include restoring and enhancing visual quality in visually degraded areas, such as those created by the dead and dying trees in the Coverage Area. Furthermore, the Santa Ynez Mountains are visible north of the Ellwood Mesa Open Space and are considered a visual resource, along with riparian areas in the Devereux Slough. As with the other scenic resources described here, these views are from the Coverage Area looking outward and, as the images in Figure 5 demonstrate, they are limited by existing dead and fallen tree material throughout the Coverage Area.

Thresholds of Significance
A significant aesthetic impact would occur if the MBHMP would result in any of the impacts noted in the checklist. The City’s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual instructs the project evaluator to assess visual/aesthetic impacts through a two-step process. First, the visual resources of the Coverage Area must be evaluated, including the physical attributes, visual uniqueness, and relative visibility from public viewing areas. Visibility from coastal and mountain areas, as well as visibility from the urban fringe and travel corridors, are of particular concern. Second, the potential impact on visual resources in the Coverage Area and on views in the vicinity that may be partially or wholly obstructed by implementation of the MBHMP must be determined. This step includes an evaluation of the MBHMP’s consistency with State and City policies on the protection of visual resources.

Project-Specific Impacts
a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b. Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? Implementation of the MBHMP would not involve construction of any structures that would block protected views. The nearest State-designated scenic highway is SR-154/San Marcos Pass, located approximately 14 miles away from the Coverage Area. The Coverage Area is visible from points along SR-154, but none of the covered activities or changes proposed in the MBHMP would be visible from that distance. US-101 is approximately 0.2 mile north of the Coverage Area and is State- eligible for listing as a scenic highway. However, trees along the US-101 corridor and structures north of Hollister Avenue obstruct views of the Coverage Area from the freeway. The General Plan designates Hollister Avenue as a local scenic corridor and provides for protection of the “general character of significant natural features” (City of Goleta 2006a). The MBHMP calls for resource preservation measures involving the removal of dead and diseased trees that pose risk to life, prevent General Plan-mandated trail access, and contribute fuel to potentially catastrophic wildfire.

Figure 5 includes images of some of the dead and diseased vegetation in the Coverage Area. The implementation of the MBHMP would not substantially damage a scenic resource and would instead improve the eucalyptus grove as a scenic resource, preserving views from Hollister Avenue and SR-154. MBHMP implementation would, therefore, have no adverse effect on a scenic vista and no impact would occur under threshold a. Although the Coverage Area is near a locally-designated scenic corridor and a State-eligible scenic highway, no substantial damage to scenic resources in these areas would occur. Therefore, no impact to scenic resources in a State scenic highway would occur.

NO IMPACT

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Aesthetics

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 33 Figure 5 Site Photographs

Photograph 1. Example of some of the dead/down material in Ellwood North that would be removed as part of the CWPP to reduce the risk of wildfire

Photograph 2. Example of some of the dead/down material in Ellwood Main that would be removed as part of the CWPP to reduce the risk of wildfire

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 34 c. Would the project, in non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point.) If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quali
ty?
Implementation of the MBHMP would not involve any changes in land use in the Coverage Area, and resource management in Ellwood Mesa Open Space would be in keeping with the approved policies in the City’s General Plan and CWPP. This would involve resource management activities in the eucalyptus grove in Ellwood Mesa Open Space consistent with General Plan policies for Open Space/Passive Recreation land use designations (City of Goleta 2006a). The incremental removal of dead and diseased trees would contribute to grove health, improving its appearance and making it more accessible to passive public use, including public viewing areas. Furthermore, the resource management activities support the MBHMP’s intent to provide consistent stewardship of the Coverage Area and would help protect the grove and adjacent neighborhoods from imminent wildfire threat, which would be consistent with the approved CWPP (City of Goleta 2012).

The MBHMP states “portions of Ellwood Mesa eucalyptus groves suffer from … senescence, drought, pests, disease, or lack of formal management efforts that can negatively affect the aesthetic value of that area.” Checklist item 4, Biological Resources, includes the requirement to implement Mitigation Measure BIO-7, which requires monitoring and, if necessary, replacement of trees to ensure the groves remain viable habitat for monarch butterflies and retain visual character.

The removal of dead and diseased trees or deadfall would not be considered removal of any scenic resources on the Coverage Area as it would benefit the overall health of the groves. The MBHMP Tree Management Program calls for reforestation along with removal of dead and diseased specimens with covered activities that include “plant new eucalyptus trees, native and/or fire- resistant understory species, and native nectar sources” for migrating butterflies. These new plantings would be subject to the replacement tree guidelines detailed in Mitigation Measure BIO-7 and would be consistent with existing open space conservation practices. Therefore, the MBHMP would result in a less than significant impact to the existing visual character with implementation of mitigation.

The MBHMP Aesthetic Resources Program identifies the signs and fencing associated with monarch butterfly habitat on Ellwood Mesa as part of the stewardship program, and intends to ensure the signs and fencing are aesthetically compatible with the natural conditions of the Coverage Area.

Designs for signage and other facilities would be subject to review by the City for consistency with the natural conditions of the Coverage Area prior to installation. Adherence to this review process would ensure improvements to the quality of aesthetic resources in the Coverage Area would not result in an impact to scenic visual resources.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED
d. Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
Implementation of the MBHMP involves no development that would add new sources of light or glare. Therefore, no impact would occur.

NO IMPACT
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Aesthetics
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 35 Mitigation Measures
No additional mitigation beyond Mitigation Measure BIO-7 is required or recommended.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 36 T
his page left intentionally blank.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Agriculture and Forestry Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 37 2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland,
Farmland of Statewide Importance
(Farmland), as shown on maps prepared
pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California
Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
□ □ □ ■
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use or a Williamson Act contract? □ □ □ ■
c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as defined in
Public Resources Code Section 12220(g));
timberland (as defined by Public Resources
Code Section 4526); or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by
Government Code Section 51104(g))?
□ □ □ ■
d. Result in the loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to non-forest
use? □ □ □ ■
e. Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location
or nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland to non-agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non-forest
use?
□ □ □ ■
Existing Setting
The Coverage Area is undeveloped open space and surrounded by residential and recreational uses to the north, east, and west and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The Coverage Area is not on or adjacent to land currently under agricultural operation and is not designated for agricultural use in the City’s General Plan. Based on the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program for the California Resources Agency, no portion of the Coverage Area is designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (California Department of Conservation 2018a). In addition, no portion of the Coverage Area is zoned for forestland, timberland, or timber production.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 38 Thresholds of Significance
A significant impact to agricultural resources would be expected to occur if the MBHMP would result in any of the impacts noted in the above checklist. Additionally, the MBHMP may pose a significant environmental effect on agricultural resources if it conflicts with adopted environmental plans and goals of the City, converts Prime agricultural land to non-agricultural use, or impairs the agricultural productivity of Prime agricultural land.

Project-Specific Impacts
a. Would the project convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mappi ng
and M
onitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b. Would the project conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
e. Would the project involve other changes in the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? The Coverage Area is currently undeveloped open space and is not in agricultural use.

Implementation of the MBHMP would not impact farmland designated as Prime, Unique, or of Statewide Importance (California Department of Conservation 2018). In addition, the City’s General Plan does not designate any portion of the Coverage Area for agricultural use (City of Goleta 2017a).

Implementation of the MBHMP would not result in the displacement of existing farmland or occur adjacent to any existing farmland or agricultural resources. The MBHMP would not affect any lands designated by the City for agricultural purposes, nor would it affect any parcels zoned for agricultural use or parcels under a Williamson Act Contract (City of Goleta 2017a). The MBHMP would not involve any other changes to the existing environment that could result in conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. Because implementation of the MBHMP would not conflict with adopted environmental plans and goals of the City, nor would it convert prime agricultural and to non-agricultural use or impair the agricultural productivity of prime agricultural land, no impact would occur.

NO IMPACT
c. Would the project conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as define d
i
n Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))
?
A
s discussed in Section 10, Land Use and Planning, the Coverage Area is zoned Recreation (Rec) and has a General Plan land use designation of Open Space/Passive Recreation. According to the City of Goleta Coastal Zoning Ordinance, the intent of the Recreation district is to encourage outdoor recreational uses that will protect and enhance areas that have both active and passive recreation potential because of their beauty and natural features (City of Goleta 1998). No portion of the Coverage Area is zoned for forestland, timberland, or timber production, and timber production is not a permitted use in the Recreation zone. Therefore, no impact would occur.

NO IMPACT
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Agriculture and Forestry Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 39 d. Would the project result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? The Coverage Area in an open space preserve and contains several tree species, including groves of eucalyptus. Implementation of the MBHMP would remove selected dead, dying, or hazardous trees under the Catastrophic Event Response Program and Tree Management Program. Following tree removal, new tree plantings would be installed to enhance habitat conditions for the monarch butterfly. The trees that would be removed during implementation of the MBHMP are dead, dying, or otherwise hazardous trees that are a risk for recreational users in the Coverage Area because they have the potential to fall down. The MBHMP would have a beneficial effect on the eucalyptus groves in the Coverage Area because it would result in replacement of dead, dying, or otherwise hazardous eucalyptus trees, which generally have reduced canopy and provide minimal forest habitat value, with healthy, young trees.

The City amended and approved the Goleta Urban Forest Management Plan (GUFMP) in February 2017 to outline a policy framework for the restoration, enhancement, and management of the urban forest in Goleta. The tree removal strategy proposed by the MBHMP is consistent with Policy

4.12.4 of the GUFMP, which recognizes tree removal may be necessary, at City staff’s discretion, for the protection, public health, and safety of citizens in considering dead, dying, or hazardous trees (City of Goleta 2017b). No other trees would be removed because the Coverage Area in an open space preserve and not zoned for timber harvest. Additionally, eucalyptus trees are not used as timber. Given that the MBHMP would be consistent with the GUFMP and would improve the health of the eucalyptus groves, there would be no impact.

NO IMPACT
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required or recommended.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 40 T
his page left intentionally blank.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Air Quality

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 41 3 Air Quality

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation
of the applicable air quality plan? □ ■ □ □
b. Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for
which the project region is non-
attainment under an applicable federal or
state ambient air quality standard? □ ■ □ □
c. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations? □ ■ □ □
d. Result in other emissions (such as those
leading to odors) adversely affecting a
substantial number of people? □ □ □ ■
This section addresses the impacts of the MBHMP on air quality and the exposure of people, especially sensitive individuals, to unhealthful pollutant concentrations. The analysis of emissions focuses on whether the MBHMP would cause an exceedance of a State or national ambient air quality standard or an exceedance of a threshold recommended by the local air quality agency.

Local Climate
The climate in and around Goleta, as well as most of southern California, is controlled largely by the strength and position of the subtropical high-pressure cell over the Pacific Ocean. This high-pressure cell typically produces a Mediterranean climate with warm summers, mild winters, and moderate rainfall. This pattern is interrupted occasionally by periods of extremely hot weather brought in by sundowner winds. Almost all precipitation occurs between November and April, although during these months, the weather is sunny or partly sunny the majority of the time. Cyclic land and sea breezes are the primary factors affecting the region’s mild climate. The daytime winds are normally sea breezes, predominantly from the west, which flow at relatively low velocities. Additionally, cool, humid, marine air causes frequent fog and low clouds along the coast, generally during the night and morning hours in late spring and early summer.

Surface temperature inversions (0 to 500 feet) are most frequent during the winter, and subsidence inversions (1,000 to 2,000 feet) are most frequent during the summer. Inversions are an increase in temperature with height and directly relate to the stability of the atmosphere. Inversions act as a cap to the pollutants emitted below or within them. The subsidence inversion is common during the summer along the California coast, and is one of the principal causes of air stagnation. Poor air quality is usually associated with air stagnation (high stability/restricted air movement).

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 42 Air Quality Standards – Criteria Pollutants
The federal government and the State of California have established air quality standards and emergency episode criteria for various pollutants. Generally, State regulations have stricter standards than those at the federal level. Air quality standards are set at concentrations that provide a sufficient margin of safety to protect public health and welfare. Air quality at a given location can be described by the concentration of various pollutants in the atmosphere. The significance of a pollutant concentration is determined by comparing the concentration to an appropriate federal and/or State ambient air quality standard.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) establishes federal standards, termed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) establishes the State standards, called the California Ambient Air Quality Standards. The region generally has good air quality, as it attains or is considered in maintenance status for most ambient air quality standards. The Coverage Area is in the South Central Coast Air Basin, which encompasses all of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD) is required to monitor air pollutant levels in the South Central Coast Air Basin to ensure federal and State air quality standards are met.

Criteria Pollutants
Criteria pollutants of primary concern include ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NO2), particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10), and particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). Although there are no ambient standards for volatile organic compounds/reactive organic compounds (VOCs/ROCs) or nitrogen oxides (NOX), they are important as precursors to ozone.

Ozone air pollution is formed when NOX and ROCs react in the presence of sunlight. According to the SBCAPCD, the major sources of ozone precursor emissions in Santa Barbara County are motor vehicles, the petroleum industry, and solvent usage (paints, consumer products, and certain industrial processes). Sources of PM10 include grading, demolition, agricultural tilling, road dust, mineral quarries, and vehicle exhaust.

The County currently violates the State 8-hour ozone and PM10 standards, but it is in attainment of the federal 8-hour ozone standard and the State 1-hour ozone standard. The SBCAPCD adopted a Clean Air Plan in 2013 demonstrating how the County will maintain and/or meet State and federal air quality standards, including ozone and particulate matter standards.

Thresholds of Significance
A significant air quality impact could occur if the MBHMP resulted in any of the impacts noted in the above checklist, pursuant to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines.

In addition, per the City’s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, a significant adverse air quality impact may occur when a project, individually or cumulatively:
 Interferes with progress toward the attainment of the ozone standard by releasing emissions which equal or exceed the established long-term quantitative thresholds for NOX and reactive o
rganic gases
 Equals or exceeds the State or federal ambient air quality standards for any criteria pollutant (as determined by modeling)
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Air Quality
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 43 A project has a significant impact on regional air quality if emissions related to project operation exceed the significance threshold established by SBCAPCD, currently set at 25 pounds per day for NOX and ROC emissions for motor vehicle trips. Furthermore, if a project’s emissions exceed these thresholds, that project’s contribution to cumulative impacts would be considered significant.

The City’s thresholds also include criteria for conducting CO emission modeling. However, due to the relatively low background ambient CO levels in Santa Barbara County, localized CO impacts associated with traffic at congested intersections are not expected to exceed the CO health-related air quality standards. Therefore, CO “hotspot” analyses are no longer required.

The SBCAPCD does not have quantitative emission significance thresholds for short-term construction activities because of their temporary nature. Nevertheless, because Santa Barbara County is not compliant with State standards for PM10, construction-generated fugitive dust (50 percent of total dust) is subject to the SBCAPCD’s standard dust mitigation requirements.

Project-Specific Impacts
a. Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b. Would the project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard?
c. Would the project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Temporary emissions associated with implementation of the MBHMP would be minimal, as the MBHMP would not involve demolition of existing structures or construction of any new structures.

The MBHMP would involve programs and activities to improve monarch butterfly habitat such as waste reduction, pest management, trail maintenance, and habitat restoration. Most of these activities would not involve the use of heavy diesel equipment resulting in substantial criteria pollutant emissions. Trail and tree maintenance activities would involve tools such as chainsaws and hand tools. Emissions from such equipment would be minimal, as well as temporary and intermittent.

Certain covered activities, such as drainage clearing following flood events, trail relocations, culvert installations, and tree removals may involve limited ground disturbance and require the intermittent use of heavy construction equipment. Additionally, tree maintenance, vegetation removal, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance and relocation activities could require driving trucks on unpaved roads and trails in the Coverage Area, which may generate fugitive dust emissions.

