Appendix 2D
DBESP
Sunset Crossings Residential Project
Initial Study
SUNSET CROSSING
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 38443
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY, COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA
DETERMINATION OF BIOLOGICALLY EQUIVALENT OR
SUPERIOR PRESERVATION REPORT
Prepared For:
HIGHPOINTE COMMUNITIES
530 Technology Dr, #100
Irvine, California 92618
Contact: Ross Yamaguchi
949.303.6510
Prepared By:
MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL
9635 Granite Ridge Dr UNIT 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Contact: Marisa Flores
858.614.5052
September 2023 SS
JN 184659
February 2022; revised September 2023
DBESP Report
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Contents
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................... 1 2 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Project Area ................................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Project Description .................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Existing Conditions .................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1 Physical Environment ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.2 Surrounding Land Uses .................................................................................................................. 10
2.4 Vegetation Communities and Other Land Uses .................................................................................. 10
2.4.1 Disturbed Habitat ........................................................................................................................... 10
2.4.2 Developed ........................................................................................................................................ 12
2.5 Wildlife ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 3 RIPARIAN/RIVERINE MITIGATION (SECTION 6.1.2) .................................................................................... 12
3.1 Methods.................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.1 Riparian/Riverine Resources ......................................................................................................... 13
3.1.2 Vernal Pools ..................................................................................................................................... 14
3.1.3 Fairy Shrimp ..................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Results/Impacts ....................................................................................................................................... 15
3.2.1 Riparian/Riverine Resources ......................................................................................................... 15
3.2.2 Vernal Pools ..................................................................................................................................... 19
3.2.3 Fairy Shrimp ..................................................................................................................................... 20
3.2.4 Riparian-Associated Species ......................................................................................................... 20
3.3 Mitigation and Equivalency ................................................................................................................... 22 Riparian/Riverine Resources ......................................................................................................................... 22
3.3.1 Direct Effects ................................................................................................................................... 22
3.3.2 Indirect Effects ................................................................................................................................ 24 4 NARROW ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES MITIGATION (SECTION 6.1.3) ......................................................... 24 5 ADDITIONAL SURVEY NEEDS (SECTION 6.3.2) ............................................................................................. 24
5.1 Burrowing Owl ......................................................................................................................................... 24
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5.1.1 Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 25
5.1.2 Results/Impacts .............................................................................................................................. 25
5.1.3 Mitigation and Equivalency ........................................................................................................... 27 6 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
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FIGURES
Figure 1 Regional and Project Vicinity ................................................................................................... 5 Figure 2 Project Site ............................................................................................................................... 6 Figure 3 USDA Soils ................................................................................................................................ 9 Figure 4 Vegetation Communities and Other Land Uses ..................................................................... 11 Figure 5 Riparian/Riverine Resources .................................................................................................. 17 Figure 6 Burrowing Owl Survey Area ................................................................................................... 26
TABLES
Table 1 Summary of Avoidance, Minimization, and Compensatory Mitigation Measures .................. 2 Table 2 Summary of Impacts to Riparian/Riverine Resources within the Survey Area ...................... 19
APPENDICES
Appendix A MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Appendix B Site Design Plans
Appendix C MSHCP Best Management Practices
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iii
4 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AF Aquatic Feature
APN assessor’s parcel number
BMP best management practice
BUOW burrowing owl
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CFGC California Fish and Game Code
CIRP Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database
DBESP Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation DCV Design Capture Volume
GIS Geographic Information System
I-215 Interstate 215
MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Michael Baker Michael Baker International
MSHCP Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan project Sunset Crossing Tentative Tract Map 38443
RCA Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority SR-60 State Route 60
SR-79 State Route 79
SSC Species of Special Concern
TTM Tentative Tract Map
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS United States Geological Survey
DBESP Report
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Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report contains the findings of Michael Baker International’s (Michael Baker) Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP) for the proposed Sunset Crossing Tentative Tract Map (TTM) 38443 residential development project (project or project site) located in the City of Moreno Valley, Riverside County, California. The proposed project would develop 134 single-family detached residential units on an approximately 28.34- acre site. The project would impact resources classified as riparian/riverine under the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). This DBESP describes the potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures to ensure the post-project functions and values are biological equivalent or superior, and in compliance with the MSHCP.
Michael Baker biologists conducted a field survey/habitat assessment on April 12, 2022 and a field verification on June 16, 2023. The field survey was conducted to characterize existing site conditions and assess the potential for special-status biological resources to occur within the project site and a 50-foot buffer (survey area) that could pose a constraint to implementation of the proposed project. Special attention was given to the presence of areas defined as riparian/riverine by the MSHCP and suitability of habitat for riparian-associated or MSHCP Planning species. The information and analysis provided in this document were extracted from the final Habitat Assessment and Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Consistency Analysis for the Sunset Crossing TTM 38442 Project (Appendix A; Michael Baker 2022).
Natural habitats within the survey area have been eliminated due to routine weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, tilling), resulting in heavily disturbed and compacted surface soils. As such, native vegetation communities do not occur. The survey area is primarily comprised of disturbed land that is dominated by ruderal/weedy, and ornamental plant species.
A total of 0.76 acre of riparian/riverine resources pursuant to Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP occur within the project site. Of this, permanent impacts would occur on 0.64 acre riverine and 0.01 acre riparian habitat, whereas temporary impacts would occur on 0.10 acre riverine and 0.01 acre riparian habitat. Riparian/riverine resources within the survey area do not provide suitable habitat for listed riparian-associated species in Section 6.1.2, or for riparian-associated species that would benefit from preservation of the onsite riparian habitat. No vernal pools are present on the project site.
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Riparian/riverine resources on the project site area do not provide suitable habitat for western yellow-billed cuckoo, southwestern willow flycatcher, least Bell’s vireo, or fairy shrimp. The only special-status species observed was Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii; Watchlist Species); however, no suitable nesting habitat is present and this species would only forage in the survey area. No special-status plant species were observed within the survey area during the field survey and the project does not occur within an MSHCP species survey area for plants, amphibians, or mammals. Based on the results of the field survey and a review of specific habitat preferences, distributions, and elevation ranges, Michael Baker determined that the project site does not provide suitable habitat for special-status species in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP or other MSHCP Planning species.
Standard best management practices (BMPs) identified in the MSHCP (Volume I, Appendix C) and in Appendix C of this report will be implemented and several avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented to address potential impacts to special-status biological resources. Additionally, compensatory mitigation measure will be implemented to ensure full replacement of biologically equivalent or superior riparian/riverine resources. The avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation measures are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1 Summary of Avoidance, Minimization, and Compensatory Mitigation Measures Resource Avoidance/Minimization Compensatory Mitigation Riparian/Riverine Not applicable Purchase of credits for 1.95 acre (3:1) from Riverpark Mitigation Bank,
Barry Jones Mitigation Bank, the
Riverside-Corona Resource
Conservation District in lieu fee
program, or other permittee-
responsible/ agency approved
mitigation provider. Refer to Section
3.3.1 for additional details.
Burrowing Owl Preconstruction Burrowing
Owl Survey- refer to Section
5.2.3.1 for details.
Not applicable
MSHCP Standard
BMPs (Appendix C)
Appendix C of the MSHCP lists
the Standard BMPs that
would be required for the
j
Not applicable
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Implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures and compensatory mitigation would ensure the project would be biologically equivalent or superior to existing conditions and the functions and values of the replacement would be biologically equivalent or superior. 2 INTRODUCTION
This report contains the findings of Michael Baker International’s (Michael Baker) Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP) for the proposed Sunset Crossing Tentative Tract Map (TTM) 38443 (project or project site) located in the City of Moreno Valley, Riverside County, California. The information and analysis provided in this document were extracted from the final Habitat Assessment and Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Consistency Analysis (Appendix A; Michael Baker 2022) report. This DBESP includes an evaluation of impacts to special-status biological resources that are specifically identified in the MSHCP as protected resources, including riparian/riverine habitat, riparian-dependent species, vernal pools, fairy shrimp habitat, narrow endemic plant species, criteria area plant species, and burrowing owls. Additionally, this term includes those plant and wildlife species that are Federally or State listed as threatened or endangered, proposed, or candidates; plant species that have been designated by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) with a California Rare Plant Rank of 1 or 2; species that are designated as Fully Protected, Species of Special Concern, or Special Animals by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW); and natural vegetation communities that are considered sensitive by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and listed for analysis in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB).
Based on the preliminary grading and utility plan prepared by Proactive Engineering Consultants in May 2022 (Proactive 2022), the project would impact resources classified as riparian/riverine under the MSHCP. This DBESP describes the project details, environmental setting, potential impacts, and proposed avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation measures required for the project. The functions and values of the riparian/riverine resources (as well as other protected biological resources) were evaluated under pre- and post- project development scenarios, and relative to mitigation implementation. The analysis in the DBESP report demonstrates that the proposed mitigation is biologically equivalent or superior to the existing conditions on the project site if left undisturbed.
2.1 Project Area
The project site is located within the City of Moreno Valley, generally to the north of Perris Reservoir, east of Interstate 215 (I-215), south of State Route 60 (SR-60), and west of SR-79 DBESP Report
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(Figure 1, Regional and Project Vicinity). The project site is depicted in Section 10, Township 3 South, Range 3 West, on the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) Sunnymead, California
7.5-minute quadrangle. Specifically, the project site is located north of Bay Avenue, south of Cottonwood Avenue, west of Marion Road, and east of Nason Street on assessor’s parcel numbers (APN) 488-190-027, 488-190-005, and 488-190-028 (Figure 2, Project Site).
2.2 Project Description
The proposed project would develop 134 single-family detached residential one- and two-story units on an approximately 28.34-acre site. Site design plans are included in Appendix B. The development would include a 1.45-acre park located in the southern portion of the site and a water quality basin. The development would be supported by internal private streets, sewer and water access, and the installation of right-of-way improvements including curb, gutter, sidewalks, and streetlights.
The project would be constructed to conform with Moreno Valley Municipal Code (City of Moreno Valley 2021) and the City’s adopted design standards and guidelines, which include design standards related to building size, height, setback, and materials, as well as landscaping, signage, and other considerations.
A proposed storm drain system would convey runoff from the proposed residential development to a detention/extended detention basin located in the southern portion of the project site (Appendix B). The basin would control outlet flows and provide runoff treatment and would have a bottom section that will be utilized as a Best Management Practice (BMP) to treat the Design Capture Volume (DCV). Stormwater runoff would pond over a sand filter section to allow runoff to receive treatment. An outlet structure would be provided within the basin with orifice openings above the water quality water surface elevation to outlet 100-year storms to the proposed Line H in Street A. The outlet structure has been designed to decrease developed flows before discharging runoff to Line H.
Landscaping
Ornamental water-efficient landscaping, including a variety of trees, shrubs, vines and ground cover and would be installed throughout the project site. Planting materials would be selected in accordance with the Moreno Valley Municipal Code and the City’s adopted design standards and guidelines.
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Project Construction and Phasing
Construction activities for the project would occur over 38 months and would begin in 2023 with the opening for project occupancy in 2026. Construction activities would occur in the following stages: site preparation, grading, building construction, architectural coating, and paving. Construction activities would be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, unless written approval is obtained from the City building official or City engineer.
No offsite improvements or staging are anticipated for the project.
Why an Avoidance Alternative is Not Feasible
The purpose of the project is to help meet affordable housing needs in the region by providing single-family residential units in the City of Moreno Valley. The project would be constructed to conform with the City’s Municipal Code and adopted design guidelines that include design standards related to building size, height, setback, and materials, as well as landscaping, signage, and other considerations. To achieve the goal and objectives of the project, the entire approximately 28-acre parcel would require development, which would include dwelling units, paved streets, landscaping, and a water quality basin. Full avoidance of riparian/riverine resources on the project site would remove a significant portion of the proposed units making the project economically infeasible. Therefore, full avoidance of riparian/riverine resources would not be feasible. Unavoidable impacts to riparian/riverine resources on the project site will be mitigated to ensure there is no net loss of riparian/riverine resources and functionally equivalent resources affected by the project are preserved. Thus, an avoidance alternative is not feasible.
2.3 Existing Conditions
This section provides the environmental setting and site conditions observed during the field survey.
2.3.1 Physical Environment
The survey area is located within a moderately developed portion of the City of Moreno Valley, at an elevation ranging from approximately 1,611 to 1,644 feet above mean sea level with generally flat topography throughout. Based on a review of Google Earth aerial imagery from DBESP Report
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1985 to 2021, the project site has been routinely cleared of vegetation during weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, tilling), resulting in heavily disturbed and compacted surface soils.
According to the Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside Area, California (USDA 2022), the survey area is underlain by the following soil units: Greenfield sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded (GyC2), Hanford coarse sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes (HcC), Ramona sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded (RaB2), and Ramona sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded (RaB3). Refer to Figure 3, USDA Soils, for a depiction of soil units that have been mapped within the survey area. In addition, representative site photographs of the survey area were taken during the April 2022 field survey and are available in Appendix A (MSHCP Consistency Analysis Report, Appendix B).
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2.3.2 Surrounding Land Uses
Land uses in the immediate vicinity of the survey area include vacant, residential uses, and office and commercial land uses. Vacant, undeveloped land is located to the north, south, and east of the survey area, while residential uses are located along the west, northwest, and northeast boundaries of the site. Additionally, commercial uses were currently being built along the western boundary at the time of the field survey.
2.4 Vegetation Communities and Other Land Uses
Natural habitats within the survey area have been eliminated due to routine weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, tilling), resulting in heavily disturbed and compacted surface soils. The survey area is primarily comprised of disturbed habitat that is dominated by ruderal/weedy and ornamental plant species. As such, native vegetation communities do not occur. This is consistent with the 2012 mapping of Disturbed/Developed land covers described in the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018). In addition, developed areas were observed along the northern boundary and along the eastern boundary of the survey area. These two land cover types are depicted on Figure 4, Vegetation Communities and Other Land Uses, and described in further detail below. A complete list of plant and animal species observed within the survey area during the field survey is in Appendix A (MSHCP Consistency Analysis, Appendix C).
2.4.1 Disturbed Habitat
Disturbed habitat comprises approximately 22.26 acres of the project site. Disturbed areas within the survey area do not comprise a natural plant community and instead consist of unpaved bare ground or areas that have been previously disked or tilled as part of routine weed abatement activities. Surface soils within these areas have been heavily disturbed/ compacted as a result of anthropogenic disturbances and are either devoid of vegetation or support non-native, ruderal plant species or early successional plant species. Plant species observed in the disturbed areas include common fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia), wild oat (Avena fatua), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), red brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), short-podded mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), and telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora). In addition, some individual mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) occurs along the northwest boundary of the survey area.
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2.4.2 Developed
Developed areas make up approximately 7.13 acres of the project site. They consist of areas that have been constructed upon or have been physically altered to a degree that native vegetation is no longer supported. Developed areas within the survey area include two previous residential houses, one in the northeast corner and the other along the eastern boundary of the survey area. In addition, a small portion of the western side of the survey area was being actively used for a construction yard for a commercial development along the project’s western boundary at the time of the field survey.
2.5 Wildlife
The survey area provides marginal foraging and nesting habitat for a variety of resident and migrant bird species that are adapted to a high degree of disturbance such as traffic, noise, and light pollution associated with the surrounding development. No special-status species were detected during project surveys. Twenty-six (26) bird species were detected during the April 2022 field survey, some of which included house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), California towhee (Melozone crissalis), savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Say’s phoebe (Sayornis saya), and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Additionally, one (1) mammal species, California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi), and one (1) reptile species, western side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana elegans), were observed within the survey area during the field survey.
The project site does not provide suitable habitat or hydrogeomorphic features (e.g., perennial creeks, ponds, lakes, reservoirs) that would support populations of fish or provide suitable breeding habitat for amphibians.
3 RIPARIAN/RIVERINE MITIGATION (SECTION 6.1.2)
This section describes the riparian/riverine resources, vernal pools, and protection of species associated with these resources as defined in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP. The project site was assessed for the following resources as defined in the MSHCP Section 6.1.2, Protection of Species Associated with Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pools:
Riparian/Riverine Areas are lands that contain habitat dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, or emergent mosses and lichens, which occur close to or depend on soil moisture from nearby freshwater sources, or areas with freshwater flow during DBESP Report
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all portions of the year. These areas should contain biological functions and values that contribute to downstream habitat values for covered species inside the WRC MSHCP Conservation Area.
Vernal Pools are seasonal wetlands that occur in depression areas that have wetland indicators of all three parameters (i.e., soils, vegetation, hydrology) during the wetter portion of the growing season but normally lack wetland indicators of hydrology and/or vegetation during the drier portion of the growing season. Obligate hydrophytes and facultative wetland plant species are normally dominant during the wetter portion of the growing season, while upland species (annuals) may be dominant during the drier portion of the growing season.
Fairy Shrimp Habitat is habitat that is suitable for Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni), vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), or Santa Rosa fairy shrimp (Linderiella santarosae). It also includes ephemeral pools created by tire ruts and stock ponds and/or features determined appropriate by a qualified biologist.
With the exception of wetlands created for the purpose of providing wetlands habitat or resulting from human actions to create open waters or from the alteration of natural stream courses, areas demonstrating characteristics as described above which are artificially created are not included in these definitions.
MSHCP Section 6.1.2 requires surveys, along with avoidance and minimization measures incorporated in accordance with the species-specific objectives, when riparian/riverine areas provide suitable habitat for riparian birds and/or fairy shrimp and a project would not avoid the areas. Based on the field survey, suitable riparian habitat was not observed within the project site. Therefore, a discussion related to riparian birds (i.e., western yellow-billed cuckoo [Coccyzus americanus occidentalis], southwestern willow flycatcher [Empidonax traillii extimus], least Bell’s vireo [Vireo bellii pusillus]) for the proposed project is not warranted.
3.1 Methods
3.1.1 Riparian/Riverine Resources
Michael Baker biologists evaluated the project site and an additional 50-foot buffer for riparian/riverine resources on April 12, 2022 and a field verification was conducted on June 16, DBESP Report
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2023. While in the field, delineators mapped the extent of riparian and riverine features on an aerial photograph at a scale of 1:1,440 (1 inch = 120 feet) using topographic contours and visible landmarks as guidelines. Data points were recorded in the field using an iPad with ArcGIS Fieldmaps application and a Trimble Catalyst GNSS receiver for submeter accuracy to identify specific limits of riparian and riverine features, photograph points, and document other pertinent site characteristics. These data were then uploaded as shapefiles and confirmed/refined to ensure accuracy and consistency with hardcopy notes and aerial mapping completed in the field. Michael Baker then used ESRI ArcGIS Pro software to calculate the total acreage of riparia/riverine areas.
3.1.2 Vernal Pools
One of the factors for determining the presence of vernal pools would be demonstrable evidence of seasonal ponding in an area of topographic depression that is not subject to flowing waters. Prior to conducting the habitat assessment, a review of historical aerial photographs using Google Earth was conducted. In addition, a review of the USDA Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside Area, California, was also conducted to determine the soil associations within the project site. The MSHCP lists two general classes of soils known to be associated with special-status plant species and presence of vernal pool habitat: clay soils and Traver-Domino Willow association soils. The specific clay soils known to be associated with special-status species/vernal pool habitat within the MSHCP Plan Area include Bosanko, Auld, Altamont, and Porterville series soils, whereas Traver-Domino Willows association includes saline-alkali soils largely located along floodplain areas of the San Jacinto River and the Salt Creek flood control channel. Other factors reviewed include drainage characteristics, land uses, vegetation, and hydrologic records. Surface layers of silty soils, presence of algal crusts, and surface cracking are examples of conditions surveyed for during the habitat evaluation.
Vegetation within the survey area was also documented to determine whether vernal pool- associated plants are present.
3.1.3 Fairy Shrimp
The project site was evaluated for potential suitable habitat for fairy shrimp following Revised USFWS Survey Guidelines for Listed Large Branchiopods (USFWS 2017) for ponding during the habitat assessment. In addition, a database search of the USGS Sunnymead, California 7.5- minute quadrangle was examined for fairy shrimp occurrence records. Many of the factors DBESP Report
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reviewed for vernal pool habitat evaluation were used to determine if sufficient ponding for fairy shrimp is occurring on the project site.
3.2 Results/Impacts
3.2.1 Riparian/Riverine Resources
Two (2) ephemeral drainage features Aquatic Feature 1 (AF-1) and Aquatic Feature 2 (AF-2), were identified within the project site and survey area during the April 12, 2022 site visit. A field verification of the riparian-riverine resources associated with AF-1 was conducted on June 16, 2023. These drainage features qualify as riparian/riverine resources pursuant to Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP and are shown in Figure 5, Riparian/Riverine Resources. A description of each aquatic features is provided below.
Aquatic Feature 1
AF-1 collects/transports municipal stormwater from the adjacent residential development and surrounding foothills north of the project site, undergrounds beneath Cottonwood Avenue, and discharges into the northeastern corner of the project site and survey area via a corrugated concrete pipe culvert with concrete wingwalls. The offsite upstream portion of AF-1 appears to be the feature that has been mapped by both National Wetlands Inventory and National Hydrography Dataset. Flows drain south into a riprap-lined flood control channel which is confined by residential development on both banks. Approximately 360 linear feet downstream, AF-1 begins to transition from the riprap-lined flood control channel to an incised earthen channel. A small culvert with concrete wingwalls is located on the eastern bank in this transitional area. At the time of the site visit, the culvert was obstructed by sediment resulting in a small erosional rill. A minimal amount of saturated soil and surface water were noted in the immediate location of the obstructed culvert and rill on the eastern bank, but not within the main channel bed or the surrounding banks. No other standing or flowing water was observed in association with AF-1.
AF-1 continues south for approximately 180 linear feet and then begins to meander southwest towards the southern project boundary where it is no longer constrained by residential development on either bank. A large concrete retaining wall is located along the southern project site boundary and flows appear to be conveyed beneath this retaining wall, likely via a DBESP Report
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pipe or culvert; however, a significant amount of sediment deposition has occurred in the immediate vicinity of the retaining wall which reduces visibility.
Additionally, a large debris-filled non-jurisdictional erosional rill occurs immediately northwest of where AF-1 flows beneath the retaining wall and exits the project site and survey area. AF-1 exhibited clear evidence of hydrology, such as a natural line impressed on the bank, change in particle size distribution, presence of a wrack line, and shelving.
Upon review of historic aerial imagery (Google Earth and HistoricAerials.com), the southern half of the channel appears to have migrated west by over 200 feet since 2011. Soils adjacent to either side of the channel consist of a sandy alluvium and were historically deposited by drainage flows. Higher volumes of water during the 2023 rainy season produced stronger flows resulting in the channel becoming more deeply incised than what was observed in 2022. The active floodplain was used to delineate the limits of riparian/riverine for the project because it is associated with the current “flows [that are present] for all or a portion of the year”. The riprap-lined and soft-bottomed portions of AF-1 exhibited similar vegetation comprised of upland disturbance-tolerant non-native plant species consistent with the surrounding uplands; however, these species generally occurred in sparser patches within AF-1. Dominant species included foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum), foxtail brome (Bromus rubens), red stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium), ripgut brome, sagebrush combseed (Pectocarya linearis), stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum), and summer mustard (Hirschfeldia incana). Additionally, a small amount of hydrophytic vegetation comprised of tall flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis) and willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum) was observed in association with the obstructed culvert on the eastern bank. The large tree in the middle of the property and visible on the aerial imagery was no longer present on the project site during the 2023 site visit. Therefore, vegetated areas outside of the current active floodplain are not considered riparian/riverine. Within the project site and survey area, AF-1 measures a total of approximately 1,444 linear feet. !>
!>
33.920278
-117.189924
33.925326
-117.184483
Riparian/Riverine Resources°
0 250125
Feet
7/12/2023 JN \\ONTACA1FS1.bkr.mbakercorp.com\Hroot\PDATA\Moreno Valley 66\GIS\APRX\Moreno_Valley_Natural_Resources\Moreno_Valley_Natural_Resources.aprx Legend
Project Site (29.39 acres)
Survey Area (34.66 acres)
!> Reference Point
Riparian (0.02 acres)
Riverine (0.74 acres)
Source: Nearmap (01/2022)
Cottonwood Ave
SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
DETERMINATION OF BIOLOGICALLY EQUIVALENT OR SUPERIOR PRESERVATION Figure 5
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Aquatic Feature 2
AF-2 originates offsite as an ephemeral drainage which drains stormwater and other surface flows from the surrounding residential developments and foothills north of the project site; flows are conveyed south via a corrugated metal pipe underneath Cottonwood Avenue and enter the northwestern portion of the project site and survey area via a corrugated metal pipe with broken concrete wingwalls. AF-2 flows south for approximately 611 linear feet as an unmaintained ephemeral earthen drainage before transitioning to discontinuous unconfined/overland sheet flow which ultimately fans out and infiltrates on the northwestern portion of the project site. No standing or flowing surface water was observed within the AF-2 during the field survey. However, evidence of an OHWM ranging from 5 to 10 feet in width was observed via a natural line impressed on the bank, change in particle size distribution, presence of a wrack line, and shelving.
