Point Arena City Council
May 28, 2024

1.0 INTRODUCTION
On April 23 and June 5, 2022, WRA, Inc. (WRA) performed an assessment of biological resources at 135 Main Street (APN: 027-122-21; Study Area) (Figure 1, Appendix A). The focus area of the assessment was the entire 1.2-acre parcel (Study Area) and suitable Point Arena Mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra; PAMB) habitat within 100 feet of the Study Area. The purpose of this study was to gather the information necessary to document biological resources and potential impacts under the California Coastal Act (CCA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and City of Point Arena Municipal Code, including the Local Coastal Program, associated with the proposed Project.

An environmentally sensitive habitat area (ESHA) survey provides general information on the presence, or potential presence, of sensitive species and habitats. These survey(s) contain the results of a focused protocol-level survey for special-status plant species in the Study Area; however, protocol-level surveys for wildlife may or may not be included as part of the survey. This survey is not a formal wetland delineation; in instances where such a delineation may be required for project approval by local, state, or federal agencies, results would be reported herein, but may be presented elsewhere in separate reports.

This survey is based on information available at the time of the study and on-site conditions that were observed on the date(s) the site was visited.

This report describes the results of the site visit, which assessed the Study Area for (1) the presence of sensitive land cover types, (2) the potential for land cover types on the site to support special-status plant and wildlife species, and (3) the presence of any other sensitive natural resources protected by local, state, or federal laws and regulations. Overall, these sensitive biological resources are considered ESHA under the CCA. Special-status species observed during the site assessment were documented and their presence is discussed herein. Specific findings on the habitat suitability or presence of special-status species or sensitive habitats may require that protocol-level surveys or other studies be conducted; recommendations for additional studies are provided, if necessary.

2.0 REGULATORY BACKGROUND
This report is intended to facilitate conformance of the Project with the standards outlined in the City of Point Arena (City) Local Coastal Plan (LCP). In addition to the requirements of the City, the Project may also be subject to several federal and state regulations designed to protect sensitive natural resources.

Full analysis of these requirements in the context of the Project are addressed herein.

2.1 Federal and State Regulatory Setting

2.1.1 Sensitive Land Cover Types
Land cover types are herein defined as those areas of a particular vegetation type, soil or bedrock formation, aquatic features, and/or another distinct phenomenon. Typically, land cover types have identifiable boundaries that can be delineated based on changes in plant assemblages, soil or rock types, soil surface or near-surface hydroperiod, anthropogenic or natural disturbance, topography, elevation, etc. Many land cover types are not considered sensitive or otherwise protected under the environmental regulations discussed here. However, these land cover types typically provide essential ecological and Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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biological functions for plants and wildlife, including, frequently, special-status species. Those land cover types that are considered or protected under one or more environmental regulations are discussed below.

Waters of the United States: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulates “Waters of the United States” under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Waters of the United States are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as including the territorial seas, and waters which are currently used, or were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, such as tributaries, lakes and ponds, impoundments of waters of the U.S., and wetlands that are hydrologically connected with these navigable features (33 CFR 328.3). Potential wetland areas, according to the three criteria used to delineate wetlands as defined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Corps Manual; Environmental Laboratory 1987), are identified by the presence of (1) hydrophytic vegetation, (2) hydric soils, and (3) wetland hydrology. Unvegetated waters including lakes, rivers, and streams may also be subject to Section 404 jurisdiction and are characterized by an ordinary high-water mark (OHWM) identified based on field indicators such as the lack of vegetation, sorting of sediments, and other indicators of flowing or standing water. The placement of fill material into Waters of the United States generally requires a permit from the Corps under Section 404 of the CWA. Waters of the U.S. are also considered ESHA under the LCP.

Waters of the State, Including Wetlands: The term “Waters of the State” is defined by the Porter-Cologne Act as “any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state.” The SWRCB and nine RWQCB protect waters within this broad regulatory scope through many different regulatory programs. Waters of the State in the context of a CEQA Biological Resources evaluation include wetlands and other surface waters protected by the State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State (SWRCB 2019). The SWRCB and RWQCB issue permits for the discharge of fill material into surface waters through the State Water Quality Certification Program, which fulfills requirements of Section 401 of the CWA and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Projects that require a Clean Water Act permit are also required to obtain a Water Quality Certification. If a project does not require a federal permit but does involve discharge of dredge or fill material into surface waters of the State, the SWRCB and RWQCB may issue a permit in the form of Waste Discharge Requirements. Waters of the State are also considered EHSA under the LCP.

Streams, Lakes, and Riparian Habitat: Streams and lakes, as habitat for fish and wildlife species, are subject to jurisdiction by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) under Sections 1600-1616 of California Fish and Game Code (CFGC). Alterations to or work within or adjacent to streambeds or lakes generally require a 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement. The term “stream”, which includes creeks and rivers, is defined in the California Code of Regulations (CCR) as “a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life [including] watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian vegetation” (14 CCR 1.72). In addition, the term “stream” can include ephemeral streams, dry washes, watercourses with subsurface flows, canals, aqueducts, irrigation ditches, and other means of water conveyance if they support aquatic life, riparian vegetation, or stream-dependent terrestrial wildlife (CDFG 1994). “Riparian” is defined as “on, or pertaining to, the banks of a stream.” Riparian vegetation is defined as “vegetation which occurs in and/or adjacent to a stream and is dependent on, and occurs because of, the stream itself” (CDFG 1994). Removal of riparian vegetation also requires a Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFW. Streams, lakes and riparian habitat are also considered ESHA under the LCP.

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Sensitive Natural Communities: Sensitive natural communities not discussed above include habitats that fulfill special functions or have special values. Natural communities considered sensitive are those identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the CDFW. CNDDB vegetation alliances are ranked 1 through 5 based on NatureServe's (2022) methodology, with those alliances ranked globally (G) or statewide (S) as 1 through 3 considered sensitive. Impacts to sensitive natural communities identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or those identified by the CDFW or USFWS must be considered and evaluated under CEQA (CCR Title 14, Div. 6, Chap. 3, Appendix G) and the LCP.

Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas: The California Coastal Act Section 30107.5 defines ESHAs as "any area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments." Coastal Act Section 30240 protects ESHAs from “significant disruption of habitat values” limits allowable land uses within ESHAs and requires adjacent uses to be designed to be compatible with habitat benefits provided by ESHAs. The Coastal Act includes wetlands as ESHAs but does not specifically define every vegetation community defined as an ESHA. Instead, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) often delegates the responsibility for administering the California Coastal Act to local municipalities through the approval of Local Coastal Programs (LCPs). Many LCPs provide more specific lists of features that are considered ESHAs. More information about ESHAs defined by the City of Point Arena LCP is provided in Section 2.2 below.

2.1.2 Special-status Species
Plants: Special-status plants include taxa that have been listed as endangered or threatened, or are formal candidates for such listing, under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and/or California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The California Native Plant Protection Act (CNPPA) lists 64 “rare” or “endangered” and prevents “take”, with few exceptions, of these species. Plant species on the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Rare and Endangered Plant Inventory (Inventory) with California Rare Plant Ranks (Rank) of 1, 2, and 3 are also considered special-status plant species and must be considered under CEQA and LCP. Rank 4 species are typically only afforded protection under CEQA when such species are particularly unique to the locale (e.g., range limit, low abundance/low frequency, limited habitat) or are otherwise considered locally rare. Rank 3 and Rank 4 species are typically not considered ESHA under the LCP. A description of the CNPS Ranks is provided in Appendices B and C.

Wildlife: As with plants, special-status wildlife includes species/taxa that have been listed or are formal candidates for such under ESA and/or CESA. The federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act provides relatively broad protections to both of North America’s eagle species (bald [Haliaeetus leucocephalus] and golden eagle [Aquila chrysaetos)] that in some regards are similar to those provided by ESA. The CFGC designates some species as Fully Protected (SFP), which indicates that take of that species cannot be authorized through a state permit. Additionally, CDFW Species of Special Concern (species that face extirpation in California if current population and habitat trends continue) are given special consideration under CEQA and the LCP and are therefore considered special-status species. In addition to regulations for special-status species, most native birds in the United States, including non-status species, have baseline legal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and CFGC, i.e., sections 3503, 3503.5 and 3513. Under these laws/codes, the intentional harm or collection of adult birds as well as the intentional collection or destruction of active nests, eggs, and young is illegal. For bat species, the Western Bat Working Group (WBWG) designates conservation status for species of bats, and those with a high or Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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medium-high priority are typically given special consideration under CEQA. These special-status wildlife are also considered ESHA under the LCP.