The trail improvement and educational programs associated with the MBHMP would improve the quality of the experience for visitors to the butterfly habitat, which may lead to an incremental increase in visitors to the Coverage Area. However, the MBHMP would not expand the capacity of Ellwood Mesa Open Space to accommodate additional vehicle trips to the open space through additional parking or site access. Therefore, the MBHMP would not substantially increase operational emissions associated with vehicle trips to and from the Coverage Area above current conditions. The MBHMP would not result in human population growth, and therefore, would be consistent with the population growth assumptions contained in the County’s 2013 Clean Air Plan and 2016 Ozone Plan. As a result, the MBHMP would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of an applicable air quality plan.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 44 Implementation of the MBHMP would not result in substantial, long-term, operational air quality emissions. However, smaller ground-disturbing activities would have the potential to temporarily and intermittently generate fugitive dust in the Coverage Area. Because the MBHMP would not involve construction of structures, it would not be subject to SBCAPCD Rule 345, which includes various fugitive dust mitigation requirements for construction activities in the County. Nevertheless, the SBCAPCD recommends standard fugitive dust control measures for construction and demolition activities in its jurisdiction. Mitigation Measure AQ-1 features such measures, the incorporation of which would minimize potential fugitive dust emissions resulting from covered activities that require ground disturbance or from vehicles driven on unpaved roads and trails in the Coverage Area. With adherence to dust control measures contained in Mitigation Measure AQ-1, air quality impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED
d. Would the project result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecti ng
a s
ubstantial number of people?
Operational activities associated with the MBHMP would not create objectionable odors for nearby residences or visitors to the Ellwood Mesa Open Space because the MBHMP would not involve new facilities other than signage and improved trails. Covered activities, such as tree pruning, trail maintenance, and habitat restoration, would generally not require heavy diesel equipment and would not produce objectionable odors. Therefore, no impact would occur.

NO IMPACT
Mitigation Measures
AQ-1 Dust Control
All covered activities shall incorporate the following dust control measures to reduce potential PM10 emissions during implementation of the MBHMP:
 Covered activities shall minimize the amount of disturbed area to the extent feasible  On-s
ite vehicle speeds shall be limited to 5 miles per hour or less  The City or City-approved contractor shall install gravel pads at the access points to Ellwood Mesa Open Space to prevent tracking of dirt/mud onto public roads  After a ground-disturbing activity is completed, the City or City-approved contractor shall treat the disturbed area by watering, revegetating, or spreading soil binders Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 45 4 Biological Resources

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications,
on any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local
or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or
by the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
□ ■ □ □
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
□ ■ □ □
c. Have a substantial adverse effect on State
or federally protected wetlands (including,
but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool,
coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption, or other means? □ ■ □ □
d. Interfere substantially with the movement
of any native resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species or with established native
resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?
□ □ ■ □
e. Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological resources,
such as a tree preservation policy or
ordinance?
□ □ □ ■
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or State habitat
conservation plan?
□ □ □ ■
City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 46 Existing Setting
Regional Setting
The Coverage Area is in the South Coast region of Santa Barbara County on a coastal plain, along the south edge of the western Transverse Range. The Coverage Area is in the South Coast subregion as described in the Jepson ecoregion system (Baldwin et al. 2012), which extends from Point Conception to the west southward to Mexico, along the immediate coast in Santa Barbara County, but also extends inland to the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains farther east and south.

More specifically, the Coverage Area is in the Santa Ynez – Sulphur Mountains subsection of the Southern California Coast, according to the United States Forest Service (USFS) ecoregion system (USFS 2014). This ecological sub-unit extends from the Santa Ynez River mouth in northern Santa Barbara County, south and east into the Sulphur Mountains just west of the Ventura River in northern Ventura County. The ecological unit is defined by its mountainous topography inland, with coastal plains along the coastline. The Santa Ynez Mountains to the north of the Coverage Area form relatively steep hillsides vegetated by with chaparral and scrub vegetation types, drained by incised streams. Some streams in Goleta are lined with narrow bands of oak, while others support riparian shrubs and woodlands. The Coverage Area is on the coastal plain between the southern foot of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

The climate in Goleta is influenced by the city’s proximity to the Santa Ynez Mountains, whose elevations surpass 4,000 feet. When moist coastal air is pushed up by the mountains, an orographic effect forces the air upward and causes increased precipitation along the South Coastal plain.

Annual precipitation in Goleta is typically about 16.3 inches, with the majority of rainfall received between November and April in typical years (Western Region Climate Center 2018). Mean annual temperatures range from 48 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Morning fog and sea breezes often moderate summer daytime temperatures. The growing season lasts 340 to 360 days per year (United States Department of Agriculture 2018).

In Goleta, much of the coastal plain between the Santa Ynez Mountains and Pacific Ocean is developed or has been disturbed by historical agriculture or ranching uses. Native vegetation in Goleta is fragmented, but includes riparian and upland woodlands, coastal scrub, native and non- native grasslands, wetlands, and vernal pools. Relatively undisturbed habitats are present along narrow riparian corridors, in scattered undeveloped lands of varying sizes, and in protected open space areas. The Coverage Area in Ellwood Mesa Open Space is one such open space, though vegetation in this area has been disturbed historically for oil development, wood lots, and ranching uses (City of Goleta et al 2004; Campbell Geo 2010).

Coverage Area Setting
The Coverage Area is in the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, situated on Ellwood Mesa, on gentle slopes and terraces immediately north of the Ellwood bluffs. The Coverage Area consists of a series of eucalyptus groves, which were planted on the site beginning in the 1870s, and the immediately adjacent areas. The Coverage Area was selected based on the biology of the monarch butterfly, the focal species of the MBHMP, which is dependent on dense stands of eucalyptus trees for overwintering habitat. Devereux Creek, an intermittent coastal stream, flows through the center of the Coverage Area and likely helps to sustain some of the eucalyptus groves. Two unnamed tributaries to Devereux Creek also occur in the Coverage Area, and flow southward through the eucalyptus forest until joining Devereux Creek.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 47 The Coverage Area is bounded to the north by Hollister Avenue and residential development, to the west by Sandpiper Golf Club, to the east by the City of Goleta/County of Santa Barbara boundary along an undeveloped parcel managed by UCSB, and to the south by Ellwood Mesa Open Space and the Pacific Ocean. The northwest corner of the Coverage Area wraps around the western, southern, and eastern perimeters of the “The Bluffs” residential development. Existing residential development also abuts the northeastern perimeter of the Coverage Area. The majority of MBHMP activities would occur within 150 to 200 feet of existing residential developments along the northern portion of Ellwood Mesa Open Space. Most of the southern coastal plain and bluff habitats on Ellwood Mesa are outside the Coverage Area, and would not be directly affected.

The Coverage Area is on a coastal mesa, within which eucalyptus woodlands form dense canopies with native and non-native grasslands and coyote brush scrub habitats occur in the areas immediately adjacent to the eucalyptus groves. In areas outside the eucalyptus groves, the Devereux Creek corridor supports native riparian and transitional vegetation. Two vernal pools are documented along the southern boundary of the Coverage Area. The Coverage Area also includes a parking lot and numerous trails that are open to the public and used for visiting the monarch butterfly aggregation sites, walking and jogging on Ellwood Mesa, and accessing the beach to the south of Ellwood Mesa. An unpaved fire road along the northern edge of Devereux Creek in the Coverage Area can accommodate vehicle traffic, but is used for emergency purposes only and is not normally open to vehicles. Under normal conditions, this road is used by the public as a walking route through the eucalyptus groves and functions as part of the trail system.

The City’s General Plan identifies and maps several Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) in the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, including riparian habitat, vernal pools, native grassland, sage scrub, and bluff scrub (City of Goleta 2018). Monarch butterfly aggregation sites and raptor roosting/nesting sites at Ellwood are identified as ESHA in the General Plan. Several of the mapped ESHAs in Ellwood Mesa Open Space are in the Coverage Area (Figure 6). Unmapped ESHA may also be present where native grassland and riparian restoration efforts have expanded these sensitive vegetation types.

Existing Habitat Conditions
Ellwood Mesa Open Space supports both native and non-native communities, as well as non-native ornamental and invasive plants in some areas. Eucalyptus groves (Eucalyptus [globulus, camaldulensis] Semi-Natural Woodland Stands) are the dominant vegetation type in the Coverage Area due to their importance for the monarch butterfly. Additional vegetation types in the Coverage Area include:

ON-NATIVE GRASSLANDS
 Wild oats grassland (Avena [barbata, fatua] Semi-Natural Herbaceous Stands)  Annual brome grasslands (Bromus [diandrus, hordeaceus]-Brachypodium distachyon Semi- Natural Herbaceous Stands)

NATIVE GRASSLANDS
 Native bunchgrass grassland (Stipa [=Nassella] pulchra Grassland Alliance) City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 48 COASTAL SCRUB COMMUNITIES
 Coyote brush scrub (Baccharis pilularis Shrubland Alliance)  California sagebrush scrub (Artemisia californica Shrubland Alliance)

BLUFF SCRUB COMMUNITIES
 Quail bush scrub (Atriplex lentiformis Shrubland Alliance)

RIPARIAN COMMUNITIES
 Arroyo willow thickets (Salix lasiolepis Shrubland Alliance) A field reconnaissance-level biological survey conducted by Rincon Consultants in February 2018 confirmed that previous habitat mapping and identification of ESHAs in the Coverage Area and vicinity (e.g., City of Goleta 2013, City of Goleta 2014c; Storrer 2011, Campbell Geo 2010) are largely consistent with current existing conditions. Plant communities observed during the 2018 survey were identified based on A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition (MCV2, Sawyer et al. 2009), the currently accepted standard for vegetation classification in California. Because many of the previous biological studies conducted in the Coverage Area and vicinity are dated and did not use this system, the mapped vegetation types have been cross-referenced to previous systems utilized during the prior studies as appropriate (Table 3). Updates to habitat nomenclature are addressed on an individual basis below.

Table 3 Habitat Types in the Coverage Area with Current Classification General Habitat Type MCV2 Vegetation Alliances
Global Rank/
State Rank
CDFW Sensitive
Community?
Non-native grassland Avena [barbata, fatua] Semi-natural Herbaceous Stands
Bromus [diandrus, hordeaceus]-
Brachypodium distachyon Semi-Natural
Herbaceous Stands
not ranked
not ranked
No
No
Native grassland Stipa [=Nassella] pulchra Grassland Alliance G4/S3? Yes Eucalyptus groves Eucalyptus [globulus, camaldulensis] Semi- natural Woodland Stands
not ranked No
Coyote brush scrub Baccharis pilularis. Shrubland Alliance G5/S5 No California Sagebrush scrub Artemisia californica Shrubland Alliance G5/S5 No Bluff scrub Artemisia californica Shrubland Alliance
intermixed with Atriplex lentiformis
Shrubland Alliance
G5/S5
G4/S4
No
No
Arroyo willow thickets Salix lasiolepis Shrubland Alliance G4/S4 Yes Source: CDFW 2018b, 2018d
The approximate distribution of these habitats in the Coverage Area, based on the February 2018 survey and review of previous habitat mapping, is shown in Figure 7. The current condition of habitats in the Coverage Area is described below and depicted in site photographs presented as Photographs 3 through 6 in Figure 8.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 49 Figure 6 Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 50 Figure 7 Drainages and Vegetation Communities
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 51 Figure 8 Site Photographs

Photograph 3. Ellwood North. September 2018.

Photograph 4. Understory Condition in Ellwood North grove, with downed wood, litter buildup, and non-native understory species. September 2018.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 52 Photograph 5. Non-native grassland adjacent to Ellwood Main. September 2018.

Photograph 6. Ellwood Main understory. September 2018.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 53

EUCALYPTUS GROVES
Eucalyptus groves, consistent with Eucalyptus (globulus, camaldulensis) Semi-Natural Woodland Stands in MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009), form dense canopies throughout the Coverage Area. The tree overstory is almost entirely eucalyptus species, though occasional coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), arroyo willow, and other trees are present in low numbers. Understory in eucalyptus groves is predominantly non-native. Duff layers are thick, and herbaceous vegetation is sparse, with occasional veldt grass (Ehrharta erecta), oats, ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), red brome (Bromus rubens), and foxtail barely. Shrubs are also present, including non-native Myoporum (Myoporum laetum), pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), blackwood acacia (Acacia melanoxylon), cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lacteus). A few native shrub and woody vine species are also present, with poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) most common. Many of the eucalyptus groves are infested with invasive vines, including Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis).

Where Devereux Creek and its tributaries flow through eucalyptus groves, additional weedy perennial plants are present, including cape ivy (Delairea odorata), garden nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), and firethorn (Pyracantha sp.). However, native species are also more common along the drainage bed and banks than elsewhere in eucalyptus groves, including poison oak, rushes (Juncus spp.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea), and blackberry (Rubus ursinus), particularly near the Ellwood Main and Sandpiper aggregation sites.

As noted above, five monarch butterfly aggregation areas, referred to as the Ellwood North, Ellwood West, Ellwood Main, Sandpiper, and Ocean Meadows sites, are present in eucalyptus groves in the Coverage Area. As described in Section 7, Background Information, eucalyptus trees were introduced in the 1870s to provide a source of lumber. In recent years, the ongoing drought and pest infestations have resulted in the degradation and death of eucalyptus trees. According to a field study performed by Althouse and Meade, Inc. in July 2017, over 1,200 trees in the eucalyptus forest are dead, with hundreds more that are highly degraded and dying. Historically these aggregation sites hosted tens of thousands of monarch butterflies during some years, making Ellwood Mesa one of the most important sites for monarch butterflies in California (Pelton et al. 2016). As shown in Figure 4, overwintering monarch populations on Ellwood Mesa have declined drastically in recent years from 47,510 monarchs at a recent peak in 2011 to an all-time low of 230 monarchs counted in 2018.

Grove and windrow areas between aggregation sites have not been recorded to support monarch butterfly aggregations. Eucalyptus groves in the Coverage Area are predominantly blue gum groves, but some areas of red ironbark (E. sideroxylon) and red gum (E. camaldulensis) are present, particularly in the areas south of the Ellwood North aggregation site, and occasionally in the Ellwood West, Main, and East sites.

Small stands of eucalyptus are also present on the immediate edge of the Ellwood Mesa Open Space outside the Coverage Area. These include small patches of ironwood, blue gum, and lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora). Eucalyptus trees are present in a utility easement near the eastern boundary of the Coverage Area. Monarch aggregations have not been reported and are not expected in these small, exposed stands of trees.

ON-NATIVE GRASSLANDS
The dominant plant community in areas without tree canopy consists of non-native annual grasslands. This vegetation type is most consistent with the Avena [barbata, fatua] Semi-Natural Herbaceous Stands alliance and the Bromus [diandrus, hordeaceus]-Brachypodium distachyon Semi- Natural Herbaceous Stands alliance in the MCV2 classification system (Sawyer et al. 2009). These City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 54 communities are not assigned a rarity rank by the CDFW (2018b), and are not considered sensitive.

Typical composition consists of abundant wild oats (Avena barbata, A. fatua), with hare barley (Hordeum murinum) and a variety of non-native herbaceous plants, including prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), bristly ox tongue (Helminthotheca echioides), cheeseweed (Malva sp.), knotweed (Polygonum aviculare), and black mustard (Brassica nigra). Aggressive weeds such as fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and castor bean (Ricinus communis) are common to abundant in patches.

Australian saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata) is present in many areas. Some native species are also present in non-native grasslands, including tarweed (Deinandra fasciculata), horseweed (Conyza canadensis), western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) and dove weed (Croton setigerus).

Occasional purple needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) plants are present in some areas of non-native annual grassland. Patches and larger areas with at least 10 percent cover of native grasses are classified separately as native grassland. Some ruderal areas consisting of predominantly non-native herbaceous weeds are also present, intermixed with annual grasslands. Patches of ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis) are occasional, including several patches near The Bluffs residential development. Non-native annual grasslands occur in the Coverage Area along the margins of the Ellwood North, Sandpiper, Ellwood West, and Ellwood Main aggregation sites, north of the Ocean Meadows site, and areas in between groves.

NATIVE GRASSLANDS
Native grassland in the Coverage Area are present south of the Ellwood Main and Ellwood East aggregation sites, and west of the Ocean Meadows aggregation site and windrow. These areas contain at least 10 percent cover of native grassland species, particularly purple needlegrass, and are consistent with the Stipa [=Nassella] pulchra Herbaceous Alliance in MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009).

These areas are designated ESHA in the General Plan and included on the 2018 CDFW Sensitive Natural Communities list. Restoration of native grasslands in the vicinity of the Coverage Area has been ongoing, beginning with drill seeding over most of the non-native grassland habitats at Ellwood Mesa Open Space in 2008 (City of Goleta 2011a).

OASTAL SCRUB
In the Coverage Area, coastal scrub vegetation is primarily coyote brush scrub habitat consistent with the Baccharis pilularis Shrubland Alliance, with small areas of California sagebrush scrub consistent with the Artemisia californica Shrubland Alliance in MCV2 (Sawyer et al. 2009).