AF-2 exhibited the same upland vegetation as AF-1 with a predominance of ripgut brome and summer mustard and occasional patches of bare sandy soil. A patch of Peruvian pepper trees (Schinus molle) occurs in the northern portion of AF-2 in association with the residential development immediately to the west. Additionally, a small patch of mature mulefat occurs approximately 230 feet downstream of where AF-2 enters the project site and survey area.
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Table 2 summarizes the total amount of existing and impacted riparian/riverine resources within the survey area.
Table 2 Summary of Impacts to Riparian/Riverine Resources within the Survey Area Riparian/Riverine Resource Total within
Survey Area
Impact Type (acre)
Permanent Impact Temporary Impact
RIVERINE
AF-1 0.64 0.64* 0.00
AF-2 0.10 <0.001 0.10
Riverine (subtotal) 0.74 0.64 0.10
RIPARIAN
AF-1 0.00 0.00 0.00
AF-2 0.02 0.01 0.01
Riparian (subtotal) 0.02 0.01 0.01
TOTAL IMPACTS
0.65 0.11
* Permanent impacts include both direct and indirect effects. Since the project boundary bisects the length of the north half of AF-1, it is anticipated that the direct impact to the portion of the channel within the project site boundary would indirectly affect the remainder of the channel just outside of the project site boundary.
Therefore, it is anticipated that the direct and indirect effect on the entirety of AF-1 would be considered a permanent impact.
3.2.2 Vernal Pools
Based on the results of the vernal pool habitat assessment, no vernal pools occur within the project site. None of the soil classes (e.g., Bosanko, Auld, Altamont, and Porterville series and Traver-Domino Willows association) associated with vernal pool habitat occur within the project site. The mapped soils throughout the project site primarily consist of sandy loam textures and not the clay soil textures which are needed to form the impermeable restrictive layer below the soils surface that occur in vernal and seasonal pools. In addition, no vernal pool-associated plants were identified during the survey. Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts are expected to occur, and no further discussion related to the proposed project and vernal pools is warranted.
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Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation
3.2.3 Fairy Shrimp
Based on a literature review of the CNDDB (CDFW 2022b), one species of fairy shrimp has been recorded in the USGS Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangle: Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). Riverside fairy shrimp are restricted to deep seasonal vernal pools, vernal pool like ephemeral ponds, stock ponds, and other human modified depressions that are typically dry a portion of the year, but usually are filled by late fall, winter or spring rains, and may persist through May. In Riverside County, the species been found in pools formed over the following soils: Murrieta stony clay loams, Las Posas series, Wyman clay loam, and Willows soils. According to the CNDDB, there are two (2) occurrence records for Riverside fairy shrimp within the USGS Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangle. The closest CNDDB occurrence was recorded in 1998, approximately 4-miles southwest of the project site in a complex of pools on March Air Force Base. Streptocephalus cysts were found during the dry-season survey in 1998; however, no mature Riverside fairy shrimp were detected during the 1997-1998 wet season. This occurrence record has been considered extirpated since 2009 (CDFW 2022b).
In addition, the Riverside fairy shrimp requires deeper, longer lasting pools and the site lacks the appropriate topographic relief for seasonal pools and heavy soils that retain surface water long enough for the species life cycle. Based on this information, it was determined that there is no suitable habitat for fairy shrimp within or adjacent to the project site and that fairy shrimp are not known to occur anywhere in close proximity to the site. Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts are expected to occur, and no further discussion related to fairy shrimp is warranted.
3.2.4 Riparian-Associated Species
Riparian vegetation in the survey area was comprised of an isolated patch of mulefat associated with the ephemeral drainage AF-2. This isolated patch would not provide suitable nesting habitat for riparian-associated birds. There is no suitable habitat on the project site for aquatic species, such as amphibians or fish. No riparian-dependent species were documented during field studies. Appendix C of the MSHCP Habitat Assessment and Consistency Analysis (Appendix A of this report) includes a list of all species observed during the field studies.
Non-Listed Riparian/Riverine Birds. The only non-listed MSHCP riparian/riverine species observed during the field survey was Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii). However, the project site does not provide suitable nesting habitat for this species. The project site does not provide suitable habitat for the following non-listed riparian/riverine-associated avian species and/or DBESP Report
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Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation
MSHCP avian planning species: American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus), black-crowned night- heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), breeding black swift (Cypseloides niger), double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), breeding Lincoln’s sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), MacGillivray’s warbler (Geothlypis tolmiei), Nashville warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), purple martin (Progne subis), tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), tricolored blackbird colonies (Agelaius tricolor), white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), Wilson’s warbler (Cardellina pusilla),yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens), and yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia). Onsite riparian/riverine areas do not provide suitable nesting habitat to support other riparian/riverine-dependent avian species listed in WRC MSHCP Section 6.1.2; thus, no impact would occur.
Riparian/riverine areas on the project site could potentially be used by foraging non-listed riparian birds, such as yellow warbler, which may migrate or disperse through the survey area.
However, the riparian habitat on the project site is not contiguous to any other vegetated riparian areas making it a lower quality resource for riparian-dependent species. Therefore, preservation of riparian/riverine habitat on the site is not important for non-listed riparian/riverine bird species. Additionally, because no equivalency analysis is required for non-listed riparian/riverine birds, these species are not addressed further in this document.
Amphibians. Riparian/riverine habitat in the survey area is not suitable to support amphibians listed in Section 6.1.2 of the WRC MSHCP (arroyo toad [Anaxyrus californicus], southern mountain yellow-legged frog [Rana muscosa], California red-legged frog [Rana draytonii], coast range newt [Taricha torosa], and western spadefoot [Spea hammondii]) as being dependent on riparian/riverine resources or benefitting from these resources. Amphibians are not addressed further in this document.
Reptiles. The only reptile that is listed as benefitting from the preservation of riparian/riverine resources in MSHCP Section 6.1.2 is western pond turtle (Emys marmorata). The onsite riparian/riverine habitat in the survey area is not suitable for this species. Reptiles are not addressed further in this document.
Fish. There is no suitable habitat to support either Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae) or arroyo chub (Gila orcuttii), both of which are listed in MSHCP Section 6.1.2 species which are dependent on riparian/riverine resources or as a species that benefits from them, respectively.
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Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation
Focused surveys were not conducted, and these species are considered absent from the survey area. Fish are not addressed further in this document.
Plants. The survey area does not provide suitable habitat for any of the MSHCP Section 6.1.2 plant species which are dependent on riparian/riverine resources or as species that benefit from them, respectively. The MSHCP Section 6.1.2 plant species are Brand’s phacelia (Phacelia stellaris), California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica), California black walnut, (Juglans californica), Coulter’s matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri), Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii), Fish’s milkwort (Polygala cornuta var. fishiae), graceful tarplant (Holocarpha virgata ssp. elongata), lemon lily (Lilium parryi), Mojave tarplant (Deinandra mohavensis), mud nama (Nama stenocarpum), ocellated Humboldt lily (Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum), Orcutt’s brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii), Parish’s meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba ssp. parishii), prostrate navarretia (Navarretia prostrata), San Diego button-celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii), San Jacinto Valley crownscale (Atriplex coronata var. notatior), San Miguel savory, Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum), slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras), smooth tarplant (Centromadia pungens ssp. laevis), spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis), thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia), and vernal barley (Hordeum intercedens). In addition, there is no suitable habitat for any of the MSHCP planning species associated with riparian habitats: California muhly (Muhlenbergia californica), Coulter’s goldfields (Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri), Davidson’s saltscale (Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii), little mousetail (Myosurus minimus), Parish’s brittlescale, and Wright’s trichocoronis (Trichocoronis wrightii var. wrightii). Section 6.1.2 riparian-riverine associated plants are not discussed further.
3.3 Mitigation and Equivalency
Riparian/Riverine Resources
3.3.1 Direct Effects
Two (2) drainage features were recorded within the survey area (AF-1 and AF-2). These drainage features qualify as riparian/riverine resources pursuant to Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP and total approximately 0.64 acre of riverine habitat within the project site and 0.01 acre of riparian vegetation within the unconfined/overland sheet flow, and then ultimately fans out and infiltrates offsite. A new school has been developed south of AF-2, and there are no riparian/riverine resources downstream of AF-2 that would be affected. project site associated DBESP Report
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Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation
with disturbed and developed land covers. AF-1 continues offsite to the south and eventually conveys flows onto the property south of Alessandro Boulevard via a concrete culvert where AF-1 then transitions to discontinuous unconfined/overland sheet flow which ultimately fans out and infiltrates on the northwestern portion of the project site.
The permanent impacts on up to 0.1.95 acres would require replacement that is biologically equivalent or superior to that which is removed. Implementation of compensatory mitigation at no less than 3:1 for direct effects on riparian/riverine resources would provide equivalent preservation. Mitigation would consist of purchasing re-establishment or establishment credits within the Santa Jacinto Watershed through the Riverpark Mitigation Bank. Other offsite options for mitigation include the Riverside-Corona Regional Conservation District (RCRCD) In Lieu Fee (ILF) program, the Barry Jones mitigation bank, permittee-responsible mitigation, or other agency-approved mitigation provider.
The Riverpark Mitigation Bank would permanently preserve and manage aquatic resources that support a diversity of special-status plants and wildlife, and serves as compensatory mitigation area for WRC MSHCP riparian/riverine resources. Until the specific credits are identified and purchased, and depending on the specific types of credits available at that time, the ecological increases in functions and values through the Riverpark Mitigation Bank, the Barry Jones mitigation bank, RCRCD ILF program, permittee-responsible mitigation, or other agency- approved mitigation provider can only be generalized. Once the project environmental document has been approved and the project permits for aquatic resources have been issued, the mitigation funding would be available, and the mitigation provider and specific credit type and location of the mitigation lands would be finalized. Mitigation would consist of a purchase of re-establishment or establishment credits and would occur prior to project construction impacts. If the RCRCD ILFP is selected to fulfill mitigation, an equivalency analysis report, and habitat monitoring and management plan (HMMP) would be prepared and submitted to the Wildlife Agencies prior to construction activities. The equivalency analysis will document the biological lift and the functions and values provided by the mitigation site and the HMMP would describe the offsite compensatory mitigation and identifies the establishment and re- establishment performance criteria for the proposed mitigation. The long-term funding mechanism for post-restoration habitat maintenance and land management entity will also be identified and approved by the Wildlife Agencies prior to the start of construction.
DBESP Report
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Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation
3.3.2 Indirect Effects
A portion of AF-1 occurs just east and outside of the project limits. The direct effects on the drainage identified above would result in an indirect effect to the portion of AF-1 that occurs just outside of the project limits. This indirect effect would be considered a permanent impact on AF-1, thus the entire channel is considered permanent impacted (refer to Section 3.3.1, above).
Potential indirect effects on downstream riparian/riverine resources adjacent to the project footprint may be caused following construction activities. Indirect effects could lead to degradation of riparian habitat and water quality if water is present at the time of construction.
The use of construction equipment at the edge of the project footprint could also damage riparian/riverine resources adjacent to the project footprint through increased dust, fire risk, and introduction of invasive plants, increased habitat degradation and edge effects on the species. However, these indirect impacts will be avoided and/or minimized with implementation of the BMPs identified in Appendix C.
4 NARROW ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES MITIGATION (SECTION 6.1.3) The project site does not occur within a Narrow Endemic Plant species survey area. 5 ADDITIONAL SURVEY NEEDS (SECTION 6.3.2)
The proposed project is located within a mapped survey area for burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia; BUOW) (Michael Baker 2023). This species is further analyzed below. The project site does not occur within any other mapped survey areas (Criteria Area Plant Species, mammal, or amphibian). Therefore, these species are not discussed further.
5.1 Burrowing Owl
The BUOW is currently designated as a CDFW Species of Special Concern (SSC) and is a fully covered species under the MSHCP. The BUOW is a grassland specialist distributed throughout western North America where it occupies open areas with short vegetation and bare ground within shrub, desert, and grassland environments. BUOWs use a wide variety of arid and semi- arid environments with well-drained, level to gently sloping areas characterized by sparse vegetation and bare ground (Haug and Didiuk, 1993; Dechant et al., 1999). BUOWs are dependent upon the presence of burrowing mammals (e.g., California ground squirrels DBESP Report
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 25
Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation
(Otospermophilus beecheyi], coyotes [Canis latrans], American badger [Taxidea taxus]) whose burrows are used for roosting and nesting. The presence or absence of mammal burrows is often a major factor that limits the presence or absence of BUOW. Where mammal burrows are scarce, BUOWs have been found occupying man-made cavities, such as buried and non- functioning drainpipes, stand-pipes, and dry culverts. BUOWs may also burrow beneath rocks and debris or large, heavy objects such as concrete blocks or pads. They also require open vegetation allowing open line-of-sight of the surrounding habitat to forage as well as watch for predators.
5.1.1 Methods
Michael Baker conducted focused BUOW surveys in April, May, and June 2022 following the Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area (RCA 2006). Surveys were conducted between April 12 and June 28, 2022 on the project site and in suitable habitat in the designated survey area within 500 feet.
5.1.2 Results/Impacts
No BUOWs were detected by Michael Baker and the species was determined to be absent from the project site and its immediate vicinity (Michael Baker 2022 [Appendix E of the MSHCP Consistency Report]). Although BUOW were not observed during the focused surveys, the survey area contains suitable burrows that could become occupied by BUOWs prior to implementation of the proposed project. Figure 6, Burrowing Owl Survey Area, shows the locations of suitable habitat that was surveyed within the survey area.
DBESP Report
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Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation
5.1.3 Mitigation and Equivalency
5.1.3.1 Direct Effects
The 28.34 acres that would be directly impacted by the proposed project would not contribute to the long-term conservation of BUOW. The project site does not occur within or adjacent to a conservation area within the City of Moreno Valley. In addition, there are rural residential properties around the project site, future residential development proposed to the south, and the existing lands are all classified as disturbed. Thus, the loss of these lands would not affect the long-term conservation of BUOW in the region.
Since no BUOW were found on the project site, effects on the regional BUOW population are not expected. However, because BUOW are highly mobile and could migrate to the project site at any time to burrow or forage, there is a potential for the BUOW to be present prior to construction of the project.
To ensure there are no direct effects on BUOW, a pre-construction clearance survey will be required to reconfirm the absence of BUOWs and maintain compliance with the MSHCP, MBTA, and CFGC. In accordance with the MSHCP survey protocol (RCA 2006), the pre-construction clearance survey would need to be conducted by a qualified biologist no more than 30 days prior to initiating any ground disturbing activities to avoid direct take of BUOWs.
Once the survey is completed, the qualified biologist will prepare and submit a final report documenting the results of the clearance survey to the City of Moreno Valley for review and file. If no BUOWs or occupied burrows are detected, project activities may begin, and no additional avoidance or minimization measures would be required. However, if an occupied burrow is found within the project impact area during the pre-construction clearance survey, a BUOW avoidance and minimization plan will be prepared and submitted to the Wildlife Agencies (CDFW and USFWS) for approval prior to initiating project activities.
5.1.3.2 Indirect Effects
Potential indirect effects could occur if BUOW are occupying areas adjacent to the project site prior to project construction. However, the pre-construction clearance survey described in Section 5.2.3.1 would ensure indirect effects would not occur.
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6 REFERENCES
CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2022a. RareFind 5, California Natural Diversity Data Base, California. Data base report on threatened, endangered, rare or otherwise sensitive species and communities for the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles.
CDFW. 2022b. Biogeographic Information and Observation System, California Natural Diversity Data Base, California. Data base report on threatened, endangered, rare or otherwise sensitive species and communities for the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles.
City of Moreno Valley. 2021. Moreno Valley, California Municipal Code: Chapter 9.17 Landscape and Water Efficiency Requirements. Accessed online at:
https://library.qcode.us/lib/moreno_valley_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_9- chapter_9_17-9_17_030.
Dechant, J.A., M.L. Sondreal, D.H. Johnson, L.D. Igl, C.M. Goldade, P.A. Rabie, and B.R. Euliss. 1999 (revised 2002). Effects of management practices on grassland birds: Burrowing Owl.
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. Jamestown, ND.
Google, Inc. 2022. Google Earth Pro version 7.3.8.8248, build date 07/16/2021. Aerial Imagery dated 1985 through 2021.
Haug, E. A. and Didiuk, B. A. 1993. Use of Recorded Calls to Detect Burrowing Owls.
Michael Baker (Michael Baker International). 2022. Habitat Assessment and Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Consistency Analysis for the Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 Project – City of Moreno Valley, County of Riverside, California. July 31, 2023.
Proactive (Proactive Engineering Consultants). 2022. Preliminary Grading and Utility Plan, Tentative Tract Map 38443 (Sheet 4 of 5). May 2022.
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). 2022. Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside Area, California. Accessed online at:
https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx.
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USFWS. 2017. Revised USFWS Survey Guidelines for Listed Large Branchiopods USGS (United States Geological Survey). 1967 (photo revised 1968). Sunnymead, California 7.5- minute Series Topographic Map.
RCA (Regional Conservation Authority, Western Riverside County). 2006. Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area.
Accessed online at: https://www.wrc-
rca.org/species/survey_protocols/burrowing_owl_survey_instructions.pdf.
RCA. 2018. RCA MSHCP Information Map. Accessed online at:
http://wrcrca.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/.
APPENDIX A
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT
CONSERVATION PLAN CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
SUNSET CROSSING
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 38443
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY , COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE , CALIFORNIA
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY MULTIPLE
SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
Prepared For:
HIGHPOINTE COMMUNITIES
530 Technology Dr, #100
Irvine, California 92618
Contact: Ross Yamaguchi
949.303.6510
Prepared By:
MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL
5 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 500
Santa Ana, California 92707
Contact: Ryan Winkleman
949.533.0918
February 2023; revised July 2023
JN 184659
SUNSET CROSSING
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 38443
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY , COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE , CALIFORNIA
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY MULTIPLE
SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
The undersigned certify that the statements furnished in this report and exhibits present data and information required for this biological evaluation, and the fa cts, statements, and information presented is a com plete and accurate account of the findings and conclusions to the best of our knowledge and beliefs.
Ryan Winkleman
Senior Biologist
Natural Resources
Marisa Flores
Senior Biologist
Natural Resources
November 2022; Revised July 2023
JN 184659
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 ES-1
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Executive Summary
This report contains the findings of Michael Baker International’s (Michael Baker) habitat assessment and Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) consistency analysis for the proposed Sunset Crossing Tentative Tract Map (TTM) 38443 (project or project site) located in the City of Moreno Valley, Riverside County, California. Michael Baker biologists conducted a field survey/habitat assessment on April 12, 2022. The field survey was conducted to characterize existing site conditions and assess the potential for special-status 1 biological resources to occur within the project s ite and a 50-foot buffer (survey area) that could pose a constraint to implementation of the proposed project.
According to the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority’s (RCA) online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018), the survey area is not located within any Subunits, Criteria Cells , Conservation Areas, Cores/Linkages, or Public/Quasi -Public Lands identified by the MSHCP. However, the survey area is located within a designated survey area for burrowing owl ( Athene cunicularia [BUOW]) according to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018).
The survey area is located within a partially developed portion of the City of Moreno Valley, east of Nason Street and north of Bay Avenue. Natural habitats within the survey area have been eliminated due to routine weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, tilling), resulting in heavily disturbed and compacted surface soils.
As such, native vegetation communities do not occur , and the survey area is primarily comprised of disturbed land that is dominated by ruderal/weedy and ornamental plant species.
There were no special-status plant species observed within the survey area during the field survey and all special-status plant species identified during the literature review and records search are not expect ed to occur within the survey area based on existing site conditions and a review of specific-specific habit at preferences, occurrence records, known distributions, and elevation ranges.
One (1) special-status wildlife species that was observed during the field survey included: Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii ; a State Watch List [WL] species). Based on the results of the field survey and a review of specific habitat preferences, occurrence records , known distributions, and elevation ranges, it was determined that the survey area has a low potential to support BUOW (a State Species of Special Concern [SSC]), California horned lark ( Eremophila alpestris actia ; a State WL species), western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus ; a State SSC), and western yellow bat ( Lasiurus xanthinus ; a State SSC). All remaining special-status wildlife species identified during the literature review and records search a re not expected to occur within the survey area.
Due to the presence of suitable foraging habitat fo r BUOW, focused surveys were conducted to confirm the presence/absence of BUOW within the project sit e and a species-specific 500-foot buffer and analyz e potential impacts that could occur as a result of t he proposed project. Focused surveys were conducted by
1 As used in this report, “special-status” refers t o species that are either federally-/State-listed, proposed, or candidates; plant species that have been designated a California Rare Plant Rank by the California Native Plant Society; wildlife species that are designated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as Fully Protected, Species of Special Co ncern, or Watch List; State/locally rare vegetation communities; or speci es covered under the Western Riverside County Multi ple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
Executive Summary
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
a qualified biologists during the 2022 breeding sea son (March 1 to August 31) in accordance with Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western R iverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (RCA 2006). No BUOWs or sign were found during the focused surveys and the species is presumed absent.
Two (2) drainage features (Aquatic Feature 1 [AF-1] and Aquatic Feature 2 [AF-2]) occur within the survey area and would fall under potential regulatory auth ority of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and the Califor nia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
Based on a review of the conceptual site plan, appr oximately 0.47 acre of impacts to potential USACE/RWQCB jurisdiction (non-wetland waters of the U.S/waters of the State) are anticipated, comprised of 0.37 acre of permanent impacts within the project site and 0.10 acre of temporary impacts within the survey area, as well as a total of 0.74 acre of impacts to potential CDFW jurisdiction, consisting of 0.64 acre of permanent impacts and 0.10 acre of temporary impacts to vegetated streambed, and 0.01 acre of permanent impacts and 0.01 acre of temporar y impacts to associated riparian habitat. Therefore, it is anticipated that the project applicant would nee d to obtain the following regulatory permits prior to impacts occurring within jurisdictional areas: 1) Nationwide Permit from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer 2) Waste Discharge Requirement from the RWQCB, and 3) Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFW.
AF-1 and AF-2 would qualify as riparian/riverine re sources pursuant to Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP; a total of approximately 0.74 acre of riverine habitat and 0.02 acre of riparian habitat occur within the project site. Riparian/riverine resources within the survey area do not provide suitable habitat for western yellow- billed cuckoo ( Coccyzus americanus occidentalis ), southwestern willow flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii extimus ), least Bell’s vireo ( Vireo bellii pusillus ), or fairy shrimp, nor is vernal pool habitat present.