Critical Habitat, Essential Fish Habitat, and Wildlife Corridors: Critical habitat is a term defined in the ESA as a specific and formally designated geographic area that contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. The ESA requires federal agencies to consult with the USFWS to conserve listed species on their lands and to ensure that any activities or projects they fund, authorize, or carry out will not jeopardize the survival of a threatened or endangered species. In consultation for those species with critical habitat, federal agencies must also ensure that their activities or projects do not adversely modify critical habitat to the point that it will no longer aid in the species’ recovery. Note that designated critical habitat areas that are currently unoccupied by the species, but which are deemed necessary for the species’ recovery are also protected by the prohibition against adverse modification.

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) provides for conservation and management of fishery resources in the U.S. This Act establishes a national program intended to prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, ensure conservation, and facilitate long-term protection through the establishment of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). EFH consists of aquatic areas that contain habitat essential to the long-term survival and health of fisheries, which may include the water column, certain bottom types, vegetation (e.g., eelgrass (Zostera spp.)), or complex structures such as oyster beds. Any federal agency that authorizes, funds, or undertakes action that may adversely affect EFH is required to consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Movement and migratory corridors for native wildlife (including aquatic corridors) as well as wildlife nursery sites are given special consideration under CEQA and the LCP.

2.2 City of Point Arena Regulatory Setting

2.2.1 Local Coastal Plan (Section X of the Local Use Plan) The City of Point Arena defines an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) as:
“An area in which plant or animal lifer or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in the ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments.”
These areas include:
• Any habitat area that is rare or especially valuable from a local, regional, or statewide basis • Areas that contribute to the viability of plan or animal species designated as rare, threatened, or endangered under State or Federal law.
• Areas that contribute to the viability of species, designated as Fully Protected or Species of Special Concern under State law or regulations.
• Areas that contribute to the viability of plant species for which there is compelling evidence of rarity.

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ESHA buffer zones are defined as:

A native vegetation buffer provided around ESHA to serve as transitional habitat and provide distance and physical barriers to human intrusion….No buffer may be less than 100 feet unless it can be demonstrated, based on criteria in Section 18.25.220 and after City consultation with CDFW that 100 feet is not necessary to protect the resources from significant degradation caused by the proposed development.

Specific buffer zones identified in the City LCP include:
• Riparian Zone along Arena Creek: 100 feet from outward edge of riparian vegetation • Mountain Beaver Buffer Area along Arena Creek: 500 feet from centerline of the creek The City of Point Arena LCP identifies the following aquatic resources as ESHA:
• Garcia River Wetlands
• Arena Cove
• Arena Creek
• Hathaway Creek/Garcia Riparian System
• Other Sensitive Habitat Areas displaying wetland characteristics Additionally, areas identified on the Opportunities and Constraints Map as ESHA are considered ESHA.

2.2.2 City of Point Arena Municipal Code
Section 18.25.220 Development in or Adjacent to Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area: No new development shall be allowed within or adjacent to riparian corridors along Arena Creek, or other Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas where mapped (on the opportunities and constraints map:
biological resources and trails) or other unmapped ESHAs that meet the ESHA criteria contained in Land Use Plan (LUP) Chapter X Section 2.4 without first obtaining appropriate permits. New development includes, but is not limited to, vegetation removal, grading, filling, soils or refuse dumping, and the alteration of creek banks. New development adjacent to ESHA shall provide native vegetation buffer areas to serve as transitional habitat and provide distance and physical barriers to human intrusion.

The buffer area shall be a minimum of 100 feet and shall be larger if necessary to protect the resources of the particular habitat area from possible significant degradation caused by the proposed development.

No buffer may be less than 100 feet unless it can be demonstrated, based on the criteria below and after city consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, that 100 feet is not necessary to protect the resources of the particular habitat area from possible significant degradation caused by the proposed development. No buffer area may be less than 50 feet in width.

The buffer area shall be measured from the nearest outside edge of the ESHA. For a wetland the buffer shall be measured from the upland edge of the wetland. For riparian areas, the buffer shall be measured from the outer edge of the canopy of riparian vegetation. Where riparian vegetation is not present, the buffer shall be measured from the outer edge of the bank of the subject stream. For coastal bluff ESHA, the buffer shall be measured from the bluff edge (as defined in Appendix A). For plant community ESHAs, Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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the buffer shall be measured from the outer edge of the plants that comprise the plant community. Point Arena Mountain beaver buffer area is described in Section 18.25.240.

Pre-existing buildings and non-conforming uses within riparian buffer zones may continue as legally nonconforming, but no additions that encroach closer to the stream or creek shall be permitted, with the following exceptions contingent upon the four required findings described below:

1. Accessory structures located at the City’s wastewater reclamation facility situated entirely within the developed fenced area subject to a Coastal Development Permit consistent with all other applicable provisions of the certified LCP.

2. Required Findings
a) The proposed development has been sited and designed to prevent significant impacts to the habitat values, functional capacity, and species diversity of the adjacent riparian habitat area. b) The proposed development is compatible with the continuance of such habitat areas. c) Soils and vegetation removal and disturbances shall be minimized. d) Non-native vegetation shall not be planted except for the continuance of existing agricultural practices
Standards for determining an appropriate buffer width are identified in this section.

Section 18.25.230 Required Wetland and Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Impact and Mitigation Review: New development applications shall include an inventory of the plant and animal species and habitat present on the project site. Potential sensitive species to be included in the survey shall include but are not limited to: Point Arena mountain beaver, northern closed cone coniferous forest, coast lily, north coast riparian scrub, northern coastal bluff scrub, northern coastal scrub, and coastal terrace prairie, Mendocino paint brush, coastal bluff morning glory, and habitat for Behren’s silverspot butterfly, or plants designated “1B” or “2” by the California Native Plant Society.

If the initial inventory indicates the presence or potential for sensitive species or habitat on the project site, a detailed biological study shall be required. A detailed biological analysis, prepared by a qualified biologist, of development plans affecting or likely to affect any ESHA shall be submitted to the city for its review and approval.

Items to be addressed in the biological report are identified in this section.

Section 18.25.240 Point Arena Mountain Beaver and the Mountain Beaver Buffer Area: To minimize and mitigate disturbance to Point Arena mountain beavers, noise-generating or habitat-modifying projects within the mountain beaver buffer area (MBBA) shall be surveyed. The MBBA is designated on the Point Arena opportunities and constraints map as a 1,000-foot strip along Arena Creek, 500 feet from the centerline. Surveys shall be done by a qualified biologist and should cover all of the mountain beaver habitat from the perimeter of the project out to a distance of 500 feet. If mountain beaver sign (trails, burrows, digging, etc.) is detected within this radius, additional project mitigation or the development of a habitat conservation plan shall be required. Fences are prohibited within 15 feet of the center line of the creek to allow for wildlife migration along the travel corridor, and disturbance of the streambed is prohibited.

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Any area mapped as MBBA shall not be deprived of protection as ESHA, as required by the policies and provisions of the LCP, on the basis that habitat has been illegally removed, degraded, or species that are rare or especially valuable because of their nature or role in an ecosystem have been eliminated.

Any area not designated as MBBA on the opportunities and constraints map that contains Point Arena mountain beaver habitat, is ESHA and shall be accorded all the protection provided for the MBBA in this section and all the relevant ESHA provisions in the LCP. Coastal scrub/riparian habitats, steep north-facing slopes, and protected gulches are considered viable habitat for PAMB, and all applications on properties containing these vegetation types shall be surveyed by a qualified biologist for PAMB habitat.

Mitigation for noise generating projects within 500 feet of occupied habitat shall include the following restrictions from December 15th through June 15th:
• The action and related activities shall be greater than 100 feet from occupied habitat. • Noise-generating activities shall be limited to the use of hand tools and light power-tools (e.g., axe, chainsaw, etc.).
• No tools shall be used that require an air compressor. • No power tools shall be operated while in direct contact with the ground.

Section 18.25.270 Mitigation Measures: Permissible development shall be sited and designed to avoid adverse impacts to ESHA. If there is no feasible alternative that can eliminate all adverse impacts, then the alternative that would result in the fewest or least significant adverse impacts shall be selected.

Residual adverse impacts to ESHA shall be fully mitigated, with priority given to on-site mitigation. Mitigation shall not substitute for implementation of the project alternative that would avoid impacts to ESHA.

When mitigation measures are required for impacts to ESHA, such measures including habitat restoration and/or enhancement shall be monitored for a period of no less than five years following completion unless it can be demonstrated that the success criteria have been met for a period of at least two years without any maintenance or remediation activities other than exotic species control. Monitoring reports shall be provided to the city annually and at the conclusion of the five-year monitoring period that document the success or failure of the mitigation.

Specific mitigation measures for potential impacts to ESHA and wetlands are identified in this section.

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The Study Area is set across the entirety of the 1.25-acre parcel (Figure 1, Appendix A) located at 135 Main Street, Point Arena. Detailed descriptions of the local setting are below.

3.1 Topography and Soils
The Study Area is situated on a gentle south-facing slope in elevations ranging from 275 to 430 feet.

According to the Soil Survey of Mendocino County (USDA 2006), the Study Area is underlain by two soil mapping units: Dystropepts, 30 to 75 percent slopes and Urban land.