Intermixed with coyote brush are other native shrubs common to coastal scrub habitats, particularly saw-tooth golden bush (Hazardia squarrosa) and coastal goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii). Non- native weedy species are also present along margins and between shrubs, including annual grasses, fennel, and Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus). In the Coverage Area, coyote brush scrub is common adjacent to the Ellwood North, Sandpiper, and Ellwood West groves, as well as along Devereux Creek. This community is not identified as sensitive by the CDFW (2018b).

California sagebrush scrub occurs in small patches on banks of a tributary to Devereux Creek adjacent to The Bluffs development. These patches consist of a mixture of sagebrush (Artemisia californica) with toyon, coyote brush, and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) seedlings. Coast morning glory (Calystegia macrostegia cyclostegia) is also present. These patches are not extensive and the majority of coastal scrub on the mesa consists of coyote brush scrub. This community is not identified as sensitive by the CDFW (2018b).

Coastal scrub in the Coverage Area is designated as ESHA as illustrated on Figure 3.4-2 of the Goleta General Plan and shown on Figure 6.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
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Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 55

BLUFF SCRUB
Bluff scrub is present in the southeast tip of the Coverage Area adjacent to a patch of eucalyptus grove. Vegetation is primarily California sagebrush scrub (Artemisia californica Shrubland Alliance) and quail bush scrub (Atriplex lentiformis shrubland alliance). Bluff scrub areas are designated as ESHA in the General Plan; however, neither of these vegetation alliances is considered sensitive by CDFW (2018b). Coastal bluff scrub is restricted to steep slopes and faces of coastal bluffs, and has limited range.

ARROYO WILLOW THICKETS
Portions of Devereux Creek and two unnamed tributaries flow through the Coverage Area. These creeks support some arroyo willow thickets (Salix lasiolepis Shrubland Alliance), with scattered young sycamore (Platanus racemosa), cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), and box elder (Acer negundo) trees, some of which were planted as part of restoration efforts in the past. Arroyo willow thickets occur intermittently along Devereux Creek and one of the unnamed tributaries in the Coverage Area, in areas outside the eucalyptus canopy. Arroyo willow thickets are designated as ESHA in the General Plan, and are included on the 2018 CDFW Sensitive Natural Communities list (CDFW 2018b).

Sensitive Habitats
Sensitive habitats include sensitive natural communities tracked by CDFW, designated critical habitats for species listed under the federal ESA, and other locally designated ESHAs. Sensitive habitats in the Coverage Area include vernal pools (ESHA), riparian habitat adjacent to Devereux Creek (ESHA), arroyo willow thickets (CDFW sensitive), bluff scrub (ESHA), coastal scrub (ESHA), native grasslands (ESHA and CDFW sensitive) and eucalyptus groves (ESHA due to monarch and raptor habitat value).

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CRITICAL HABITATS
No designated critical habitat for threatened or endangered species occurs in the Coverage Area.

The nearest federally designated critical habitat is for Western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) on Devereux Beach (Unit CA 34); it extends along the beach at the foot of Ellwood Mesa bluffs outside of the Coverage Area (USFWS 2018a).

LOCALLY DESIGNATED ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE HABITATS
In the Conservation Element of the General Plan, coastal bluff scrub, native grassland, vernal pools, riparian habitat habitats, and monarch aggregation/raptor roost and nest sites in the Coverage Area are identified as ESHAs (City of Goleta 2017a). Figure 4-1 of the Goleta General Plan Conservation Element identifies and maps these ESHAs. Figure 6 shows these areas in the Coverage Area.

Unmapped ESHAs may also be present where native grassland and riparian restoration efforts have expanded presence of these sensitive vegetation types. Due to the MBHMP’s focus on monarch butterfly habitat, the vast majority of the Coverage Area is designated ESHA and therefore considered a sensitive habitat.

Special-status Species
For the purposes of this document, special-status species are those plants and animals listed, proposed for listing, or candidates for listing as threatened or endangered by the USFWS under the federal Endangered Species Act (7 U.S.C. § 136, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.); those listed or candidates City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 56 for listing as rare, threatened, or endangered by the CDFW under the California Endangered Species Act or Native Plant Protection Act; animals designated at the State level as “Fully Protected,” “Species of Special Concern,” “Special Animals” or “Watch List”; those species on the Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List (CDFW 2018c), and species included in the California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California, Eighth Edition (CNPS 2018). Section 15125(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines, also directs that special emphasis should be placed on resources that are rare or unique to the region. For example, plants listed by the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden (SBBG) or the Goleta Slough Ecosystem Management Plan may be considered locally sensitive.

The potential for each special status species to occur in the Coverage Area was evaluated according to the following criteria:
 None. Habitat on and adjacent to the site is clearly unsuitable for the species requirements (foraging, breeding, cover, substrate, elevation, hydrology, plant community, site history, disturbance regime), or the species is conspicuous and would have been identifiable on site i f
p
resent (e.g., oak trees).
 Low Potential. The species is not likely to be found on the site. Either few of the habitat c
omponents meeting the species requirements are present, the majority of habitat on and adjacent to the site is unsuitable or of very poor quality, or protocol surveys were conducted and did not detect the species.
 Moderate Potential. Some of the habitat components meeting the species requirements ar e
p
resent, and/or only some of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is unsuitable. The species has a moderate probability of being found on the site.
 High Potential. All of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present a
nd/or most of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is highly suitable. The species has a high probability of being found on the site.
 Present. The species was observed on the site or has been recorded (e.g., California Natural D
iversity Database [CNDDB], other reports) on the site recently (within the last 5 years).

SPECIAL-STATUS PLANTS
A five-mile radius search of CNDDB and a six U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 1:24,000 7.5-minute quadrangle search of the CNPS Online Inventory records identified 21 special-status plant species that have been previously documented in the Coverage Area. Of these, 11 special-status plant species are present or have a high or moderate potential to occur in the Coverage Area based on habitat suitability. One special-status plant species, Santa Barbara honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata), was previously identified in existing biological surveys for this site and is shown on Figure 4-1 of the General Plan Conservation Element, though this location is not currently included in the CNDDB. Table 4 shows the status and habitat requirements for each of these species, with an assessment of their potential to occur in the Coverage Area.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 57 Table 4 Special-status Plant Species in the Vicinity of the Coverage Area Scientific Name
Status:

Fed/State ESA;
CRPR;
G-Rank/S-Rank Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur/Coverage
Area Suitability Observations
Amsinckia douglasiana
Douglas' fiddleneck
−/−
CRPR 4.2
G4/S4
Annual herb. Blooms Mar.-May.

Valley and foothill grassland, oak
woodland. 0-1950 m (0-6400 ft.)
Moderate. Suitable habitat is
present in native grassland in
the Coverage Area. Could
occur.

Arctostaphylos
refugioensis
Refugio manzanita
−/−
CRPR 1B.2
G3/S3
Perennial evergreen shrub. Blooms
Dec.-May. Chaparral. On sandstone.
300-820m (985-2690 ft.)
None. Appropriate chaparral
habitat and sandstone
substrates are not present in
the Coverage Area. Not
expected to occur.

Atriplex coulteri
Coulter's saltbush
−/−
CRPR 1B.2
G3/S1S2
Perennial herb. Blooms Mar.-Oct.

Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes,
coastal scrub, valley and foothill
grassland. Ocean bluffs, ridgetops, as
well as alkaline low places. 10-440m
(30-1445 ft.)
Moderate. Suitable habitat is
present in bluff scrub and
native grassland in the
Coverage Area. Could occur.

Atriplex serenana var.
davidsonii
Davidson's saltscale
−/−
CRPR 1B.2
G5T1/S1
Annual herb. Blooms Apr.-Oct.

Coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub.

Alkaline soil. 3-250m (10-820 ft.)
Low. Suitable habitat is
present in bluff scrub on
Ellwood Mesa. Not expected
to occur in Coverage Area.

Calandrinia breweri
Brewer's calandrinia
−/−
CRPR 4.2
G4/S4
Annual herb. Blooms Mar.-Jun.

Chaparral, coastal scrub. Sandy or
loamy soils. Disturbed sites, burns.
150-1200m (490-3940 ft.)
High. Suitable habitat is
present in coastal scrub and
disturbed areas in the
Coverage Area. Could occur.

Calochortus catalinae
Catalina mariposa lily
−/−
CRPR 4.2
G3G4/S3S4
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Blooms
Feb.-Jun. Valley and foothill
grassland, chaparral, coastal scrub,
cismontane woodland. In heavy soils,
open slopes, openings in brush. 30-
700m (100-2295 ft.)
High. Appropriate fine-
textured soils are present in
some areas, associated with
coastal scrub and grassland
habitats. Could occur.

Calochortus fimbriatus
Late-flowered mariposa-
lily
−/−
CRPR 1B.3
G3/S3
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Blooms
June-Aug. Chaparral, cismontane
woodland, riparian woodland. Dry,
open coastal woodland, chaparral;
on serpentine. 275-1905 m (900-
6250 ft.)
None. Appropriate
serpentinitic soils are not
present. Not expected to
occur.

Centromadia parryi ssp.
australis
Southern tarplant
−/−
CRPR 1B.1
G3T2/S2
Annual herb. Blooms May-Nov.

Marshes and swamps (margins),
valley and foothill grassland. Often in
disturbed sites near the coast at
marsh edges; also in alkaline soils
sometimes with saltgrass.

Sometimes on vernal pool margins.
0-425m (0-1395 ft.)
High. Suitable habitat is
present in mesic sites in
grassland, along drainage
edges and vernal pool
margins in the Coverage Area.

Could occur.

Chorizanthe palmeri
Palmer's spineflower
−/−
CRPR 4.2
G4/S4
Annual herb. Blooms April-Aug.

Occurs on rocky serpentinite-
influence sites in chaparral, valley
and foothill grassland, and
woodland. 60-700 m.

None. Appropriate
serpentinitic sites and rocky
areas are not present. Not
expected to occur.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 58 Scientific Name
Status:

Fed/State ESA;
CRPR;
G-Rank/S-Rank Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur/Coverage
Area Suitability Observations
Horkelia cuneata var.
puberula
mesa horkelia
−/−
CRPR 1B.1
G4T1/S1
Perennial herb. Blooms Feb.-Sept.

Chaparral, cismontane woodland,
coastal scrub. Sandy or gravelly sites.
70-810m (230-2655ft).

None. Appropriately sandy
soils are not present. Not
expected to occur.

Juncus luciensis
Santa Lucia dwarf rush
−/−
CRPR 1B.2
G3/S3
Annual herb. Blooms Apr.-Jul. Vernal
pools, meadows, lower montane
coniferous forest, chaparral, Great
Basin scrub. Vernal pools, ephemeral
drainages, wet meadow habitats and
streamsides. 300-2040m (985-
6690ft).

Low. Suitable habitat is
present in mesic sites along
drainage edges and vernal
pool margins in Ellwood Mesa
Open Space. The Coverage
Area is slightly below
reported elevation range, but
species could potentially
occur.

Lasthenia conjugens
Contra Costa goldfields
Endangered/−
CRPR 1B.1
G1/S1
Annual herb. Blooms Mar.-Jun.

Valley and foothill grassland, vernal
pools, alkaline playas, cismontane
woodland. Vernal pools, swales, low
depressions, in open grassy areas. 1-
470m (3-1540ft).

High. Suitable habitat is
present in mesic sites in
grassland habitat and vernal
pool margins in the Coverage
Area. Could occur.

Lasthenia glabrata ssp.
coulteri
Coulter's goldfields
−/−
CRPR 1B.1
G4T2/S2
Annual herb. Blooms Feb.-Jun.

Coastal salt marshes, playas, valley
and foothill grassland, vernal pools.

Usually found on alkaline soils in
playas, sinks, and grasslands. 1-
1400m (3-4595ft).

High. Suitable habitat is
present in mesic sites in
grassland habitat and vernal
pool margins in the Coverage
Area. Could occur.

Layia heterotricha
pale-yellow layia
−/−
CRPR 1B.1
G2/S2
Annual herb. Blooms Mar.-Jun.

Cismontane woodland, pinyon-
juniper woodland, valley and foothill
grassland. Alkaline or clay soils; open
areas. 270-1365m (885-4480ft).

Moderate. Moderately
suitable habitat is present in
grassland habitat. Could
occur.

Lonicera subspicata var.
subspicata
Santa Barbara
honeysuckle
−/−
CRPR 1B.2
G5T2?/S2?
Perennial evergreen shrub. Blooms
May-Feb. Chaparral, cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub. 35-1000m
(115-3280ft).

Present. Previously reported
in the Coverage Area. Coastal
scrub in the Coverage Area is
suitable; the CNDDB and
General Plan report this
species in the Coverage Area.

Monardella sinuata ssp.
sinuata
southern curly-leaved
monardella
−/−
G3T2/S2
1B.2
Coastal dunes, coastal scrub,
chaparral, cismontane woodland.

Sandy soils. 20-305 m. annual herb.

Blooms Apr-Sep
Moderate. Sandy soils and
coastal scrub present in
Coverage Area. Could occur.

Phacelia hubbyi
Hubby's phacelia
−/−
CRPR 4.2
G4/S4
Perennial herb. Blooms Feb.–May,
occurs in sandy sites with chaparral,
coastal scrub near the coast between
60 - 500 meters elevation.

None. Appropriately sandy
soils and chaparral are not
present. Not expected to
occur.

Phacelia ramosissima var.
austrolitoralis
south coast branching
phacelia
−/−
CRPR 3.2
G5?T3Q/S3
Perennial herb. Blooms Mar.-Aug.

Sandy, sometimes rocky substrate.

Chaparral, coastal dunes, coastal
scrub, and coastal salt marshes and
swamps. 5-300 m
None. Appropriate sandy or
gravelly substrates are not
present. Not expected to
occur.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 59 Scientific Name
Status:

Fed/State ESA;
CRPR;
G-Rank/S-Rank Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur/Coverage
Area Suitability Observations
Scrophularia atrata
black-flowered figwort
−/−
CRPR 1B.2
G2?/S2?
Perennial herb. Blooms Mar.-Jul.

Closed-cone coniferous forest,
chaparral, coastal dunes, coastal
scrub, riparian scrub. Sand,
diatomaceous shale, and soils
derived from other parent material;
around swales and in sand dunes.
10-250m (30-820ft).

None. Appropriate sandy soils
or soils derived from
diatomaceous shales are not
present. Not expected to
occur.

Suaeda esteroa
estuary seablite
−/−
CRPR 1B.2
G3/S2
Perennial herb. Blooms May-Jan.

Marshes and swamps. Coastal salt
marshes in clay, silt, and sand
substrates. 0-5m (0-15ft).

None. Coastal salt marsh
habitat is not present in the
Coverage Area. Not expected
to occur.

Thelypteris puberula var.
sonorensis
Sonoran maiden fern
−/−
CRPR 2B.2
G5T3/S2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Blooms
Jan.-Sep. Meadows and seeps. Along
streams, seepage areas. 50-550m
(165-1805ft).

Moderate. Moderately
appropriate habitat is present
in riparian woodland. Could
occur.

FC = Federal Candidate Species ST = State Threatened
FE = Federally Endangered SR = State Rare
FS=Federally Sensitive SS=State Sensitive
G-Rank/S-Rank = Global Rank and State Rank as per NatureServe and CDFW’s CNDDB RareFind3.

SSC = CDFW Species of Special Concern
SA = CDFW Special Animal
FP = Fully Protected
WL = Watch List
Source: CNDDB 2018, CNPS 2018
Special status plants could occur in the Coverage Area, mainly in native habitats along the margins.

However, special-status plants are not expected to occur in eucalyptus groves due to lack of suitable habitat. Eucalyptus groves typically have deep accumulations of leaf litter and shed bark, which are not conducive to native plant growth (Cal-IPC 2018, Strathman 2004), and substantial accumulations of leaf litter and debris have been documented in the groves on Ellwood Mesa. Additionally, many other invasive, non-native species documented as understory to the eucalyptus groves out-compete native vegetation, including rare native plants (CNPS 1996).

Based on the analysis in Table 4, one special-status plant species, Santa Barbara honeysuckle, is known to be present with the Coverage Area in coastal scrub habitat. In addition, the nine special- status plant species listed below have a moderate or high potential to occur in native grasslands, coastal scrub, bluff scrub or vernal pools in the Coverage Area:
 Douglas’ fiddleneck
 Catalina mariposa lily
 Southern tarplant
 Contra Costa goldfields
 Coulter's goldfields
 Pale-yellow layia
 Sonoran maiden fern
City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 60  Coulter's saltbush
 Brewer's calandrinia
The majority of these species are not formally protected by laws or regulations, but are identified as rare plants by the CNPS. The Contra Costa goldfields, however, is a federally listed endangered plant. Activities associated with implementation of the MBHMP are focused primarily on areas with a high degree of disturbance and non-native vegetation (eucalyptus groves), and special status plants are not expected to occur in these areas due to the highly disturbed nature of the area.