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table of Contents
Section 1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Location ..................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Description ................................................................................................. 1 Section 2 Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Literature Review ................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Field Survey .................................................. ................................................... ..... 5
2.3 Vegetation Communities ......................................................................................... 5
2.4 Plants ..................................................................................................... ............... 6
2.5 Wildlife ..................................................................................................... ............ 6 Section 3 Results and Discussion ...................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Existing Conditions .................................................. .............................................. 7
3.1.1 Topography and Soils ........................ ................................................................................. 7
3.1.2 Surrounding Land Uses ....................... ............................................................................... 7
3.2 Vegetation Communities and Other Land Uses .................................................. ........ 7
3.2.1 Disturbed Habitat ........................... ..................................................................................... 7
3.2.2 Developed ................................... ...................................................................................... 10
3.3 Wildlife ..................................................................................................... .......... 10
3.3.1 Fish ........................................ ........................................................................................... 10
3.3.2 Amphibians .................................. ..................................................................................... 10
3.3.3 Reptiles .................................... ......................................................................................... 11
3.3.4 Birds ....................................... ........................................................................................... 11
3.3.5 Mammals ..................................... ..................................................................................... 11
3.4 Wildlife Connectivity ................................................... ......................................... 12
3.5 Special-Status Biological Resources .................................................. ..................... 12
3.5.1 Special-Status Plant Species ................ ............................................................................. 13
3.5.2 Special-Status Wildlife Species ............. ........................................................................... 13
3.5.3 Special-Status Vegetation Communities ....... .................................................................... 15
3.6 Local Policies and Ordinances .................................................. ............................. 15
3.6.1 City of Moreno Valley Municipal Code ........ ................................................................... 15 Table of Contents
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3.7 Critical Habitat ................................................... .................................................. 15
3.8 State and Federal Jurisdictional Areas ..................................................................... 18
3.8.1 United States Army Corps of Engineers ....... .................................................................... 18
3.8.2 Regional Water Quality Control Board ........ .................................................................... 18
3.8.3 California Department of Fish and Wildlife .. ................................................................... 20 Section 4 MSHCP Consistency Analysis ....................................................................................... 21
4.1 Project Introduction and Setting .................................................. ........................... 21
4.1.1 Project Area ................................ ...................................................................................... 21
4.1.2 Project Description ......................... .................................................................................. 21
4.1.3 Covered Roads ............................... ................................................................................... 21
4.1.4 General Setting ............................. .................................................................................... 21
4.2 Reserve Assembly Analysis ................................................................................... 23
4.2.1 Public/Quasi-Public Lands Analysis .......... ....................................................................... 23
4.3 Vegetation Mapping .................................................. ........................................... 23
4.4 Protection of Species Associated With Riparian/ Riverine Resources and Vernal Pools . 24
4.4.1 Riparian/Riverine ........................... ................................................................................... 24
4.4.2 Vernal Pools ................................ ...................................................................................... 24
4.4.3 Fairy Shrimp ................................ ..................................................................................... 26
4.4.4 Riparian Birds .............................. ..................................................................................... 26
4.1 Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species .................................................. ......... 27
4.2 Additional Survey Needs and Procedures .................................................. .............. 27
4.6.1 Criteria Area Plant Species ................. .............................................................................. 27
4.6.2 Amphibians .................................. ..................................................................................... 27
4.6.3 Burrowing Owl ............................... .................................................................................. 27
4.6.4 Mammals ..................................... ..................................................................................... 29
4.3 Information on Other Species ................................................................................. 29
4.7.1 Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly................ ........................................................................ 29
4.7.2 Species Not Adequately Conserved ............ ...................................................................... 29
4.4 Guidelines Pertaining to the Urban/Wildlands Interface ............................................ 29
4.5 Standard Best Management Practices ...................................................................... 30 Section 5 Conclusions and Recommendations .............................................................................. 32 Table of Contents
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Section 6 References ........................................................................................................................ 35
Table of Contents
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 iv
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
FIGURES
Figure 1: Regional and Project Vicinity ........... ........................................................................................ 2 Figure 2: Project Site ............................ .................................................................................................... 3 Figure 3: USDA Soils .............................. ................................................................................................. 8 Figure 4: Vegetation Communities and Other Land Use s ........................................................................ 9 Figure 5: Critical Habitat ........................ ................................................................................................ 17 Figure 6: MSHCP Conservation Areas ................ .................................................................................. 22 Figure 7: Riparian Riverine Resources ............. ...................................................................................... 25
TABLES
Table 1: Survey Date, Time, Surveyors, and Weather Conditions ............................................................... 5 Table 2: Jurisdictional Resources ............................................................................................................... 18 Table 3: Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types (Acres) ............................................................ 24
APPENDICES
Appendix A Proposed Site Plan
Appendix B Site Photographs
Appendix C Plant and Wildlife Species Observed List
Appendix D Potentially Occurring Special-Status Bio logical Resources Appendix E Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Acronyms and Abbreviations
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AF Aquatic Feature
AMM Avoidance and Minimization Measure
APN assessor’s parcel number
BMPs best management practices
BUOW burrowing owl
CDFG California Department of Fish and Game
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CFGC California Fish and Game Code
CIRP Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of Cal ifornia CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database
CNPS California Native Plant Society
CWA Federal Clean Water Act
DBESP Determination of Biologically Equivalent or S uperior Preservation FESA Federal Endangered Species Act
GIS Geographic Information System
I Interstate
IPaC Information for Planning and Consultation Proj ect Planning Tool MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Michael Baker Michael Baker International
MSHCP Western Riverside County Multiple Species Hab itat Conservation Plan P/QP Public/Quasi-Public
project Sunset Crossing Tentative Tract Map 38443
RCA Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SKR Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat
SKR HCP Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan SR State Route
SSC Species of Special Concern
TTM Tentative Tract Map
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS United States Geological Survey
WL Watch List
WoS waters of the State
WoUS waters of the U.S.
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Section 1 Introduction
This report contains the findings of Michael Baker International’s (Michael Baker) habitat assessment and Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) consistency analysis for the proposed Sunset Crossing Tentative Tract Map (TTM) 38443 (project or project site) located in the City of Moreno Valley, Riverside County, California. Michael Baker biologists conducted a field survey/habitat assessment on April 12, 2022. The field surveys were conducted to characterize existing site conditions and assess the potential for special-status 2 biological resources to occur within the project s ite and a 50-foot buffer (survey area) that could pose a constraint to implementation of the proposed project. Special attention was given to the suitability of the habitat within the survey area and its potential to support specia l-status biological resources that were identified by the Ca lifornia Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database RareFind 5 (C NDDB; CDFW 2022a), the CNDDB Biogeographic Information and Observation System (CDFW 2022b), th e California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of Californ ia (CIRP; CNPS 2022), the United State Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning a nd Consultation Project Planning Tool (IPaC; USFWS 2022a), the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority’s (RCA) online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018), and other datab ases as potentially occurring in the vicinity of th e survey area.
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The project site is located within the City of Moreno Valley, generally to the north of Perris Reservoir, east of Interstate 215 (I-215), south of State Route 60 (SR-60), and west of SR-79 (refer to Figure 1, Regional and Project Vicinity ). The project site is depicted in Section 10, Town ship 3 South, Range 3 West, on the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangle. Specifically, the project site is located north of Bay Avenue, so uth of Cottonwood Avenue, west of Marion Road, and east of Nason Street on assessor’s parcel numbers ( APN) 488-190-027, 488-190-005, and 488-190-028 (refer to Figure 2, Project Site ).
1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project includes the development of up to 133 residential units, a water basin, a park, a nd road construction on 29.39 acres (refer to Appendix A, Proposed Site Plan ).
2 As used in this report, “special-status” refers t o species that are either federally-/State-listed, proposed, or candidates; plant species that have been designated a California Rare Plant Rank by the California Native Plant Society; wildlife species that are designated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as Fully Protected, Species of Special Co ncern, or Watch List; State/locally rare vegetation communities; or speci es covered under the Western Riverside County Multi ple Species Habitat Conservation Plan
Regional and Project Vicinity
Figure 1
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Project Site (29.39 acres)
SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND MSHCP CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
Source: USGS 7.5-Minute topographic quadrangle maps: Perris and Sunnymead, California (2021) Project Location
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Project Site (29.39 acres)
Survey Area (34.66 acres)
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SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND MSHCP CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
Source: Nearmap (01/2022)
Cottonwood Ave
P1
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 4
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Section 2 Methodology
Prior to conducting the field survey, Michael Baker conducted thorough literature reviews and records searches to determine which special-status biological resources have the potential to occur on or within the general vicinity of the survey area. A general habitat assessment or field survey was conducted in order to document existing biological conditions and determi ne the potential for special-status plant and wildl ife species to occur within the survey area.
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Prior to conducting the field survey, literature reviews and records searches were conducted within a 5-mile radius for special-status biological resources pote ntially occurring on or within the vicinity of the survey area. Previous special-status plant and wildlife sp ecies occurrence records within the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles were determined through a query of the CNDDB (CDFW 2022a) and CIRP (CNPS 2022), and for the project region through a review of the IPaC (USFWS 2022a).
The current regulatory/conservation statuses of spe cial-status plant and wildlife species were verifie d through lists and resources provided by the CDFW, s pecifically the Special Animals List (CDFW 2022c), Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens Li st (CDFW 2022d), State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California (CDFW 2022e), and State and Federally Listed Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants of Californ ia (CDFW 2022f). USFWS-designated Critical Habitat for species listed under the federal Endang ered Species Act (FESA) was reviewed online via the Environmental Conservation Online System: Threatene d and Endangered Species Active Critical Habitat Report (USFWS 2022b). In addition, Michael Baker reviewed previously prepared reports, survey results, and literature, as available, detailing the biological resources previously observed on or within the vicinity of the survey area to understand existing site cond itions, confirm previous species observations, and note the extent of any disturbances, if present, that ha ve occurred within the survey area that would other wise limit the distribution of special-status biological resources. Standard field guides and texts were re viewed for specific habitat requirements of special-status species, as well as the following resources:
• Calflora Database (Calflora 2022)
• Google Earth Pro Historical Aerial Imagery from 1985 to 2021 (Google, Inc. 2021) • Species Accounts provided by Birds of the World (Billerman et. al 2020) • Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Database (eBird 2022) • Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside Area, California (United States Department of Agriculture [USDA] 2022)
• National Wetlands Inventory Mapper (USFWS 2022c)
Section 2 - Methodology
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 5
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Refer to Section 6 for a complete list of technical references that were reviewed by Michael Baker throughout the course of the habitat assessment.
2.2 FIELD SURVEY
Michael Baker biologists Ryan Winkleman and Lauren Mapes inventoried and evaluated the extent and conditions of the vegetation communities found with in the boundaries of the project site and a 50-foot buffer (survey area) and confirmed existing conditi ons within the survey area on April 12, 2022. Micha el Baker biologists were not able to survey the entire survey area due to access restrictions associated with the private residential properties along the project’s northeast and eastern boundary, as well as a tempor ary construction yard along a portion of the project’s western boundary. However, these areas were observe d with binoculars from within the project site. Refer to Table 1 below for a summary of the survey date, timing, surveyors, and weather conditions.
Table 1: Survey Date, Time, Surveyors, and Weather Conditions Date Time
(start / finish) Surveyors
Weather Conditions
Temperature (°F)
(start / finish)
Wind Speed (mph)
(start / finish)
April 12, 2022 0830 / 1000 Ryan Winkleman, Lauren M apes 63 sunny / 66 sunny 1 – 3 According to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information App lication (RCA 2018), the survey area is not located within any Subunits, Criteria Cells, Conser vation Areas, Cores/Linkages, or Public/Quasi-Publi c (P/QP) Lands identified by the MSHCP. However, the survey area is located within a designated survey area for burrowing owl ( Athene cunicularia [BUOW]).
Vegetation communities preliminarily identified on aerial photographs during the literature review wer e verified in the field by walking meandering transec ts through the vegetation communities and along boundaries between vegetation communities. Naturally vegetated areas typically have a higher potential to support special-status plant and wildlife species t han areas that are highly disturbed or developed, w hich usually have lower quality and/or reduced amounts o f habitat for wildlife. All plant and wildlife spec ies observed during the habitat assessment, as well as dominant plant species within each vegetation community, were recorded in a field notebook, as described below. In addition, site characteristics such as soil condition, topography, hydrology, anthropogeni c disturbances, indicator species, and the overall condition of on-site vegetation communities were recorded.
2.3 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
Vegetation communities occurring within the survey area were delineated on an aerial photograph during the field survey and later digitized using GIS ArcV iew software to quantify the area of each vegetatio n community in acres. Vegetation communities were cla ssified in accordance with the vegetation communities provided in A Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et al. 2009) and cross referenced with the Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California (Holland 1986) and the Section 2 - Methodology
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 6
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
2012 Western Riverside Vegetation Map for the purposes of evaluating the presence or absence of special- status vegetation communities identified in the CNDDB records search, which uses the Holland vegetation system.
2.4 PLANTS
Plant species observed during the habitat assessmen t were identified by visual characteristics and morphology in the field and recorded in a field notebook. Unfamiliar plants were photographed in the field and identified later using taxonomic guides. Plant nomenclature used in this report follows the Jepson eFlora (Jepson Flora Project 2022) and scientific names ar e provided immediately following common names of plant species (first reference only).
2.5 WILDLIFE
Wildlife species detected during the habitat assessment by sight, calls, tracks, scat, burrows, nests, or other types of sign were recorded in a field notebook. Fi eld guides used to assist with identification of sp ecies during the habitat assessment included The Sibley Guide to Birds (Sibley 2014) for birds, A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians (Stebbins 2003) for herpetofauna, and A Field Guide to Mammals of North America (Reid 2006). Although common names of wildlife species are generally well standardized, scientific names are provided immediately following common names of wildlife species in this report (first reference only). To the extent possible, nomenclatu re of birds follows the most recent annual suppleme nt of the American Ornithological Union’s Checklist of North American Birds (Chesser et al. 2019), nomenclature of amphibians and reptiles follows Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico, with Comments Regarding Confidence in Our Understanding (Crother 2017), and nomenclature for mammals follo ws the Bats of the United States and Canada (Harvey et al. 2011) and Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico (Bradley et al. 2014).
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 7
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Section 3 Results and Discussion
3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
3.1.1 TOPOGRAPHY AND SOILS
The survey area is located within a moderately deve loped portion of the City of Moreno Valley, at an elevation of approximately 1,611 to 1,644 feet abov e mean sea level with generally flat topography throughout. Based on a review of Google Earth aerial imagery from 1985 to 2021, the project site has been routinely cleared as a result of routine weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, tilling), resulting in heavily disturbed and compacted surface soils. According to the Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside Area, California (USDA 2022) , the survey area is underlain by the following soil units:
Greenfield sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, erode d (GyC2), Hanford coarse sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes (HcC), Ramona sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slo pes, eroded (RaB2), and Ramona sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes, severely eroded (RaB3). Refer to Fi gure 3, USDA Soils , for a depiction of soil units that have been mapped within the survey area. In additio n, please refer to Appendix B for representative photographs of the survey area taken during the field survey.
3.1.2 SURROUNDING LAND USES
Land uses in the immediate vicinity of the survey a rea include vacant, residential, and commercial lan d uses. Vacant, undeveloped land is located to the north, south, and east of the survey area, while residential uses are located along the west, northwest, and nor theast boundaries of the site. Additionally, commercial uses were currently being built along the western boundary at the time of the field survey.
3.2 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND OTHER LAND USES
Natural habitats within the survey area have been eliminated due to routine weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, tilling), resulting in heavily disturbed a nd compacted surface soils. As such, native vegetat ion communities do not occur. The survey area is primar ily comprised of disturbed habitat that is dominate d by ruderal/weedy and ornamental plant species. In addition, developed areas were also observed along the northern boundary and along the eastern boundary of the survey area. These land cover types are depicted on Figure 4, Vegetation Communities and Other Land Uses , and described in further detail below.
Additionally, refer to Appendix C, Plant and Wildlife Species Observed List , for a complete list of plant species observed within the survey area during the field survey.
3.2.1 DISTURBED HABITAT
Disturbed habitat comprises approximately 22.26 acr es of the project site and 24.40 acres of the entir e survey area. Disturbed areas within the survey area do not comprise a natural plant community and instead consist of unpaved bare ground or areas that have been previously disked or tilled as part of routine weed !>
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SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND MSHCP CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
Source: Nearmap (01/2022), USDA (2019)
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Project Site (29.39 acres)
Survey Area (34.66 acres)
!> Reference Point
Disturbed (24.40 acres)
Developed (10.27 acres)
SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND MSHCP CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
Source: Nearmap (01/2022)
Cottonwood Ave
Section 3 – Results and Discussion
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 10
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
abatement activities. Surface soils within these areas have been heavily disturbed/compacted as a result of anthropogenic disturbances and are either devoid of vegetation or support non-native, ruderal plant species or early successional plant species. Plant species observed in the disturbed areas include common fiddleneck ( Amsinckia intermedia ), wild oat ( Avena fatua ), ripgut brome ( Bromus diandrus ), red brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens ), short-podded mustard ( Hirschfeldia incana ), and telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora ). In addition, some individual mulefat ( Baccharis salicifolia ) occurs along the northwest boundary of the survey area.
3.2.2 DEVELOPED
Developed areas make up approximately 7.13 acres of the project site and 10.27 acres of the entire survey area. They consist of areas that have been constructed upon or have been physically altered to a degree that native vegetation is no longer supported. Developed areas within the survey area include two previous residential houses, one in the northeast corner and the other along the eastern boundary of the survey area.
In addition, a small portion of the western side of the survey area was being actively used for a construction yard for a commercial development along the project ’s western boundary at the time of the field survey (refer to Appendix B, Site Photographs ). Remnant residential and residential and business buildings in the northeast corner of the project site that were aban doned sometime between June 23, 2021 and April 12, 2022 were observed during the survey occurring in April 2022. In August 2022, those abandoned buildings were demolished by the previous landowner prior to the purchase by the current project proponent, Highpointe Communities.
3.3 WILDLIFE
Natural vegetation communities provide foraging hab itat, nesting/denning sites, and shelter from adver se weather or predation. This section provides a gener al discussion of common wildlife species that were detected during the field survey or that are expect ed to occur based on existing site conditions. The discussion is to be used as a general reference and is limited by the season, time of day, and weather conditions in which the field survey was conducted. Refer to Appendix C for a complete list of wildlif e species observed during the field survey.
3.3.1 FISH
No fish or hydrogeomorphic features (e.g., perennia l creeks, ponds, lakes, reservoirs) that would supp ort populations of fish were observed in the survey area during the field survey. Therefore, no fish are expected to occur within the survey area.
3.3.2 AMPHIBIANS
No amphibians or hydrogeomorphic features (e.g., pe rennial creeks, ponds, lakes, reservoirs) that woul d provide suitable breeding habitat for amphibians we re observed within the survey area. Therefore, no amphibian species are expected to occur.
Section 3 – Results and Discussion
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
3.3.3 REPTILES
One (1) reptile was observed within the survey area during the field survey, western side-blotched liz ard (Uta stansburiana elegans ). Since the survey area is primarily disturbed, it is expected to provide suitable habitat for a limited number of reptilian species that are acclimated to edge or urban environments. Reptilian species that may be present within the survey area include Great Basin fence lizard ( Sceloporus occidentalis longipes ) and San Diego alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata webbii ).
3.3.4 BIRDS
The survey area provides marginal foraging and nest ing habitat for a variety of resident and migrant b ird species that are adapted to a high degree of disturbance such as traffic, noise, and light pollution associated with the surrounding development. Twenty-six (26) b ird species were detected during the field survey, some of which included house finch ( Haemorhous mexicanus ), California towhee ( Melozone crissalis ), savannah sparrow ( Passerculus sandwichensis ), Say’s phoebe ( Sayornis saya ), and western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta ). Refer to Appendix C for a complete list of bird species observed during the field survey.
Nesting birds are protected pursuant to the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 and the California Fish and Game Code (CFGC) 3. To maintain compliance with the MBTA and CFGC, clea rance surveys are typically required prior to any ground disturbance or vegetation removal activities to avo id direct and indirect impacts to active bird nests an d/or nesting birds. Consequently, if an active bird nest is destroyed or if project activities result in indire ct impacts (e.g., nest abandonment, loss of reprodu ctive effort) to nesting birds, it is considered “take” and is potentially punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
The survey area provides marginal nesting habitat f or year-round and seasonal avian residents as well as migrating songbirds that could occur in the area. Additionally, the survey area provides nesting habitat for avian species that nest on the open ground (e.g., killdeer [Charadrius vociferus ], western meadowlark). No nests were observed within the survey area during the field survey.
3.3.5 MAMMALS
One (1) mammal species was observed during the fiel d survey: California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi ). The survey area and surrounding area provide sui table habitat for additional mammalian species adapted to living in edge or urban environments. However, the routine weed abatement and surrounding development limits the potential fo r mammalian species to occur. Other common mammalian species that may occur within the survey area include coyote ( Canis latrans ), opossum (Didelphis virginiana ), striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis ), desert cottontail ( Sylvilagus audubonii ), and raccoon ( Procyon lotor ). Bats occur throughout most of southern Californi a and may use the survey area
3 Section 3503 makes it unlawful to take, possess, o r needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by the CFGC or any regulation made pursuant thereto ; Section 3503.5 makes it unlawful to take, possess , or destroy any birds in the orders Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds-of-prey); and Section 3513 makes it unlawful to take or possess any migratory non-game bird except as provided by the rules and r egulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the MBTA, as amended (16 U.S.C. § 703 et seq. ).
Section 3 – Results and Discussion
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 12
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
as foraging habitat although it is heavily disturbe d. The presence of Mexican fan palms ( Washingtonia robusta ), Fremont cottonwood ( Populus fremontii ) and other large trees may provide roosting habita t for bats. There were abandoned remnant residential and business buildings in the northeast corner of the project site at the time of the site survey. Bats have been known to occur in the area and are known to occupy these types of remnant building structures. However, thes e buildings were demolished in August 2022 by the previous landowner prior to the purchase by the cur rent project proponent, Highpointe Communities and therefore no longer support bat habitat.
3.4 WILDLIFE CONNECTIVITY
Wildlife corridors and linkages are key features fo r wildlife movement between habitat patches. Wildli fe corridors are generally defined as those areas that provide opportunities for individuals or local populations to conduct seasonal migrations, permanent dispersals, or daily commutes, while linkages generally refer to broader areas that provide movement opportunities f or multiple keystone/focal species or allow for propagation of ecological processes (e.g., for movement of pollinators), often between areas of conser ved land.
The survey area is located within a moderately deve loped area of Moreno Valley but has undeveloped, vacant land around it, particularly to the north an d south that could function as something of a movem ent corridor for mammals. However, surrounding roads an d development have fragmented the connection between the survey area and surrounding open space and naturally occurring vegetation communities. The disturbed landscape of the survey area and absence of vegetation for cover most likely precludes the movement of wildlife through the survey area. Furth er, elevated noise levels, vehicle traffic, lightin g, and human presence associated with Nason Street, Alessa ndro Boulevard, Cottonwood Avenue, and surrounding residential development all decrease the suitability of the survey area to be used as a wi ldlife movement corridor or linkage.
3.5 SPECIAL-STATUS BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The CNDDB, CIRP, and IPaC were queried for reported locations of special-status plant and wildlife species as well as special-status natural vegetatio n communities in the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles. The field survey was conducted to assess the conditions of the habitat(s) within the boundaries of the survey area to determine if the existing vegetation communities, at the time of the field survey, have the potential to provide suitable habitat(s) for special-status plant and wildlife species. Addition ally, the potentials for special-status species to occur within the survey area were determined based on the reported locations in the CNDDB and CIRP and the following:
• Present : the species was observed or detected within the survey area during the field survey. • High : Occurrence records (within 20 years) indicate that the species has been known to occur on or within one mile of the survey area and the site is within the normal expected range of this Section 3 – Results and Discussion
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species. Intact, suitable habitat preferred by this species occurs within the survey area and/or there is viable landscape connectivity to a local known extant population(s) or sighting(s). • Moderate : Occurrence records (within 20 years) indicate tha t the species has been known to occur within one mile of the survey area and the site is within the normal expected range of this species. There is suitable habitat within the survey area, but the site is ecologically isolated from any local known extant populations or sightings.
• Low : Occurrence records (within 20 years) indicate tha t the species has been known to occur within five miles of the survey area, but the site is outside of the normal expected range of the species and/or there is poor quality or marginal habitat within the survey area. • Not Expected : There are no occurrence records of the species occurring within five miles of the survey area, there is no suitable habitat within th e survey area, and/or the survey area is outside of the normal expected range for the species.