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3.2 Climate and Hydrology
The Study Area is located directly within the coastal fog zone of Mendocino County where summer temperatures are buffeted by fog and fog drip contributes to annual rainfall totals. The average monthly maximum temperature of Point Arena (CA047009) is 66.7 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average monthly minimum temperature is 40.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Predominantly, precipitation falls as rainfall with an annual average of 41.28 inches. Precipitation bearing weather systems are predominantly from the west with the majority of rain falls between November and March, with a combined average of 33.08 inches (USDA 2022).

The local watershed is Point Arena Creek-Frontal Pacific Ocean (HUC 12: 180101080906) and the regional watershed is Big-Navarro-Garcia (HUC 8: 18010108). The Study Area contains two mapped aquatic features, including perennial stream (Arena Creek) and freshwater/shrub forested wetland (USFWS 2022a; SFEI 2022). Arena Creek is also mapped on the Point Arena USGS 7.5-minute quad map (USGS 2015). The principal apparent hydrologic source for the Study Area is direct precipitation and perennial stream flow. See Section 5.1.2 for details on aquatic features within the Study Area.

3.3 Land Cover and Land Use
The Study Area was developed in the 1960s as a lodging establishment; the structures remain and have become dilapidated. The developed portion includes the dilapidated lodging and office buildings and associated features such as a parking lot, sidewalks, and lower-level storage garages. The undeveloped land is disturbed through past land use which included residential/commercial structures, which have since been demolished. Detailed land cover descriptions are included in Section 5.1 below, and all observed plants are included in Appendix B. Regional land uses include city residential.

4.0 ASSESSMENT METHODS
Prior to the site visit, WRA biologists reviewed the following literature and performed database searches to assess the potential for sensitive natural communities (e.g., wetlands) and special-status species (e.g., endangered plants):
• Soil Survey of Mendocino County, California (USDA 2006) • Point Arena 7.5-minute quadrangle (USGS 2015)
• Contemporary aerial photographs (Google Earth 2022)
• Historical aerial photographs (Historical Aerials 2022) • National Wetlands Inventory (USFWS 2022a)
• California Aquatic Resources Inventory (SFEI 2022)
• California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB, CDFW 2022b) • California Native Plant Society Electronic Inventory (CNPS 2022a) • Consortium of California Herbaria (CCH 2022)
• USFWS List of Federal Endangered and Threatened Species (USFWS 2022b) • eBird Online Database (eBird 2022)
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• CDFW Publication, California Bird Species of Special Concern in California (Shuford and Gardali 2008)
• CDFW and University of California Press publication California Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern (Thomson et al. 2016)
• A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians (Stebbins 2003) • A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) • Classification and Mapping of Mendocino Cypress Woodland and Related Vegetation on Oligiotrophic Soils (Keeler-Wolf et al. 2019)
• A Manual of California Vegetation Online (CNPS 2022b) • Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities (Holland 1986) • California Natural Community List (CDFW 2022a)
Database searches (i.e., CNDDB, CNPS) focused on the Mallo Pass Creek, Cold Spring, Point Arena, Eureka Hill, Saunders Reef, and Gualala USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles for special-status plants. The special-status wildlife evaluation was based on database searches for the entirety of Mendocino County.

Following the remote assessment, a botanist with 40-hour Corps wetland delineation and wildlife training traversed the entire Study Area on foot to document: (1) land cover types (e.g., terrestrial communities, aquatic resources), (2) if and what type of aquatic natural communities (e.g., wetlands) are present, (3) existing conditions and to determine if such provide suitable habitat for any special-status plant or wildlife species, and (4) if special-status species are present1.

Biological assessments were conducted by Rhiannon Korhummel, a biologist familiar with the flora and fauna of coastal Mendocino County; see Appendix E for statement of qualifications. She was assisted by WRA biologists where necessary.

4.1 Land Cover Types

4.1.1 Terrestrial Land Cover Types
Terrestrial land cover types were mapped across the entire Study Area. In most instances, communities are delineated based on distinct shifts in plant assemblage (vegetation) and follow the California Natural Community List (CDFW 2022a), Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California (Holland 1986), A Manual of California Vegetation, Online Edition (CNPS 2022b), or regional vegetation reports. In some cases, it may be necessary to identify variants of community types or to describe non-vegetated areas that are not described in the literature; should an undescribed variant be used, it will be noted in the description. Vegetation alliances (natural communities) with a CDFW Rank of 1 through 3 (globally critically imperiled (S1/G1), imperiled (S2/G2), or vulnerable (S3/G3), were evaluated as sensitive as part of this evaluation, unless otherwise noted. 2 1 Due to the timing of the assessment, it may or may not constitute protocol-level species surveys; see Section 4.2 if the site assessment would constitute a formal or protocol-level species survey. 2 Ranking of CDFW List of Vegetation Alliances is based on NatureServe Rankings (NatureServe 2022) Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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4.1.2 Aquatic Resources
Aquatic resources include Waters of the U.S., Waters of the State, and Streams, Lakes, and Riparian Habitat as defined in the CWA, Porter-Cologne Act, and CFGC, respectively. Areas which also meet the one-parameter Coastal Act definition of wetlands (CCC wetlands) are included. City of Point Arena LCP mandates setbacks from these aquatic resources, and therefore requires mapping of the outward extent of such features.

This site assessment does not constitute a formal wetland delineation; however, the surveys looked for indicators of wetlands such as hydrophytic vegetation (i.e., plant communities dominated by wetland species), evidence of inundation or flowing water, saturated soils and seepage, and topographic depressions/swales. If sample points were taken, WRA followed the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (Corps 2010).

The Study Area was surveyed for indicators of wetland hydrology utilizing wetland hydrology indicators specified in the 1987 Corps Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and WMVC Regional Supplement (Corps 2010). Positive indicators of wetland hydrology can include direct evidence (primary indicators), such as visible inundation or saturation, surface sediment deposits, oxidized root channels, and drift lines, or indirect indicators (secondary indicators) such as algal mats, shallow restrictive layers in the soil, or vegetation meeting the FAC-neutral test. Depressions, seeps, and topographic low areas were examined for these hydrological indicators.

Soils in the Study Area were examined for hydric soil indicators according to Natural Resources Conservation Service guidelines (USDA 2017). Soils formed under wetland (anaerobic) conditions generally have a low chroma matrix color, designated 0, 1, or 2, and contain mottles or other redoximorphic features. Soil profiles were characterized by depth, color, redoximorphic features, and texture. Soil color and chroma were determined using a Munsell soil color chart (Gretag Macbeth 2000) to determine if the soils in a particular area could be considered hydric.

The Study Area was surveyed for indicators of hydrophytic vegetation. Areas where plant species given facultative (FAC), facultative wet (FACW), or obligate (OBL) ranks (Corps 2020) were assessed to determine if hydrophytic vegetation was dominant. This wetland plant classification system is based on the expected frequency of occurrence of each species in wetlands.

If streams potentially jurisdictional under the CWA and/or the CFGC are noted on a site, they are delineated using a mix of surveyed topography data, high resolution aerial photographs, and a sub-meter GPS unit. The ordinary high-water mark would be used to determine the extent of potential Section 404 jurisdiction, while the top-of-bank would be used to determine the extent of CFGC Section 1602 and 401.

Streams with associated woody vegetation were assessed to determine if these areas would be considered riparian habitat by the CDFW following A Field Guide to Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, Section 1600-1607, California Fish and Game Code (CDFG 1994).

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4.2 Special-status Species

4.2.1 General Assessment
Potential occurrence of special-status species in the Study Area was evaluated by first determining which special-status species occur in the greater vicinity through a literature and database review. Database searches for known occurrences of special-status species focused on the 7.5-minute USGS quadrangles mentioned above for special-status plants and the entirety of Mendocino County for special-status wildlife.

A preliminary site visit was made on April 23, 2022, to evaluate the presence of suitable habitat for specialstatus species. Suitable habitat conditions are based on physical and biological conditions of the site, as well as the professional expertise of the investigating biologists. The potential for each special-status species to occur in the Study Area was then determined according to the following criteria:
• No Potential. Habitat on and adjacent to the site is clearly unsuitable for the species requirements (foraging, breeding, cover, substrate, elevation, hydrology, plant community, site history, disturbance regime).
• Unlikely. Few of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or the majority of habitat on and adjacent to the site is unsuitable or of very poor quality.

The species is not likely to be found on the site.
• Moderate Potential. Some of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or only some of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is unsuitable. The species has a moderate probability of being found on the site.
• High Potential. All of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present and/or most of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is highly suitable. The species has a high probability of being found on the site.
• Present. Species is observed on the site or has been recorded (i.e., CNDDB, other reports) on the site in the recent past.

If a more thorough assessment was warranted, a targeted or protocol-level assessment or survey was conducted or recommended as a future study. Methods for the assessments are described below. If a special-status species was observed during the site visit, its presence was recorded and discussed below in Section 5.2.