However, special status plants may occur in native habitats adjacent to eucalyptus groves in the Coverage Area.

PECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE
A search of CNDDB records identified 28 special-status wildlife species in a five-mile radius of the Coverage Area (Table 5). Four of the identified special-status wildlife species are present or have a high or moderate potential to occur in the Coverage Area. The potential to occur for each special- status species in or near the Coverage Area is discussed following Table 5.

Table 5 Special-status Animal Species in the Vicinity of the Coverage Area Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State ESA
CDFW
G-Rank/S-Rank Habitat Requirements
Coverage Area
Suitability Observations
Invertebrates
Bombus crotchii
Crotch bumble bee
None/None
G3G4/S1S2
Coastal California east to the Sierra-Cascade
crest and south into Mexico. Food plant genera
include Antirrhinum, Phacelia, Clarkia,
Dendromecon, Eschscholzia, and Eriogonum.

Low. Plant food genera
are not known to occur.

Cicindela hirticollis
gravida
sandy beach tiger
beetle
None/None
G5T2/S2
Inhabits areas adjacent to non-brackish water
along the coast of California from San Francisco
Bay to northern Mexico. Clean, dry, light-
colored sand in the upper zone. Subterranean
larvae prefer moist sand not affected by wave
action.

Low. Suitable habitat is
limited to the beach,
outside the Coverage
Area.

Coelus globosus
globose dune
beetle
None/None
G1G2/S1S2
Inhabitant of coastal sand dune habitat;
erratically distributed from Ten Mile Creek in
Mendocino County south to Ensenada, Mexico.

Inhabits foredunes and sand hummocks; it
burrows beneath the sand surface and is most
common beneath dune vegetation.

Low. Suitable habitat is
limited to the beach,
outside the Coverage
Area.

Danaus plexippus
monarch butterfly
None*/None
SA
G4T2T3/S2S3
Winter roost sites extend along the coast from
northern Mendocino to Baja California,
Mexico. Roosts located in wind-protected tree
groves (eucalyptus, Monterey pine, cypress),
with nectar and water sources nearby.

Present. Species is
present.

Tryonia imitator
mimic tryonia
(=California
brackishwater snail)
None/None
G2/S2
Inhabits coastal lagoons, estuaries and salt
marshes, from Sonoma County south to San
Diego County. Found only in permanently
submerged areas in a variety of sediment
types; able to withstand a wide range of
salinities.

Low. Appropriate lagoon/
perennial stream mouth
with perennial water is
not present in the
Coverage Area.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 61 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State ESA
CDFW
G-Rank/S-Rank Habitat Requirements
Coverage Area
Suitability Observations
Amphibians
Rana draytonii
California red-
legged frog
Threatened/
None
SSC
G2G3/S2S3
Lowlands & foothills in or near permanent
sources of deep water with dense, shrubby or
emergent riparian vegetation. Requires 11-20
weeks of permanent water for larval
development. must have access to estivation
habitat.

Moderate. Suitable
seasonal breeding pools
are not present in the
Coverage Area; however,
Devereux Creek could
serve are a movement
corridor.

Taricha torosa
Coast range newt
None/None
SSC
G4/S4
Coastal drainages from Mendocino County to
San Diego County.

None. Appropriate deep
streams with seasonal
pools are not present in
the Coverage Area.

Reptiles
Emys marmorata
western pond turtle
None/None
SSC
G3G4/S3
A thoroughly aquatic turtle of ponds, marshes,
rivers, streams & irrigation ditches, usually
with aquatic vegetation, below 6,000 ft
elevation. Needs basking sites and suitable
(sandy banks or grassy open fields) upland
habitat up to 0.5 km from water for egg-laying.

None. Appropriate deep
streams with seasonal
pools are not present in
the Coverage Area.

Fish
Eucyclogobius
newberryi
tidewater goby
Endangered/
None
SSC
G3/S3
Brackish water habitats along the Calif coast
from Agua Hedionda Lagoon, San Diego Co. to
the mouth of the Smith River. Found in shallow
lagoons and lower stream reaches, they need
fairly still but not stagnant water & high oxygen
levels.

None. Appropriate
lagoon/perennial stream
mouth with perennial
water are not present in
Coverage Area.

Birds
Accipiter cooperii
Cooper's hawk
None/None
WL
G5/S4
Woodland, chiefly of open, interrupted or
marginal type. Nest sites mainly in riparian
growths of deciduous trees, as in canyon
bottoms on river flood-plains; also, live oaks.

Present. Species is
present, and one
documented nest is
known from Ellwood
Mesa.

Agelaius tricolor
tricolored blackbird
None/
Threatened
SSC
G2G3/S1S2
Freshwater marsh, swamp, wetlands. Highly
colonial species, most numerous in Central
Valley & vicinity. Largely endemic to California.

None. Appropriate
freshwater marsh habitat
is not present in Coverage
Area.

Aimophila ruficeps
canescens
Southern California
rufous-crowned
sparrow
None/None
WL
G5T3/S3
Resident in Southern California coastal sage
scrub and sparse mixed chaparral.

Moderate. Appropriate
habitat in Coverage Area
is limited.

Ammodramus
savannarum
grasshoper sparrow
None/None
SSC
G5/S3
Valley and foothill grassland. Dense grasslands
on rolling hills, lowland plains, in valleys and on
hillsides on lower mountain slopes.

Low. Appropriate
grassland habitat is
limited in areas in
Coverage Area.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 62 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State ESA
CDFW
G-Rank/S-Rank Habitat Requirements
Coverage Area
Suitability Observations
Ardea alba
great egret
None/None
G5/S4
Colonial nester in large trees. Rookery sites
located near marshes, tide-flats, irrigated
pastures, and margins of rivers and lakes.

Low (breeding). Flyover or
roosting individuals could
be present, but low
potential to nest in the
Coverage Area. Suitable
nesting habitat present on
adjacent property at the
Devereux Slough.

Ardea herodias
great blue heron
None/None
G5/S4
Colonial nester in tall trees, cliffsides, and
sequestered spots on marshes. Rookery sites in
close proximity to foraging areas: marshes,
lake margins, tide-flats, rivers and streams, wet
meadows.

Low (breeding). Flyover or
roosting individuals could
be present, but low
potential to nest in the
Coverage Area. Suitable
nesting habitat present on
adjacent property at the
Devereux Slough.

Athene Cunicularia
Burrowing Owl
None/None
SSC
G4/S3
Open, dry annual or perennial grasslands,
deserts, and scrublands characterized by low-
growing vegetation.

Low. Appropriate
grassland habitat is
limited in the Coverage
Area.

Buteo regalis
ferruginous hawk
None/None
WL
G4/S3S4
Open grasslands, sagebrush flats, desert scrub,
low foothills & fringes of pinyon-juniper
habitats. Eats mostly lagomorphs, ground
squirrels, and mice. Population trends may
follow lagomorph population cycles.

Low. Ferruginous hawk
may winter in open areas
on the Ellwood Mesa,
outside the Coverage
Area, but Goleta is not in
the breeding range.

Charadrius
alexandrinus
nivosus
western snowy
plover
Threatened/
None
SSC
G3T3/S2S3
Sandy beaches, salt pond levees & shores of
large alkali lakes. Needs sandy, gravelly or
friable soils for nesting.

Low. Documented plover
habitat is present along
the shore, at the base of
Ellwood Mesa to the
south; suitable nesting
habitat is not present on
Ellwood Mesa or in the
Coverage Area.

Elanus leucurus
white-tailed kite
None/None
FP
G5/S3S4
Rolling foothills and valley margins with
scattered oaks & river bottomlands or marshes
next to deciduous woodland. Open grasslands,
meadows, or marshes for foraging close to
isolated, dense-topped trees for nesting and
perching.

Present. Species is
present. Several nests
have been documented
on the Ellwood Mesa in
eucalyptus groves.

Eremophila
alpestris actia
California horned
lark
None/None
WL
G5T4Q/S4
Bare dry ground and areas of short sparse
vegetation. Prairies, deserts, tundra, beaches,
dunes, and heavily grazed pastures..

Low. Limited suitable bare
ground habitat in the
Coverage Area.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 63 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State ESA
CDFW
G-Rank/S-Rank Habitat Requirements
Coverage Area
Suitability Observations
Passerculus
sandwichensis
beldingi
Belding's savannah
sparrow
None/
Endangered
G5T3/S3
Inhabits coastal salt marshes, from Santa
Barbara south through San Diego County.

Nests in Salicornia on and about margins of
tidal flats.

None. Appropriate salt
marsh habitat is not
present at Ellwood Mesa,
including the Coverage
Area; however salt marsh
is present along Devereux
Slough on the adjacent
open space property.

Pelecanus
occidentalis
californicus
California brown
pelican
Delisted/
Delisted
FP
G4T3T4/S3
Colonial nester on coastal islands just outside
the surf line.

Low. Appropriate foraging
habitat is present at the
beach on the southern
boundary of Ellwood
Mesa outside the
Coverage Area. May fly
past the site.

Phalacrocorax
auritus
double-crested
cormorant
None/None
WL
G5/S4
Colonial nester on coastal cliffs, offshore
islands, and along lake margins in the interior
of the state.

Low. Appropriate foraging
and roosting habitat is
present at the beach
outside the Coverage
Area. May fly past the site.

Rallus longirostris
levipes
light-footed clapper
rail
Endangered/
Endangered
FP
G5T1T2/S1
Found in salt marshes traversed by tidal
sloughs, where cordgrass and pickleweed are
the dominant vegetation. Requires dense
growth of either pickleweed or cordgrass for
nesting or escape cover; feeds on molluscs and
crustaceans.

None. Appropriate salt
marsh habitat is not
present at Ellwood Mesa,
including the Coverage
Area; however salt marsh
is present along Devereux
Slough on the adjacent
open space property.

Stemula antillarum
browni
California least tern
Endangered/
Endangered
FP
G4T2T3Q/S2
Coastline. Nests along the coast from San
Francisco Bay south to northern Baja
California.

Low. Appropriate foraging
habitat is present at the
beach, south of the
southern boundary of the
Coverage Area.

Mammals
Antrozous pallidus
pallid bat
None/None
SSC
G5/S3
Deserts, grasslands, shrublands, woodlands
and forests. Most common in open, dry
habitats with rocky areas for roosting.

None (roosting).

Appropriate rocky areas
for roosting are not
present in the Coverage
Area. Foraging habitat is
present.

Corynorhinus
townsendii
Townsend's big-
eared bat
None/None
SSC
G3G4/S2
Throughout California in a wide variety of
habitats. Most common in mesic sites. Roosts
in the open, hanging from walls & ceilings.

Roosting sites limiting. extremely sensitive to
human disturbance.

None (roosting). Foraging
habitat is present, but
suitable roosts are not
present.

Lasiurus blossevilii
Western red bat
None/None
SSC
G5/S3
Many open, semi-arid to arid habitats,
including conifer & deciduous woodlands,
coastal scrub, grasslands, chaparral, etc.

None (roosting). Foraging
habitat is present, but
suitable roosts are not
present.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 64 Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
Fed/State ESA
CDFW
G-Rank/S-Rank Habitat Requirements
Coverage Area
Suitability Observations
Regional Vicinity refers to occurrence in the quadrangle containing the Coverage Area and/or in the surrounding 5 quadrangles.

FT = Federally Threatened SE = State Endangered
FC = Federal Candidate Species ST = State Threatened
FE = Federally Endangered SR = State Rare
FP = Fully Protected SSC = CDFW Species of Special Concern WL = Watch List SA = CDFW Special Animal
G-Rank/S-Rank = Global Rank and State Rank as per NatureServe and CDFW’s CNDDB RareFind3. *Monarch butterfly is currently under review for potential federal ESA listing Monarch Butterfly
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is a conspicuous black and orange butterfly that occurs in the United States, Mexico, northern South America, southwestern Europe, and Oceania. In the United States the species occurs as two populations, separated by the Rocky Mountains. Both of these populations are migratory, and most of the butterflies in the western population (which overlaps the Coverage Area) spend the summer months distributed across habitats between the Rocky Mountains and the coast, and migrate to sheltered sites along the California coast to aggregate and pass the winter. Overwintering sites are predominately in dense eucalyptus groves, and breeding sites are variable but characterized by the presence of milkweed (Asclepias spp.), the larval host plant. The migratory phenomenon causes butterflies to become concentrated at suitable overwintering sites, making overwintering habitat the single most valuable resource needed to complete the monarch’s life cycle. The Ellwood Mesa complex of eucalyptus trees is the largest contiguous area of preserved monarch aggregation habitat in Southern California, and the aggregation sites in the Coverage Area provide significant habitat value to the monarch butterfly population. Monarchs typically arrive in the Coverage Area in October and depart between late February and April, depending on conditions. (Warmer temperatures lead to earlier departures).

The monarch butterfly population in California has declined at least 74 percent since the 1990s (Pelton et al. 2016) and by over 95 percent since the 1980s, and the migratory population is at a high risk of extinction (The Xerces Society 2017). The monarch butterfly is listed on the CDFW’s Special Animals List, with aggregation roosts designated as imperiled to vulnerable in the state (CDFW 2018c). Currently, the species is under federal review for potential listing under the federal ESA, and the USFWS plans to make its determination of whether this species warrants federal ESA listing by June 30, 2019. Monarch butterfly aggregation sites, including historic aggregation sites that are no longer used, are designated as ESHA in the City’s General Plan.

Consistent with the range-wide trend, the western monarch butterfly population has declined throughout its overwintering range in California. This decline is statistically significant despite the fact that the size of the western migrating monarch population fluctuates annually based on a number of environmental factors, including rainfall and milkweed availability. Figure 9 shows the western monarch population trends along with the number of sites counted during the Thanksgiving Count, a yearly effort of volunteer citizen monitors to collect data on the status of monarch populations overwintering along the California coast. These data show that in recent years, the number of sites monitored has increased dramatically while the number of monarchs encountered has remained relatively constant. This marked decrease in observations per unit effort indicates that monarch butterfly abundance has been reduced.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 65 Figure 9 Western Monarch Population, 1997-2017

The long-term decline of the monarch population in California may be attributed to the loss of milkweed and nectar plants (caused by herbicides, drought, and removal), loss and degradation of overwintering groves (removal and aging) and other factors including use of insecticides, disease, and fluctuations in weather and temperatures associated with climate change (The Xerces Society 2017). Scientists, wildlife agencies, and conservation advocates are calling for the protection of this species through the conservation and management of breeding, nectar, and overwintering habitat.

In 2016, The Xerces Society evaluated the overwintering sites in California and created a list of the top 50 priority sites (Pelton et al. 2016). This list prioritizes sites for protection and active management. The highest rank is for sites with the greatest declines that still host the largest proportion of the remaining western overwintering population. These sites have suffered population decline but still hold potential for recovery to support the monarch population. The Xerces Society states that these sites demand the most urgent attention. Ellwood Main is #4 on the list with a decline of 58 percent from the 1997-2001 average, and Ellwood North is #45 on the list with a decline of 98.3 percent. Having two of Ellwood Mesa’s five overwintering locations included in this list of 50 shows the importance of this area for the recovery of the migratory monarch butterfly population.

Consistent with the pattern of declining monarch populations statewide, the population at Ellwood Main is in decline, but also fluctuates greatly. Figure 4 shows the annual peak population at Ellwood Main between 1989 and 2018. The overwintering population at Ellwood Mesa between 2013 and 2018 has shown the lowest recorded population numbers for six consecutive years since 1989.

Additionally, recent data collected during the 2018 winter season showed an all-time low peak population of 230 monarch butterflies observed. Despite recent population declines, the Ellwood Mesa aggregation sites remain important for the western population of the monarch butterfly and accordingly, agencies and resource experts maintain that management of the eucalyptus trees that support the butterflies are paramount to continued overwintering by the species.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 66 California Red-legged Frog
California red-legged frog (CRLF; Rana draytonii) is a federally listed threatened amphibian that requires aquatic habitat for breeding, and typically occurs in or near permanent sources of deep water with emergent vegetation. Recent reports of CRLF from the vicinity include sightings in Bell Canyon and Winchester Canyon, Eagle Canyon Creek, and Tecolote Creek. Sandpiper Golf Course, which contains perennial pools, separates the Bacara resort site from the Ellwood Mesa. CRLF are known to move overland for distances up to one mile, and could move from Tecolote Creek to golf course ponds, and subsequently through Devereux Creek at Ellwood Mesa. CRLF are not reported from Devereux Creek currently, and perennial water is not present on Ellwood Mesa most years, but the creek corridor could serve as a movement corridor for CRLF during the rainy season.