The CNDDB, CIRP, and IPaC searches identified forty (40) special-status plant species and forty-three (43) special-status wildlife species as having been prev iously recorded within the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles. In addition, three (3) special-status vegetation communities were identifi ed in the literature search results. Special-status plant and wildlife species were evaluated for their poten tial to occur within the survey area based on habit at preferences, availability and quality of suitable h abitat, and known distributions. Special-status biological resources identified during the literature review a s having the potential to occur within the vicinity of the survey area are presented in Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Bio logical Resources , provided in Appendix D.
3.5.1 SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES
Forty (40) special-status plant species have been r ecorded in the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles by the CNDDB, CIRP, and IPaC (refer to Appendix D). No special-status plant species were observed within the survey area during the field survey.
The survey area is primarily comprised of disturbed/ruderal non-native herbs and grasses. Vegetation that is present primarily consists of common wild oat, r ipgut brome, short-podded mustard, and horehound (Marrubium vulgare ). Additionally, the routine weed abatement within the survey area and surrounding developed land uses have reduced the potential for the survey area to provide suitable habitat for spe cial- status plant species. Based on existing site condit ions and a review of specific habitat preferences, occurrence records, known distributions, and elevat ion ranges, it was determined that the special-stat us plant species identified by the CNDDB, CIRP, and IP aC databases are not expected to occur within the survey area.
3.5.2 SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES
Forty-three (43) special-status wildlife species have been recorded in the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles by the CNDDB (refer to Appe ndix Section 3 – Results and Discussion
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
D). One (1) special-status wildlife species was observed during the field survey: Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii ; a State Watch List [WL] species). One individual Cooper’s hawk was observed foraging across the survey area. Based on the results of the field survey and a review of specific habitat preferences , occurrence records, known distributions, and elevation ranges, it was determined that the survey area has a low potential to support BUOW (a State Species of S pecial Concern [SSC]), California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris actia ; a State WL species), western mastiff bat ( Eumops perotis californicus ; a State SSC), and western yellow bat ( Lasiurus xanthinus ; a State SSC). All remaining special-status wildli fe species identified by the CNDDB database are not expected to occur within the survey area.
Due to regional significance in western Riverside C ounty and the presence of a known population in the project vicinity (CDFW 2022a), the potential occurrence of Stephens’ kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys stephensi [SKR]) is described in further detail below. In addition, the potential occurrence of BUOW is described in further detail in Section 4.6.3.
Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat
The SKR is 1 of 19 subspecies of the kangaroo rat ( genus Dipodomys ) that comprise a distinct group of rodents from the family Heteromyidae. SKR is federally listed as endangered and State listed as threatened.
SKR occurs in western Riverside County, existing in fragmented populations due to the urban landscape.
The northern end of SKR’s range in western Riversid e County extends into southwestern San Bernardino County and the southern end extends into northern S an Diego County. Preferred habitats include open grasslands and sparse coastal sage scrub approximately 180 to 4,101 feet above mean sea level. SKR prefers open habitats with less than 50% protective cover w ith soft, well-drained sandy substrates for buildin g burrows. This species is nocturnal and solitary, spending little time above ground.
Separate from the MSHCP, USFWS and CDFW issued the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency a Section 10(a) Permit and CFGC Section 2081 Management Authorization in 1996 establishing the Long- Term Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Pl an (SKR HCP; RCA 1996). Based on a review of the SKR HCP, the survey area is located outside the boundaries of the SKR HCP and associated Core Reserves; the San Jacinto Core Reserve is located a pproximately 2.5 miles to the southeast of the surv ey area.
According to the CNDDB, there are eight (8) occurre nce records for SKR within the USGS Sunnymead , California 7.5-minute quadrangle (CDFW 2022a). The closest ex tant occurrence record was recorded in 1989 in Moreno Valley, approximately 0.25-mile nort heast of the survey area. The undeveloped areas surrounding the northern side of Perris Reservoir, approximately 2 miles from the survey area, are als o known to support a well-established SKR population (CDFW 2022a).
Suitable sparse coastal sage scrub and open grassland habitat with sandy soils preferred by this species for burrowing are not present within the survey area. The survey area is comprised of disturbed habitat that is subject to routine weed abatement, resulting in heavily disturbed and compacted surface soils which likely preclude this species from occurring. Further, ongo ing weed abatement on-site further reduces the suitability of the survey area to support SKR. Alth ough the survey area is approximately 2 miles from a well-established population to the north of Perris Reservoir, the site is separated by extensive development, Section 3 – Results and Discussion
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 15
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
primarily residential, and as a result combined with the lack of suitable on-site habitat the survey area is not expected to support SKR.
3.5.3 SPECIAL-STATUS VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
Three (3) special-status vegetation communities hav e been reported in the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles by the CNDDB: Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest, Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest, and Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland. No special-status vegetation communities were observed within the survey area during the field survey.
3.6 LOCAL POLICIES AND ORDINANCES
3.6.1 CITY OF MORENO VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE
The City of Moreno Valley’s Municipal Code addresse s tree removal on all land uses, for all projects, in all districts requiring City approval. The Moreno V alley Municipal Code addresses requirements for preservation and protection of heritage trees withi n the City located on both private and public prope rty.
Under Title 9 Chapter 9.17 of the Moreno Valley Municipal Code, the City has identified two tree species as “heritage trees.” The olive trees (Olea europaea ) located near the northwestern corner of the site qualify as heritage trees according to the definition in Chapter 9.17.030, which states that heritage trees include any tree which “defines the historical and cultural cha racter of the city including older Palm and Olive t rees, and/or any tree designated as such by official action.” In addition, some of the trees surrounding abandoned residences that were demolished in August 2022 may qualify as “heritage trees” according to the definition in Chapter 9.17.030, which states that heritage tre es include any tree which “is fifteen (15) inch dia meter measured twenty-four (24) inches above ground level or that have reached a height of fifteen (15) feet or greater.” Under Chapter 9.17.030 of the Moreno Vall ey Municipal Code, the removal of heritage trees requires the review of the ecological historical preservation board.
It is Michael Baker’s determination that there are trees within the survey area that potentially fit the City of Moreno Valley’s definition of heritage trees. Micha el Baker recommends that an arborist conduct a tree survey on-site to determine which trees, if any, qualify as heritage trees.
3.7 CRITICAL HABITAT
Under the definition used by the FESA, “Critical Ha bitat” refers to specific areas within the geograph ical range of a species that were occupied at the time it was listed that contain the physical or biological features that are essential to the survival and eventual rec overy of that species and that may require special management considerations or protection, regardless of whether the species is still extant in the area. Areas that were not known to be occupied at the time a species was listed can also be designated as Critical Habitat if they contain one or more of the physical or biol ogical features that are essential to that species’ conservation and if the occupied areas are inadequate to ensure the species’ recovery. If a project may result in take or adverse modification to a species’ designated Critical Habitat and the project has a federal nexus, Section 3 – Results and Discussion
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
the project proponent may be required to provide suitable mitigation. Projects with a federal nexus include those that occur on federal lands, require federal permits (e.g., federal Clean Water Act [CWA] Section 404 permit), or receive any federal oversight or funding. If there is a federal nexus, then the federal agency that is responsible for providing funds or permits would be required to consult with the USFWS under the FESA.
The survey area is not located within any federally designated Critical Habitat (refer to Figure 5, Critical Habitat ).
!>
!>
33.84429
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33.997387
-117.104098
Critical Habitat
Figure 5
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Project Site (29.39 acres)
!> Reference Point
Spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis)
Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia)
SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND MSHCP CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
Source: Nearmap (01/2022), USFWS (06/2022)
?q
Perris Reservoir
%&h(
Section 3 – Results and Discussion
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
3.8 STATE AND FEDERAL JURISDICTIONAL AREAS
There are three agencies that regulate activities w ithin inland streams, wetlands, and riparian areas in California. The United States Army Corps of Enginee rs (USACE) Regulatory Branch regulates discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S. (WoUS) pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Of the State agen cies, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) regulates discharges to waters of the State (WoS), including wetlands, pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA, Section 13263 of the California Porter- Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Porter-Cologne Act), and State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State ; and the CDFW regulates alterations to lakes, stre ambeds, and riparian habitats pursuant to Section 1600 et seq . of the CFGC.
As documented in the Delineation of State and Federal Jurisdictional Wat ers (Michael Baker 2022), two (2) drainage features were documented within the boundaries of the survey area as follows: Aquatic Feature 1 (AF-1) and Aquatic Feature 2 (AF-2). Neither feat ure qualified as a wetland. Refer to Table 2 and th e following sections for a summary of jurisdictional features documented within the survey area.
Table 2: Jurisdictional Resources
Aquatic
Feature
Class of
Aquatic
Feature
Linear
Feet
Acreage within Project Site Acreage within Survey Area
USFWS/RWQCB** CDFW** USFWS/RWQCB** CDFW**
Non-Wetland
WoUS/WoS
Wetland
WoUS/W
oS
Streambed Riparian Non-Wetland
WoUS/WoS
Wetland
WoUS/W
oS
Streambed Riparian
AF-1 Non-Wetland 1,444 0.37 0.00 0.64 0.00 0.37 0.00 0.64 0.00 AF-2 Non-Wetland 611 < 0.001 0.00 < 0.001 0.01 0.10 0.00 0.10 0.02 TOTAL* 2,055 0.37 0.00 0.64 0.01 0.47 0.00 0.74 0.0 2
*Total may not equal to sum due to rounding.
**All resources are considered potentially jurisdictional until they have been reviewed by the respective regulating authority.
3.8.1 UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
The USACE regulates discharge of dredged or fill material into WoUS pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Based on a review of the conceptual plan, approximately
0.37 acre of impacts to potentially jurisdictional USACE (non-wetland WoUS) are anticipated, comprised of 0.27 acre of permanent impacts within the projec t site, and 0.10 acre of temporary impacts within t he survey area. Therefore, the project proponent would provide notification for the use of a Nationwide Permit prior to impacts within potentially USACE jurisdictional areas.
3.8.2 REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD
The RWQCB regulates discharges to surface waters pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA and Section 13263 of the Porter-Cologne Act. Based on a review of the conceptual site plan, approximately 0.37 acre of Section 3 – Results and Discussion
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
impacts to RWQCB jurisdiction (non-wetland WoS) are anticipated, comprised of 0.27 acre of permanent impacts within the project site, and 0.10 acre of t emporary impacts within the survey area. Therefore, it would be necessary for the project proponent to obtain a Waste Discharge Requirement from the RWQCB prior to impacts occurring within RWQCB jurisdictional areas.
Section 3 – Results and Discussion
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
3.8.3 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
The CDFW regulates alterations to lakes, streambeds, and riparian habitats pursuant to Section 1600 et seq . of the CFGC. Based on a review of the conceptual si te plan, a total of 0.76 acre of impacts to CDFW jurisdiction are anticipated. Anticipated impacts consist of 0.64 acre of permanent impacts and 0.10 acre of temporary impacts to vegetated streambed, and 0. 01 acre of permanent impacts and 0.01 acre of temporary impacts to associated riparian. Therefore , it would be necessary for the project proponent t o obtain a Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement from the CDFW prior to impacts occurring within CDFW jurisdictional areas.
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Section 4 MSHCP Consistency Analysis
This section contains the findings of Michael Baker ’s MSHCP consistency analysis for the proposed project. The purpose of this consistency analysis is to summarize the biological data for the proposed project and to document the project’s consistency with the goals and objectives of the MSHCP. This analysis is focused on the project site. According to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018), the project site is not located within any Subunits , Criteria Cells, Conservation Areas, Cores/Linkages, or P/QP lands identified by the MSHCP (refer to Figure 6, MSHCP Conservation Areas ). However, the project site is located within a designated survey area for BUOW according to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018).
4.1 PROJECT INTRODUCTION AND SETTING
4.1.1 PROJECT AREA
The project site consists of APN 488-190-027, 488-1 90-005, and 488-190-028 which is approximately
29.39 acres. As previously stated, according to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018), the project site is located within a designa ted survey area for BUOW and is not located within any Subunits, Criteria Cells, Conservation Areas, Cores/Linkages, or P/QP lands identified by the MSHCP.
4.1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project includes the development of up to 133 residential units, a water basin, a park, a nd road construction on 29.39 acres (refer to Appendix A, Proposed Site Plan ).
4.1.3 COVERED ROADS
The proposed project does not include the construction of, or im provements to, any Covered Roads referenced in Section 7 of the MSHCP. Therefore, a discussion related to the proposed project and Covered Roads is not warranted.
4.1.4 GENERAL SETTING
The project site is located within a moderately dev eloped portion of the City of Moreno Valley, east o f Alessandro Boulevard and Nason Street intersection. Natural habitats within the project site have been eliminated due to routine weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, tilling), resulting in heavily disturbed and compacted surface soils. The topography of the proj ect site is generally flat. Land uses in the immedi ate vicinity of the project site include vacant, residential, and commercial land uses. Vacant, undeveloped land is located to the north, south, and east of the project site, while residential uses are located along the west, northwest, and northeast boundaries of the site. Ad ditionally, commercial uses were currently being bu ilt along the western boundary at the time of the field survey. !>
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33.905774
-117.205142
33.939984
-117.168827
MSHCP Conservation Areas
Figure 6
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Project Site (29.39 acres)
!> Reference Point
Burrowing Owl Survey Area
SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND MSHCP CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
Source: Nearmap (01/2022), WRCRCA (04/2022)
?q
Nason St
Alessandro Blvd
Cactus Ave
Eucalyptus Ave
M
oreno
Beach DrDracaea Ave
Cottonwood Ave
Section 4 - MSHCP Consistency Analysis
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
4.2 RESERVE ASSEMBLY ANALYSIS
According to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018), the project site is not located within any Subunits, Criteria Cells, Conservation A reas, Cores/Linkages, or P/QP lands identified by t he MSHCP (refer to Figure 6, MSHCP Conservation Areas ). Therefore, a Reserve Assembly discussion related to the proposed project is not warranted.
4.2.1 PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC LANDS ANALYSIS
According to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018), the project site is not located within any P/QP lands identified by the MSHCP. Ther efore, a discussion related to P/QP lands and the proposed project is not warranted.
4.3 VEGETATION MAPPING
As stated in Section 6.3.1 of the MSHCP, project-le vel vegetation mapping may be required for projects that meet certain criteria to assess whether conservation is required. Michael Baker conducted a review of the 2012 vegetation layer presented in the RCA’s on line MSHCP Information Application and aerial photography to understand existing site conditions and extent of any disturbances that have occurred on the project site (RCA 2018). In addition, a field surve y was conducted in order to document the extent and condition of the vegetation communities occurring within the boundaries of the project site.
Vegetation communities occurring within the project site were delineated on an aerial photograph durin g the field surveys and later digitized using the GIS ArcView software to quantify the area of each vegetation community in acres. Vegetation communities occurring within the project site were classified in accordance with the vegetation descriptions provided in the Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et al. , 2009) and cross referenced with the vegetation communities de scribed in the MSHCP and the 2012 vegetation layer presented in the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018).
Based on the results of the field survey, natural habitats within the project site have been eliminated due to routine weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, t illing), resulting in heavily disturbed and compact ed surface soils. As such, native vegetation communities do not occur. The project site is primarily comprised of disturbed and developed land that is dominated b y ruderal/weedy, low-growing plant species and ornamental plant species (refer to Figure 4, Vegetation Communities and Other Land Uses ). Based on the 2012 vegetation layer presented in the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application, the entire project site was mapped as developed/disturbed land (RCA 20 18). Refer to Table 3 below for a summary of the vegetation communities and land cover types within the project site and 50-foot survey area.
Section 4 - MSHCP Consistency Analysis
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table 3: Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types (Acres) Vegetation Community/Land Cover Project Site Survey Area Total Disturbed Habitat 22.26 2.14 24.40
Developed 7.13 3.14 10.27
TOTAL 29.39 5.28 34.67
*Total may not equal to sum due to rounding.
4.4 PROTECTION OF SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH RIPARIAN/
RIVERINE RESOURCES AND VERNAL POOLS
4.4.1 RIPARIAN/RIVERINE
As defined under Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP, ripari an/riverine resources are areas dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergent plants, or emergent mosses and lichens which occur close to or are depende nt upon nearby freshwater, or areas with freshwater flowing during all or a portion of the year. Conservation of these areas is intended to protect habitat that is essential to a wide variety of listed or special-status water- dependent fish, amphibian, avian, and plant species.
As documented in the Delineation of State and Federal Jurisdictional Wat ers (Michael Baker 2023), two (2) drainage features were recorded within the survey area (AF-1 and AF-2). These drainage features qualify as riparian/riverine resources pursuant to Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP and total approximately 0.74 acre of riverine habitat within the project site and the survey area) and 0.01 acre of riparian vegetation within the project site (0.02 acre within the entire survey area) consisting primarily of mulefat (refer to Figure 7, Riparian/Riverine Resources ). AF-1 and AF-2 are ephemeral and only flow in dir ect response to precipitation. If impacts to riparian/riverine resources cannot be avoided, a De termination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP) report would need to be prepared and submitted to the RCA and Wildlife Agencies (USFWS and CDFW) for review and approval prior to implementation of the proposed project.
4.4.2 VERNAL POOLS
One of the factors for determining the presence of vernal pools would be demonstrable evidence of seasonal ponding in an area of topographic depression that is not subject to flowing waters. Prior to conducting the habitat assessment, a review of historical aerial photographs using Google Earth was conducted. In addition, a review of the USDA Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside A rea, California, was also conducted to determine the soil associations within the project site. The MSHCP lists two general clas ses of soils known to be associated with special-status plant species and presence of vernal pool habitat; clay soils and Traver-Domino Willow association soils. T he specific clay soils known to be associated with special-status species/vernal pool habitat within the MSHCP Plan Area include Bosanko, Auld, Altamont, and Porterville series soils, whereas Traver-Domino Willows association includes saline-alkali soils largely !>
!>
33.920278
-117.189924
33.925326
-117.184483
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0 250125
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Project Site (29.39 acres)
Survey Area (34.66 acres)
!> Reference Point
Riparian (0.02 acres)
Riverine (0.74 acres)
Source: Nearmap (01/2022)
Cottonwood Ave
SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
DETERMINATION OF BIOLOGICALLY EQUIVALENT OR SUPERIOR PRESERVATION Figure 5
7 Section 4 - MSHCP Consistency Analysis
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
located along floodplain areas of the San Jacinto River and the Salt Creek flood control channel.
Based on a review of the Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside A rea, California (USDA 2022), none of the soil classes (e.g., Bosanko, Aul d, Altamont, and Porterville series and Traver-Domi no Willows association) known to be associated with ve rnal pool habitat occur within the project site. Th e mapped soils throughout the project site primarily consist of sandy loam textures and not the clay soi l textures which are needed to form the impermeable r estrictive duripan layer below the soils surface.
Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts are expect ed to occur, and no further discussion related to t he proposed project and vernal pools is warranted.
4.4.3 FAIRY SHRIMP
One species of fairy shrimp has been recorded in the USGS Sunnymead , California 7.5-minute quadrangle:
Riverside fairy shrimp ( Streptocephalus woottoni ). Riverside fairy shrimp are restricted to deep se asonal vernal pools, vernal pool like ephemeral ponds, sto ck ponds, and other human modified depressions that are typically dry a portion of the year, but usuall y are filled by late fall, winter or spring rains, and may persist through May. In Riverside County, the species been found in pools formed over the following soils:
Murrieta stony clay loams, Las Posas series, Wyman clay loam, and Willows soils. According to the CNDDB, there are two (2) occurrence records for Riv erside fairy shrimp within the USGS Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangle. The closest occurrence (Occurrence Number 27) was recorded in 1998, approximately 4-miles southwest of the project site in a complex of pools on March Airforce Base; Riverside fairy shrimp cysts were found during dry- season survey in 1998 and there were no mature Riverside fairy shrimp during the wet season. However, this occurrence record is now considered extirpated since 2009 (CDFW 2022a).
Based on the results of the vernal pool habitat ass essment in the previous section 4.4.2, no vernal po ols occur within the project site. In addition, the pro ject site is separated from the closest extant occu rrence record for Riverside fairy shrimp (Occurrence Number 27) by residential and commercial development and highly trafficked roadways. Based on this informati on, it was determined that there is no suitable hab itat for fairy shrimp within or adjacent to the project site and that fairy shrimp are not known to occur anywhere in close proximity to the site. Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts are expected to occur, and no further discussion related to the proposed project and fairy shrimp is warranted.
4.4.4 RIPARIAN BIRDS
Based on the field survey, riparian/riverine resour ces suitable for riparian birds were not observed w ithin the project site. Therefore, a discussion related t o riparian birds (i.e., western yellow-billed cucko o [Coccyzus americanus occidentalis ], southwestern willow flycatcher [ Empidonax traillii extimus ], least Bell’s vireo [Vireo bellii pusillus ]) and the proposed project is not warranted.
Section 4 - MSHCP Consistency Analysis
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
4.1 PROTECTION OF NARROW ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES
According to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information App lication (RCA 2018) and Figure 6-1 of the MSHCP, the proposed project is not located within a designated survey area for Narrow Endemic Plant Species. Therefore, a discussion related to Narrow Endemic P lant Species and the proposed project is not warranted.
4.2 ADDITIONAL SURVEY NEEDS AND PROCEDURES
4.6.1 CRITERIA AREA PLANT SPECIES
Based on a desktop review of the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018) and Figure 6-2 of the MSHCP, the proposed project is not locat ed within a designated survey area for Criteria Are a plant species. Therefore, a discussion related to the proposed project and any associated Criteria Area plant species is not warranted.
4.6.2 AMPHIBIANS
Based on a desktop review of the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 2018) and Figure 6-3 of the MSHCP, the proposed project is not locat ed within a designated survey area for amphibians.
Therefore, a discussion related to the proposed project and MSHCP amphibian species is not warranted.
4.6.3 BURROWING OWL
According to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information App lication (RCA 2018) and Figure 6-4 of the MSHCP, the proposed project is located within a mapped survey area for BUOW.
Literature Review and Habitat Assessment Results
The BUOW is currently designated as a State SSC and is a fully covered species under the MSHCP. The BUOW is a grassland specialist distributed throughout western North America where it occupies open areas with short vegetation and bare ground within shrub, desert, and grassland environments. BUOWs use a wide variety of arid and semi-arid environments wit h well-drained, level to gently sloping areas characterized by sparse vegetation and bare ground (Haug and Didiuk, 1993; Dechant et al. , 1999). BUOWs are dependent upon the presence of burrowing mammal s (e.g., California ground squirrels, coyotes, American badger [ Taxidea taxus ]) whose burrows are used for roosting and nesting. The presence or absence of mammal burrows is often a major factor t hat limits the presence or absence of BUOW. Where mammal burrows are scarce, BUOWs have been found oc cupying man-made cavities, such as buried and non-functioning drain pipes, stand-pipes, and dry c ulverts. BUOWs may also burrow beneath rocks and debris or large, heavy objects such as abandoned cars, concrete blocks, or concrete pads. They also require open vegetation allowing open line-of-sight of the surrounding habitat to forage as well as watch for predators.
Section 4 - MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 28
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
According to the CNDDB, there are two (2) occurrence records for BUOW within the USGS Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangle. The closest extant occurrence (Occurrence Number 65) was recorded in 1980, approximately 2.25 miles south of the project site, where a colony of owls was observed at the Perris Reservoir Recreation Area (CDFW 2022a). Additionall y, another occurrence (Occurrence Number 439) approximately 4 miles to the southwest of the proje ct site has seen continual BUOW use since 1991, wit h the most recent update being in 2007 (CDFW 2022a). In addition, there are dozens of records of this species in the eBird database, within and just outside of a 5-mile radius from the project site (eBird 2022).
Michael Baker biologists surveyed 100% of the project site during the field survey. No BUOWs, sign (i.e., pellets, feathers, castings, or whitewash), occupied burrows, or remnant burrows were observed. However, the project site is sparsely vegetated with a varie ty of low-growing plant species that allow for open line- of-sight and foraging opportunities for BUOW. In accordance with the Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area , if BUOW habitat occurs on- site, both focused surveys and pre-construction clearance surveys are required (RCA 2006).