4.2.2 Special-status Plants
A botanical assessment was performed on April 23, and June 5, 2022. This assessment consisted of traversing the entirety of the Study Area. Habitat elements required or associated with certain species or species groups were searched for and noted. Such habitat elements include, but are not limited to: plant assemblages and vegetation structure; soil texture, parent material, and hydroperiod; surface and subsurface hydroperiods; topography, aspect, slope, and elevation; site management, including vegetation management; distance to documented occurrences of special-status plants; etc.

The botanical assessment was performed in accordance with those outlined by resource experts and agencies (CNPS 2001, CDFW 2018, USFWS 1998). Plants were identified using The Jepson Manual, 2nd Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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Edition (Baldwin et. al. 2012) and Jepson Flora Project (eFlora 2022), to the taxonomic level necessary to determine whether or not they were sensitive. Plant names follow those of Jepson Flora Project (eFlora 2022), unless otherwise noted.

4.2.3 Special-status Wildlife
A general wildlife assessment was performed on April 23, 2022. This assessment consisted of traversing the entirety of the Study Area. Habitat elements required or associated with certain species (e.g., northern spotted owl) or species groups (e.g., bats, anadromous fish) were searched for and noted. Such habitat elements include, but are not limited to: plant assemblages and vegetation structure; stream depth, width, hydro-period, slope, and bed-and-bank structure; rock outcrops, caves, cliffs, overhangs, and substrate texture and rock content; history of site alteration and contemporary disturbances; etc.

4.2.4 Critical Habitat, Essential Fish Habitat, and Wildlife Corridors Prior to the site visit the USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper (USFWS 2022b) and the NMFS Essential Fish Habitat Mapper (NMFS 2022) were queried to determine if critical habitat for any species or EFH, respectively, occurs within the Study Area. To account for potential impacts to wildlife movement/migratory corridors, biologists reviewed maps from the California Essential Connectivity Project (Caltrans 2010) and habitat connectivity data available through the CDFW Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS; CDFW 2022c). Additionally, aerial imagery (Google Earth 2022) for the local area was referenced to assess if local core habitat areas were present within, or connected to, the Study Area. This assessment was refined based on observations of on-site physical and/or biological conditions.

5.0 ASSESSMENT RESULTS

5.1 Land Cover Types
WRA observed four land cover types within the Study Area: Developed, non-native grassland, riparian and stream (Figure 2). Land cover types considered ESHA include riparian and stream. Non-ESHA land cover types include developed and non-native grassland. Appendix D contains representative photographs of the Study Area.

5.1.1 Terrestrial Land Cover Types
ESHA
Riparian. Red Alder Forest (Alnusrubra Forest Alliance). CDFW Rank: G5 S4. The riparian vegetation within the Study Area is best characterized as the Red Alder forest alliance (CNPS 2022b). This alliance is defined as stands where red alder is dominant in the tree canopy (CNPS 2022b). This alliance typically occurs on stream and river backwaters, banks, bottoms, food plains, mouths, terraces, and slopes of all aspects along the Coastal Range (CNPS 2022b). Within the Study Area, riparian vegetation is present along the banks of Arena Creek. The canopy is intermittent and dominated by red alder with Sika willow (Salix sitchensis) and Pacific willow (Salix lasiandra ssp. lasiandra). The understory has a continuous shrub layer Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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dominated by Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), English ivy (Hedera helix), California blackberry (Rubus ursinus) and twinberry (Lonicera involucrata). The herb layer is dominated by lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina), hedge nettle (Stachys chamissonis), crowfoot (Ranunculus repens), cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum), periwinkle (Vinca major), and giant horsetail (Equisetum telmateia). The English ivy and Himalayan blackberry are invading the riparian vegetation. To prevent degradation to the existing structures, portions of riparian vegetation adjacent to structures is regularly maintained through weedeating and tree pruning.

Non-ESHA
Developed. Developed areas include areas with structures and pavement.

Non-native Grassland (Sweet Vernal Grass Meadow (Anthoxanthum odoratum Herbaceous Semi-Natural Alliance). CDFW Rank: GNA SNA. Non-native grasslands in the Study Area are best characterized by Sweet Vernal Grass Meadow Semi-Natural Alliance (CNPS 2022b). This semi-natural alliance occurs on mesic, disturbed lands throughout California (CNPS 2022b). Areas mapped as non-native grasslands have less than 10 percent relative cover of native plant species (CDFW 2022d). The dominant grass species in the non-native grassland is sweet vernal grass, soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), Italian rye grass (Festuca perennis), rip gut brome (Bromus diandrus), wild oats (Avena barbata). Associated species include hairy cat’s ear (Hypochaeris radicata), white clover (Trifolium repens), crowfoot, wild onion (Allium triquetrum), English daisy (Bellis perennis), and sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella).

5.1.2 Aquatic Resources
Each of the aquatic resources is considered ESHA under the City LCP.

Perennial Stream. Arena Creek is the perennial stream within the Study Area and is located along the southern boundary. The stream channel is approximately 4-feet wide, consisting of silt with some exposed cobble. The top of bank is approximately 12-feet wide of steep but relatively shallow banks of soil.

Vegetation within the banks of the stream is dominated by a mix of upland and hydrophytic plants, including coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus), hedge nettle, lady fern, English ivy, water parsley (Oenanthe sarmentosa), nutsedge (Cyperus eragrostis), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), cleavers (Galium aparine), forget-me-not (Myosotis latifolia), wild radish (Raphanus sativus), California blackberry, and Italian ryegrass. Vegetation on top of the banks is red alder forest described above. No pools/riffle complexes are present and vegetation along the stream is continuous but not creating dense canopy. The stream may support breeding habitat for common species of aquatic wildlife but is not suitable fish habitat.

5.2 Special-status Species

5.2.1 Special-status Plant Species
Based upon a review of the resource databases listed in Section 4.0, 50 special-status plant species have been documented in the vicinity of the Study Area. Appendix C summarizes the potential for each of the 50 species to occur there. Six of these plants have the potential to occur in the Study Area. The remaining species documented from the greater vicinity are unlikely or have no potential to occur for one or more of the following:

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• Hydrologic conditions (e.g., tidal, perennial wetland) necessary to support the special-status plant species are not present in the Study Area
• Edaphic (soil) conditions (e.g., alkaline, rocky) necessary to support the special-status plant species are not present in the Study Area
• Topographic conditions (e.g., north-facing slope, montane) necessary to support the specialstatus plant species are not present in the Study Area • Unique pH conditions (e.g., alkali scalds, acidic bogs) necessary to support the special-status plant species are not present in the Study Area
• Associated natural communities (e.g., interior chaparral, tidal marsh) necessary to support the special-status plant species are not present in the Study Area • The Study Area is geographically isolated (e.g., below elevation, coastal environ) from the documented range of the special-status plant species
• Land use history and contemporary management (e.g., absence of mowing or grazing) has degraded the localized habitat necessary to support the special-status plant species All species with the potential to occur are listed below and described in Appendix C. WRA biologists conducted one site visit in April and June, a period sufficient to identify all six special-status plant species with the potential to occur within the Study Area. No special-status plants were observed. Special-status plants determined to have moderate or high potential to occur in the Study Area are listed below:
• American manna grass (Glyceria grandis); CRPR 2B
• leafy-stemmed miterwort (Mitellastra caulescens); CRPR 4 • nodding semaphore grass (Pleuropogon refractus); CRPR 4 • maple-leaved checkerbloom (Sidalcea malachroides); CRPR 4 • fringed false-hellbore (Veratrum fimbriatum); CRPR 4
• western dog violet (Viola adunca); No Rank

5.2.2 Special-status Wildlife Species
A total of 20 special-status wildlife species have been documented in the 9-quad region of the Study Area (CDFW 2022b). Appendix C summarizes the potential for each of the 20 species to occur within the Study Area. Those species that are unlikely or have no potential to occur within the Study Area do so for one or more of the following reasons:
• Aquatic habitats (e.g., ponds, estuaries) necessary to support the special-status wildlife species are not present in the Study Area
• Vegetation habitats (e.g., coastal prairie) that provide nesting and/or foraging resources necessary support the special-status wildlife species are not present in the Study Area • Physical structures and vegetation (e.g., mines, old-growth coniferous trees; offshore rocks) necessary to provide nesting, cover, and/or foraging habitat to support the special-status wildlife species are not present in the Study Area
• Host plants (e.g., dog violet, harlequin lotus) necessary to provide larval and nectar resources for the special-status wildlife species are not present in the Study Area • The Study Area is outside (e.g., north of, west of) of the special-status wildlife species documented nesting range
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No evidence of special-status wildlife was observed during any site visit. Three special-status wildlife species have the potential to occur in the Study Area due to presence of suitable habitat which could support foraging, dispersal, and/or refugia. The species determined to have potential are described below.