Raptors and Vulture
Nesting and roosting habitat for raptors and vultures, including white-tailed kite, Cooper’s hawk, and turkey vulture, are protected as ESHA under Policy CE 8 of the General Plan (City of Goleta 2017a). Small vulture roosts occur in the eucalyptus groves on Ellwood Mesa, particularly Ellwood Main. Foraging territories typically encompass several miles. Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are frequently observed foraging and/or roosting throughout the Coverage Area. Cooper’s hawks (Accipeter cooperii) are reported to breed at Ellwood Mesa occasionally, with a documented nest in the Sandpiper grove.

White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) is a State “Fully Protected” species, and their nest sites are thus protected year-round, even when not in use. The species occurs as a year-round resident breeder at Ellwood Mesa. Seven nest sites were previously documented at Ellwood Mesa. Observations suggest that the Ellwood Mesa Open Space Plan Area serves as a primary foraging territory for kites nesting in the vicinity (City of Goleta 2014c, Storrer 2011). Kites have been recorded nesting in the eucalyptus trees in and surrounding the Coverage Area (City of Goleta 2017a, Santa Barbara Audubon Society 2018). A kite nest was observed in the vicinity of Ellwood North during monarch butterfly population surveys in January and February 2018 by a Rincon biologist. Great horned owls are known to breed in the Ellwood Mesa and are regularly observed by visitors.

Nesting Birds
The Coverage Area contains habitat that can support other nesting birds, including raptors, protected under the California Fish and Game Code Section 3503. Native and non-native trees and woody shrubs are present in and adjacent to the Coverage Area that could provide suitable nesting habitat. As previously stated, known raptor nests are documented in eucalyptus groves at Ellwood Mesa Open Space, and nests of passerine birds are expected in grasslands, scrub, and riparian habitats.

Wildlife Movement Corridors
Wildlife movement corridors, or habitat linkages, are defined generally as connections between habitat patches that allow for physical and genetic exchange between otherwise isolated animal populations. Such linkages may serve a local purpose, such as providing a linkage between foraging areas, or they may be regional in nature. The Ellwood Mesa Open Space is situated between open space managed by the University of California, Santa Barbara, to the east, and a golf course to the west. It provides an important linkage in a movement corridor between the eastern natural area and undeveloped lands north and west of the City limits. Devereux Creek and its northern tributaries are the last remaining physical linkages between the Ellwood Mesa Open Space Area and Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 67 relatively undisturbed and intact habitats in the foothills to the north. However, these linkages are tenuous and may serve only as semi-permeable movement corridors for many species (City of Goleta 2004). The adjacent golf course, which has large areas of vegetation and a relatively low proportion of hardscape and structures, may also serve as a movement corridor for wildlife that cross the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, particularly during night hours.

Although bird flyways are not traditionally considered wildlife movement corridors, Devereux Slough, located southeast of the Coverage Area, is an important habitat for bird species during migration along the Pacific Flyway. Many bird species use this area as an annual stopover location for several days of rest and feeding prior to continuing migration to their seasonal destinations (City of Goleta 2004). Ellwood Mesa Open Space, including the Devereux Creek riparian corridor within the Coverage Area, is also part of the Goleta Coast Important Bird Area, designated by the National Audubon Society. It is considered to be globally important due to its location on the Pacific Flyway.

Jurisdictional Drainages and Wetlands
As described in Policy CE 3.1 in the City’s General Plan, wetlands are any area that meets the definition of a wetland as defined by the California Coastal Commission, CDFW, and the USFWS using presence of a single indicator (hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, or wetland hydrology).

Drainages and wetlands occur in the Coverage Area, and have been mapped during previous biological studies. Based on those studies, potentially jurisdictional areas in the Coverage Area consist of Devereux Creek, which crosses the Coverage Area from east the west, its tributaries, and associated riparian vegetation. Additionally, the limited vernal pools that have been previously mapped in the Coverage Area are likely wetlands as defined by the City. These features are illustrated on Figure 7.

Local Policies
Policies in the Conservation Element of the City’s General Plan reinforce State and federal regulations that protect aquatic habitats and listed species, and apply additional local restrictions to identify, preserve, and protect the City’s biological resources. Protected resources include ESHAs, creeks and riparian Stream Protection Areas, wetlands, monarch butterfly aggregation habitat, certain terrestrial habitat areas, marine habitat areas, beach and shoreline habitats, special-status species, native woodlands, and the urban forest, among others. Below is a discussion of the biological resource policies in the Conservation Element that apply to the MBHMP.

NVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE HABITAT AREA
The objective of General Plan Policy CE 1: Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Designations and Policy, is to “identify, preserve, and protect the city’s natural heritage by preventing disturbance of ESHAs.” Policy CE 1.2 designates ESHA in the City of Goleta, which are shown on Figure 4-1 of the General Plan and include the following located in the Coverage Area (Figure 6): creek and riparian areas; wetland, such as vernal pools; coastal bluff scrub; coastal sage scrub; native grassland; monarch butterfly aggregation sites; and nesting and roosting sites of various species of raptors.

Policy 1.6 establishes restrictions for development in ESHAs and their buffers. The policy restricts all development inside ESHA with a number of exceptions including resource protection and enhancement projects. Lastly, Policy CE 1.10, prohibits the use of insecticides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers, and other toxic substances in an ESHA except where necessary to protect or enhance the ESHA itself.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 68 As illustrated in Figure 6, a large portion of the Coverage Area is designated as ESHA for monarch butterfly aggregation. In addition, native grassland, vernal pool, bluff scrub, and riparian EHSAs are in the Coverage Area.

RIPARIAN/WETLANDS/VERNAL POOLS
The objective of General Plan Policy CE 2: Protection of Creeks and Riparian Areas is to “Enhance, maintain, and restore the biological integrity of creek courses and their associated wetlands and riparian habitats as important natural features of Goleta’s landscape.” Policy CE 2.1 designates certain creeks in Goleta, including the portion of Devereux Creek in the Coverage Area, as an ESHA.

Policy CE 2.2 establishes a 100-foot wide Streamside Protection Area around all creeks, although the width can be reduced to 25 feet on a case-by-case basis, if certain criteria are met. Policy CE 2.3 establishes a list of allowable uses and activities in streamside protection areas, including fencing, existing roads, driveways, utilities, structures, drainage improvements, foot trails, resource restoration and enhancement, low impact interpretive and public access signage, and nature education and research activities. Policy CE 2.6 specifies restoration activities for improving degraded creek resources. Policy CE2.6(d) specifically states “restoration of native riparian vegetation and removal of exotic plant species shall be implemented, unless such plants provide critical habitat for monarch butterflies, raptors, or other protected animals”.

The objective of General Plan Policy CE 3: Protection of Wetlands is to “preserve, protect, and enhance the functions and values of Goleta’s wetlands.” Policy CE 3.2 designates all wetlands as ESHA and Policy 3.4 sets protection standards for wetlands prohibiting filling, diking, and dredging unless certain criteria can be demonstrated and sets a wetland buffer of 100 ft. which can be reduced to 50 ft. in certain circumstances. Policy 3.8 states that vernal pools shall be protected and preserved.

ONARCH BUTTERFLIES
General Plan Policy CE 4: Protection of Monarch Butterfly Habitat Areas is intended to “preserve, protect, and enhance habitats for monarch butterflies in Goleta, including existing and historical autumnal and winter roost or aggregation sites, and promote the long-term stability of over- wintering butterfly populations.” Policy CE 4.2 designates monarch butterfly ESHAs, which include the eucalyptus groves in the Coverage Area (referred to as the “Ellwood Complex” in the General Plan). Policy CE 4.4 restricts development in monarch butterfly ESHA, sets forth development standards adjacent to monarch butterfly ESHA. Subsection “c” of Policy CE 4.4 specifically states “removal of vegetation within monarch ESHAs shall be prohibited, except for minor pruning of trees or removal of dead trees and debris that are a threat to public safety.” Policy CE 4.5 defines a protective buffer (100 feet wide in most cases) around active and historic aggregation sites, and restricts the activities that may occur in the butterfly ESHA buffer.

ROTECTED TREES
The City of Goleta does not have a specific tree protection plan or ordinance, but the General Plan Conservation Element and the GUFMP (City of Goleta 2017b), regulate protection of trees in the city. The objective of General Plan Policy CE 9: Protection of Native Woodlands is “to maintain and protect existing native trees and woodlands as a valuable resource needed to support wildlife and provide visual amenities.” Protected trees for areas of new development are defined (Policy CE 9.1) as native oaks (Quercus spp.), walnut (Juglans californica), sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 69 cottonwood (Populus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), or other native trees not otherwise protected in ESHAs.

The objective of General Plan Policy CE 14: Preservation and Enhancement of Urban Forest is to “protect, preserve, and enhance Goleta’s urban forest for its aesthetic, visual, and environmental benefits to the community.” Trees on public lands are considered valuable resources to be conserved as part of the Goleta urban forest. Policy CE 14.7 identifies a City effort to consider an Urban Forest Ordinance. The GUFMP refers to open spaces as potential planting sites for trees, but does not specifically discuss management of the Ellwood eucalyptus groves.

In 2017, a tree inventory in the eucalyptus groves was completed to investigate safety concerns over the catastrophic die off of eucalyptus trees in the Coverage Area. The survey identified over 1,200 trees in the eucalyptus groves which are dead, with hundreds more that were highly degraded and dying (Althouse and Meade, Inc. 2017). Following this study in 2017, 27 trees which posed a public safety risk were removed, and two were pruned, under an emergency permit from the California Coastal Commission. However, the majority of the dead trees were not addressed or abated, and remain on site.

The MBHMP Coverage Area is focused on eucalyptus groves dominated by three species of non- native tree: blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), and red iron bark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon), and these areas have a low percentage of native vegetation. However, limited numbers of native trees are also present in the Coverage Area, including coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and willow (Salix spp.). Native trees occur outside the eucalyptus groves, primarily in riparian areas, and have not been inventoried fully.

Habitat Conservation Plans
The Coverage Area is not subject to any approved federal, State, or local Habitat Conservation Plan.

Thresholds of Significance
A significant impact on biological resources would be expected to occur if the MBHMP resulted in any of the impacts noted in the above checklist, pursuant to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines.

Additionally, per the City’s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual (City of Goleta 2003), a project would pose a significant environmental impact(s) on biological resources if any of the following would result:
a. A conflict with adopted environmental plans and goals of the community in which it is located
b. Substantial effect on a rare or endangered plant or animal species c. Substantial interference with the movement of any migratory or resident fish or wildlife species
d. Substantial diminishment of habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 70 Project-Specific Impacts
a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as candidate, sensitive, or special status in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Special-status Plants
The majority of plant species documented in the Coverage Area are non-native, and those native species that do occur are mostly common and located in areas outside of eucalyptus groves, as reported in the tree inventory as well as in field observations made during a February 2018 reconnaissance-level site survey. However, as described above, some special-status plants have potential to occur in suitable habitat in the Coverage Area, outside the eucalyptus groves.

Impacts to special-status plant species could occur if their habitats are altered or individuals are removed during implementation of the MBHMP. Implementation of the MBHMP would occur primarily in eucalyptus groves and outside suitable habitat for special-status plants. However, activities could occur outside existing eucalyptus groves and in suitable habitat for special-status plant species including Santa Barbara honeysuckle (known to be present), Douglas' fiddleneck, Catalina mariposa lily, southern tarplant, Contra Costa goldfields, Coulter's goldfields, pale-yellow layia, Sonoran maiden fern, Coulter's saltbush, and Brewer's calandrinia, all of which have a moderate or high potential to occur in the Coverage Area.

Taking down dead or dying eucalyptus trees could involve the staging or placement of debris piles, equipment, or personnel in areas where special-status plant species have a potential to occur and would impact these species, if present. Impacts could occur to special-status plant species if the installation of physical structures or features, such as irrigation, interpretive signs, and fencing, occurred in habitats where special-status plant species were present. Further, the Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program includes plantings of native species to enhance habitat values in portions of the Coverage Area outside the eucalyptus groves, and these activities could occur in native grasslands or coastal scrub habitat. Personnel, equipment, and ground disturbance in these areas could impact special-status plant species during the revegetation process. Supplemental irrigation and changes in overall plant density in restoration areas could indirectly impact special- status plants, if present.

Special-status plant species in the Coverage Area could be impacted by implementation of the MBHMP if covered activities occur in habitats such as native grasslands, coastal scrub, bluff scrub, wetlands, arroyo thickets, or vernal pools. Because the covered activities would primarily occur in eucalyptus groves, impacts to special-status plant species would be minor. Nonetheless, these impacts could be potentially significant absent mitigation, considering that the proposed activities would occur over a long period of time and that one of the potentially occurring plants is an endangered species. Impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level with implementation of mitigation measure BIO-4, which requires periodic surveys for rare plants during the course of the MBHMP’s implementation and avoidance of all special status plants detected. In addition, mitigation measures BIO-1, BIO-2, and BIO-3 would further reduce impacts by ensuring site housekeeping, presence of a biological monitor, and worker environmental awareness.

In addition, given that the MBHMP is a long-term program implemented for the purpose of enhancing habitat, it is reasonable to expect that in the long term, the Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Program would improve habitat in the Coverage Area and could create additional Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
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Biological Resources
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 71 suitable habitat for special-status plant species. Special-status plants could recruit in the future to native habitats in the Coverage Area, consistent with the MBHMP’s objective of increasing biological diversity outside the eucalyptus groves.

Special-status Wildlife Species
Special-status wildlife species with the potential to occur or known to be present in the Coverage Area, include monarch butterfly, nesting white-tailed kite, nesting Cooper’s hawk, and California red-legged frog. Other raptor and turkey vulture nest sites are documented in the Coverage Area (City of Goleta 2017a; CNDDB 2018).

Monarch Butterfly
Monarch butterflies aggregate in the on-site eucalyptus groves during winter months to “overwinter” or pass the winter season. The Coverage Area includes five monarch butterfly aggregation areas, referred to as the Ellwood North, Ellwood West, Ellwood Main, Sandpiper, and Ocean Meadows aggregation sites (see Figure 4). Historically, tens of thousands of monarch butterflies have converged on Ellwood Mesa, making this area one of the most important sites for monarch butterflies in California. The overwintering population at Ellwood Mesa between 2013 and 2019 has shown the lowest recorded population numbers for six consecutive years since 1989. In addition, 2018 was the lowest recorded population at 230. However, these aggregation sites remain important for the western population of the monarch butterfly and accordingly, management of the eucalyptus trees that support the butterflies is paramount to continued overwintering by the species.

The MBHMP Natural Resources Program identifies programs with goals, policies, and actions to sustain and enhance suitable habitat for monarch butterflies. The MBHMP also includes Administrative Programs, Outreach Programs, and Monitoring, Research, and Adaptive Management Programs. These include actions that could impact monarch butterfly habitat or individuals, if they are present in the Coverage Area. Examples include dead tree removals, trail management, fencing installation, irrigation and interpretive sign implementation, and revegetation and non-native species eradication that creates ground disturbance. A list of the goals, policies, and actions for the Coverage Area can be found in Table 2.

Implementation of the MBHMP could create short-term impacts to monarch butterfly through disturbance of suitable habitat through actions such as tree trimming and removal; application of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides; and disturbance created by restoration activities and trail management. Unless authorized by a qualified biologist, Action 10-4.1 of the Monarch Butterfly Management Program requires all potentially invasive activities to be conducted during April 1 to September 30 of each year which would ensure there are no direct impacts to monarch butterfly by the covered activities as they would not be present during this time. In addition, mitigation measure HWQ-2, Chemical Application Control Plan, found in Section 9, Hydrology and Water Quality, would place restrictions on chemical applications in the Coverage Area which would further reduce potential impacts to monarch butterflies. Less than significant indirect impacts could occur to monarch butterflies if their habitat is altered in a manner that decreases its suitability for the species. However, implementation of the Natural Resource Program in the MBHMP would maintain and enhance suitable habitat for the monarch butterfly. Replanting habitats where dead or dying eucalyptus trees are removed will help sustain the long-term viability of the eucalyptus groves as monarch butterfly habitat. Planting native species and eradication of non-native species (excluding eucalyptus), along with integrated pest management to reduce pests that stress monarch butterflies City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 72 or their habitat, would further enhance suitable habitat for the species in the Coverage Area.