Focused Burrowing Owl Surveys
Michael Baker conducted focused BUOW surveys in Apr il, May, and June 2022 following the MSHCP survey protocol, Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area (RCA 2006). Surveys were conducted between April 12 and June 28, 2022 on the project site and in suitable habitat in the designated survey area within 500 feet. Although su itable burrows were found within the survey area, no BUOWs were detected by Michael Baker and the species was determined to be absent from the project site and its immediate vicinity (refer to Appendix E, Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report ).
Additional Survey and Mitigation Requirements
Although BUOWs were not observed during the focused surveys, the survey area contains suitable burrows and habitat that could become occupied by BUOWs pri or to implementation of the proposed project.
Therefore, a pre-construction clearance survey would be required to reconfirm the absence of BUOWs and maintain compliance with the MSHCP, MBTA, and CFGC. In accordance with the MSHCP survey protocol (RCA 2006), the pre-construction clearance survey would need to be conducted by a qualified biologist no more than 30 days prior to initiating any ground disturbing activities to avoid direct take of BUOWs. Once the survey is completed, the qualified biologist sh ould prepare and submit a final report documenting the results of the clearance survey to the City of Moreno Valley for review and file. If no BUOWs or occupied burrows are detected, project activities may begin, and no additional avoidance or minimization measures would be required. However, if an occupied burrow is found within the project impact area during the pre- construction clearance survey, a BUOW avoidance and minimization plan and Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation analysis would need to be prepared and submitted to t he Wildlife Agencies (CDFW and USFWS) for approval prior to initiating project activities.
Section 4 - MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 29
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
4.6.4 MAMMALS
The proposed project is not located within a mapped survey area for mammal species according to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information Application (RCA 201 8) and Figure 6-5 of the MSHCP. Therefore, a discussion related to the proposed project and MSHCP mammal species is not warranted.
4.3 INFORMATION ON OTHER SPECIES
4.7.1 DELHI SANDS FLOWER-LOVING FLY
According to the RCA’s online MSHCP Information App lication (RCA 2018) and the Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside Area, California (USDA 2022), the project site is not underlain by and does not fall within an area containing Delhi S and soils. Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts are expected to occur, and no further discussion relate d to the proposed project and the Delhi Sands flowe r- loving fly ( Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis ) is warranted.
4.7.2 SPECIES NOT ADEQUATELY CONSERVED
As described in Section 2.1.4 of the MSHCP, of the one hundred and forty-six (146) Covered Species addressed in the MSHCP, one-hundred and eighteen (1 18) species are considered to be adequately conserved. The remaining twenty-eight (28) Covered Species will be considered to be adequately conserved when certain conservation requirements are met as identified in the species-specific conservation objectives listed in Table 9-3 of the MSHCP. Based on the current status of covered species not adequately conserved presented in Table 9-3, the Monitoring Program has collected sufficient data in 2019 to confirm that beautiful hulsea ( Hulsea vestita ssp. callicarpha ), Coulter's matilija poppy ( Romneya coulteri ), Fish's milkwort ( Polygala cornuta var. fishiae ), graceful tarplant ( Holocarpha virgata ssp. elongata ), Parry’s spineflower ( Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi ), peninsular spine flower ( Chorizanthe leptotheca ), Plummer's mariposa lily ( Calochortus plummerae ), rainbow manzanita ( Arctostaphylos rainbowensis ), and small- flowered microseris ( Microseris douglasii var. platycarpha ) met the requirements listed in Table 9-3 of the MSHCP.
None of the species listed in Table 9-3 of the MSHCP were observed within the project site during the field survey. All remaining species listed in Table 9-3 of the MSHCP are not expected to occur within the project site based on existing site conditions and a review of specific habitat requirements, occurrence records, and known distributions.
4.4 GUIDELINES PERTAINING TO THE URBAN/WILDLANDS
INTERFACE
The urban/wildlands interface guidelines presented in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP are intended to address indirect effects associated with new development in proximity to MSHCP Conservation Areas. The project site is not located adjacent to any Criteria Cells, Conservation Areas, Cores/Linkages, or P/QP lands Section 4 - MSHCP Consistency Analysis
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
identified by the MSHCP. Therefore, a discussion related to the proposed project and the urban/wildlands interface guidelines presented in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP is not warranted.
4.5 STANDARD BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
In accordance with Appendix C of the MSHCP, the following standard best management practices (BMPs) should be implemented to reduce project-related impacts:
• A qualified biologist should present to project per sonnel (including temporary, contractors, and subcontractors) a worker environmental awareness pr ogram prior to the initiation of grading activities. Project personnel should be advised on any special-status wildlife species of concern, the steps to avoid impacts to the species and the p otential penalties for taking such species. At a minimum, the program should include the following t opics: occurrence of the listed and sensitive species in the area, their general ecology, sensiti vity of the species to human activities, legal protection afforded to these species, penalties for violations of federal and State laws, reporting requirements, and project features designed to redu ce the impacts to these species and promote continued successful occupation of the project area. Color photographs of the listed species should be included in the program and be shown to personne l. Following the program, the photographs should be posted in the contractor and resident engineer office and remain through the duration of the project. The contractor, resident engineer, and the qualified biologist should be responsible for ensuring that personnel are aware of the listed spe cies. If additional personnel are added to the project after initiation, they should receive instruction prior to working on the project. • In order to avoid or minimize impacts to water qual ity, a construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Plan should be developed to minimize erosion and identify specific pollution prevention measures that would eliminate or control potential point and non‐point pollution sources on‐site during and following the project’s construction phase. The project design should incorporate permanent erosion control elements to ensure that storm water runoff does not cause soil erosion. In addition, er osion control measures should be applied to all exposed areas during construction. Erosion control measures may include the trapping of sediments within the construction area by placing barriers, such as straw bales, at the perimeter of downstream drainage points or by construction of temporary det ention basins. Other methods of minimizing erosion impacts include hydromulching and limiting the amount and length of exposure of graded soil.
• Disturbance related to the project should be minimi zed to the maximum extent possible. Project site access should also be limited to existing disturbed roads and access routes. • Prior to construction, highly visible barriers (e.g ., orange construction fencing) should be clearly defined and installed around the perimeter of the project impact area and access routes. • In order to avoid impacts to nesting birds, any native vegetation removal or tree (native or exotic) trimming activities should occur outside of the nes ting bird season (February 1 – August 31). If Section 4 - MSHCP Consistency Analysis
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
avoidance of the nesting bird season is not feasible, a pre-construction nesting bird clearance survey should be conducted by a qualified biologist no mor e than three days prior to the start of any vegetation removal or ground disturbing activities to maintain compliance with the MBTA and CFGC and ensure that impacts to nesting birds do not occur. The qualified biologist should survey all suitable nesting habitat within the project imp act area, including areas within a biologically defensible buffer distance surrounding the project impact area, for the presence of nesting birds and should provide documentation of the surveys and findings to the City of Moreno Valley for review prior to initiating project activities. If no activ e bird nests are detected, project-related activiti es may begin. If an active nest is found, the bird sho uld be identified to species and the approximate distance from the closest work site to the active nest should be estimated and the qualified biologist should establish a “no-disturbance” buffer around t he active nest. The distance of the “no- disturbance” buffer may be increased or decreased a ccording to the judgement of the qualified biologist depending on the level of activity and sp ecies (i.e., listed, sensitive). In addition, the qualified biologist should periodically monitor any active bird nests to determine if project-related activities occurring outside the ‘no disturbance” buffer disturb the birds and if the buffer should be increased. Once the young have fledged and left the nest, or the nest otherwise becomes inactive under natural conditions, project-related activities within the ‘no disturbance” buffer may occur. • All equipment maintenance, staging, and dispensing of fuel, oil, or any other such activities should occur in developed or previously disturbed upland areas so as to prevent the runoff from any spills from entering waters of the U.S., waters of the State, or riparian/riverine resources. All construction equipment should be operated in a manner to prevent accidental damage to nearby preserved areas and any project-related spills of hazardous materials should be immediately reported to appropriate entities.
• Silt fence barriers should be installed around water courses to prevent accidental deposition of fill material in these areas. And brush, loose soils, or other similar debris materials should be stockpiled in developed or disturbed upland areas.
• A qualified biologist should monitor construction f or the duration of the project to ensure that BMPs and other avoidance and minimization measures are properly implemented. • Removal of native vegetation should be minimized to the maximum extent possible. • Removal of exotic species that prey upon or displace target species of concern should be removed from the project work area, if possible.
• Trash, construction refuse (e.g., broken equipment parts, cables, etc.), and food items should be contained in closed containers and removed daily.
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Section 5 Conclusions and Recommendations
The survey area is located within a moderately deve loped portion of the City of Moreno Valley, north o f Bay Avenue, south of Cottonwood Avenue, west of Marion Road, and east of Nason Street. Natural habitats within the survey area have been eliminated due to routine weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, tilling), resulting in heavily disturbed and compacted surface soils. As such, native vegetation communities do not occur. The survey area is primarily comprised of di sturbed land that is dominated by ruderal/weedy and ornamental plant species.
No special-status plant species were observed within the survey area during the field survey. Based on the results of the field survey and a review of specifi c habitat preferences, distributions, and elevation ranges, Michael Baker determined that all special-status pl ant species identified by the CNDDB, CIRP, and IPaC either have a low potential or are not expected to occur within the survey area.
Cooper’s hawk was the only special-status wildlife species observed during the field survey. Based on the results of the field survey and a review of specifi c habitat preferences, occurrence records, known distributions, and elevation ranges, it was determi ned that the survey area has a low potential to sup port BUOW (a State SSC), California horned lark (a State WL species), western mastiff bat (a State SSC), and western yellow bat (a State SSC). Additionally, alt hough not observed or expected to occur within the survey area, because the survey area is an undeveloped open space, bats may still forage over it if an insect prey base is present, particularly because there is also roosting habitat on-site. All remaining special-status wildlife species identified during the literature review and records search are not expected to occur within the survey area.
In addition to the standard BMPs identified in Sect ion 4.9 above, it is recommended that the following Avoidance and Minimization Measures (AMMs) be imple mented to avoid and/or minimize potential impacts to special-status biological resources:
AMM BIO-1: If project-related activities are to be initiated during the nesting season (February 1 to August 31), a pre-construction nesting bird clearan ce survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist no more than three (3) days prior to the start of any vegetation removal or ground disturbing activities. The qualified biol ogist shall survey all suitable nesting habitat within the project impact area, and areas w ithin a biologically defensible buffer zone surrounding the project impact area. If no act ive bird nests are detected during the clearance survey, project activities may begin, and no additional avoidance and minimization measures shall be required. If an acti ve bird nest is found, the species shall be identified, and a “no-disturbance” buffer shall be established around the active nest. The size of the “no-disturbance” buffer shall be increased or decreased based on the judgment of the qualified biologist and level of activity an d sensitivity of the species. The qualified biologist shall periodically monitor any active bir d nests to determine if project-related activities occurring outside the “no-disturbance” b uffer disturb the birds and if the buffer shall be increased. Once the young have fledged and left the nest, or the nest otherwise Section 5 – Conclusions and Recommendations
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 33
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
becomes inactive under natural conditions, project activities within the “no-disturbance” buffer may occur following an additional survey by the qualified biologist to search for any new bird nests in the restricted area.
AMM BIO-2: No less than 60 days prior to initiating project activities, a qualified bat biologist shal l conduct a bat roosting habitat suitability assessme nt of any vegetation that may be removed, altered, or indirectly impacted by the project activities. Any locations identified as having potentially suitable bat roosting habitat by the qualified approved bat biologist shall be subject to additional nighttime surveys (b at surveys) during the summer months (i.e., June through August) to determine the number s and bat species using the roost(s).
The information collected during these additional bat surveys shall be used by the qualified bat biologist to develop species-specific measures to minimize impacts to roosting bats should bats be detected using the site. The bat surveys shall be conducted by the qualified bat biologist using an appropriate combination of visual inspection, sampling, exit counts, and acoustic surveys. The results of the pre-construction bat surveys shall be submitted to CDFW for review no less than 30 days prior to the initiation of project activities.
If the presence of bats within the project is confi rmed, avoidance and minimization measures, including the designation of buffers based upon the particular bat species found and phased removal of trees, shall be developed and submitted to CDFW for review and approval. If the site supports maternity roosts, th e project applicant shall avoid disturbing those areas during the breeding season.
If the site supports a maternity roost(s) or special-status species, the project applicant shall contact CDFW and conduct an impact assessment prior to commencing project activities to assist in the development of minimization and mi tigation measures. The project applicant shall compensate for impacts and losses to maternity roosts and/or special-status bat habitat through a mitigation strategy approved by CDFW.
AMM BIO-3: A pre-construction clearance survey woul d be required to reconfirm the absence of BUOW within the project impact area and maintain complia nce with the MSHCP, MBTA, and CFGC. In accordance with the MSHCP, the pre-construction clearance survey would need to be conducted by a qualified biologist no more than 30 days prior to initiating any ground disturbing activities to avoid direct take of BUOWs . Once the survey is completed, the qualified biologist should prepare and submit a final report documenting the results of the clearance survey to the City of Moreno Valley for r eview and file. If no BUOWs or occupied burrows are detected, project activities m ay begin, and no additional avoidance or minimization measures would be required. However , if an occupied burrow is found within the project impact area during the clearance survey, a DBESP report outlining specific avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation methods that will be implemented to avoid impacts to BUOW would need to be prepared and submitted to the Wildlife Agencies (CDFW and USFWS) for approval prior to initiating project activities.
Section 5 – Conclusions and Recommendations
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 34
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
No evidence of hydrology or vernal pool indicator p lant species were observed during the field survey.
Based on a review of the Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside A rea, California (USDA 2022), none of the soil classes (e.g., Bosanko, Aul d, Altamont, and Porterville series and Traver-Domi no Willows association) known to be associated with ve rnal pool habitat occur within the survey area. The mapped soils throughout the survey area primarily c onsist of sandy loam textures and not the clay soil textures which are needed to form the impermeable r estrictive duripan layer below the soils surface.
Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts are expected to occur to vernal pools.
Based on the results of the vernal pool habitat assessment, no vernal pools are expected to occur within the survey area. In addition, the survey area is separa ted from extant populations of Riverside fairy shri mp known to occur in the surrounding area by residential and commercial development, I-215, and other highly trafficked roadways. Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts are expected to occur to Riverside fairy shrimp.
Two (2) drainage features (AF-1 and AF-2) occur wit hin the survey area and would fall under regulatory authority of the RWQCB and CDFW. Based on a review of the conceptual site plan, approximately 0.37 acre of impacts to RWQCB jurisdiction (non-wetland WoS) are anticipated, comprised of 0.27 acre of permanent impacts within the project site and 0.10 acre of temporary impacts within the survey area, a s well as a total of 0.39 acre of impacts to CDFW jur isdiction consisting of 0.27 acre of permanent impacts and 0.10 acre of temporary impacts to vegetated streambed, and <0.01 acre of permanent impacts and 0.02 acre of temporary impacts to associated riparian.. It is anticipated that the project proponent would need to obtain the following regulatory permits prior to im pacts occurring within jurisdictional areas: 1) Was te Discharge Requirement from the RWQCB, and 2) Sectio n 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFW.
AF-1 and AF-2 would qualify as riparian/riverine re sources pursuant to Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP; a total of approximately 0.37 acre of riverine habitat and 0.02 acre of riparian habitat occur within the project site. Riparian/riverine resources within the survey area do not provide suitable habitat for western yellow- billed cuckoo, southwestern willow flycatcher, least Bell’s vireo, or fairy shrimp, and vernal pools are not present. If impacts to riparian/riverine resources cannot be avoided, a DBESP report would need to be prepared and submitted to the RCA and Wildlife Agencies (USFWS and CDFW) for review and approval prior to implementation of the proposed project.
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 35
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Section 6 References
Billerman, S. M., B. K. Keeney, P. G. Rodewald, and T. S. Schulenberg (Editors). 2020. Birds of the World.
Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Accessed online at:
https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/home .
Bradley, D.R., Ammerman, L.K., Baker, R.J., Bradley, L.C., Cook, J.A., Dowler, R.C., Jones, C., Schmidly, D.J., Stangl Jr., F.B., Van Den Bussche, R.A., and B. Würsig. 2014. Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico, 2014. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Texas Tech University. 327. 1-27.
Calflora: Information on California plants for educ ation, research and conservation. [web application] . 2022. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Accessed online at:
https://www.calflora.org/ .
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2022a. RareFind 5, California Natural Diversity Data Base, California. Data base report on threatened, e ndangered, rare or otherwise sensitive species and communities for the USGS El Casco , Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead , California 7.5-minute quadrangles.
CDFW. 2022b. Biogeographic Information and Observat ion System, California Natural Diversity Data Base, California. Data base report on threatened, e ndangered, rare or otherwise sensitive species and communities for the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles.
CDFW. 2022c. Special Animals List. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sacramento, CA.
CDFW. 2022d. Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. Quarterly publication. 140 pp.
CDFW. 2022e. State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sacramento, CA.
CDFW. 2022f. State and Federally Listed Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants of California.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sacramento, CA.California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2022. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8-03
0.39). Accessed online at: http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/ .
California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2022. Inven tory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8-03 0.39). Accessed online at: http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/ .
Section 6 - References
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Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Chesser, R. T., K. J. Burns, C. Cicero, J. L. Dunn, A. W. Kratter, I. J. Lovette, P. C. Rasmussen, J. V.
Remsen, Jr., D. F. Stotz, and K. Winker. 2019. Chec k-list of North American Birds (online).
American Ornithological Society. http://checklist.aou.org/taxa .
City of Moreno Valley. 2021. Moreno Valley, Califor nia Municipal Code: Chapter 9.17 Landscape and Water Efficiency Requirements. Accessed online at:
https://library.qcode.us/lib/moreno_valley_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_9-chapter_9_17- 9_17_030.
Crother, B. I. (ed.). 2017. Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico, with Comments Regarding Confidence in Our Understanding pp. 1–102.
SSAR Herpetological Circular 43.
Dechant, J.A., M.L. Sondreal, D.H. Johnson, L.D. Ig l, C.M. Goldade, P.A. Rabie, and B.R. Euliss. 1999 (revised 2002). Effects of management practices on grassland birds: Burrowing Owl . Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. Jamestown, ND.
eBird. 2022. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Accessed online at:
http://www.ebird.org .
Google, Inc. 2022. Google Earth Pro version 7.3.8.8248, build date 07/16/2021. Aerial Imagery dated 1985 through 2021.
Harvey, M. J., J. S. Altenbach, and T.L. Best. 2011 . Bats of the United States and Canada . John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland.
Haug, E. A. and Didiuk, B. A. 1993. Use of Recorded Calls to Detect Burrowing Owls .
Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California .
California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.
Jennings, M.R. and M.P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in California .
Final report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Game, Rancho Cordova, CA.
Contract 8023.
Jepson Flora Project. 2022. Jepson eFlora. Accessed online at: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/ .
Michael Baker International (Michael Baker). 2022. Delineation of State and Federal Jurisdictional Waters for the Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 Project – City of Moreno Valley, County of Riverside, California. November 2022.
Reid, F.A. 2006. A Field Guide to Mammals of North America, Fourth E dition . Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, New York.
Section 6 - References
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 37
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Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation (Second Edition) .
California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California, USA.
Sibley, D.A. 2014. The Sibley Guide to Birds, Second Edition . Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York, New York.
Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition . Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, New York.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 202 2. Custom Soil Resource Report for Western Riverside Area, California. Accessed online at:
https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx .
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022a. IPaC Information for Planning and Consultation.
Accessed online at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ .
USFWS. 2022b. ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System: Threatened and Endangered Species Active Critical Habitat Report. Accessed online at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/report/table/critical- habitat.html .
USFWS. 2022c. National Wetland Inventory Mapper. Ac cessed online at:
https://fwsprimary.wim.usgs.gov/wetlands/apps/wetlands-mapper/ .
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 1967 (photo revised 1968). Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute Series Topographic Map.
Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Auth ority (RCA). 1996. Implementation Agreement, Riverside County, Long Term Habitat Conservation Pl an . Accessed online at:
http://www.skrplan.org/docs/implementation_agreement.pdf .
RCA. 2006. Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western R iverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area . Accessed online at: https://www.wrc- rca.org/species/survey_protocols/burrowing_owl_survey_instructions.pdf .
RCA. 2018. RCA MSHCP Information Map. Accessed onli ne at:
http://wrcrca.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/ .
Appendix A Proposed Site Plan
Appendix B Site Photographs
Appendix B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-1
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Photograph 1: Standing in the southwest portion of the project s ite, facing north overlooking disturbed habitat and an unrelated temporary constr uction yard within the site.
Photograph 2: Standing on the southern boundary of the project s ite, facing east overlooking a swale separating Sunset Crossing TTM 38442 and Sunset Crossing TTM 38443.
Appendix B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-2
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Photograph 3: Standing in the center of the project site, facing southeast overlooking disturbed habitat.
Photograph 4: Standing along the western boundary of the constru ction yard, facing north overlooking disturbed habitat.
Appendix B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-3
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Photograph 5: Standing in the northwest corner of the project si te, facing south overlooking disturbed habitat and an unrelated temporary constr uction yard within the site.
Photograph 6: Standing on the northern boundary of the project s ite, facing south overlooking disturbed habitat and ornamental trees bordering an abandoned property.
Appendix B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-4
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Photograph 7: Standing in the center of the project site, facing north overlooking disturbed habitat and an abandoned property.
Photograph 8: Standing in the northeast corner, facing south at a potential jurisdictional feature.
Appendix B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-5
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Photograph 9: Standing near the southern center of the project s ite, facing north overlooking disturbed habitat.
Photograph 10: Standing near the southeast corner of the project site, facing north overlooking developed and disturbed habitat.
Appendix B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-6
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Photograph 11: View south along he edge of the riparian/riverine on the floodplain.
Photograph 12: View south along drainage (riparian/riverine) and active floodplain
Appendix C Plant and Wildlife Species Observed
List
Appendix C – Plant and Wildlife Species Observed List
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 C-1
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table C-1: Plant and Wildlife Species Observed List
Scientific Name* Common Name Cal-IPC Rating** Special-Status Rank*** Plants
Amaranthus sp. amaranth
Acacia sp. acacia
Ambrosia acanthicarpa flatspine bur ragweed
Ambrosia artemisiifolia* annual ragweed
Amsinckia intermedia common fiddleneck
Avena fatua* common wild oat Moderate
Baccharis salicifolia mulefat
Brachypodium distachyon* purple false brome Moderate
Bromus diandrus* great brome Moderate
Bromus hordeaceus* bull grass Limited
Bromus madritensis* red brome High
Bromus sp. brome
Centaurea sp.* star-thistle Watch, Moderate, High
Chenopodium album* lamb’s quarter
Croton californicus California croton
Cupressus sempervirens* Italian cedar
Datura wrightii jimsonweed
Encelia farinosa brittlebush
Erodium cicutarium* redstem filaree Limited
Heterotheca grandiflora telegraphweed
Hirschfeldia incana* shortpod mustard Moderate
Hordeum sp. barley
Jacaranda mimosifolia* blue jacaranda
Lactuca serriola* prickly lettuce
Lamarckia aurea* goldentop grass
Malva parviflora* cheeseweed
Marrubium vulgare* horehound Limited
Melilotus officinalis* yellow sweetclover
Nicotiana glauca* tree tobacco Moderate
Olea europaea* olive tree Limited
Oncosiphon pilulifer* stinknet High
Pectocarya sp. combseed
Plagiobothrys sp. popcornflower
Polypogon monspeliensis* annual beard-grass Limited
Populus sp. cottonwood
Rumex crispus* curly dock Limited
Salsola tragus* Russian thistle Limited
Schinus molle* Peruvian pepper tree Limited
Schismus barbatus* common Mediterranean grass Limited
Sisymbrium irio* London rocket Limited
Appendix C – Plant and Wildlife Species Observed List
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 C-2
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table C-1: Plant and Wildlife Species Observed List
Scientific Name* Common Name Cal-IPC Rating** Special-Status Rank*** Sonchus sp.* thistle
Carpobrotus edulis* iceplant High
Washingtonia robusta* Mexican fan palm Moderate
Reptiles
Uta stansburiana elegans western side-blotched lizard
Birds
Accipiter cooperii Cooper’s hawk WL
Aeronautes saxatalis white throated swift
Agelaius phoeniceus red-winged blackbird
Anthus rubescens American pipit
Calypte anna Anna’s hummingbird
Columba livia* rock pigeon
Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow
Spinus lawrencei Lawrence’s goldfinch
Haemorhous mexicanus house finch
Icterus bullockii Bullock’s oriole
Icterus cucullatus hooded oriole
Melozone crissalis California towhee
Mimus polyglottos northern mockingbird
Passer domesticus* house sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis savannah sparrow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota cliff swallow
Pheucticus melanocephalus black-headed grosbeak
Psaltriparus minimus American bushtit
Sayornis nigricans black phoebe
Sayornis saya Say’s phoebe
Spinus psaltria lesser goldfinch
Streptopelia decaocto* Eurasian collared-dove
Sturnella neglecta western meadowlark
Tyrannus vociferans Cassin’s kingbird
Zenaida macroura mourning dove
Zonotrichia leucophrys white-crowned sparrow
Mammals
Otospermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel
Appendix C – Plant and Wildlife Species Observed List
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 C-3
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
* Non-native species
** California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) Ratings
High These species have severe ecological impacts on physical processes, plant and animal communities, and vegetation structure. Their reproductive biology and other attributes are conducive to moderate to high rates of dispersal and establishment. Most are widely distributed ecologically.