Special-status Wildlife with the Potential to Occur
Point Arena mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra). Federal Endangered, CDFW Species of Special Concern. High Potential. Not Observed. A subspecies of the mountain beaver (also called aplodontia), PAMB is endemic to a small portion of the Mendocino County coast in the vicinity of Point Arena, specifically from two miles north of Bridgeport Landing to three miles south of Moat Creek and inland five miles from the Pacific Ocean (USFWS 2019). Preferred habitat is moist, vegetated areas with well-draining soils, most often found within riparian, coniferous, coastal scrub, and coastal strand vegetation communities (USFWS 1998; USFWS 2019). PAMB is similar in appearance to a muskrat with a short underdeveloped tail, small eyes, opposable thumbs, and humanoid ears. PAMB is fossorial and creates extensive burrow systems in friable and clay soils. Observations of individuals are rare; presence is typically determined by surveying for burrow entrances ranging from 4-11 inches in diameter. PAMB are primarily solitary but may be observed moving to different territories during the dispersal season (April 15 – September 30) (USFWS 1998). The diet of this species consists of herbaceous plants that are either immediately eaten or cached underground; favored plant foods include bracken (Pteridium spp.) and sword fern (Polystichum munitum), corn lily (Veratrum spp.), and skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus).

The USFWS typically considers PAMB potentially present in suitable habitat areas within 2 miles of documented occurrences (USFWS 2019). The nearest documented occurrence to the Study Area is located approximately 700 feet to the southwest (CDFW 2022b). A protocol-level PAMB survey was conducted in 2017 with the assistance of USFWS due to presence of suitable habitat along the Arena creek and in adjacent parcels within 100 feet of the Study Area (SHN 2017; Appendix G). No sign of PAMB occupancy was found. An additional survey was conducted by USFWS in 2022 within the same vicinity of the 2017 survey. No evidence of PAMB occupancy was found (USFWS 2022b; Appendix F).

Western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata). CDFW Species of Special Concern. Moderate Potential (Dispersal). Presence Presumed. Unlikely (Breeding). The western pond turtle (WPT) is the only native freshwater turtle in California. This turtle is uncommon to common in suitable aquatic habitat throughout California, west of the Sierra-Cascade crest and Transverse Ranges. WPT inhabits annual and perennial aquatic habitats, such as coastal lagoons, lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, and streams from sea level to 5,500 feet in elevation. Pond turtles also occupies man-made habitats such as stock ponds, wastewater storage, percolation ponds, canals, and reservoirs. This species requires low-flowing or stagnant freshwater aquatic habitat with suitable basking structures, including rocks, logs, algal mats, mud banks, and sand. Warm, shallow, nutrient-rich waters are ideal as they support prey items, which include aquatic invertebrates and occasionally fish, carrion, and vegetation. Turtles require suitable aquatic habitat for most of the year; however, WPT often occupies creeks, rivers, and coastal lagoons that become seasonally unsuitable. To escape periods of high-water flow, high salinity, or prolonged dry conditions, WPT may move upstream and/or take refuge in vegetated, upland habitat for up to four months (Rathbun et al. 2002). Although upland habitat is utilized for refuging and nesting, this species preferentially utilizes aquatic and riparian corridors for movement and dispersal.

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WPT nests from late April through July. This species requires open, dry upland habitat with friable soils for nesting and prefer to nest on unshaded slopes within 15 to 330 feet of suitable aquatic habitat (Rathbun et al. 1992). Females venture from water for several hours in the late afternoon or evening during the nesting season to excavate a nest, lay eggs, and bury the eggs to incubate and protect them.

Nests are well-concealed, though native mammals are occasionally able to locate and predate upon eggs.

Hatchlings generally emerge in late fall but may overwinter in the nest and emerge in early spring of the following year.

The Study Area contains a perennial stream which may provide suitable dispersal habitat. The riparian area along the stream is also suitable dispersal habitat. Nesting on adjacent uplands is unlikely due to regular human activity.

California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii). Federal Threatened, CDFW Species of Special Concern.

Moderate Potential (Dispersal). Presence Presumed. Unlikely (Breeding). The California red-legged frog (CRLF) is the only native “pond frog” found throughout much of California. Suitable aquatic breeding habitat is characterized by deep and still or slow-moving water associated with emergent marsh and/or riparian vegetation, typically with at least 20 weeks of continuous inundation (USFWS 2010). Suitable features include ponds (perennial and non-), streams/creeks, seasonal wetlands, springs, seeps, manmade features (e.g., stock ponds, roadside ditches), marshes, dune ponds, and lagoons. Dependent upon local conditions, CRLF may complete its entire life cycle in a particular habitat patch (e.g., a perennial pond suitable for all life stages), or utilize multiple habitat types. In aquatic features that dry down seasonally, CRLFs often undergo aestivation (a period of inactivity) during the dry months, retreating to small mammal burrows or other substrates that provide suitable refugia (Thomson et al. 2016). Adults and subadults (newly metamorphosed individuals) may disperse from breeding habitats to nearby riparian and/or aestivation areas in the summer. Conversely, during the rainy season CRLFs may migrate from aestivation sites to waters suitable for breeding. During such dispersals, frogs can travel over one mile over a variety of topographic and habitat types (Bulger et al. 2003). Upland dispersal habitats are variable and typically include riparian corridors, grasslands, and oak savannas. Creek flow rates during CRLF breeding season are likely too high for breeding CRLF. However, CRLF may disperse across the Study Area during the wet season prior to breeding or take refuge in moist sites near the stream during non-breeding/dispersal times. The nearest documented occurrence is located in the Garcia River, approximately 5 miles to the north (CDFW 2022b).

5.2.3 Critical Habitat, Essential Fish Habitat, and Wildlife Corridors The Study Area does not contain any designated Critical Habitat (USFWS 2022b) or Essential Fish Habitat (NMFS 2022). The Study Area’s stream has a perennial hydro-period. The stream has a relatively deep channel but does not have run-riffle-pool complexes; therefore, anadromous fish are unlikely to utilize these streams; additionally, the stream does not have a perennial connection to the Pacific Ocean. The Study Area is not within a designated wildlife corridor (Caltrans 2010). The site is located within developed land within a rural city of Mendocino County. While common wildlife species presumably utilize the site to some degree for movement at a local scale, the Study Area itself does not provide corridor functions beyond connecting similar forested and heavily wooded land parcels in surrounding areas.

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6.0 PROJECT ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Project Description
The proposed Project is the restoration or replacement of existing dilapidated structures and associated features on currently developed land that were historically used for commercial lodging purposes as well as the addition of new commercial lodging on undeveloped land that was historically developed and disturbed (Figure 3).

New development will occur on the undeveloped portion of the Study Area and involves the development of five stand-alone lodging units and expansion of existing parking area3. The land between the lodging units will remain vegetated. A retainer wall is proposed along the edge of the new parking lot to prevent stormwater runoff from entering Arena Creek; a drainage pipe is proposed to shunt stormwater to existing City stormwater facilities.

Improvements to existing development includes conversion of portions of existing paved area to grassy areas, replacement of existing structures (with no expansion of existing footprint), and improvements to existing structures (i.e., new roof, new paint, interior upgrades). The southwest portion of the southern building will be replaced due to extensive termite damage; scaffolding will be temporarily installed to allow access for the construction. The southeast portion of the southern building is located immediately adjacent to Arena Creek top of bank. This portion of the structure will be improved with new siding, paint, and roof, as well as internal improvements; no expansion of the footprint is proposed. Scaffolding will be temporarily installed to allow access for the improvements.

Following completion of the Project, infrequent entry to the 50-foot riparian buffer will be necessary for proper function of the establishment; specifically, storage rooms along the lower level of the southern building will need to be accessed at the eastern side but also for structure maintenance or other similar activities necessary for proper functioning of the establishment. However, as the Study Area has been disturbed by human activities since at least the 1960s, the infrequent access into the buffer is unlikely to impact ESHA due to unlikely occurrence of special-status wildlife due to low quality habitat and existing impacts to ESHA due to prior development and activity.

Project Analysis
Existing development is located within Arena Creek riparian vegetation 100-foot buffer and up to Arena Creek top-of-bank. The new development is proposed to occur between the 100- and 50-foot riparian buffer (Figure 4). No riparian vegetation will be cleared or pruned/limbed; however, trampling will occur.

Infrequent vehicular entry into the 50-foot riparian buffer will occur following completion of the Project for access to storage units and for structure maintenance.

ESHA observed in the Study Area includes Arena Creek and associated riparian vegetation. The Study Area has the potential to support three special-status wildlife species, including federal listed Point Arena Mountain Beaver (PAMB), California red-legged frog (CRLF) and western pond turtle. Protocol-level PAMB 3 This portion of the Project may alternatively be a single multi-story permanent residential structure; however, no difference in impacts is anticipated should this alternative be developed. As such, the buffer analysis and mitigation measures in this report will also apply to the alternative structure.