Therefore, the MBHMP would have a beneficial impact for the species over the long term. Impact to monarch butterfly would be less than significant, and would be further reduced through implementation of the pesticide restrictions in mitigation measure HWQ-2 and the site housekeeping, biological monitoring, and worker awareness provided by Mitigation Measures BIO- 1, BIO-2, and BIO-3. No additional mitigation measures would be required.

California Red-legged Frog
CRLF is known to occur in drainages to the northwest and west of the Coverage Area and could occur in the riparian and wetland areas associated with Devereux Creek. This species could be impacted by vegetation management, if conducted adjacent to riparian and wetland vegetation.

Impacts to CRLF would less than significant with implementation of mitigation measure BIO-1, BIO- 2, BIO-3, and BIO-5, which would avoid take of CRLF by requiring work be performed when CRLF are not present or requiring an on-site biological monitor to ensure CRLF are avoided during work.

White-tailed Kite and Other Raptors
White-tailed kites are fully protected and proposed habitat management actions could result in significant impacts to white-tailed kites. Impacts could occur directly, if a nest site is impacted by tree pruning or removal, regardless of time of year; or indirectly, by altering grove conditions or disturbing active nests through management actions taken on surrounding vegetation. Kites typically select nest sites that are hidden from view by dense foliage, and removal of vegetation around the nest tree that results in substantially reduced cover for the nest could impact re-use of existing nest sites. However, the MHBMP does not call for the removal of healthy trees, and removing standing dead eucalyptus trees (which lack leaves) is not likely to reduce visual screening of nests.

Cooper’s hawks typically occur as a wintering species throughout Santa Barbara County but occasional nests are reported, including one in the Ellwood Open Space adjacent to Sandpiper Golf Course (City of Goleta 2017a). This species prefers wooded habitats such as oak, riparian, and urban woodlands for foraging and roosting purposes. Other raptors documented to nest on or near the Coverage Area include red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), and great horned owl (Bubo virginianus). A turkey vulture roost is known in the Ellwood East grove.

If conducted near nesting sites in the nesting season, covered activities could disrupt existing nesting activities in the Coverage Area or in the vicinity and cause nesting raptor pairs to abandon their nests. In addition, the removal of standing dead trees could reduce the availability of nesting and roosting sites for raptors. However, this effect would be minor because the forest in the Coverage Area contains several thousand trees, and removal of dead trees on a large scale over a short time period is not proposed. Further, removed trees would be replaced through the MBHMP’s restoration and habitat enhancement efforts.

Because of the potential to cause nest abandonment, impacts on raptor nesting activity would be considered potentially significant absent mitigation. However, Mitigation Measures BIO-1, BIO-2, BIO-3, and BIO-6 would reduce impacts to a less-than-significant level by requiring pre-activity surveys and nest avoidance, biological monitoring, and worker education.

Other Nesting Birds
The Coverage Area contains suitable habitat for other nesting birds, including ground-nesting and shrub-nesting species. Covered activities including dead tree removal, trimming or other Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 73 disturbance to trees and woody vegetation may affect bird species during the typical nesting season from March 15 to August 15. Additionally, other covered activities such as mowing could affect nesting birds if present on the ground or in non-native herbaceous vegetation. The MBHMP clarifies these activities should be avoided during the nesting bird season to the maximum extent feasible.

As covered activities could occur during the nesting bird season, the covered activities could result in potentially significant impacts to nesting birds. These impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level with implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-1, BIO-2, BIO-3, and BIO-6, which require pre-activity surveys and nest avoidance, biological monitoring, and worker education.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED
b. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on State or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
Sensitive vegetation types and ESHAs occur in the Coverage Area. These include native grassland, riparian/wetland habitats, vernal pools, coastal scrub, and bluff scrub. Habitat management activities would focus primarily on existing eucalyptus groves. These groves are mapped as an ESHA in the General Plan due to documented use of these groves as monarch aggregation/raptor roost and nest sites. The MBHMP identifies threats to the eucalyptus groves and offers actions in response, including removing dead and dying trees, removing downed trees and debris, watering, planting eucalyptus trees and understory plants, and pruning trees. The MBMHP calls for the replacement of the removed trees and enhancement of the groves with planting of eucalyptus in the historical grove footprint only, and the planting of native species in other portions of the Coverage Area. No expansion of eucalyptus groves beyond historical footprints would occur under the MBHMP, although gaps or reductions in the grove caused by tree die off would be replenished.

Proposed habitat management activities, if successful, would have a beneficial impact on monarch butterfly ESHA by maintaining and enhancing suitable aggregation habitat. Mitigation measure BIO- 7 would ensure the long-term success replacement trees and the viability of the designated ESHA.

Negative effects to native grasslands, coastal scrub, riparian/wetland areas or vernal pools could occur if temporary stockpiling or staging dead trees, tree trimmings, other brush material, vegetation maintenance equipment, or other MBHMP materials were to occur in these sensitive habitats. These impacts would be less than significant with mitigation measure BIO-8, which requires MBHMP activities such as staging and stockpiling avoid sensitive habitats.

Program 14, Habitat Enhancement and Management, would include activities outside of the eucalyptus groves including planting of native species, eradiation of non-native herbaceous cover, and restoration of riparian areas along Devereux Creek. These activities would have a beneficial impact on the sensitive communities through habitat enhancement and restoration.

The General Plan and the 2004 Open Space Plan (City of Goleta et al., 2004) identify riparian and marsh habitat associated with some portions of Devereux Creek. A reconnaissance-level biological survey conducted in February of 2018 (Rincon Consultants, Inc.) verified the presence of wetland vegetation in the bed and on lower banks of Devereux Creek in portions of the Coverage Area.

Mexican rush (Juncus mexicanus), alkali heath (Frankenia salina), and salt grass (Distichlis spicata) were common, and spikerush (Eleocharis sp.) was present. Bed and bank of the creek also City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 74 supported willow, occasional cottonwood, and sycamore riparian vegetation. Some of these areas are expected to meet all three criteria of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ jurisdictional wetland definition (hydric soil, wetland hydrology, and wetland vegetation), and would meet the Central Coast RWQCB, CDFW, California Coastal Commission, and City of Goleta criteria for wetlands, because at least one of the parameters was present.

Habitat management activities proposed under the MBHMP would not require significant placement of fill or permanent removal of vegetation in riparian or wetland areas, though trimming, mowing, and non-native invasive plant removal activities may occur for restoration purposes.

However, if any dead eucalyptus trees are identified in riparian areas and therefore removed, they would be replaced in the same place they were removed from. In addition, covered activities in the Trail Management Program include “Construct and maintain crossings over drainages and other sensitive features.” Impacts to jurisdictional areas would occur if the footprint of such activities were located in riparian areas, in the bed and bank of Devereux Creek, or in another jurisdictional area such as a wetland. Additionally, riparian and wetland vegetation associated with Devereux Creek could be impacted by vegetation management or through removal and replanting of dead or dying trees as described above. Thus, activities proposed under the MBHMP could have a potentially significant impact on wetland and riparian vegetation. Impacts would be less than significant with incorporation of mitigation measure BIO-9, which requires the City to avoid impacts to streams and wetlands where feasible, secure all applicable resource agency permits prior to conducting regulated activities in a jurisdictional stream or wetland, and adhere to all permit conditions, including any required compensatory mitigation.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED
d. Would the project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? Implementation of the covered activities in the MBHMP would not interfere with wildlife movement. The Coverage Area is located in the Ellwood Open Space Mesa with is an important wildlife open space area. The MBHMP would not place any new structures or features, such as buildings, walls, or other permanent structures that would limit the travel of wildlife through the site. Fencing would be placed in the Coverage Area as part of the Aesthetic Resources Management Program, but would be constructed in a manner that would not restrict the movement of wildlife.

Impacts would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
e. Would the project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
ESHA
ESHAs are designated throughout the Coverage Area. The primary activities to occur under the MBHMP would involve the restoration and enhancement of eucalyptus groves; these are allowed under General Plan Policy CE 1. Restoration and habitat enhancement may occur in other designated ESHA areas, such as native grasslands, also consistent with General Plan Policy CE 1.

Other covered activities in the MBHMP include the installation of interpretive signs, fencing, and trail management. General Plan Policy CE 1 prohibits development in the ESHA but makes exceptions for public trails, limited fencing, and signage as these uses are resource-dependent uses Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 75 that may be located in or adjacent to ESHA. Policy CE 1 restricts the use of insecticides, herbicides or other chemical in ESHA. The use of these substances is included in the Integrated Pest Management Program with the objective of protecting ESHA from pests contributing to the die off of the eucalyptus groves. Therefore, implementation of the MBHMP would not conflict with the General Plan ESHA policies and no impact would occur.

Riparian/Wetlands/Vernal Pools
Implementation of the covered activities in the MBHMP would include restoration and habitat enhancement and could occur in riparian, wetland or vernal pool habitats present in the Coverage Area. General Plan Policy CE 2, restricts activities than can occur in Streamside Protection Areas. The covered activities included in the MBHMP, such as fencing, foot trails, resource enhancement and restoration, signage, and nature education and research activities, are allowable uses in these areas.

Further, dead or dying eucalyptus trees which are removed and replaced could occur in riparian areas along Devereux Creek. While General Plan Policy CE 2 generally prohibits the planting of non- native species in riparian areas, non-natives species are allowed to occur where they provide critical habitat for monarch butterflies, raptors, or other protected animals. As the eucalyptus groves are critically important aggregation sites for monarch butterflies and designated as ESHA, the planting of eucalyptus trees would be consistent with Policy CE 2. In addition, eucalyptus trees are not located in vernal pools or wetlands in the Coverage Area and therefore would not be replanted in these locations. The proposed MBHMP would restore monarch butterfly ESHA in areas historically occupied by monarch butterfly ESHA, and other ESHA types in areas either historically occupied by those types or occupied by non-ESHA. The MBHMP would not convert one type of ESHA to another, or replace ESHA with any other vegetation or use.

If equipment or downed trees were stored or staged in ESHA or signage was installed in a vernal pool or other sensitive habitat, implementation of the MBHMP would conflict with General Plan Conservation Element policies. However, this sort of conduct would be prevented by mitigation measures BIO-2, BIO-3, BIO-8 and BIO-9, which would ensure only appropriate activities are allowed in riparian areas, and would reduce this potential impact to a less than significant level.

Monarch Butterflies
General Plan Policy CE 4 prohibits the removal of vegetation in monarch ESHA, with the exception of dead trees and debris that are a threat to public safety. Aside from habitat restoration activities, trees removed or pruned under implementation of the MBHMP would only include dead or dying trees that pose a public safety risk. In addition, these trees would be replaced with the objective of monarch butterfly habitat restoration and enhancement. Therefore, implementation of the MBHMP would not conflict with General Plan Policy CE 4.

Protected Trees
The City of Goleta does not have a specific tree protection plan or ordinance. The General Plan Conservation Element and the GUFMP regulate tree protection in Goleta (City of Goleta 2017a). The GUFMP provides a five-year policy framework for how trees in public areas will be managed (City of Goleta 2011b). Section 4.12 of the GUFMP contains guidelines regarding tree risk management and removal. The risk management program in the GUFMP ensures proper management of trees to allow for healthy attractive communities while reducing risks. Implementation of the MBHMP would result in the removal of eucalyptus trees that pose an unacceptable risk to residents and recreational users on within and adjacent to the Coverage Area. The GUFMP Guideline 4.12.4 states City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 76 that tree removal may be necessary at the City Staff’s discretion for the protection, public health, and safety of citizens in considering if trees are dead, dying, or hazardous.

The MBHMP includes tree protection programs and policies including Program 12, specific to tree management. The MBHMP identifies threats to the eucalyptus trees and offers responses, including removing dead and dying trees, removing downed trees and debris, watering, planting eucalyptus trees and understory plants, and pruning trees. The Tree Assessment Survey (Althouse & Meade, Inc. 2017) found over 1,200 dead and dying eucalyptus trees in the forest on Ellwood Mesa. These trees may be determined to threaten the well-being and health of living trees or to be a hazard to recreational users in the forest and may be recommended for removal by the City during implementation of the MBHMP.

The MBHMP allows replacement and habitat enhancement plantings to be eucalyptus in the historical grove footprint only, and requires native species to be used in other parts of the Coverage Area. No expansion of eucalyptus groves beyond historical footprints would occur under the MBHMP. All other trees in the Coverage Area would be preserved under the MBHMP unless in the future they are determined to be hazardous to the public. The removal and replacement of dead and dying trees would result in a long-term benefit to the health of the forest and the continued use of the groves by monarch butterflies and other wildlife species. The MBHMP would not conflict with the GUFMP, as it would result in an increase in forested area in the City.

Considering the information presented above, the MBHMP would not conflict with any local policies or implementing ordinances and there would be no impact.

NO IMPACT
f. Would the project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservatio n
pl
an?
There are no adopted Habitat Conservation Plans or Natural Community Conservation Plans applicable to the Coverage Area. Other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plans relevant to the area include the Coronado Butterfly Preserve Management & Enhancement Plan (2000) and Open Space Plan (2004). The MBHMP would build on many of the recommendations in the 2004 Open Space Plan. The MBHMP identifies actions to implement recommendations of the need to resolve conflicts between the needs of special-status and common native species and habitat types through balanced management. As such, implementation of the MBHMP would not conflict with existing local conservation plans in place in the area. Impacts would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Mitigation Measures
BIO-1 General Housekeeping
General requirements that shall be followed by all personnel are listed below.  MBHMP-related vehicles shall observe a 5-mile-per-hour speed limit in the Coverage Area at all t
imes
 MBHMP-related vehicles and equipment shall restrict off-road travel to approved routes, which shall be sited by the City to minimize environmental impacts Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 77  All food-related trash items, such as wrappers, cans, bottles, and food scraps, generated during implementation of the MBHMP shall be removed from the site daily  No deliberate feeding of wildlife shall be allowed
 No pets shall be allowed on in the Coverage Area
 No firearms shall be allowed in the Coverage Area
 If vehicle or equipment maintenance is necessary including refueling of equipment, it shall be performed outside the buffers of ESHAs, bird nests, and monarch aggregation sites  Any worker who inadvertently injures or kills a special status species or finds one dead, injured, or entrapped shall immediately report the incident to the biological monitor. The monitor shall immediately notify City of Goleta staff. The City of Goleta shall follow up with written notification to USFWS and CDFW as appropriate, depending on the species. The biological monitor shall also independently notify USFWS of any unanticipated harm to any federally listed endangered species associated with implementation of the MBHMP. All observations of federally or State-listed threatened or endangered species shall be recorded on CNDDB field sheets and sent to CDFW by City of Goleta or the biological monitor.

BIO-2 Qualified Biological Monitor
A qualified biological monitor shall be present during all vegetation removal and ground disturbing activities to ensure compliance with all mitigation measures, applicable permit conditions, and any conditions required by federal and State agencies. The monitor shall be responsible for:
 Ensuring that procedures for verifying compliance with environmental mitigation measures are followed.
 Lines of communication and reporting methods.
 Daily and weekly reporting of compliance.
 MBHMP crew training regarding environmentally sensitive areas.  Authority to stop work.
 Action to be taken in the event of non-compliance.

BIO-3 Biological Resources Awareness Training
Before any ground-disturbing work or vegetation removal/trimming occurs in the Coverage Area, a qualified biologist shall conduct a mandatory biological resources awareness training for all MBHMP personnel about federally and State listed species that could occur on site. The training shall include the natural history, representative photographs, and legal status of each federally listed species.

Proof of personnel attendance shall be kept on file. If new MBHMP personnel are added to the crew, the contractor shall ensure that the new personnel receive the mandatory training before starting work. The subsequent training of personnel can include videotape of the initial training and/or the use of written materials rather than in-person training by a biologist.

BIO-4 Special-status Plants
To avoid impacts to special-status plants, periodic rare plant surveys the Coverage Area must occur at least once every five years during a normal rainfall year, following current standard practice for botanical surveys (CDFW 2018), which may require multiple passes to detect or rule out all potential species. If special-status plants remain absent from work areas, no further action is required. If special-status plants are detected in work areas, locations must be mapped and the plants must be City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 78 avoided during MBHMP activities. A pre-work training must be provided to the contractor(s) conducting vegetation maintenance activities that identifies special-status plants in and near the work area and locations to be avoided. If weed control is required in areas supporting special-status plants, this work must be conducted with hand tools. Vegetation control in these areas must emphasize control of non-native species, avoid flowering and fruiting seasons of the identified special-status plants to the maximum extent possible, and ensure that activities do not remove special-status plant individuals.