Moderate These species have substantial and apparent —but generally not severe —ecological impacts on physical processes, plant and animal communities, and vegetation structure. Their reproductive biology and other attributes are conducive to moderate to high rates of dispersal, though establishment is generally dependent upon ecological disturbance. Ecological amplitude and distribution may range from limited to widespread.
Limited These species are invasive but their ecological impacts are minor on a statewide level or there was not enough information to justify a higher score. Their reproductive biology and other attributes result in low to moderate rates of invasiveness. Ecological amplitude and distribution are generally limited, but these species may be locally persistent and problematic.
Watch These species have been assessed as posing a high risk of becoming invasive in the future in California. *** Special-Status Rank
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
WL Watch List - taxa that were previously designated as “Species of Special Concern” but no longer merit that status, or which do not yet meet SSC criteria, but for which there is concern and a need for additional information to clarify status.
Appendix D Potentially Occurring Special -Status
Biological Resources
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-1
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES
Accipiter cooperii
Cooper’s hawk
WL
G5
S4
Yearlong resident of California.
Generally, found in forested areas
up to 3,000 feet above mean sea
level (amsl) in elevation, especially
near edges and rivers. Prefers
hardwood stands and mature forests
but can be found in urban and
suburban areas where there are tall
trees for nesting. Common in open
areas during nesting season.
Yes Yes Present: Species was observed
within the boundaries of the
project site.
Agelaius tricolor
tricolored blackbird
ST
SSC
G1G2
S1S2
Range is limited to the coastal areas
of the Pacific coast of North
America, from Northern California
to upper Baja California. Can be
found in a wide variety of habitat
including annual grasslands, w et
and dry vernal pools and other
seasonal wetlands, agricultural
fields, cattle feedlots, and dairies.
Occasionally forage in riparian
scrub habitats along marsh borders.
Basic habitat requirements for
breeding include open accessible
water, protected nesting substrate
freshwater marsh dominated by
cattails (Typha spp.), willows (Salix
spp.), and bulrushes
(Schoenoplectus spp.), and either
flooded or thorny/spiny vegetation
and suitable foraging space
providing adequate insect prey.
Yes No Not Expected: There is minimal
to no suitable habitat preferred by
this species within the project
site. Additionally, there is no
riparian scrub habitats nearby
that this species would forage or
breed in.
Aimophila ruficeps
canescens
southern California
rufous-crowned
sparrow
WL
G5T3
S3
Yearlong resident that is typically
found between 3,000 and 6,000 feet
amsl. Breed in sparsely vegetated
scrubland on hillsides and canyons.
Prefers coastal sage scrub
dominated by California sagebrush
(Artemisia californica ), but they
can also be found breeding in
coastal bluff scrub, low -growing
serpentine chaparral, and along the
edges of tall chaparral habitats.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable coastal
sage scrub and chaparral habitats
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting are not
present within the project site.
Further, the project site is outside
of known elevation ranges for
this species.
Anniella stebbinsi
Southern California
legless lizard
SSC
G3
S3
Locally abundant specimens are
found in coastal sand dunes and a
variety of interior habitats,
including sandy washes and alluvial
fans. A large protected population
persists in the remnant of the once
extensive El Segundo Dunes at Los
Angeles International Airport.
No No Not Expected: Suitable habitats
consisting of coastal sand dunes,
sandy wash and alluvial fans are
not present within the project
site. T he project site primarily
consists of disturbed habitat due
to past agricultural operations
and continual weed abatement
activities resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-2
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Arizona elegans
occidentalis
California glossy
snake
SSC
G5T2
S2
Inhabits arid scrub, rocky washes,
grasslands, and chaparral habitats.
Appears to prefer microhabitats of
open areas and areas with soil loose
enough for easy burrowing.
No No Not Expected: Suitable arid
scrub, rocky wash, grassland, and
chaparral habitats preferred by
this species are not present within
the project site. The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Artemisiospiza belli
belli
Bell's sage sparrow
WL
G5T2T3
S3
This species has a wide, but sparse
distribution in western Riverside
County, specifically within the
“Riverside lowlands, San Jacinto
Foothills, Santa Ana Mountains,
and Desert Transition Bioregions.
Yearlong resident on the coastal
side of southern California
mountains. Breeds in coastal sage
scrub and chaparral habitats from
February to August. They req uire
semi-open habitats with evenly
spaced shrubs one to two meters
high. Occurs in chaparral
dominated by fairly dense stands of
chamise ( Adenostoma
fasciculatum).
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable coastal
sage scrub and chaparral habitats
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting are not
present within the project site.
Asio otus
long-eared owl
SSC
G5
S3?
Nests in conifer, oak, riparian,
pinyon-juniper, and desert
woodlands that are either open or
are adjacent to grasslands,
meadows, or shrublands. Key
habitat components are some dense
cover for nesting and roosting,
suitable nest platforms, and open
foraging areas.
No No Not Expected: Suitable
woodland habitats preferred by
this species for nesting are not
present within the project site.
Aspidoscelis
hyperythra
orange-throated
whiptail
WL
G5
S2S3
Uncommon to fairly common over
much of its range in Orange,
Riverside, and San Diego counties.
Also occurs in southwestern San
Bernardino County near Colton.
Semi-arid brushy areas typically
with loose soil and rocks, including
washes, streamsides, rocky
hillsides, and coastal chaparral.
Yes No Not Expected : Despite there
been an observed sighting within
0.25-mile northeast of the project
(CDFW 2022a ) site, however
there is no s uitable coastal
chaparral/semi-arid brushy
habitats preferred by this species
within the project site. The
project site is comprised of
disturbed habitat that is subject to
routine weed abatement,
resulting in heavily disturbed and
compacted surface soils that
likely preclude this species from
occurring.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-3
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Aspidoscelis tigris
stejnegeri
coastal whiptail
SSC
G5T5
S3
This subspecies is found in coastal
southern California, mostly west of
the Peninsular Ranges and south of
the Transverse Ranges, and north
into Ventura County. Ranges south
into Baja California. Found in a
variety of ecosystems, primarily hot
and dry open areas with sparse
vegetation in chaparral, woodland,
and riparian areas. Associated with
rocky areas with little vegetation or
sunny microhabitats within shrub or
grassland associations.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable, sparsely
vegetated chaparral, woodla nd,
riparian habitats preferred by this
species are not present within the
project site . The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Athene cunicularia
burrowing owl
SSC
G4
S3
Primarily a grassland species, but it
persists and even thrives in some
landscapes highly altered by human
activity. Occurs in open, annual or
perennial grasslands, deserts, and
scrublands characterized by low -
growing vegetation. The overriding
characteristics of suitable habitat
appear to be burrows for roosting
and nesting and relatively short
vegetation with only sparse shrubs
and taller vegetation.
Yes (c) No Low (Foraging): The project
site provides marginal foraging
habitat for this species . The
closest extant occurrence
(Occurrence Number 439) was
recorded in 2007, approximately
3.25 mi southwest of the project
site; there was 6 adults observed
and 2 juvenile on March Air
Force Base (CDFW 2022a ).
Protocol surveys conducted in
spring 2022 were negative.
Aquila chrysaetos
golden eagle
FP
WL
G5
S3
Yearlong resident of California.
Occupies nearly all terrestrial
habitats of the western states except
densely forested areas. Favors
secluded cliffs with overhanging
ledges and large trees for nesting
and cover. Hilly or mountainous
country where takeoff and soaring
are supported by updrafts is
generally preferred to flat habitats.
Deeply cut canyons rising to open
mountain slopes and crags are ideal
habitat.
Yes No Not Expected : Although the
project site provides marginal
foraging habitat for this species ,
the closest extant occurrence
(Occurrence Number 302) was
recorded in 1980 and over 9
miles northeast of the project
site.
Branchinecta lynchi
vernal pool fairy
shrimp
FT
G3
S3
Endemic to California and only
found in vernal pools. Vernal pool
habitats form in depressions above
an impervious substrate layer, or
claypan/duripan. This species does
not occur in riverine, marine, or
other permanent bodies of water.
When the temporary pools dry,
offspring persist in suspended
development as desiccation -
resistant embryos (commonly
called cysts) in the pool substrate
until the return of winter rains and
appropriate temperatures allow
some of the cysts to hatch.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable vernal
pool habitats preferred by this
species are not present within the
project site. The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that l ikely preclude this
species from occurring.
Additionally, federally
designated Critical Habitat for
this species is not present within
the project site.
Buteo regalis
ferruginous hawk
WL
G4
S3S4
Common winter resident of
grasslands and agricultural areas in
southwestern California. Frequents
open grasslands, sagebrush flats,
desert scrub, low foothills
surrounding valleys, and fringes of
pinyon-juniper habitats. This
species does not breed in California.
Yes No Not Expected : Suitable
grassland habitats and
agricultural areas preferred by
this species for foraging are not
present within the project site.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-4
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Chaetodipus fallax
fallax
northwestern San
Diego pocket mouse
SSC
G5T3T4
S3S4
Found terrestrially in a wide variety
of temperate habitats ranging from
chaparral and grasslands to scrub
forests and deserts. Open habitat on
the Pacific slope from southwestern
San Bernardino County to
northwestern Baja California.
Habitat types include coastal sage
scrub, sage scrub/grassland
ecotones, and chaparral
communities. Major habitat
requirement is the presence of low
growing vegetation or rocky
outcroppings, as well as sandy soil
to dig burrows.
Yes No Not Expected : Suitable
chaparral and coastal sage scrub
habitats preferred by this species
are not present within the project
site. The project site is comprised
of disturbed habitat that is subject
to routine weed abatement,
resulting in heavily disturbed and
compacted surface soils that
likely preclude this species from
occurring.
Coccyzus
americanus
occidentalis
western yellow-billed
cuckoo
FT
SE
G5T2T3
S1
Uncommon summer resident where
its breeding distribution is restricted
to isolated sites in the Sacramento,
Armargosa, Kern, Santa Ana, and
Colorado River valleys. The species
requires large patches of multi -
layered riparian forest, with
cottonwoods and willows. The
presence of standing or flowing
surface water under the riparian
canopy is also preferred. Mesquite
(Prosopis spp.) groves may also be
used, but usually only when
cottonwood-willow habitat is
unavailable.
Yes (a) No Not Expected: Although there
are possible jurisdictional
features within the project site,
these features do not contain the
extensive riparian habitat that
this species requires.
Crotalus ruber
red-diamond
rattlesnake
SSC
G4
S3
Found in southwestern California,
from the Morongo Valley west to
the coast and south along the
peninsular ranges to mid Baja
California. It can be found from the
desert, through dense chaparral in
the foothills (it avoids the
mountains above around 4,000 feet
amsl), to warm inland mesas and
valleys, all the way to the cool
ocean shore. It is most commonly
associated with heavy brush with
large rocks or boulders. Dense
chaparral in the foothills, boulders
associated coastal sage scrub,
oak/pine woodlands, and desert
slope scrub associations; how ever,
chamise and red shank
(Adenostoma sparsifolium )
associations may offer better
structural habitat for refuges and
food resources for this species than
other habitats.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable habitats
with heavy brush and large
rocks/boulders preferred by this
species are not present within the
project site . The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Danaus plexippus
monarch butterfly
SC
G4T2T3
S2S3
Winter roost sites extend along the
coast from northern Mendocino to
Baja California, Mexico. Roosts are
located in wind -protected tree
groves (eucalyptus, Monterey pine,
cypress), with nectar and water
sources nearby.
No No Not Expected: The survey area
does not provide suitable habitat
for this species. Based on maps
of known wintering roosts for
this species, there are no known
roosts in this area (Xerces
Society 2022).
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-5
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Dipodomys merriami
parvus
San Bernardino
kangaroo rat
FE
CSE
SSC
G5T1
S1
Primarily found in Riversidean
alluvial fan sage scrub (RAFSS)
and sandy loam soils, alluvial fans
and flood plains, and along washes
with nearby sage scrub. May occur
at lower densities in Riversidean
upland sage scrub, chaparral and
grassland in uplands and tributaries
in proximity to Riversidean alluvial
fan sage scrub habitats. Tend to
avoid rocky substrates and prefer
sandy loam substrates for digging
of shallow burrows.
Yes (c) No Not Expected: Suitable RAFSS
habitat preferred by this species
is not present within the project
site. The project site is comprised
of disturbed habitat that is subject
to routine weed abatement,
resulting in heavily disturbed and
compacted surface soils that
likely preclude this species from
occurring.
Dipodomys stephensi
Stephens' kangaroo
rat
FT
ST
G2
S2
Occur in arid and semi-arid habitats
with some grass or brush. Prefer
open habitats with less than 50%
protective cover. Require soft, well-
drained substrate for building
burrows and are typically found in
areas with sandy soil.
Yes No Not Expected : The project site
has open habitats with less than
50% cover but is comprised of
disturbed habitat that is subject to
routine weed abatement,
resulting in heavily disturbed and
compacted surface soils that
likely preclude this species from
occurring.
Elanus leucurus
white-tailed kite
FP
G5
S3S4
Yearlong resident along the coastal
ranges and valleys of California.
Occurs in low elevation, open
grasslands, savannah -like habitats,
agricultural areas, wetlands, and
oak woodlands. Uses trees with
dense canopies for cover. Important
prey item is the California vole
(Microtus californicus ). Nests in
tall (20 to 50 feet) coast live oaks
(Quercus agrifolia).
Yes No Not Expected : Suitable open
grassland, wetland, oak
woodland, and savannah-like
habitats preferred by this species
for foraging and nesting are not
present within the project site.
Empidonax trailli
extimus
southwestern willow
flycatcher
FE
SE
G5T2
S1
Uncommon summer resident in
southern California primarily found
in lower elevation riparian habitats
occurring along streams or in
meadows. The structure of suitable
breeding habitat typically consists
of a dense mid-story and understory
and can also include a dense
canopy. Nest sites are generally
located near surface water or
saturated soils. The presence of
surface water, swampy conditions,
standing or flowing water under the
riparian canopy are preferred.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable riparian
habitat consisting of thickets of
willows along a stream course
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting is not
present within the project site.
Emys marmorata
western pond turtle
SSC
G3G4
S3
Found in ponds, lakes, rivers,
streams, creeks, marshes, and
irrigation ditches, with abundant
vegetation, either rocky or muddy
bottoms, in woodland, forest, and
grassland. In streams, prefers pools
to shallower areas. Logs, rocks,
cattail mats, and exposed banks are
required f or basking. May enter
brackish water and even seawater.
Found at elevations from sea level
to over 5,900 feet amsl.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable habitats
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting are not
present within the project site.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-6
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Eremophila alpestris
actia
California horned
lark
WL
G5T4Q
S4
Yearlong resident of California.
This subspecies is typically found
in coastal regions. Breed in level or
gently sloping shortgrass prairie,
montane meadows, "bald" hills,
open coastal plains, f allow grain
fields, and alkali flats. Within
southern California, California
horned larks breed primarily in
open fields, (short) grasslands, and
rangelands. Nests on the open
ground.
Yes No Low (Foraging and Nesting ):
The project site provides
marginal foraging and nesting
habitat for this species. There is a
known occurrence (Occurrence
35) 1 mile southwest of the
project site (CDFW 2022a).
Eumops perotis
californicus
western mastiff bat
SSC
G5T4
S3S4
Primarily a cliff -dwelling species,
roost generally under exfoliating
rock slabs. Roosts are generally
high above the ground, usually
allowing a clear vertical drop of at
least 3 meters below the entrance
for flight. In California, it is most
frequently encountered in broad
open are as. Its foraging habitat
includes dry desert washes, flood
plains, chaparral, oak woodland,
open ponderosa pine forest,
grassland, and agricultural areas.
No No Low (Foraging) : There are
suitable grasslands preferred by
this species for foraging within
the project site . However, the
species is not expected to roost
within the project site due to the
lack of high cliff roosts. There
was an observed occurrence
(Occurrence 80) in 1990 within
0.75 mi southwest of the project
site, where two females we re
observed and collected (CDFW
2022a).
Euphydryas editha
quino
quino checkerspot
butterfly
FE
G5T1T2
S1S2
Occupies a variety of habitat types
that support California plantain
(Plantago erecta ), the species
primary larval host plant, including
grasslands, coastal sage scrub,
chamise chaparral, red shank
chaparral, juniper woodland, and
semi-desert scrub. Can also be
found in desert canyons and washes
at the lower edge of chaparral
habitats.
Yes No Not Expected: The species ’
primary larval host p lant
California plantain was not
observed within the project site
during the field survey.
Additionally, suitable habitats
preferred by this species are not
present within the project site.
Haliaeetus
leucocephalus
bald eagle
SE
G5
S3
Locally uncommon yearlong
resident of southern California.
Typically prefer areas near large
water bodies such as sea coasts,
coastal estuaries and inland lakes
and rivers, in many areas, these
birds are found within two miles of
a water source. Most populations,
specifically those in northern
regions, migrate to southern, milder
climates annually. Generally, these
birds nest in the canopy of tall,
coniferous trees, surrounded by
smaller trees. They have been
reported nesting on the ground, on
cliffs, on cellular pho ne towers, on
electrical poles and in artificial
nesting towers.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable habitats
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting are not
present within the project site.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-7
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Icteria virens
yellow-breasted chat
SSC
G5
S3
Summer resident of California.
Primarily found in tall, dense,
relatively wide riparian woodlands
and thickets of willows, vine
tangles, and dense brush with well-
developed understories. Breeding
habitat within southern California
primarily consists of dense, wid e
riparian woodlands and thickets of
willows, vine tangles, and dense
brush with well -developed
understories. Nesting areas are
associated with streams, swampy
ground, and the borders of small
ponds. It winters south the Central
America. Found at elevation s
ranging from 820 to 2,625 feet
amsl.
Yes No Not Expected : Suitable dense
riparian woodland habitats
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting are not
present within the project site.
Lanius ludovicianus
loggerhead shrike
SSC
G4
S4
Yearlong resident of California.
Prefers open habitats with bare
ground, scattered shrubs, and areas
with low or sparse herbaceous
cover including open -canopied
valley foothill hardwood, riparian,
pinyon-juniper desert riparian,
creosote bush scrub, and Joshua tree
woodland. Requires suitable
perches including trees, posts,
fences, utility lines, or other
perches. Nests in branches up to 14
feet above the ground frequently in
a shrub with thorns or with tangled
branching habitats.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable habitats
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting are not
present within the project site.
Lasiurus xanthinus
western yellow bat
SSC
G5
S3
Roosts in palm trees in foothill
riparian, desert wash, and palm
oasis habitats with access to water
for foraging.
No No Low: Although there are palm
trees in the general project
vicinity where this species could
roost, there is minimal suitable
habitats for foraging due to the
lack of surface water. There was
an observed occurrence
(Occurrence 53) in 1992 within
0.75 mi southwest of the project
site, where there was a male and
female observed and collected
(CDFW 2022a).
Laterallus
jamaicensis
coturniculus
California black rail
FT
G3T1
S1
Suitable habitat generally includes
salt marshes, freshwater marshes,
and wet meadows. Typical
associated vegetation includes
pickle weed (Salicornia virginica)
in salt marshes and bulrushes in less
saline habitats.
No No Not Expected: The project site
does not contain any of the water
features this species prefers.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-8
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Neotoma lepida
intermedia
San Diego desert
woodrat
SSC
G5T3T4
S3S4
Occurs in coastal scrub
communities between San Luis
Obispo and San Diego Counties.
Found in a variety of shrub and
desert habitats, primarily associated
with rock outcroppings, boulders,
cacti, or areas of dense
undergrowth. Woodrats often are
associated with cholla cactus which
they use for water and dens or
boulders and boulder piles. The
most common natural habitats for
records are chaparral, coastal sage
scrub ( including RSS and Diegan
coastal sage scrub) and grassland.
Yes No Not Expected : Suitable
chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and
grassland habitats with rock
outcroppings, boulders, cacti
preferred by this species are not
present within the project site.
The p roject site is comprised of
disturbed habitat that is subject to
routine weed abatement,
resulting in heavily disturbed and
compacted surface soils that
likely preclude this species from
occurring.
Nyctinomops
femorosaccus
pocketed free-tailed
bat
SSC
G5
S3
Often found in pinyon -juniper
woodlands, desert scrub, desert
succulent shrub, desert riparian,
desert wash, alkali desert scrub,
Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia)
woodland, and palm oasis habitats.
Prefers rocky desert areas with high
cliffs or rock outcrops, which are
used as roosting sites.
No No Not Expected: Suitable habitats
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting are not
present within the project site.
Onychomys torridus
ramona
southern grasshopper
mouse
SSC
G5T3
S3
Common in arid desert habitats of
the Mojave and southern Central
Valley of California. Known
elevation range is generally below
3,000 feet amsl. Little is known
about habitat requirements;
however, it is commonly found in
scrub habitats with friable soils for
digging in desert areas. It is
believed that alkali desert scrub and
desert scrub habitats are preferred,
with somewhat lower densities
expected in other desert habitats,
including succulent shrub, wash,
and riparian areas. Also occurs in
coastal scru b, mixed chaparral,
sagebrush, low sage, and
bitterbrush habitats.
No No Not Expected : Suitable scrub
habitats with friable soils
preferred by this species are not
present within the project site .
The project site is comprised of
disturbed habitat that is subject to
routine weed abatement,
resulting in heavily disturbed and
compacted surface soils that
likely preclude this species from
occurring.
Perognathus
longimembris
brevinasus
Los Angeles pocket
mouse
SSC
G5T1T2
S1S2
Occurs in lower elevation
grasslands and coastal sage scrub
communities in and around the Los
Angeles Basin. Prefers open ground
with fine sandy soils. May not dig
extensive burrows, but instead will
seek refuge under weeds and dead
leaves instead.
Yes (c) No Not Expected: Suitable
grassland and coastal scrub
habitats with fine, sandy soils
preferred by this species are not
present within the project site .
The project site is comprised of
disturbed habitat that is subject to
routine weed abatement,
resulting in heavily disturbed and
compacted surface soils that
likely preclude this species from
occurring.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-9
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Phrynosoma
blainvillii
coast horned lizard
SSC
G3G4
S4
Occurs in a wide variety of
vegetation types including coastal
sage scrub, annual grassland,
chaparral, oak woodland, riparian
woodland and coniferous forest. Its
elevational range extends up to
4,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada
foothills and up to 6,000 feet in the
mountains of southern California.
In inland areas, this species is
restricted to areas with pockets of
open microhabitat, created by
disturbance (e.g. fire, floods,
unimproved roads, grazing lands,
and fire breaks). The key elements
of such habitats are loose, fine soils
with a high sand fraction; an
abundance of native ants or other
insects; and open areas with limited
overstory for basking and low, but
relatively dense shrubs for refuge.