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surveys and consultation with USFWS determined PAMB is not present and no take of PAMB is anticipated from the Project. Consultation with USFWS also determined Arena Creek does not provide suitable breeding habitat for CRLF but the Study Area is suitable terrestrial habitat. Western pond turtle may disperse in or vicinity of riparian vegetation along Arena Creek, but no breeding or nesting is likely.

No special-status plants were observed during the 2017 assessment nor during the 2022 assessment.

An ESHA buffer area shall be a minimum of 100 feet and shall be larger if necessary to protect the resources of the particular habitat area from possible significant degradation caused by the proposed development. No buffer may be less than 100 feet unless it can be demonstrated, based on the criteria below (Table 1) and after City consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, that 100 feet is not necessary to protect the resources of the particular habitat area from possible significant degradation caused by the proposed development. No buffer area may be less than 50 feet in width.

Table 1. ESHA and Point Arena Mountain Beaver Buffer Development Criteria Analysis City of Point Arena Municipal Code 18.25.220 and 18.25.240
New Development

1. Biological Significance of Adjacent
Lands. Lands adjacent to a wetland,
stream, or riparian habitat area vary in the
degree to which they are functionally
related to these habitat areas. Functional
relationships may exist if species
associated with such areas spend a
significant portion of their life cycle on
adjacent lands. The degree of significance
depends upon the habitat requirements
of the species in the habitat area (e.g.,
nesting, feeding, breeding, or resting).

Where a significant functional relationship
exists, the land supporting this
relationship shall also be considered to be
part of the ESHA, and the buffer zone shall
be measure from the edge of these lands
and be sufficiently wide to protect these
functional relationships. Where no
significant functional relationship exists,
the buffer shall be measured from the
edge of the wetland, stream, or riparian
habitat that is adjacent to the proposed
development.

New development avoids the riparian vegetation and
associated 50-foot landward buffer, but improvements or replacement of existing structures will occur in the 50-foot buffer.

California red-legged frog (CRLF) and western pond turtle (WPT) may utilize Arena Creek and associated riparian
vegetation for dispersal but no other function of their life cycle. These areas are classified as ESHA. Lands beyond the ESHA provide low quality habitat due to disturbance, past and existing development, and location (city limits and near State Route 1). Mitigation Measures 2a, 2d, and 4a through 4h will reduce the potential impact of
dispersing CRLF and WPT during construction activities.

Incorporation of the Mitigation Measures is anticipated to be sufficient to reduce any potential impacts to these
wildlife species.

Point Arena Mountain Beaver (PAMB) is determined to be
absent from the Study Area and surrounding 100-foot
buffer. As such, PAMB is not utilizing the riparian
vegetation or adjacent uplands. No impacts to PAMB are
anticipated.

2. Sensitivity of Species to Disturbance.

The width of the buffer zone shall be
Three special-status wildlife were determined to have
potential to occur in the Study Area or within 100 feet.

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based, in part, on the distance necessary
to ensure that the most sensitive species
of plants and animals will not be disturbed
significantly by the permitted
development. Such a determination shall
be based on the following, after
consultation with the California Dept. of
Fish and Wildlife or others with similar
expertise:
(a). Nesting, feeding, breeding, resting, or
other habitat requirements of both
resident and migratory fish and wildlife
species.
(b). An assessment of the short-term and
long-term adaptability of various species
to human disturbance.
(c). An assessment of the impact and
activity levels of the proposed
development on the resource.

Point Arena Mountain beaver is determined to be absent
based on presence/absence surveys of suitable habitat;
however, CRLF and WPT may be present; additionally,
nesting birds may be present during the nesting season
CRLF/WPT: Arena Creek may support CRLF and WPT
dispersal at certain time of the year. Additionally, CRLF and WPT may utilize the Study Area as upland dispersal
habitat during the rainy season or dry season upland
refugia, if present. CRLF and WPT are known to occur in habitat which receive some regular human disturbance.

Mitigation Measures 4a through 4h reduce potential
impacts caused by disturbance to CRLF and WPT.

Mitigation Measures 1a and 4g will reduce human
disturbance and activity following completion of
construction by discouraging human and pet entry into
buffer, riparian, and stream. The incorporation of the
Mitigation Measures into the Project is anticipated to
reduce impact to CRLF and WPT in both the short and long term.

Nesting Bird: Riparian vegetation along Arena Creek may support nesting birds; however, no habitat is proposed for removal. Activity and sounds from construction may
disturb nesting birds; however, the incorporation of
Mitigation Measures 5a into the Project is anticipated to reduce potential impacts to nesting birds.

3. Susceptibility of Parcel to Erosion. The
width of the buffer zone shall be based, in
part, on an assessment of the slope, soils,
impervious surface coverage, runoff
characteristics, and vegetative cover of
the parcel and to what degree the
development will change the potential for
erosion. A sufficient buffer to allow for the
interception of any additional material
eroded as a result of the proposed
development should be provided.

The proposed Project is situated on relatively flat areas where persistent soil erosion is unlikely. The Project is designed to capture runoff or shunt to City stormwater
infrastructure. A retaining wall is proposed along the edge of impervious surfaces to prevent run off into the buffer area. Standard best management practices (BMP’s) will be deployed during construction to further mitigate potential soil erosion (Mitigation Measures 2a through 2d).

4. Use of Natural Topographic Features to
Locate Development. Hills and bluffs
adjacent to ESHAs shall be used, where
feasible, to buffer habitat areas. Where
otherwise permitted, development
New development is sited to be greatest extent feasible from ESHA and is not proposed within 50-feet of ESHA.

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should be located on the sides of hills
away from ESHAs. Similarly, bluff faces
should not be developed, but shall be
included in the buffer zone.

5. Use of Existing Cultural Features to
Locate Buffer Zones. Cultural features
(e.g., roads and dikes) shall be used,
where feasible, to buffer habitat areas.

Where feasible, development shall be
located on the side of roads, dikes,
irrigation canals, flood control channels,
etc. away from the ESHA.

The majority of the Project is improvement to existing
developed areas. The portion of the Project which is to be new development is proposed adjacent to existing City
streets, sidewalks, and developed areas. New
development will be located at least 50-feet from any
ESHA.

6. Lot Configuration and Location of
Existing Development. Where an existing
subdivision or other development is
largely built-out and the buildings are a
uniform distance from a habitat area, at
least that same distance shall be required
as a buffer zone for any new development
permitted. However, if that distance is less
than 100 feet, additional mitigation
measures (e.g., planting of native
vegetation) shall be provided to ensure
additional protection. Where
development is proposed in an area that is
largely undeveloped, the widest and most
protective buffer zone feasible shall be
required.

The Project is located within City limits, surrounded by other developed City lots. New development is only
proposed outside the 50-foot buffer of on-site ESHA which is similar distance as adjacent parcels on Arena Creek. As new development will be located between 50- and 100-
feet of ESHA, buffer enhancement activities are proposed under Mitigation Measures 1a.

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7. Type and Scale of Development
Proposed. The type and scale of the
proposed development will, to a large
degree, determine the size of the buffer
zone necessary to protect the ESHA. Such
evaluations will be made on a case-bycase basis depending upon the resources involved, the degree to which adjacent
lands have been developed, and the type
of development in the area.

Buffer Edge. The buffer area shall be
measured from the nearest outside edge
of the ESHA. For a wetland the buffer shall
be measured from the upland edge of the
wetland. For riparian areas, the buffer
shall be measured from the outer edge of
the canopy of riparian vegetation. Where
riparian vegetation is not present, the
buffer shall be measured from the outer
edge of the bank of the subject stream.

For coastal bluff ESHA, the buffer shall be
measured from the bluff edge. For plant
community ESHA, the buffer shall be
measured from the outer edge of the
plants that comprise the plant
community. For Point Arena Mountain
Beaver ESHA, see Section 18.25.240.

Land Division. New subdivisions or
boundary line adjustments shall not be
allowed which will create or provide for
new parcels entirely within a buffer area.

The riparian buffer is measured from the outside edge of riparian vegetation.

No land division is proposed as part of the Project.

The type and scale of new development is similar to that of adjacent developed parcels. Through incorporation of all the Mitigation Measures, new development 50-feet or greater from ESHA is anticipated to not significantly
impact ESHA present or those which may occur in the
Study Area.