BIO-5 California Red-legged Frog
Any ground disturbing activities in riparian and wetland habitats shall be conducted when the channel is dry to the maximum extent feasible. Additionally, within seven days prior to start of work, a biologist must conduct a survey prior to any ground disturbance to verify that riparian and wetland areas do not contain ponded water and that no California red-legged frogs are present. If ponded water is present, no work may occur within 50 feet of pools. If suitable resident frog habitat is present or frogs are noted during the surveys, a biological monitor must be present during vegetation clearing and removal activities in riparian and wetland habitats. The biologist will have the authority to stop work and identify areas that must be avoided. Listed species must be fully avoided unless take permits are obtained from the USFWS and/or CDFW. Only handheld tools shall be used. Removal of native vegetation shall be limited to dead, damaged, and diseased material.

BIO-6 Nesting Bird Survey
To the maximum extent feasible, tree trimming activities must occur in September to ensure that raptor nests and monarchs are not active in the work area. Surveys for nesting birds and raptors are required prior to any ground disturbance or vegetation removal work conducted in the nesting season, defined to be February 1 to September 15.

If ground-disturbing or vegetation removal work does occur during the nesting season, then not more than three (3) days before ground disturbance and/or vegetation removal commences, a bird and raptor survey must be conducted by a City-approved biologist in the disturbance footprint plus a 300-foot buffer, as feasible. If the MBHMP activity is phased, a subsequent nesting bird and raptor survey is required in the Coverage Area before each phase of the activity. If no raptor or other bird nests are observed no further mitigation is required.

Nesting bird and raptor surveys must be conducted during the time of day when bird species are active and be of sufficient duration to reliably conclude presence/absence of nesting birds and raptors in the 300-foot buffer.

If active nests of species protected by CFG Code 3503 or the MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act are found within 300 feet of the Coverage Area, their locations must be flagged and then mapped onto an aerial photograph of the Coverage Area at a scale no less than 1”=200’ and/or recorded with the use of a GPS unit. If active raptor nests are detected, the map will include topographic lines, parcel boundaries, adjacent roads, known historical nests for protected nesting species, and known roosting or foraging areas, as required by Conservation Element Policy 8.3 of the Goleta General Plan. If feasible, the buffer must be 300 feet in compliance with Conservation Element Policy CE 8.4 of the Goleta General Plan. If the 300-foot buffer is infeasible, the City approved biologist may reduce the buffer distance as appropriate, dependent on the species and the proposed work activities. If any active non-raptor bird nests are found, a suitable buffer area (varying from 25-300 feet), depending on the species, must be established by the City-approved biologist. No ground disturbance can occur in the buffer until the City-approved biologist confirms that the Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Biological Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 79 breeding/nesting is completed and all the young have fledged. Alternately, a City-approved biologist must monitor the active nest full-time during MBHMP activities in the buffer to ensure MBHMP activities are not indirectly impacting protected nesting birds and raptors.

BIO-7 Tree Replacement
All replacement trees planted in the Coverage Area must be monitored annually for a minimum period of 5 years. At the end of the 5-year monitoring period, replacement trees shall be inspected by a City approved arborist to determine the successful establishment of the trees. The arborist may extend the monitoring period as deemed necessary. If a replacement tree dies during the monitoring period, it shall be replaced and monitored as required by this mitigation measure.

BIO-8 Native Habitats
Staging and stockpiling of debris associated with covered activities shall be temporary in nature, the duration of which shall be specified in the annual Implementation Plan prior to commencement of the covered activity. All staging and temporary stockpiling shall be limited to areas outside of riparian habitats, wetlands, vernal pools, native grasslands, and active nest buffers on site.

Absolutely no staging and/or stockpiling of any materials shall be allowed in these buffers at any time. Locations to be avoided must be clearly identified with fencing, flagging, rope, or other conspicuous material, and the contractor(s) conducting vegetation maintenance activities must be trained on the limits of work prior to commencing work. Placement of chipped woody materials must avoid impacting native grasslands, riparian, and wetland vegetation. The biological monitor would ensure avoidance for the duration of activities near these areas.

BIO-9 Riparian/Wetland Areas
Impacts to vernal pools, wetlands, and streambeds shall be avoided to the maximum extent practicable, unless they are affected for the purpose of habitat enhancement. If avoidance is not feasible, the City shall acquire and comply with regulatory permits for any vegetation trimming, removal, or ground disturbing activities to be completed in potentially jurisdictional areas including in the vicinity of Devereux Creek or other riparian/wetland habitats in the Coverage Area. The CDFW shall be notified and a Streambed Alteration Agreement shall be obtained for any activities that will result in impacts to a streambed or riparian vegetation. In addition, authorizations from the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers and Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWCB) will be secured for any activities involving discharges of fill material into a wetland or streambed.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 80 T
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Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Cultural Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 81 5 Cultural Resources

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource
pursuant to §15064.5? □ ■ □ □
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
as defined in §15064.5? □ ■ □ □
c. Disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of formal
cemeteries?
□ □ ■ □
Existing Setting
The Goleta area is situated in the traditional tribal territory of the Chumash. The Goleta Valley changed during the Mission Period of the late 1700s when oak forests were cut down for cattle grazing and farming to support the Santa Barbara Mission and Presidio. The area remained primarily under agricultural production until the construction of US 101 in 1947 and the relocation of UCSB to Goleta Point in 1950 (City of Goleta 2006a). In the 1870s, Ellwood Cooper introduced eucalyptus trees to Ellwood Mesa and by the mid-1870s had successfully planted approximately 50,000 trees of more than 50 varieties. The groves have matured and become useful for windbreaks. Today the eucalyptus groves present on Ellwood Mesa are a remnant of Cooper’s early attempt at eucalyptus forestry. The Coverage Area is undeveloped open space previously used for oil development.

Remnants of the oil facilities are still present on site. There are no known locally significant historic buildings or structures present in the Coverage Area (see Figure 3.5-1 of the General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report, City of Goleta 2006b).

Rincon conducted a records search of the Ellwood Mesa Open Space and a 0.5-mile radius. The records search was conducted at the Central Coast Information Center (CCIC) on January 16, 2019.

The records search identified a total of 16 cultural resources (2 historic archaeological sites and 14 prehistoric archaeological sites) within the search radius. Of those resources, two are located directly in the Ellwood Mesa Open Space (SBA-1321 and SBA-38644). Resource SBA-1321 is located along the bluff above the beach and was recorded in 1974. It consists of a shell midden and ground stone artifact scatter. The site was substantially disturbed by oil infrastructure. In 1997, archaeological testing on a portion of the site recommended it ineligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources due to a lack of integrity (Onken 1997).

Resource SBA-38644 is an isolated biface fragment recorded on the southern edge of the Coverage Area. The isolate was identified during archaeological monitoring conducted for the remediation of Devereux Creek. No other artifacts were identified with the isolate at the time of monitoring.

However, the isolate was identified in the vicinity of resource LRW-90-53, a site that was not City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 82 formally recorded but is described in report SR-04937 on file with the CCIC. Site LRW-90-53 was subject to archaeological testing in 1997 on the southern border of the Coverage Area on the banks of Devereux Creek.

In addition to the resources in the Ellwood Mesa Open Space, a total of four previously recorded resources are located directly adjacent to the eastern border of the open space and Coverage Area.

The results of the records search indicate a high archaeological sensitivity for the Coverage Area and vicinity.

Thresholds of Significance
A significant impact to cultural resources would occur if the MBHMP resulted in any of the impacts noted in the above checklist, pursuant to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Additional thresholds are contained in the City’s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual. The City’s adopted thresholds indicate that a project would result in a significant impact to a cultural resource if it results in the physical demolition, destruction, relocation, or alteration of the resource or its immediate surroundings such that the significance of a cultural resource would be materially impaired.

Project-Specific Impacts
a. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to §15064.5?
b. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource as defined in §15064.5?
No known significant historic buildings or structures are located on the Coverage Area.

Implementation of the MBHMP would not involve construction of any structures, and therefore, would not require substantial excavation. However, the Coverage Area is in an area known to be archaeologically sensitive. Minimal grading may occur in association with development of new trails or trail maintenance that may uncover archaeological resources. Additionally, tree removal under the Catastrophic Event Response Program or Tree Management Program would result in ground disturbance with the potential to unearth unknown archaeological resources. With implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL-1 during ground disturbance, potential impacts to archaeological or historic resources would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED
c. Would the project disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
The discovery of human remains could potentially occur during ground-disturbing activities. If human remains are found, the State of California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 states that no further disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner has made a determination of origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. In the event of an unanticipated discovery of human remains, the County Coroner must be notified immediately. If the human remains are determined to be prehistoric, the Coroner would notify the Native American Heritage Commission, which would determine and notify the most likely descendant. The most likely descendant must complete the inspection of the discovery and provide recommendations for Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Cultural Resources

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 83 treatment to the landowner within 48 hours of being granted access. With adherence to existing regulations, impacts to human remains would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Mitigation Measures
CUL-1 Archaeological and Native American Monitoring
Ground-disturbing activities associated with the MBHMP, including but not limited to trail modification and vegetation and tree removal, shall be observed by a qualified archaeological monitor under the direction of an archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for prehistoric archaeology (National Park Service 1983) and a local Native American monitor. If archaeological resources are encountered during ground-disturbing activities, work in the immediate area shall halt and the find evaluated for significance. Archaeological and/or Native American monitoring may be reduced or halted at the discretion of the monitors as warranted by conditions including, but not limited to, negative findings during the first 60 percent of ground disturbance. If monitoring is reduced to spot-checking, spot-checking shall occur when ground-disturbing activities occur in a new location in the Coverage Area or when ground disturbance would extend to depths not previously reached (unless those depths are within bedrock).

If archaeological resources are identified during ground disturbance, they shall be left in place and avoided when feasible. If avoidance is infeasible, a Phase II testing and evaluation program shall be implemented. If resources are determined significant or unique through Phase II testing and site avoidance is not possible, appropriate site-specific measures shall be identified in the Phase II evaluation. These measures may include, but would not be limited to, a Phase III data recovery program, capping, or other appropriate actions to be determined by a qualified archaeologist in consultation with the Native American monitor.

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Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Energy

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 85 6 Energy

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Result in potentially significant
environmental impact due to wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumption
of energy resources, during project
construction or operation? □ □ □ ■
b. Conflict with or obstruct a State or local
plan for renewable energy or energy
efficiency? □ □ □ ■
Existing Setting
California consumed 7,830 trillion British thermal units (Btu) of energy in 2016. While the state ranked second in the nation for total energy consumption, this is due almost entirely to the state’s large population. At 199 Btu per person, the state’s per capita energy consumption ranks 48th in the nation. Transportation is the largest consumer of energy in the state, accounting for approximately

39.8 percent of all energy consumption (United States Energy Information Administration 2018).

Energy production in California totaled 2,431 trillion Btu in 2016 (United States Energy Information Administration 2018). According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), total in-state electricity generation in 2017 was 206,328 gigawatt hours (GWh) (CEC 2018). Electricity consumption in Santa Barbara County totaled 2,799 GWh in 2017, with residential consumption accounting for approximately 27.6 percent (CEC n.d.). Statewide, natural gas accounted for more electricity generation than any other fuel type at 43.4 percent (CEC 2018).

California’s Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) was established in 2002 under Senate Bill (SB) 1078 and sets power generation mix goals for the state. Specifically, the RPS specifies minimum renewable energy-sourced power generation goals, with a goal of 100 percent carbon-free energy generation by 2045. Interim RPS goals include a 33 percent renewable standard by 2020, and 60 percent by 2030 (California Public Utilities Commission 2019, CEC 2019).

On July 15, 2014, the City of Goleta adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP). While targeted toward reducing citywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the CAP includes energy efficiency measures to reach emissions reduction targets. Energy-related measures described in the CAP include building energy efficiency strategies, conducting outreach programs to encourage renewable energy installation, and encouraging the use of alternatively fueled construction and landscape equipment (City of Goleta 2014a).

The nearest energy infrastructure facility to the Coverage Area is NRG California South LP’s Ellwood natural gas power plant, approximately 0.7 mile west of the Coverage Area.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 86 Thresholds of Significance
A significant energy impact would occur if the MBHMP resulted in any of the impacts noted in the above checklist, pursuant to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The City’s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual does not contain City-specific energy thresholds.

Project-Specific Impacts
a. Would the project result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation?
The Coverage Area is currently recreational open space area and, as a result, consumes minimal energy. The MBHMP would not involve construction of structures, installation of lighting, or otherwise increase operational energy consumption associated with land uses in the Coverage Area.

Covered activities, including, but not limited to, tree pruning, removals, and maintenance; trail maintenance; habitat restoration; and drainage clearing following flood events may require the use of hand tools, trucks, or construction equipment. It is reasonable to assume the City or City- authorized contractors would avoid wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary fuel consumption during covered activities to reduce costs of MBHMP activities. Should the use of heavy equipment be necessary, the City or City-authorized contractor would comply with the CARB In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation, which imposes limits on idling and restricts the use of older vehicles. Such compliance would reduce fuel consumption and lead to the use of fuel-efficient vehicles during covered activities. Equipment would be maintained to applicable standards, and associated fuel consumption and energy use would be temporary. Therefore, the MBHMP would not involve the inefficient, wasteful, and unnecessary use of energy during implementation, and no impact would occur.

NO IMPACT

b. Would the project conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
As previously discussed, the City’s CAP contains emissions-reduction measures the City may implement, several of which are energy-related in nature. The CAP is a voluntary planning study undertaken by the City to quantify emissions through an inventory analysis and forecast and to generate possible measures the City could take in the future. However, the CAP does not contain any mandatory measures or amendments to the City’s General Plan or Municipal Code (City of Goleta 2014b). Therefore, the measures contained in the CAP are voluntary by nature and have not been formally adopted as City policy.

The MBHMP would not include construction of any buildings, structures, or facilities, nor would it substantially increase visitors to the Coverage Area. As a result, CAP measures related to building energy efficiency, renewable energy programs for new development, and on-road vehicles are not relevant to the MBHMP. Measure OR-1, Encourage Alternatively Fueled Construction and Landscape Equipment, from the CAP would be relevant to covered activities under the MBHMP. Measure OR-1 encourages the City to provide information to the public regarding financial incentives available to electrify off-road vehicles and equipment. As discussed in Section 3, Air Quality, covered activities would generally not require diesel-powered equipment. Implementation of the MBHMP would not Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Energy

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 87 conflict with or obstruct implementation of this voluntary outreach measure described in the City’s CAP. No impact would occur.

NO IMPACT
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is required or recommended.

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 88 T
his page intentionally left blank.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Geology and Soils

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 89 7 Geology and Soils

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Directly or indirectly cause potential
adverse effects, including the risk of loss,
injury, or death involving:

1. Rupture of a known earthquake
fault, as delineated on the most
recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or
based on other substantial evidence
of a known fault?
□ □ □ ■

2. Strong seismic ground shaking? □ □ □ ■

3. Seismic-related ground failure,
including liquefaction? □ □ □ ■

4. Landslides? □ □ □ ■
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the
loss of topsoil? □ □ ■ □
c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that
is made unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on or
offsite landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? □ □ □ ■
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined
in Table 1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial direct or
indirect risks to life or property? □ □ □ ■
e. Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal systems
where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater?
□ □ □ ■
f. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
□ ■ □ □
City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 90 Existing Setting
Goleta occupies a portion of the eight-mile long and three-mile wide flat alluvial plain known as the Goleta Valley (City of Goleta 2006a). The Goleta Valley is bordered on the south by the bluffs of the Pacific coastline and on the north by foothills and terraces of the foreland of the Santa Ynez Mountain Range.

The Coverage Area is generally characterized by gentle slopes and terraces. Similar to much of California, the Coverage Area is located in a seismically active region. The Transverse Ranges are characterized by east-west trending structural features in contrast to the dominant northwest- southeast structural trend of California. According to Figure 5-1 of the General Plan Safety Element, the More Ranch Fault runs through the Coverage Area (City of Goleta 2006a). However, this fault is not considered active by the State Division of Mines and Geology nor is it subject to an Alquist- Priolo Special Studies Zone (City of Goleta 2006a; California Department of Conservation 2018b).