Yes No Not Expected : Suitable annual
grassland, coastal scrub habitats,
chaparral, oak woodland,
riparian woodland, and
coniferous forest habitats with
fine, sandy soils preferred by this
species are not present within the
project site . The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Plegadis chihi
white-faced ibis
WL
G5
S3S4
Locally rare resident/migrant in
southern California. Prefers to feed
in fresh emergent wetland, shallow
lacustrine waters, muddy ground of
wet meadows, and irrigated or
flooded pastures and croplands.
Nests in dense, fresh emergent
wetland.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable wetland
and wet meadow habitats
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting are not
present within or adjacent to the
project site. The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in h eavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Polioptila californica
californica
coastal California
gnatcatcher
FT
SSC
G4G5T2Q
S2
Yearlong resident of sage scrub
habitats that are dominated by
California sagebrush. This species
generally occurs below 750 feet
amsl in coastal regions and below
1,500 feet amsl inland. Ranges from
the Ventura County, south to San
Diego County and northern Baja
California and it is less common in
sage scrub with a high percentage of
tall shrubs. Prefers habitat with
more low-growing vegetation.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable coastal
sage scrub habitats preferred by
this species for foraging and
nesting are not present within the
project site.
Salvadora hexalepis
virgultea
coast patch-nosed
snake
SSC
G5T4
S2S3
Occurs in brushy vegetation
including coastal scrub and
chaparral from the coast to the
mountains. Takes refuge in existing
small mammal burrows.
No No Not Expected : Suitable coastal
scrub and chaparral habitats
preferred by this species for
foraging and nesting are not
present within the project site.
Setophaga petechia
yellow warbler
SSC
G5
S3S4
Present in California from April
through September. Nests in
riparian areas dominated by
willows, cottonwoods, California
sycamores, or alders (Alnus spp.) or
in mature chaparral. May also use
oaks, conifers, and urban areas near
stream courses.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable riparian
habitats preferred by this species
for foraging and nesting are not
present within or adjacent to the
project site. The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-10
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Spea hammondii
western spadefoot
SSC
G3
S3
Prefers open areas with sandy or
gravelly soils, in a variety of
habitats including mixed
woodlands, grasslands, coastal sage
scrub, chaparral, sandy washes,
lowlands, river floodplains, alluvial
fans, playas, alkali flats, foothills,
and mountains. Rain pools which
do not contain American bullfrogs
(Lithobates catesbeianus ),
predatory fish, or crayfish are
necessary for breeding. Estivates in
upland habitats adjacent to potential
breeding sites in burro ws
approximating 3 feet in depth.
Yes No Not Expected: Suitable habitats
preferred by this species are not
present within the project site .
The project site is comprised of
disturbed habitat that is subject to
routine weed abatement,
resulting in heavily disturbed and
compacted surface soils that
likely preclude this species from
occurring.
Streptocephalus
woottoni
Riverside fairy
shrimp
FE
G1G2
S1S2
Restricted to deep seasonal vernal
pools, vernal pool like ephemeral
ponds, and stock ponds and other
human modified depressions.
Basins that support Riverside fairy
shrimp are typically dry a portion of
the year, but usually are filled by
late fall, winter, or spring rains, and
may persist through May. Endemic
to western Riverside, Orange, and
San D iego Counties in tectonic
swales/earth slump basins in
grassland and coastal sage scrub. In
Riverside County, the species been
found in pools formed over the
following soils: Murrieta stony clay
loams, Las Posas series, Wyman
clay loam, and Willows soils. All
known habitat lies within annual
grasslands, which may be
interspersed through chaparral or
coastal sage scrub vegetation.
Yes (a) No Not Expected : Suitable vernal
pool habitats preferred by this
species are not present within the
project site . The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Taxidea taxus
American badger
SSC
G5
S3
Occupies a wide variety of habitats
including dry, open grassland,
sagebrush, and woodland habitats.
Require dry, friable, often sandy
soil to dig burrows for cover, food
storage, and giving birth.
Occasionally found in riparian
zones and open chaparral with less
than 50% plant cover.
No No Not Expected: Suitable habitats
and friable sandy soils preferred
by this species are not present
within the project site. The
project site primarily consists of
disturbed habitat due to past
agricultural operations and
continual weed abatement
activities resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-11
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Vireo bellii pusillus
least Bell’s vireo
FE
SE
SSC
G5T2
S2
Summer resident in southern
California. Breeding habitat
generally consists of dense, low,
shrubby vegetation in riparian
areas, and mesquite brushlands,
often near water in arid regions.
Early successional cottonwood -
willow riparian groves are preferred
for nest ing. The most critical
structural component of nesting
habitat in California is a dense
shrub layer that is 2 to 10 feet (0.6
to 3.0 meters) above ground. The
presence of water, including
ponded surface water or moist soil
conditions, may also be a key
component for nesting habitat.
Yes (a) No Not Expected: Suitable riparian
habitat along a stream
course/water preferred by this
species for foraging and nesting
is not present within the project
site.
SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES
Abronia villosa var.
aurita
chaparral sand-
verbena
1B.1
G5T2?
S2
Annual herb. Grows in sandy soils
within chaparral, coastal scrub, and
desert dune habitats. Found in
elevations ranging from 245 to
5250 feet amsl. Blooming period is
(January) March through
September.
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Allium marvinii
yucaipa onion
1B.2
G1
S1
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Grows
in clay and openings within
chaparral habitats. Found in
elevations ranging from 2495 to
3495 feet amsl. Blooming period is
April through May.
Yes (b) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring Further,
the project site is outside of
known elevation ranges for this
species.
Allium munzii
Munz’s onion
FE
ST
1B.1
G1
S1
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Grows
in mesic, clay soils within
chaparral, cismontane woodland,
coastal scrub, pinyon and juniper
woodland, and valley and foothill
grassland habitats. Found at
elevations ranging from 974 to
3,510 feet amsl. Blooming period is
March through May.
Yes (b) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Additionally, federally
designated Critical Habitat for
this species is not present within
the project site.
Ambrosia pumila
San Diego ambrosia
FE
1B.1
G1
S1
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Occurs
on sandy loam or clay soils (often in
disturbed areas) and sometimes
alkaline soils. Habitats include
chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and
foothill grassland, and vernal pools.
Grows in elevation ranging from 66
to 1,362 feet amsl. Blooming period
is from April to October.
Yes (b) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-12
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Arenaria paludicola
marsh sandwort
FE
CE
1B.1
G1
S1
Perennial stoloniferous herb. Found
on sandy, openings within marshes
and swamps (freshwater or
brackish). Found at elevations
ranging from 12 to 558 feet amsl.
Blooming period is May thruogh
August.
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Artemisia palmeri
San Diego sagewort
4.2 G3?
S3?
Perennial deciduous herb. Found on
sandy, mesic soils within chaparral,
coastal scrub, riparian forest,
riparian scrub, and riparian
woodland habitats. Found at
elevations ranging from 49 to 3,002
feet amsl. Blooming period is from
(February) May to September.
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Astragalus
pachypus var. jaegeri
Jaeger's milk-vetch
1B.1
G4T1
S1
Perennial shrub. Gows in chaparral
cismontane woodland, coastal
scrub, valley and foothill grassland
habitats and sometimes in rocky
and sandy soils. Found at elevations
ranging from 1,200 to 3,200 feet
amsl. Blooming period is December
through June.
Yes No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Atriplex corona9ta
var. notatior
San Jacinto Valley
crownscale
FE
1B.1
G4T1
S1
Annual herb. Occurs on alkaline
soils within playas, valley and
foothill grassland (mesic), and
vernal pool habitats. Grows in
elevations ranging from 456 to
1,640 feet amsl. Blooming period is
from April to August.
Yes (d) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring due to
lack of preferred habitat.
Atriplex parishii
Parish's brittlescale
1B.1
G1
G2
S1
Annual herb. Blooms June through
October. Usually found on drying
alkali flats with fine soils in vernal
pools, chenopod scrub, wet
meadows, and playas. Known
elevations range from 15 to 4,660
feet amsl.
Yes (d) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring due to
lack of preferred habitat.
Atriplex serenana
var. davidsonii
Davidson's saltscale
1B.2
G5T1
S1
Annual herb. Occurs on alkaline
soils within coastal bluff scrub and
coastal scrub habitats. Grows in
elevations ranging from 33 to 656
feet amsl. Blooming period is from
April to October.
Yes (d) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring Further,
the project site is outside of
known elevation ranges for this
species.
Berberis nevinii
Nevin's barberry
FE
CE
1B.1
G1
S1
Perennial evergreen shrub. Occurs
on sandy or gravelly soils in
chaparral, cismontane woodland,
coastal scrub, and riparian scrub.
Found at elevations ranging from
899 to 2,707 feet amsl. Blooming
period is (February) March through
June.
Yes (d) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-13
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Brodiaea filifolia
thread-leaved
brodiaea
FT
SE
1B.1
G2
S2
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Often
found on clay soils within chaparral
(openings), cismontane woodland,
coastal scrub, playas, valley and
foothill grassland, and vernal pools.
Found at elevations ranging from
82 to 3,675 feet amsl. Blooming
period is March through June.
Yes (d) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Additionally, federally
designated Critical Hab itat for
this species is not present within
the project site.
Calochortus
plummerae
Plummer's mariposa-
lily
4.2 G4
S4
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Occurs
in mesic soils within chaparral,
lower montane coniferous forest,
and meadows and seeps. Grows in
elevations ranging from 2,329 to
7,841 feet amsl. Blooming period is
April through July.
Yes (e) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Caulanthus
simulans
Payson's jewelflower
4.2 G4
S4
Annual herb. Occurs on sandy,
granitic soils in chaparral and
coastal scrub habitats. Found at
elevations ranging from 295 to
7,218 feet amsl. Blooming period is
(February) March through May
(June).
Yes No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Centromadia
pungens ssp. laevis
smooth tarplant
1B.1
G3G4T2
S2
Annual herb. Occurs in alkaline
soils within chenopod scrub,
meadows and seeps, playas,
riparian woodland, and
valley/foothill grassland habitats.
Grows in elevation from 0 to 2,100
feet amsl. Blooming period is April
through September.
Yes (d) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Chloropyron
maritimum ssp.
maritimum
salt marsh bird's-beak
FE
CE
1B.2
G4?T1
S2
Annual herb (hemiparasitic).
Occurs on coastal dunes and
marshes and swamps (coastal salt).
Found at elevations ranging from 0
to 98 feet amsl. Blooming period is
May through October (November).
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Chorizanthe
leptotheca
Peninsular
spineflower
4.2 G3
S3
Annual herb. Occurs on alluvial,
granitic soils within chaparral,
coastal scrub, and lower montane
coniferous forest habitats. Found at
elevations ranging from 984 to
6,233 feet amsl. Blooming period is
May through August.
Yes (e) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Chorizanthe parryi
var. parryi
Parry's spineflower
1B.1
G3T2
S2
Annual herb. Occurs on sandy
and/or rocky soils in chaparral,
coastal sage scrub, and sandy
openings within alluvial washes and
margins. Found at elevations
ranging from 951 to 3,773 feet
amsl. Blooming period is April
through June.
Yes (e) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-14
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Chorizanthe
polygonoides var.
longispina
long-spined
spineflower
1B.2
G5T3
S3
Annual herb. Occurs on clay soils
within chaparral, coastal scrub,
meadows and seeps, valley and
foothill grassland, and vernal pools.
Found at elevations ranging from
98 to 5,020 feet amsl. Blooming
period is April through July.
Yes No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Chorizanthe
xanti var. leucotheca
white-bracted
spineflower
1B.2
G4T3
S3
Annual herb. Occurs on sandy or
gravelly soils in coastal sage scrub
(alluvial fans), Mojavean desert
scrub, and pinyon and juniper
woodland habitats. Found at
elevations ranging from 984 to
3,937 feet amsl. Blooming period is
from April to June.
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Convolvulus
simulans
small-flowered
morning-glory
4.2 G4
S4
Annual herb. Found on wet clay and
serpentine ridges within chaparral,
coastal scrub, and valley and
foothill grassland. Found at
elevations ranging from 100 to
2820 feet amsl. Blooming period is
March through July.
Yes No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Deinandra
paniculata
paniculate tarplant
4.2 G4
S4
Annual herb. Occurs in coastal
scrub, vernal pools, and
valley/foothill grassland habitats.
Found at elevations ranging from
82 to 3,084 feet amsl. Blooming
period is April through November.
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Diplacus clevelandii
Cleveland's bush
monkeyflower
4.2 G4
S4
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Grows
in chaparral, cismontane woodland,
and lower montane coniferous
forest habitats often within
disturbed and open areas, gabbroic,
and rocky soils. Found at elevations
ranging from 1,475 to 6,560 feet
amsl. Blooming period is April
through July.
Yes (f) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Eriastrum
densifolium ssp.
sanctorum
Santa Ana River
Woolly-star
FE
SE
1B.1
G4T1
S1
Perennial herb. Grows on sandy or
gravelly soils within chaparral and
coastal scrub (alluvial fan) habitats.
Found at elevations ranging from
298 to 2,001 feet amsl. Blooming
period is from April to September.
Yes No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, r esulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Harpagonella
palmeri
Palmer's
grapplinghook
4.2 G4
S3
Annual herb. Occurs on clay soils
within open grassy areas within
chaparral, coastal scrub, and valley
and foothill grassland habitats.
Found at elevations ranging from
66 to 3,133 feet amsl. Blooming
period is March through May.
Yes No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to rout .ine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Hordeum
intercedens
vernal barley
3.2 G3G4
S3S4
Annual herb. Habitat includes
coastal dunes, coastal scrub, vernal
pools, and valley/foothill grassland.
Grows in elevations ranging from
16 to 3,281 feet amsl. Blooming
period is from March to June.
Yes No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-15
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Juglans californica
southern California
black walnut
4.2 G4
S4
Perennial deciduous tree. Found in
chaparral, cismontane woodland,
coastal scrub, and riparian
woodland habitats. Found at
elevations ranging from 164 to
2,953 feet amsl. Blooming period is
March through August.
Yes No Not Expected: This species was
not observed during the field
survey. The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Lasthenia glabrata
ssp. coulteri
Coulter's goldfields
1B.1
G4T2
S2
Annual herb. Prefers playas, vernal
pools, and coastal salt marshes and
swamps. Found at elevations
ranging from 3 to 4,003 feet amsl.
Blooming period is February
through June.
Yes (d) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Lepidium virginicum
var. robinsonii
Robinson's pepper-
grass
4.3 G5T3
S3
Annual herb. Dry soils on chaparral
and coastal sage scrub. Found at
elevations ranging from 66 to 4,396
feet amsl. Blooming period is
January through July.
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Myosurus minimus
ssp. apus
little mousetail
3.1 G5T2Q
S2
Annual herb. Occurs on valley and
foothill grassland and vernal pools
(alkaline). Found at elevations
ranging from 66 to 2,100 feet amsl.
Blooming period is March through
June.
Yes (d) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Nama stenocarpa
mud nama
2B.2
G4G5
S1S2
Annual/perennial herb. Grows in
marsh and swamp habitats like
margins and riverbanks. Found at
elevations ranging from 15 to 1,640
feet amsl. Blooming period is
January through July.
Yes (d) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Navarretia fossalis
spreading navarretia
FT
1B.1
G2
S2
Annual herb. Habitats include
chenopod scrub, marshes and
swamps (assorted shallow
freshwater), playas, and vernal
pools. Grows in elevation ranging
from 98 to 2,149 feet amsl.
Blooming period is April t hrough
June.
Yes (b) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Phacelia stellaris
Brand's star phacelia
1B.1
G1
S1
Annual herb. Grows in coastal dune
and coastal scrub habitats. Found at
elevations ranging from 5 to 1,310
feet amsl. Blooming period is
March through June.
Yes (b) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring Further,
the project site is outside of
known elevation ranges for this
species.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-16
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
Quercus
engelmannii
Engelmann oak
4.2 G3
S3
Perennial deciduous tree. Grows in
chaparral, cismontane woodland,
riparian woodland, valley and
foothill grassland habitats. Found at
elevations ranging from 165 to
4,265 feet amsl. Blooming period is
March through June.
Yes No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring
Romneya coulteri
Coulter's matilija
poppy
4.2 G4
S4
Perennial rhizomatous herb.
Habitats include chaparral and
coastal scrub. Grows at elevations
ranging from 66 to 3,937 feet amsl.
Blooming period is from March to
July.
Yes (e) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring due to
lack of preferred habitat.
Senecio aphanactis
chaparral ragwort
2B.2
G3
S2
Annual herb. Grows on alkaline
soils within chaparral, cismontane
woodland, and coastal scrub
habitats. Found at elevations
ranging from 49 to 2,625 feet amsl.
Blooming period is January through
April (May).
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Symphyotrichum
defoliatum
San Bernardino aster
1B.2
G2
S2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Occurs
near ditches, streams, and springs
within cismontane woodland,
coastal scrub, lower montane
coniferous forest, meadows, seeps,
marshes, and valley/foothill
grassland. Grows in elevations
ranging from 0 to 6,700 feet amsl.
Blooming period is from July to
November.
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring.
Texosporium sancti-
jacobi
woven-spored lichen
3 G3
S2
Lichen. Found in open sites within
chaparral. Typically found on soil,
small mammal pellets, dead twigs,
and on Selaginella. In California,
this species is typically associated
with Adenostoma fasciculatum,
Eriogonum, and Selaginella.
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring due to
lack of preferred habitat.
Tortula californica
California screw
moss
1B.2
G2G3
S2?
Moss. Found on sandy soils within
chenopod scrub and valley and
foothill grassland habitats. Found at
elevations ranging from 33 to 4,790
feet amsl. This species do es not
have a blooming period.
No No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring due to
lack of preferred habitat.
Trichocoronis
wrightii var. wrightii
Wright's
trichocoronis
2B.1
G4T3
S1
Annual herb. Found on alkaline
soils within meadows and seeps,
marshes and swamps, riparian
forest, and vernal pool habitats.
Grows in elevations ranging from
16 to 1,427 feet amsl. Blooming
period is from May to September.
Yes (b) No Not Expected: The project site is
comprised of disturbed habitat
that is subject to routine weed
abatement, resulting in heavily
disturbed and compacted surface
soils that likely preclude this
species from occurring due to
lack of preferred habitat.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-17
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
SPECIAL-STATUS VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
CNDDB/Holland
(1986)
Southern Coast Live
Oak Riparian Forest
MCV (1995)
Coast Live Oak
Series
NVCS (2009)
Quercus agrifolia
Woodland Alliance
G5
S4
Found at elevations ranging from
sea level to 3,937 feet amsl in
alluvial terraces, canyon bottoms,
stream banks, slopes, and flats,
Soils are deep, sandy or loamy with
high organic matter. Coast live oak
is a dominant or co-dominant in the
tree canopy wit h bigleaf maple
(Acer macrophyllum ), box elder
(Acer negundo), madrono (Arbutus
menziesii), southern California
black walnut, California sycamore,
Fremont cottonwood, blue oak
(Quercus douglasii ), Engelmann
oak ( Quercus engelmannii ),
California black oak ( Quercus
kelloggii), valley oak ( Quercus
lobata), arroyo willow ( Salix
lasiolepis), and California bay
(Umbellularia californica ). Trees
are less than 98 feet tall; canopy is
open to continuous. Shrub layer is
sparse to intermittent. Herbaceous
layer is sparse or grassy.
- No Absent: This vegetation
community does not occur within
the project site.
CNDDB/Holland
(1986)
Southern Cottonwood
Willow Riparian
Forest
MCV (1995)
Fremont Cottonwood
Series
NVCS (2009)
Populus fremontii
Forest Alliance
G4
S3.2
Found at elevations ranging from
sea level to 7,874 feet amsl on
floodplains, along low -gradient
rivers, perennial or seasonally
intermittent streams, springs, in
lower canyons in desert mountains,
in alluvial fans, and in valleys with
a dependable subsurf ace water
supply that varies considerably
during the year. Fremont
cottonwood is a dominant or co -
dominant in the tree canopy with
box elder, desert baccharis
(Baccharis sergiloides), Oregon ash
(Fraxinus latifolia ), northern
California black walnut ( Juglans
hindsii), California sycamore, coast
live oak, narrowleaf willow ( Salix
exigua), Goodding’s willow ( Salix
goodingii), polished willow ( Salix
laevigata), arroyo willow, pacific
willow ( Salix lasiandra ssp.
lasiandra), and yellow willow
(Salix lutea). Trees and less than 25
meters tall; canopy is continuous to
open. Shrub layer is intermittent to
open. Herbaceous layer is variable.
- No Absent: This vegetation
community does not occur within
the project site.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-18
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
Table D-1: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Scientific Name
Common Name
Special-
Status
Rank*
Habitat Preferences and
Distribution Affinities
Covered
by
MSHCP**
Observed
On-site Potential to Occur
CNDDB/Holland
(1986)
Southern Sycamore
Alder Riparian
Woodland
MCV (1995)
California Sycamore
Series
NVCS (2009)
Platanus racemosa
Woodland Alliance
G4
S4
Found at elevations ranging from
sea level to 7,874 feet amsl in
gullies, intermittent streams,
springs, seeps, stream banks, and
terraces adjacent to floodplains that
are subject to high -intensity
flooding. Soils are rocky or cobbly
alluvium with permanent moisture
at depth. California sycamore is a
dominant or co-dominant in the tree
canopy with white alder, southern
California black walnut, Fremont
cottonwood, coast live oak, valley
oak, narrowleaf willow, Gooding’s
willow, polished willow, arroyo
willow, yellow willow, Peruvian
pepper tree (Schinus mole), and
California bay.
- No Absent: This vegetation
community does not occur within
the project site.
* U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
FE Endangered – any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
FT Threatened – any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
SE Endangered – any native species or subspecies of bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant which is in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range du e to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, overexploitation, predation, competition, or disease.
ST Threatened – any native species or subspecies of bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of the special protection and management efforts required under the California Endangered Species Act.
CSE Candidate State Endangered – The classification provided to a native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant that the Fish and Game Commission has formally noticed as being under review by the Department of Fish and Wildlife for addition to th e list of endangered species, or a species for which the commission has published a notice of proposed regulation to add the sp ecies to the list of endangered species.
FP Fully Protected – any native species or subspecies of bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, or reptile that were determined by the State of California to be rare or face possible extinction.
SSC Species of Special Conce rn – any species, subspecies, or distinct population of fish, amphibian, reptile, bird, or mammal native to California that currently satisfies one or more of the following criteria: is extirpated from California or, in the case of birds, in its primary se asonal or breeding role; is listed as Federally-, but not State-, threatened or endangered; meets the State definition of threatened or endangered but has not formally been listed ; is experiencing, or formerly experienced, serious (noncyclical) population declines or range retractions (not reversed) that, if continued or resumed, could qualify it for State threatened or endangered status; or has naturally small populations exhibiting high susceptibility to risk from any factor(s), that if realized, could lead to declines that would qualify it for State threatened or endangered status.
WL Watch List - taxa that were previously designated as “Species of Special Concern” but no longer merit that status, or which do not yet meet SSC criteria, but for which there is concern and a need for additional information to clarify status.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) California Rare Plant Rank 1B Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. 3 Plant that lack the necessary information to ass ign them to one of the other ranks or to reject them. 4 Plants of limited distribution – Watch List.
Threat Ranks
.1 Seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened/high degree any immediacy of threat) . .2 Moderately threatened in California (20 to 80 percent of occurrences threatened/moderate degree and immediacy of threat) . .3 Not very threatened in California (less than 20 percent of occurrences threatened/low degree and immediacy of threat or no cu rrent threats known).
NatureServe Conservation Status Rank
The Global Rank (G#) reflects the overall condition and imperilment of a species throughout its global range. The Infraspecif ic Taxon Rank (T#) reflects the global situation of just the subspecies or variety. The S tate Rank (S#) reflects the condition and imperilment of an element throughout its range within California. (G#Q) reflects that the element is very rare but there are taxonomic questions associated with it; the calculated G rank is qualifi ed by adding a Q after the G#). Adding a ? to a rank expresses uncertainty about the rank.