Pre-Existing Buildings and Non-Conforming Uses
Pre-existing buildings and non-conforming
uses within riparian buffer zones may
continue as legally non-conforming, but
no additions that encroach closer to the
stream or creek within said corridor buffer
zone shall be permitted, with the
following exceptions contingent upon the
four required findings described below:

The Project includes improvements to or replacement of
existing structures and associated developed areas. A
portion of these areas are within the Arena Creek riparian vegetation corridor, located up to the Arena Creek top-ofbank. As these structures and their functions (lodging, storage, access) were used in the past, similar use and functions are expected by the Project. No additions to
existing development which encroach closer to Arena
Creek are proposed. Mitigation Measures will be
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1) Accessory structures located at the
City’s wastewater reclamation facility
situated entirely within the developed
fenced area subject to a Coastal
Development Permit consistent with all
other applicable provisions of the certified
LCP.
2) Required Findings.
a) The proposed development has been
sited and designed to prevent significant
impacts to the habitat values, functional
capacity, and species diversity of the
adjacent riparian habitat area; and
b) The proposed development is
compatible with the continuance of such
habitat areas.
c) Soils and vegetation removal and
disturbances shall be minimized.
d) Nonnative vegetation shall not be
planted except for the continuance of
existing agricultural practices.
incorporated into the Project to reduce potential impacts during development and post-construction activities and allow for continued function of ESHA. A buffer analysis has determined that the proposed Project is sited and
designed to prevent significant impacts to ESHA and is
compatible with the continuance of ESHA. No significant soil or vegetation removal for development of the
replacement or improvements to existing structures is
anticipated.

New development is proposed to the east of the existing development, between the 100- and 50-foot riparian
vegetation buffer. This new development is presumed to
be required to meet the Required Findings. Mitigation
Measures will be incorporated into the Project which are anticipated to have the Project meet the Required
Findings. A buffer analysis has determined that the
proposed Project is sited and designed to prevent
significant impacts to ESHA and is compatible with the
continuance of ESHA.

Point Arena Mountain Beaver and the Mountain Beaver Buffer Area The Mountain Beaver Buffer Area (MBBA)
is designated as a 1,000-foot strip along
Arena Creek, 500 feet from the centerline.

Fences are prohibited within 15 feet of the
center line of the creek.

Any area mapped as MBBA shall not be
deprived of protection as ESHA. Any area
not designated as MBBA on the
opportunities and constraints map that
contains Point Arena mountain beaver
habitat is ESHA and shall be accorded all
the protection provided for the MBBA in
this section and all the relevant ESHA
provisions in the LCP.

The majority of the Study Area is located within the
MBBA. Surveys for PAMB were conducted with guidance
by USFWS in 2017 and in 2022. No occupied PAMB habitat
was observed within 100-feet of the Study Area. The
Project is sited to avoid the MBBA to the greatest extent feasible and new development will be located at least 50 feet from the edge of riparian habitat associated with
Arena Creek.

USFWS determined PAMB does not occupy potential
habitat within 100 feet of the Study Area and no take will result from the Project; no mitigation or avoidance
measures by USFWS were identified for the Project.

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Mitigation for noise generating projects
within 500 feet of occupied habitat shall
include the following restrictions from
December 15th through June 15th:
(1) The action and related activities shall
be greater than 100 feet from occupied
habitat.
(2) Noise-generating activities shall be
limited to the use of hand tools and light
power-tools (e.g., axe, chainsaw, etc.).
(3) No tools shall be used that require an
air compressor.
(4) No power tools shall be operated
while in direct contact with the ground.

6.1 Land Cover Types

6.1.1 Terrestrial Land Cover Types
The Study Area contains one sensitive terrestrial land cover type: riparian. New development is sited to be outside the 50-foot buffer from the edge of the riparian vegetation in the undeveloped portion, to avoid the ESHA. Improvements or replacement to existing structures is proposed within existing developed portions of the 50-foot buffer and 100-foot buffer. Development within the undeveloped portion of the Study Area between the 50 and 100-foot buffer includes five free-standing rental units and expansion of existing parking area. The land between the free-standing units will return to herbaceous vegetation and not pavement, which reduces the removal of vegetation from the buffer.

Improvements to existing buildings is also part of the Project. Improvements include painting, re-roofing, and upgrades to existing features. The southwest portion of the southern structure is being replaced, while the remainder of the southern structure is being improved. To conduct these improvements, scaffolding will be temporarily erected around the structures to allow access to the buildings.

The riparian vegetation is associated with Arena Creek and is specifically identified in the City LCP as an ESHA with a required 100-foot setback. However, Section 18.25.220 of the City Code allows exceptions to development within this buffer if the Required Findings are met (see Table 1 above for Required Findings).

BIO IMPACT 1: Approximately 0.07-acre of the undeveloped 100-foot buffer will be permanently impacted through development of the rental units and a parking lot. Approximately 0.04-acre of the undeveloped buffer will be temporarily impacted from grading and land disturbance during construction.

Temporary impacted areas will return to pre-construction conditions (i.e., non-native herbaceous vegetation) following construction.

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The following mitigation measures will reduce the potential impacts to the riparian 50-to 100-foot buffer and allow the Project to meet the Required Findings:

MM BIO-1a: The riparian buffer shall be enhanced through plantings of native shrubs and management of invasive species. A plant palette of suitable native species is included in Table 2 below4. The area of enhancement shall be a 25-foot-wide strip adjacent to the Project Area within the undeveloped 50-foot riparian buffer. The intention of the planting is to create a minimum fifty (50) percent absolute cover of the 25-foot-wide buffer with native shrubs once plants reach maturity. Implementation of plantings/irrigation/management should be overseen by landscape professionals with experience planting and maintaining native species. Invasive species shall include any Cal-IPC ‘High’ plants and will not include grass species5. Management of invasive species shall be conducted for three (3) years. Invasive species observed, or which may occur in the Study Area, and should be target species that are managed are included in Table 3.

Table 2. Native Planting Palette
Common Name Scientific Name
Wax myrtle Morella californica
California blackberry Rubus ursinus
Coyote bush Baccharis pilularis
California coffeeberry Frangula californica ssp. californica Sword fern Polystichum munitum
Red elderberry Sambucus racemosa
Oso berry Oemleria cerasiformis
Silk tassel Garrya elliptica
Table 3. Target Invasive Species
Common Name Scientific Name
English Ivy Hedera helix
Cape ivy Delairea odorata
Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus
Pampas grass Cortaderia spp.

Periwinkle Vinca major
4 Sources for locally sourced native plantings includes Jughandle Farm Nursery, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Samara Restoration.
5 Control of invasive grass species is highly challenging, and that level of restoration is determined not necessary for this project due to existing conditions and proposed Project.

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MM Bio 1b: Only native plant species shall be included in landscaping within the 100-foot riparian buffer.

BIO IMPACT 2: Land disturbance activities may create conditions which could cause erosion, sediment deposition, or pollution into riparian vegetation and/or Arena Creek.

MM BIO 2a: Land disturbance activities will occur during the general dry season June 1 through October

15. Erosion control measures (i.e., weed-free, jutes straw waddle, weed-free straw bales, silt fencing, tarps) shall be staged on-site prior or at initiation of land disturbance activities in case rain-event may occur.

MM BIO 2b: If a rain event in excess of 0.25-inch over a 24-hour period occurs during the construction phase, all activities shall cease for 24 hours after perceptible rain ceases. Erosion control measures (e.g., weed-free straw waddle, weed-free straw bales, cover bare soil) shall be deployed in the event of unseasonable rains.

MM BIO 2c: Spill prevention materials shall be on-site for all materials and equipment; all construction personnel shall stop work and deploy spill prevention materials in the event of escaped petrol, oil, solvents, paints, etc. No equipment or other materials which may cause pollution to the riparian/stream shall be stored or staged within the 100-foot riparian buffer.

MM BIO 2d: To minimize soil and vegetation disturbance within the buffer, temporary fencing shall be placed at the edge of land disturbance activities and outside the 50-foot buffer. No land disturbance or material/equipment staging shall occur outside the fencing and construction staff will be informed on the purpose of the fencing. Fencing shall be removed upon completion of the Project.

BIO IMPACT 3: Installation and removal of scaffolding around existing structures will occur in riparian vegetation. Existing riparian vegetation will be trampled for installation and for access during improvements. Scaffolding will reduce regular trampling for most of the vegetation as the vegetation will be located under the scaffolding. However, portions within the pathway for access to the scaffolding will be trampled regularly. Building improvements may introduce debris or pollutants (i.e., paint, etc.) into the riparian vegetation.

MM BIO 3a: Use of the scaffolding within riparian vegetation shall be limited to the minimum amount necessary to complete necessary improvements. Scaffolding shall be installed and removed with the fewest people possible and shall remain in place for the shortest duration feasible.

MM BIO 3b: Scaffolding shall be installed and used in riparian vegetation at the driest portion of the dry season, as feasible. Natural wooden boards (i.e., not treated) shall be laid down along the access path to scaffolding within riparian vegetation.

MM BIO 3c: Construction netting shall be installed to capture any debris which may fall from the structures or scaffolding. Appropriate equipment and methods for any potential pollutant materials (i.e., paint, etc.) which are to be applied to the structures shall be used in a manner which will reduce drift, leaking or spillage. Any debris which may fall on the ground shall be removed by the end of the workday.

MM BIO 3d: No herbaceous riparian vegetation shall be removed, and no woody riparian vegetation shall be limbed or otherwise removed.