However, the More Ranch Fault is considered active by the Santa Barbara County Seismic and Safety Element due to geologically recent movement suggested by a north-facing scarp near the coast at the west end of the fault (County of Santa Barbara 2015). The nearest confirmed seismically active fault to the Coverage Area is the North Channel Slope Fault located four miles offshore. The closest Alquist-Priolo mapped earthquake fault is over 20 miles to the southeast (Pitas Point/Red Mountain Faults).

In addition, according to Figure 5-1 of the General Plan Safety Element, the portion of the Coverage Area that contains bluffs adjacent to the Pacific Ocean is identified as having a high landslide potential (City of Goleta 2006a). The remainder of the Coverage Area is not identified as having any landslide potential.

Prominent geological features are present on the Coverage Area. There are quaternary older alluvial geological formations on the western portion of Goleta, including the Coverage Area, and Pliocene Sisquoc and Miocene Monterey formations present on the Ellwood Mesa area (see Table 3.5-1 of the General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report, City of Goleta 2006b). These geologic formations have the potential for paleontological resources to be present.

Thresholds of Significance
A significant impact on geology/soils would occur if the MBHMP resulted in any of the impacts noted in the above checklist, pursuant to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The City’s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual assumes that a project would result in a potentially significant impact on geological processes if the project and/or implementation of required mitigation measures could result in increased erosion, landslides, soil creep, mudslides, and/or unstable slopes. In addition, impacts are considered significant if a project would expose people and/or structures to major geological hazards such as earthquakes, seismic-related ground failure, or expansive soils capable of creating a significant risk to life and property.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Geology and Soils

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 91 Project-Specific Impacts
a.1. Directly or indirectly cause potential adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault?
a.2. Directly or indirectly cause potential adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving strong seismic ground shaking?
a.3. Directly or indirectly cause potential adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? a.4. Directly or indirectly cause potential adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving landslides?
No Alquist-Priolo mapped earthquake faults or fault zones occur in Goleta. The More Ranch Fault traverses the Coverage Area and may be potentially active. However, implementation of the MBHMP would not involve construction of any buildings or structures or change in land use that would expose people or structures to fault rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, or landslides. No impact would occur.

NO IMPACT
b. Would the project result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? The MBHMP includes habitat restoration activities involving removal of non-native plant species and planting of native species. Additionally, the Tree Management Program of the MBHMP includes selective removal of downed, dead, dying, or hazardous trees and debris to ensure public safety and manage the risk of wildfire. The program would also allow for recontouring or grading of drainage channels following flood events to protect trees. These activities would involve the movement of soil and potential loss of topsoil. The Tree Management Program would use the removed downed or hazardous trees to provide slope stability and erosion control, where feasible, and would require soil contours and disturbed plantings to be replaced following management actions.

Implementation of the MBHMP would not involve construction of any new facilities exposing soils or leading to erosion. A component of the Trail Management Program involves implementation of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) to reduce erosion and sedimentation from trails and viewing areas. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
c. Would the project be located on a geologic unit or soil that is made unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or offsite landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
Implementation of the MBHMP would not involve construction of any structures. Therefore, the soil and geologic conditions in the Coverage Area would not become unstable as a result of the MBHMP or result in off-site landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse. No habitable structures are proposed as part of the MBHMP. No impact would occur.

NO IMPACT
City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 92 d. Would the project be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 1-B of the Uniform Building C
ode (1994), creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life or property? No habitable structures are proposed as part of the MBHMP. No impact related to expansive soils would occur.

NO IMPACT
e. Would the project have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater?
The MBHMP would not involve the construction of a septic system or alternative wastewater disposal systems. Therefore, no impact would occur.

NO IMPACT
f. Would the project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Implementation of the MBHMP would not involve construction of any structures, and therefore, would not require excavation. Minimal grading may occur in association with development of new trails or trail maintenance that may uncover previously unidentified paleontological resources.

Additionally, tree removal under the Catastrophic Event Response Program or Tree Management Program would result in ground disturbance that has the potential to unearth and potentially destroy unknown paleontological resources. With incorporation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1 during ground disturbance, potential impacts to paleontological resources would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED
Mitigation Measures
GEO-1 Unanticipated Discovery of Paleontological Resources In the event of an unanticipated discovery of a paleontological resource during ground disturbance from the implementation of the MBHMP, work in the immediate area shall be temporarily halted and a qualified paleontologist (per Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards 2010) shall be contacted to evaluate the find. If the discovery proves to be significant and cannot be avoided, additional work, such as salvage excavation, may be required to address any significant impacts.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 93 8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions,
e
ither directly or indirectly, that may
have a significant impact on the
environment? □ □ ■ □
b. Conflict with any applicable plan, policy,
or regulation adopted for the purposes of
reducing the emissions of greenhouse
gases?
□ □ ■ □
Existing Setting
Climate change is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans along with other substantial changes in climate (such as wind patterns, precipitation, and storms) over an extended period of time. The term “climate change” is often used interchangeably with the term “global warming,” but “climate change” is preferred to “global warming” because it helps convey that there are other changes in addition to rising temperatures.

Project implementation would generate GHG emissions through the burning of fossil fuels or other emissions of GHGs, thus potentially contributing to cumulative impacts related to climate change. In response to an increase in human-made GHG concentrations over the past 150 years, California has implemented AB 32, the “California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.” AB 32 codifies the Statewide goal of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 (essentially a 15 percent reduction below 2005 emission levels) and the adoption of regulations to require reporting and verification of statewide GHG emissions. Furthermore, on September 8, 2016, the governor signed SB 32 into law, which requires the State to further reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

SB 32 extends AB 32, directing the CARB to ensure that GHG emissions are reduced to 40 percent below the 1990 level by 2030.

On December 14, 2017, CARB adopted the 2017 Scoping Plan, which provides a framework for achieving the 2030 target. The 2017 Scoping Plan does not provide project-level thresholds for land use development. Instead, it recommends that local governments adopt policies and locally- appropriate quantitative thresholds consistent with a statewide per capita goal of six metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO
2e) by 2030 and two MT CO2e by 2050 (CARB 2017). As stated in the 2017 Scoping Plan, these goals may be appropriate for plan-level analyses (city, county, subregional, or regional level), but not for specific individual projects because these goals include all emissions sectors in the State.

The vast majority of individual projects do not generate sufficient GHG emissions to directly influence climate change. However, physical changes caused by a project can contribute incrementally to cumulative effects that are significant, even if individual changes resulting from a City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 94 project are limited. The issue of climate change typically involves an analysis of whether a project’s contribution towards an impact would be cumulatively considerable. “Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of an individual project are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, other current projects, and probable future projects (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15064[h][1]).

As discussed in Section 6, Energy, the City adopted a CAP on July 15, 2014. The CAP contains an emissions inventory and forecast, as well as voluntary measures to improve building energy efficiency, reduce vehicle miles traveled, reduce water consumption, improve equipment efficiency, and reduce solid waste transport to serve as tools for the community (City of Goleta 2014a, 2014b).

The CAP is a planning study and does not adopt any policy or contain any mandatory measures or amendments to the City’s General Plan and/or Municipal Code. Because the CAP contains only voluntary measures and does not contain City policies, the City’s CAP is not a qualified CAP for purposes of CEQA analysis.

Thresholds of Significance
A significant impact with regard to GHG emissions could occur if the MBHMP resulted in any of the impacts noted in the above checklist, pursuant to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. In addition, on June 10, 2010, the County of Santa Barbara Planning & Development Department produced a memorandum titled Support for Use of Bay Area Air Quality Management District Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards, which states, “While Santa Barbara County land use patterns differ from those in the Bay Area as a whole, Santa Barbara County is similar to certain Bay Area counties (in particular, Sonoma, Solano, and Marin) in terms of population growth, land use patterns, General Plan policies, and average commute patterns and times. Because of these similarities, the methodology used by [the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)] to develop its GHG emission significance thresholds, as well as the thresholds themselves, have applicability to Santa Barbara County and represent the best available interim standards for Santa Barbara County” (County of Santa Barbara 2010). In accordance with CEQA Guidelines §§15064.4(b)(2) and 15064.7(c), the City has consistently relied upon the County of Santa Barbara’s Support for Use of Bay Area Air Quality Management District Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards as the expert- recommended threshold for establishing GHG impacts of a project. In addition, the City relies upon the SBCAPCD as a commenting agency to review the GHG analysis, and these thresholds represent a consistent approach and facilitate uniformity for impact determinations for City and County projects under the SBCAPCD’s review.

The BAAQMD’s GHG emissions thresholds are summarized in Table 6. This analysis uses the BAAQMD/Santa Barbara County Interim Thresholds of Significance to determine the significance of operational GHG emissions related to the MBHMP, based on the 1,100 MT CO 2e per year or 4.6 MT
CO2e per service population per year threshold for commercial and residential land uses (BAAQMD 2017). There is no BAAQMD threshold of significance for construction emissions.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 95 Table 6 BAAQMD/Santa Barbara County Interim Thresholds of Significance GHG Emission Source Category Operational Emissions
Commercial and Residential (land use projects) 1,100 MT of CO2e per year or

4.6 MT CO2e per SP per yr1
Stationary Sources2 10,000 MT of CO2e per year
MT = metric tons
CO2e = carbon dioxide equivalent
1 SP = Service Population (residents + employees)
2 Stationary Sources include stationary combustion sources (industrial-type uses) regulated by the APCD.

Source: Santa Barbara County Planning & Development Department, Support for Use of Bay Area Air Quality Management District Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards. Interim GHG Emissions – Evidentiary Support, June 10, 2010 Project-Specific Impacts
a. Would the project generate GHG emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment?
b. Would the project conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
Temporary GHG emissions associated with implementation of the MBHMP would be minimal, as the MBHMP would not involve construction of any new structures or facilities. Most covered activities, such as those associated with waste reduction and pest management programs, would not require the use of heavy equipment. Some covered activities, such as tree removal and pruning, trail maintenance, drainage clearing, invasive species eradication, and planting of native species, would generally be conducted using hand tools but may occasionally require the use of heavy diesel equipment. Consequently, these activities could result in temporary GHG emissions.

While covered activities under the MBHMP may result in minimal temporary GHG emissions, implementation of the MBHMP would also result in substantial GHG reductions. Tree removals conducted under the MBHMP would be limited to dead or dying trees which pose a threat to public safety. These trees function as carbon sources, releasing carbon to the atmosphere as they decay.

Covered activities would remove these trees and replace them with living eucalyptus trees, native species, or fire-resistant understory species, in turn increasing the carbon sequestration potential of the Coverage Area. Additionally, covered activities like removal of dead or dying trees and planting of fire-resistant understory species would reduce wildfire risk in the Coverage Area, minimizing the potential for landscape-level carbon emissions associated with a wildfire event. Such impacts would be beneficial.

The trail improvement and educational programs associated with the MBHMP would improve the quality of the experience for visitors to the butterfly habitat, but would not directly increase the number of visitors to the Coverage Area. Furthermore, the MBHMP would not involve expansion of facilities to accommodate or encourage increased vehicle trips, such as additional parking lots or site access points. Therefore, the MBHMP would not substantially increase operational GHG emissions associated with vehicle trips to and from the Coverage Area.

The MBHMP would not involve any change in land use or construction of any structures. Therefore, it would not result in emissions exceeding the BAAQMD thresholds shown in Table 6 or conflict with a plan adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. Given that the MBHMP would result in City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 96 minimal temporary GHG emissions associated with covered activities, no substantial increase in operational GHG emissions associated with vehicle trips, and beneficial impacts by increasing sequestration and reducing wildfire potential in the Coverage Area, overall impacts would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation is recommended or required.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Hazards and Hazardous Materials

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 97 9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public
or the environment through the routine
transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
materials?
□ □ ■ □
b. Create a significant hazard to the public
or the environment through reasonably
foreseeable upset and accident
conditions involving the release of
hazardous materials into the
environment?
□ □ ■ □
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste within

0.25 mile of an existing or proposed
school?
□ □ ■ □
d. Be located on a site that is included on a
list of hazardous material sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section
65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
□ □ ■ □
e. For a project located in an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not
been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport, would
the project result in a safety hazard or
excessive noise for people residing or
working in the project area?
□ □ □ ■
f. Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
□ □ □ ■
City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 98 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact No Impact
g. Expose people or structures, either
directly or indirectly, to a significant risk
of loss, injury, or death involving wildland
fires? □ □ □ ■
Existing Setting
In the 1970s-1980s, the Ellwood Mesa area was used for oil production activities. The Coverage Area contains three closed State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) GeoTracker sites (SWRCB 2015a, SWRCB 2015b, SWRCB 2015c).

The Coverage Area is subject to fire risk. Some species of eucalyptus trees found in the Coverage Area have deciduous bark, which is shed annually and presents a fire hazard. The bark catches fire readily and streamers from the loose bark tend to carry fire into the canopy and cast firebrands ahead of the main fire front. The leaf litter, which is the accumulation of dead, dry, and oily leaves, is also a fire hazard as it is extremely flammable. Additionally, the dead eucalyptus trees in the Coverage Area pose an exacerbated fire risk.

Thresholds of Significance
A significant impact with regard to hazards and hazardous materials would be expected to occur if the MBHMP resulted in any of the impacts noted in the above checklist, pursuant to Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. In addition, the City’s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual addresses public safety impacts resulting from involuntary exposure to hazardous materials. These thresholds focus on activities involving the installation of or modification to facilities that handle hazardous materials, transportation of hazardous materials, or non-hazardous land uses in proximity to hazardous facilities. Since the MBHMP would not include a hazardous materials facility, the City’s risk-based thresholds are not applicable.

Project-Specific Impacts
a. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b. Would the project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through r
easonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?
The MBHMP includes an Integrated Pest Management Program to control plant, animal, fungal, and other pests affecting monarch butterflies or their habitat. The MBHMP recommends the use of biological control methods such as birds, lady beetles, spiders, and other predators, as the use of chemical control such as pesticides and herbicides may be dangerous to butterflies. Nevertheless, application, handling, and transport of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may be necessary to ensure the long-term viability of new plantings or eradication of invasive species.

Chemical applications have the potential to create the unintended release of a hazardous material.

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Checklist
Hazards and Hazardous Materials

Final Initial Study – Mitigated Negative Declaration 99 Application of chemicals would be required to follow all local, State, and federal regulations to reduce the potential for creation of hazardous conditions and would be administered per manufacturer’s specifications by a person certified for application. Therefore, implementation of the MBHMP would not create a significant hazard due to routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials or pose a significant potential for the accidental release of hazardous materials into the environment. Impacts would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
c. Would the project emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school? The school closest to the Coverage Area is Ellwood Elementary School, located immediately north of the Coverage Area across Hollister Avenue. Covered activities under the MBHMP would generally not involve hazardous emissions or use of hazardous materials. However, application, handling, and transport of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may occur. The use of chemicals in this area would have the potential to affect students and staff present at the school during application.

Application of chemicals would be required to follow all local, State, and federal regulations, including regulations pertaining to pesticide application near schools, to reduce the potential for creation of hazardous conditions and would be administered per manufacturer’s specifications by a person certified for application. With adherence to existing regulations, potential impacts on the school resulting from emissions of hazardous chemicals and/or materials in the Coverage Area would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
d. Would the project be located on a site included on a list of hazardous material sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
The following databases were checked, pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, on December 21, 2018 for known hazardous materials contamination in the vicinity of the Coverage Area:
 USEPA
 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System/ Superfund Enterprise Management System/Envirofacts database search  SWRCB
 GeoTracker search for leaking underground storage tanks and other cleanup sites  California Department of Toxic Substances Control
 EnviroStor search for hazardous facilities or known contamination sites  Cortese List of Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites
 Cleanup Site and Hazardous Waste Facilities Database
The Coverage Area is not included on a list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code. A search of the GeoTracker database identified three closed sites in the Coverage Area: Ali d’Oro Lot 67, Southwest Diversified Property, and S.B. Shores County Park/Arco; all three sites were closed by 2014 (SWRCB 2015a; SWRCB 2015b, SWRCB 2015c).

City of Goleta
Ellwood Mesa/Sperling Preserve Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan 100
Given the closed status of the listings and the fact that the MBHMP would not involve construction of any new buildings or structures, the MBHMP would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment due to the presence of a listed hazardous materials site. Impacts would be less than significant.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been ado
pted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a s
afety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? The Coverage Area is not located near a private airstrip but is located approximately two miles from the Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. The Coverage Area is not located in any of the airport’s approach or clear zones and is not subject to review by the Airport Land Use Commission. In addition, the MBHMP would not involve construction of any buildings or other occupied facilities.

Goleta City CouncilOctober 17, 2023

Goleta City Council
October 17, 2023