Appendix D – Potentially Occurring Special-Status Biological Resources Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-19
Habitat Assessment and MSHCP Consistency Analysis
G1/T1 Critically Imperiled – At very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors.
G2/T2 Imperiled— At high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors.
G3/T3 Vulnerable— At moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors.
G4/T4 Apparently Secure— Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors.
G5/T5 Secure – Common; widespread and abundant.
S1 Critically Imperiled – Critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of some factor(s) such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the State.
S2 Imperiled – Imperiled in the State because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the nation or State.
S3 Vulnerable – Vulnerable in the State due to a r estricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation.
S4 Apparently Secure – Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors. ** Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Yes – Fully Covered.
No – Not Covered.
Yes (a) – May require additional surveys pursuant to Section 6.1.2, Protection of Species Associated with Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pools .
Yes (b) – May require additional surveys pursuant to Section 6.1.3, Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species.
Yes (c) – May require additional surveys pursuant to Section 6.3.2, Additional Survey Needs and Procedures.
Appendix E Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
November 2, 2022 JN 184659
HIGHPOINTE COMMUNITIES
Attn: Ross Yamaguchi
530 Technology Dr, #100
Irvine, California 92618
SUBJECT: Results of Focused Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) Surveys for Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 – City of Moreno Valley, Riverside County, California Dear Mr. Yamaguchi:
This report contains the findings of Michael Baker International’s (Michael Baker) focused burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia; [BUOW]) surveys conducted during the 202 2 breeding season for Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 (project) located in the City of Moreno Valley, Riverside County, California. Based on the results of Michael Baker’s initial review of California Natural Diversity Database RareFind 5 (CDFW 2022) occurrence records, the project site is located within an area that is or was previously known to be occupied by BUOW and likely provides suitable nesting and foraging habitat . As such, focused BUOW surveys were conducted in accordance with the Burrowing O wl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area (RCA 2006). The focused BUOW survey s were conducted on four (4) separate days during the 202 2 breeding season to document the presence/absence of BUOW within the project site and areas of suitable habitat within 500 feet ( survey area).
Project Location
The project site is located within the City of Moreno Valley, generally to the north of Perris Reservoir, east of Interstate 215 (I-215), south of State Route 60 (SR-60), and west of SR-79 (refer to Figure 1, Regional and Project Vicinity, in Attachment A). The project site is depicted in Section 10, Township 3 South, Range 3 West, on the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangle.
Specifically, the project site is located north of Bay Avenue, east of Nason Street , south of Cottonwood Avenue, and west of Marion Road, on assessor’s parcel numbers (APN) 488 -190-027, 488-190-005, and 488-190-028.
Project Description
The proposed project includes the development of up to 133 residential units, a water basin, a park, and road construction on 29.39 acres.
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 2
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Background
Burrowing Owl
The BUOW is a grassland specialist distributed throughout western North America, where it is known to occupy a wide variety of arid and semi -arid open areas within shrub, desert, and grassland environments.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) currently lists the BUOW as a California Species of Special Concern. BUOWs require large open, sparsely vegetated areas, on rolling or level terrain with an abundance of fossorial mammal burrows (> 4 inches in diameter). In addition, BUOWs require low- growing vegetation allowing line -of-sight of the surrounding habitat to forage as well as watch for predators. BUOWs are dependent upon the presence of burrowing mammals (e.g., California ground squirrel [ Otospermophilus beecheyi], coyote [ Canis latrans], American badger [ Taxidea taxus ]) whose burrows are used for roosting and nesting (Haug et al. 1993). The presence or absence of fossorial mammal burrows is often a major factor that limits the presence or absence of BUOW. Where mammal burrows are scarce, BUOWs have been observed digging their own burrows in soft, friable soil and have been observed utilizing man-made cavities such as buried and non-functioning drain pipes, stand-pipes, and dry culverts.
Additionally, BUOWs may burrow beneath rocks and debris or large, heavy objects such as abandoned cars, concrete blocks, or concrete pads. Large, hard objects at burrow entrances stabilize the entrance from collapse and may inhibit excavation by predators.
Adult BUOWs are small owls (approximately 7.5 to 9.8 inches) with long legs and short tails that are speckled brown and white, with yellow eyes and a yellow bill. A bold white throat and eyebrows are also typical distinguishing features for BUOWs. Juvenile BUOWs are usually less mottled than adults, with buffy-yellow underparts. BUOWs have crepuscular (dawn and dusk) hunting habits but are often observed perched in or near the burrow entrance during the day. One burrow is typically selected for use as the main nest burrow, however, BUOWs also utilize satellite burrows that are often located within the immediate vicinity of the main nest burrow. BUOWs prey upon invertebrates and small vertebrates through the low growing vegetation which allows for foraging visibility (Thomsen 1971). They typically forage in short - grass, mowed, or overgrazed pasture, golf courses and airports (Thomsen 1971). Based on the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (CDFG 2012), the BUOW breeding season in California extends from February 1 through August 31 . BUOWs in California may migrate southerly, but often remain in their breeding area during the non -breeding months. The BUOW was once abundant and widely distributed within southern California, but it has declined precipitously in counties such as Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
Regulatory Framework
The BUOW is a resident and migratory bird species protected by international treaty under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. The MBTA reflects agreements made between the U.S., England, Mexico, the former Soviet Union, and Japan to protect all of North America’s migratory bird populations.
The MBTA protects migratory bird nests from possession, sale, purchase, barter, transport, import and export, and collection. The other prohibitions (i.e., capture, pursue, hunt, and kill) of the MBTA are inapplicable to nests. The regulatory definition of take, as defined in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 10.12, means to pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect. Only the verb “collect” applies to nests. It is illegal to collect, possess, and by any means transfer possession of any migratory bird nest. The MBTA prohibits the
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 3
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
destruction of a nest when it contains birds or eggs, and no possession shall occur d uring the destruction (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2017). Certain exceptions to this prohibition are included in Title 50 C.F.R.
Section 21. Pursuant to Section 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code (CFGC), CDFW enforces the MBTA consistent with rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the MBTA.
Additionally, BUOW is protected under Sections 3503, 3503.3, 3511, and 3513 of the CFGC which prohibit the take, possession, or destruction of birds, their nests or eggs. Implementation of the take provisions requires that project-related disturbance at active nesting territories be reduced or eliminated during critical phases of the nesting cycle (March 1 - August 15, annually). Section 3503.5 of the CFGC protects birds in the orders Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds of prey, such as hawks and owls, including BUOWs) which makes it unlawful to take, possess, or destroy their nest or eggs.
The Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (CDFG 2012) offers long-term assurances for conservation of t his species in exchange for biologically appropriate levels of incidental take and/or habitat loss as defined in the approved plan. California’s Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) Act (CFGC §2800 et seq .) governs such plans at the state level, and was designed to conserve species, natural communities, ecosystems, and ecological processes across a jurisdiction or a collection of jurisdictions.
Complementary Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) are governed by the federal endangered Species Act (7 U.S.C. § 136, 16 U.S.C.§ 1531 et seq.). Regional conservation plans (and certain other landscape-level conservation and management plans) may provide conservation for unlisted as well as listed species.
Because the geographic scope of NCCPs and HCPs may span many hundreds of thousands of acres, these planning tools have the potential to play a significant role in conservation of BUOWs.
BUOWs have been included as one of the one hundred and forty -six (146) focal species covered by the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan ( MSHCP). The objectives for BUOWs within the MSHCP are to maintain and ensure the conservation of occupied burrows on current conserved lands, decrease harmful effects to BUOWs, and identify and implement m onitoring and management to sustain the BUOW population within the MSHCP. BUOWs can be found in a variety of habitats within the MSHCP, predominantly on open land, including grassland, agriculture (e.g., dry -land farming and grazing areas), playa, and spar se coastal sage scrub and desert scrub habitats. Within the MSHCP, BUOWs are narrowly distributed at relatively few locations where suitable habitat is present.
Methodology
As documented in the Habitat Assessment and Western Riverside County Multiple Speci es Habitat Conservation Plan Consistency Analysis (Michael Baker 202 2), the project site is located within a designated survey area for BUOW as identified in the MSHCP and also provides suitable habitat and foraging opportunities for BUOW. As such, focused BUOW surveys were conducted by qualified biologists Lauren Mapes, Ryan Winkleman, April Nakagawa, and Tom Millington on four (4) separate days during the 2022 breeding season: April 12, May 31, June 14, and June 28, 2022. Please refer to Table 1 below for a summary of the survey dates, timing, surveyors, and weather conditions for each of the surveys.
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 4
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Table 1: Survey Dates, Timing, Surveyors, and Weather Conditions Date Time
(start / finish) Surveyors Temperature (°F)
(start / finish)
Average Wind Speed
(mph)
April 12, 2022 0750 / 0830 LM, RW 63 sunny / 67 sunny 0 – 3 May 31, 2022 0815 / 0930 LM, AN 71 sunny / 76 sunny 0 – 4 June 14, 2022 0800 / 0845 LM, AN, TM 73 sunny / 73 sunny 0 – 2 June 28, 2022 0800 / 0850 LM, AN 80 sunny / 84 sunny 0 – 2 *RW = Ryan Winkleman, LM = Lauren Mapes, TM = Tom Millington, AN = April Nakagawa The BUOW focused surveys were conducted during the 2022 breeding season (February 1 through August 31) in accordance with the survey guidelines and protocols provided in the Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area (RCA 2006).
Areas providing suitable habitat for BUOWs within the survey area were surveyed for suitable, occupied, and remnant burrows consisting of natural and non -natural substrates (refer to Figure 2, Survey Area, in Attachment A). Survey transects were conducted at 10-meter (approximately 33 feet) intervals to ensure 100% visual coverage of al l areas in suitable habitat, as applicable based on -site topography, and access.
Binoculars were used to scan areas that were inaccessible due to lack of right -of-entry to observe and identify distant birds; identify any suitable, occupied, and remnant burrows consisting of natural and non- natural substrates ; and search for any activity around suitable BUOW habitat. Methods to detect the presence of BUOWs included direct observation, aural detection, and signs of presence (i.e., pellets, white wash, feathers, or prey remains). The location of all suitable habitat, potential burrows, sign, and BUOWs observed within the survey area were recorded and mapped with a hand -held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit . Surveys were not conducted during rain, high winds, dense fog, or high temperatures. All BUOW focused surveys were conducted between morning civil twilight and 1000 hours.
Results
Existing Conditions
After a review of Google Earth historic imagery and results from the field survey, it was determined that the survey area is comprised of developed land and areas of disturbed habitat and bare ground which consist of heavily disturbed/compacted soils. Google Earth historic imagery from 19 85 through 2021 also shows that the survey area has continually been exposed to disturbances due to routine weed abatement activities (i.e., disking, tilling) throughout the undeveloped portions of the survey area and that these activities have eliminated any natural vegetation communities. Vacant land is present in patches to the north, south, and east of the survey area. Residential land use is located along the west, northwest, and northeast boundary of the survey area. Additionally, commercial uses were currently being built along the western boundary of the project site at the time of the surveys. Please refer to Attachment B for representative photographs taken throughout the survey area.
Regional Context
According to the CNDDB, there are twenty-two (22) occurrence records for burrowing owl within the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles, which constitute the quadrangles within a 5-mile radius of the survey area . The closest extant occurrence
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 5
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
(Occurrence Number 65) was recorded in 1980, approximately 2.25 miles south of the project site where a colony of owls was observed at the Perris Reservoir Recreation Area (CDFW 2022). Additionally, another occurrence (Occurrence Number 439) approximately 4 miles to the southwest of the project site has seen continual BUOW use since 1991, with the most recent update being in 2007 (CDFW 2022). In addition, there are dozens of records of this species in the eBird database, within and just outside of a 5 -mile radius from the project site (eBird 2022).
Focused Survey Results
No BUOWs or BUOW sign (i.e., pellets, white wash, feathers, or prey remains) were observed during any of the four (4) focused surveys. Suitable foraging habitat and line of site opportunities were observed throughout the survey area, as well as suitable burrows (> 4 inches in diameter) capable of providing roosting and nesting opportunities for BUOW. Most burrows observed were located within the southern portions of the 500-foot buffer area and consisted of small mammal burrows < 4 inches in dia meter (refer to Figure 2, Survey Area, in Appendix A). The existing telephone poles, light posts, fencing, and residential and commercial land use that occur within the survey area decrease the likelihood that BUOWs would occur as these features provide perching opportunities for larger raptor species (i.e., red-tailed hawk [Buteo jamaicensis]) that prey on BUOWs. Further, between the third and fourth survey an unknown entity conducted disking/weed abatement activities on -site, which removed much of the non -native vegetation that was present during the first three surveys.
Common bird species detected during the focused surveys included common raven (Corvus corax), house finch ( Haemorhous mexicanus ), northern mockingbird ( Mimus polyglottos ), house sparrow ( Passer domesticus), Say’s phoebe (Sayornis saya), western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), and white-crowned sparrow ( Zonotrichia leucophrys). Please refer to Attachment C for a complete list of wildlife species observed during the surveys.
Conclusions and Recommendations
No BUOWs, BUOW sign, occupied BUOW burrows, or remnant BUOW burrows were observed on or within the vicinity of the survey area. Therefore, project-related activities are not expected to result in any direct or indirect impacts to BUOWs or occupied BUOW burrows on or within the vicinity of the survey area.
Although BUOWs were not observed during the focused survey s, the survey area does contain suitable foraging and nesting habitat for BUOW. Due to the presence of suitable foraging habitat for BUOW and the proximity of the survey area to existing occurrence records for BUOW, in accordance with the Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area (RCA 2006), one (1) pre-construction clearance survey should be conducted no more than thirty (30) days prior to any ground disturbing activities to avoid direct take of BUOWs. The clearance survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist and cover all suitable habitat within the project impact area, including adjacent suitable habitat within a 500 -foot buffer (as accessible). Following completion of the clearance survey, the qualified biologist shall prepare and submit a final report documenting the methods and results of the survey. If no BUOWs or occupied burrows are detected, project activities may begin, and no additional avoidance and minimization measures would be required. If an occupied burrow is found within the project impact area during pre -construction clearance surveys, a BUOW exclusion plan shall be
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 6
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
prepared and submitted to the RCA and Wildlife Agencies (USFWS and CDFW) for approval prior to initiating project activities that includes proposed mitigation for direct and permanent impacts to nesting, occupied, and satellite burrows and/or BUOW habitat.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (949) 246 -7004 or [email protected] or Ryan Winkleman at (949) 533 -0918 or [email protected] should you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
Tom Millington Ryan Winkleman
Senior Biologist Senior Biologist
Attachments:
A. Project Figures
B. Site Photographs
C. Wildlife Species Observed List
D. References
Attachment A
Project Figures
Regional and Project Vicinity
Figure 1
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Project Site (29.39 acres)
SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
FOCUSED BURROWING OWL SURVEY REPORT
Source: USGS 7.5-Minute topographic quadrangle maps: Perris and Sunnymead, California (2021) Project Location
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33.919103
-117.190887
33.926097
-117.183379
Survey Area
Figure 2
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0 350175
Feet
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Project Site (29.39 acres)
Survey Area (105.88 acres)
!> Reference Point
Suitable Habitat (53.21 acres)
1 Burrow
" Photograph Point and Direction
Source: Nearmap (01/2022)
Cottonwood Ave
SUNSET CROSSING TTM 38443
FOCUSED BURROWING OWL SURVEY REPORT
Attachment B
Site Photographs
Attachment B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-1
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Photograph 1: Standing in the southwest corner of the project site , facing north overlooking open suitable habitat for burrowing owl (BUOW).
Photograph 2: Standing west of the center of the project site, facing southeast overlooking open suitable habitat for BUOW.
Attachment B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-2
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Photograph 3: Standing west of the center of the project site, f acing north over looking open suitable habitat for BUOW.
Photograph 4: Standing near the central-western boundary of the project site , facing northwest overlooking the survey buffer with open suitable habitat for BUOW.
Attachment B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-3
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Photograph 5: Standing near the central -western boundary of the project site , facing north overlooking open suitable habitat for BUOW.
Photograph 6: Standing in the northwest corner of the project site, facing southeast overlooking open suitable habitat for BUOW.
Attachment B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-4
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Photograph 7: Standing at the northern project boundary , facing north. The foreground and survey buffer in the background provide open suitable habitat for BUOW.
Photograph 8: Standing near the northeastern corner of the project site, facing north at an abandoned property within the project site.
Attachment B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-5
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Photograph 9: Standing in the southeast corner of the project site , facing north overlooking disturbed land suitable for BUOW.
Photograph 10: Standing near the center of the project site , facing east over looking suitable habitat for BUOW that was disked between surveys.
Attachment B – Site Photographs
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 B-6
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Photograph 11: Standing south of the center of the project site, facing north overlooking suitable habitat for BUOW that was mowed between surveys.
Photograph 12: Standing near the southwest corner of the project site, f acing north east overlooking suitable habitat for BUOW that was disked between surveys.
Attachment C
Wildlife Species Observed List
Attachment C – Wildlife Species Observed List
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 C-1
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
Table C-1: Wildlife Species Observed List
Scientific Name* Common Name Special-Status Rank**
Reptiles
Uta stansburiana elegans western side-blotched lizard
Birds
Accipiter cooperii Cooper’s hawk WL
Aeronautes saxatalis white throated swift
Agelaius phoeniceus red-winged blackbird
Anthus rubescens American pipit
Calypte anna Anna’s hummingbird
Columba livia* rock pigeon
Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow
Spinus lawrencei Lawrence’s goldfinch
Haemorhous mexicanus house finch
Icterus bullockii Bullock’s oriole
Icterus cucullatus hooded oriole
Melozone crissalis California towhee
Mimus polyglottos northern mockingbird
Passer domesticus* house sparrow
Passerculus sandwichensis savannah sparrow
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota cliff swallow
Pheucticus melanocephalus black-headed grosbeak
Psaltriparus minimus bushtit
Sayornis nigricans black phoebe
Sayornis saya Say’s phoebe
Spinus psaltria lesser goldfinch
Streptopelia decaocto* Eurasian collared-dove
Sturnella neglecta western meadowlark
Tyrannus vociferans Cassin’s kingbird
Zenaida macroura mourning dove
Zonotrichia leucophrys white-crowned sparrow
Mammals
Otospermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel
* Non-native species
** Special-Status Rank
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
WL Watch List - taxa that were previously designated as “Species of Special Concern” but no longer merit that status, or which do not yet meet SSC criteria, but for which there is concern and a need for additional information to clarify status.
Attachment D
References
Attachment D – References
Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 D-1
Focused Burrowing Owl Survey Report
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2012. Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. State of California Natural Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2022. RareFind 5, California Natural Diversity Data Base, California. Data base report on threatened, endangered, rare or otherwise sensitive species and communities for the USGS El Casco, Perris, Riverside East, Steele Peak, and Sunnymead, California 7.5-minute quadrangles.
eBird. 2022. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application]. eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Available online at: http://www.ebird.org.
Google, Inc. 2022. Google Earth Pro Historical Aerial Imagery Version 7.3.8.8248. Build date 07/16/2021.
Aerial imagery from 1985 to 2021.
Haug, E.A., B.A. Millsap, and M.S. Martell. 1993. Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia). In: A. Poole and F. Gill, editors, Birds of North America, No. 61. Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Science; Washington DC: The American Ornithologists’ Union.
Michael Baker International. 2022. Sunset Crossing TTM 38443 Habitat Assessment and Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Consistency Analysis. Report dated November 2022.
Thomsen, L. 1971. Behavior and ecology of Burrowing Owls in the Oakland Municipal Airport . Condor 73: 177-192.
Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA). 2006. Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Area.
U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 . Accessed online at:
www.fws.gov/lawsdigest/migtrea.html.
APPENDIX B
SITE DESIGN PLANS
Conceptual Site Plan
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Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation
WQMP Site Plan
2023-01-23 JN C:\Data\MBI_GIS_Exhibits\CA_MorenoValley\CA_MorenoValley.aprx SUNSET CROSSINGS TTM 38443
Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation
APPENDIX C
MSHCP BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
APPENDIX C MSHCP STANDARD BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
In accordance with Appendix C of the Western Riverside County MSHCP, the following standard best management practices should be implemented to reduce project-related impacts:
• A qualified biologist should present to project personnel (including temporary, contractors, and subcontractors) a worker environmental awareness program prior to the initiation of grading activities. Project personnel should be advised on any special -status wildlife species of concern, the steps to avoid impacts to the species and the potential penalties for taking such species. At a minimum, the program should include the following topics: occurrence of the listed and sensitive species in the area, their general ecology, sensitivity of the spec ies to human activities, legal protection afforded to these species, penalties for violations of federal and State laws, reporting requirements, and project features designed to reduce the impacts to these species and promote continued successful occupatio n of the project area. Color photographs of the listed species should be included in the program and be shown to personnel. Following the program, the photographs should be posted in the contractor and resident engineer office and remain through the duration of the project. The contractor, resident engineer, and the qualified biologist should be responsible for ensuring that personnel are aware of the listed species. If additional personnel are added to the project after initiation, they should receive inst ruction prior to working on the project.
• In order to avoid or minimize impacts to water quality, a construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Plan should be developed to minimize erosion and identify specific poll ution prevention measures that would eliminate or control potential point and non‐point pollution sources on‐site during and following the project’s construction phase. The project design should incorporate permanent erosion control elements to ensure that storm water runoff does not cause soil erosion. In addition, erosion control measures should be applied to all exposed areas during construction. Erosion control measures may include the trapping of sediments within the construction area by placing barrie rs, such as straw bales, at the perimeter of downstream drainage points or by construction of temporary detention basins. Other methods of minimizing erosion impacts include hydro -mulching and limiting the amount and length of exposure of graded soil. • Disturbance related to the project should be minimized to the maximum extent possible. Project site access should also be limited to existing disturbed roads and access routes. • Prior to construction, highly visible barriers (e.g., orange construction fencing) should be clearly defined and installed around the perimeter of the project impact area and access routes. • In order to avoid impacts to nesting birds, any native vegetation removal or tree (native or exotic) trimming activities should occur outside of the nesting bird season (February 1 – August 31). If avoidance of the nesting bird season is not feasible, a pre -construction nesting bird clearance survey should be conducted by a qualified biologist no more than three days prior to the start of any vegetation removal or ground disturbing activities to maintain compliance with the MBTA and CFGC and ensure that impacts to nesting birds do not occur. The qualified biologist should survey all suitable nesting habitat within the project impact area, including area s within a biologically defensible buffer distance surrounding the project impact area, for the presence of nesting birds and should provide documentation of the surveys and findings to the City of Menifee for review prior to initiating project activities. If no active bird nests are detected, project -related activities may begin. If an active nest is found, the bird should be identified to species and the approximate distance from the closest work site to the active nest should be estimated and the qualifi ed biologist should establish a “no -disturbance” buffer around the active nest. The distance of the “no-disturbance” buffer may be increased or decreased according to the judgement of the qualified biologist depending on the level of activity and species (i.e., listed, sensitive). In addition, the qualified biologist should periodically monitor any active bird nests to determine if project - related activities occurring outside the ‘no disturbance” buffer disturb the birds and if the buffer should be increase d. Once the young have fledged and left the nest, or the nest otherwise becomes inactive under natural conditions, project -related activities within the ‘no disturbance” buffer may occur.
• All equipment maintenance, staging, and dispensing of fuel, oil, or any other such activities should occur in developed or previously disturbed upland areas so as to prevent the runoff from any spills from entering waters of the U.S., waters of the State, or riparian/riverine resources. All construction equipment should be operated in a manner to prevent accidental damage to nearby preserved areas and any project -related spills of hazardous materials should be immediately reported to appropriate entities.
• Silt fence barriers should be installed around water courses to preve nt accidental deposition of fill material in these areas. And brush, loose soils, or other similar debris materials should be stockpiled in developed or disturbed upland areas.
• A qualified biologist should monitor construction for the duration of the proje ct to ensure that BMPs and other avoidance and minimization measures are properly implemented. • Removal of native vegetation should be minimized to the maximum extent possible. • Removal of exotic species that prey upon or displace target species of concern should be removed from the project work area, if possible.
• Trash, construction refuse (e.g., broken equipment parts, cables, etc.), and food items should be contained in closed containers and removed daily.