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6.1.2 Aquatic Resources
The Study Area contains Arena Creek, a perennial stream which is jurisdictional under the CWA and/or CFGC and defined as ESHA in the City LCP. The Project has been intentionally sited the greatest extent feasible from the stream while also using existing development and disturbed areas. New development is sited 50-feet or greater from Arena Creek. No land disturbance activities (i.e., movement of soil) are proposed for the replacement of existing structures or improvement of existing structures. Mitigation measures 2a through 2d reduce potential impacts from land disturbance activities for the new development to the stream. Mitigation measures 3a through 3d reduce potential impacts from scaffolding and building improvements adjacent to the stream bank.

6.2 Special-status Species

6.2.1 Special-status Plants
No special-status plants were observed in 2017 or 2022 and are presumed to be absent. No mitigation measures for special-status plants are necessary.

6.2.2 Special-status Wildlife
The Study Area has the potential to support three special-status wildlife. Point Arena Mountain Beaver is determined to be absent based on USFWS assisted surveys and letter of determination (Appendix F). The remaining two species are presumed present as no species-specific surveys were conducted but suitable habitat is present. Potential impacts from the Project and mitigation measures to reduce the potential impacts are provided below.

BIO IMPACT 4: California red-legged frog or western pond turtle may utilize the undeveloped portion of the Project Area or riparian habitat as upland dispersal habitat during the rainy season or as upland refugia during the dry season; if CRLF is present, then “take” of CRLF may occur. Use of existing developed land by CRLF or WPT is unlikely.

MM BIO 4a: All land disturbance of undeveloped land, including woody vegetation removal, shall occur during the dry season (June 1 through October 15) when special-status wildlife species are less likely to be dispersing.

MM BIO 4b: A qualified biologist shall conduct a pre-construction survey no more than 24 hours prior to initiation of land disturbance. The biologist shall inspect gopher holes and any other potential upland refugia where CRLF or WPT may occur. If CRLF is found, the qualified biologist shall follow instructions outlined on the USFWS Technical Assistance Letter (Appendix F). If WPT is found, the qualified biologist shall consult with CDFW.

MM BIO 4c: A biological education program shall be provided by a qualified biologist to all personnel that will be present at the site during ground disturbance and related activities. Following worker education, each construction work member present is anticipated to have the information needed to identify each species and be relied upon to follow measures should a CRLF or WPT be observed. The worker education program shall include information regarding the identification and natural history of each species (including photographs), the potential for occurrence of each species within work areas, protocols to be Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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followed for daily surveys, the legal status and the ramifications for take, the purpose of the exclusion fencing and importance of maintaining it, and specific measures being implemented to avoid impacts to each species. Contact information for USFWS staff and Project biologist shall be provided during the training.

MM BIO 4d: Trained workers shall conduct daily surveys for CRLF in the Project Area prior to daily work.

If CRLF is observed in the course of pre-construction or daily surveys or during work, all ground disturbance shall halt and USFWS and Project biologist shall be notified immediately. The CRLF shall be addressed as outlined in the USFWS Technical Memo (bullet point 3).

MM BIO 4e: If WPT is observed in the course of construction activities, all ground disturbance shall halt, and the Project biologist shall be notified immediately. Construction activities shall resume once the WPT has exited the area of active construction and is out of harm’s way.

MM BIO 4f: All ground disturbing activities shall cease for 24 hours following a rainfall event where 0.25- inches or greater of precipitation within a 24-hour period was predicted for the Point Arena area.

MM BIO 4g: Symbolic fencing and signs shall be installed following completion of the Project to discourage human or pet entry into the buffer, riparian vegetation, and stream.

MM BIO 4h: All CRLF conditions outlined in the USFWS Technical Assistance Letter shall be observed.

MM BIO 2a and 2d will prevent intrusion by construction staff and staging materials within the 50-foot riparian buffer and reduce the potential for erosion or other pollutants entering Arena Creek.

BIO IMPACT 5: Construction related activity and sound may disturb nesting special-status birds in the riparian vegetation. In addition to the special-status bird, a variety of non-status bird species with baseline protections under the Migratory Bird Treat Analysis (MBTA) and CFGC may use trees and shrubs within the Study Area for nesting.

MM BIO 5a: Tree/vegetation removal and initial ground disturbance shall occur from August 16 to January 31, outside of the general bird nesting season. If tree/vegetation removal during this time is not feasible, a pre-construction nesting bird survey should be performed by a qualified biologist no more than 7 days prior to the initiation of tree removal or ground disturbance. The survey should cover the Project Area and surrounding areas within 100 feet. If active bird nests are found during the survey, an appropriate nodisturbance buffer should be established by the qualified biologist. Once it is determined that the young have fledged (left the nest) or the nest otherwise becomes inactive (e.g., due to predation), the buffer may be lifted, and work may be initiated within the buffer. If land disturbance or vegetation removal ceases for longer than 14 days, another nesting survey should be conducted prior to beginning such activities (if within nesting bird season), as nests may have been established during the time of no activity.

6.2.3 Wildlife Movement
There is no Critical Habitat, Essential Fish Habitat, or regional migratory corridors that will be impacted from the Project. The Project is located within City limits which likely precludes most wildlife movement.

The Arena Creek and associated riparian vegetation may be a corridor for WPT and CRLF and other native species. However, the portion of the stream in the Study Area is surrounded by development and regular Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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human activity. The development within the Study Area is in and of itself unlikely to result in any significant impacts to local wildlife movement.

No further actions are recommended for Critical Habitat, Essential Fish Habitat, or wildlife corridors.

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7.0 REFERENCES
Baldwin, B.G., D.H. Goldman, D.J. Keil, R. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilken (eds.). 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, 2nd Edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. 1568 pp.

Bulger, J.B., S.J. Norman, and R.B. Seymour. 2003. Terrestrial Activity and Conservation of Adult California Red-legged Frogs (Rana aurora draytonii) in Coastal Forests and Grasslands. Biological Conservation 110 (2003) 85–95.

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1994. A Field Guide to Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, Sections 1600-1607. Environmental Service Division, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2018. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special-status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities. California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game. March 20, 2018.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2022a. California Natural Community List. Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.

August.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2022b. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch. Sacramento, CA. Most recently accessed: August 2022.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2022c. Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS). Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch. Sacramento, CA. Most recently accessed: August 2022.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2022d. Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program. Natural Communities: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural-Communities California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2010. California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project. Available at: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/planning. Accessed: August 2022.

Californica Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC). 2022. California Invasive Plant Inventory: Cal-IPC Publication 2006-2. California Invasive Plant Council, Berkeley, CA. Available online: http://www.calipc.org/ip/inventory/index.php.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2001. CNPS Botanical Survey Guidelines. June 2, 2001.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2022a. Online Inventory of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants of California. Available at: http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/. Most Recently Accessed: June 2022.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2022b. A Manual of California Vegetation Online. Available at:
http://vegetation.cnps.org/. Most Recently Accessed: August 2022 Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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WRA, Inc.

Consortium of California Herbaria (CCH). 2022. Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria. Available at: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/consortium. Most recently accessed:

August 2022.

Google Earth. 2022. Image dates: 1993-2018. Most Recently Accessed: August 2022.

Gretag MacBeth. 2000. Munsell Soil Color Charts, revised washable edition.

Jepson Herbarium, Jepson Flora Project (eFlora). 2022. Jepson eFlora Online at:
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html. Most recently accessed: June 2022.

Keeler-Wolf, T., D. Hickson, R. Yacoub, and M.J. Colletti. 2019. Classification and Mapping of Mendocino Cypress (Hesperocyparis pygmaea) Woodland and Related Vegetation on Oligotrophic Soils, Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, California. California Department of Fish and Wildlife Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program.

Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Department of the Army, Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180-0631.

Historical Aerials. 2022. Available at: http://historicalaerials.com. Most Recently Accessed: August 2022.

Holland, R. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. 156 pp.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2022. Essential Fish Habitat Mapper. Available at:
https://www.habitat.noaa.gov/protection/efh/efhmapper/. Most Recently Accessed: August 2022.

NatureServe. 2022. NatureServe Explorer: NatureServe Conservation Status. Available at:
http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/ranking#relationship.

Rathbun, G.B., N.J. Scott, Jr., and T.G. Murphey. 2002. Terrestrial habitat use by Pacific pond turtles in a Mediterranean climate. The Southwestern Naturalist 47: 225-235.

Rathbun, G.B., N. Seipel and D.C. Holland. 1992. Nesting behavior and movements of western pond turtles, Clemmys marmorata. The Southwestern Naturalist 37: 319-324.

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI). 2022. California Aquatic Resource Inventory (CARI). Available at:
http://www.sfei.org/cari#sthash.Mzz93W9i.dpbs. Most Recently Accessed: August 2022.

Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition.

California Native Plant Society in collaboration with California Department of Fish and Game.

Sacramento, CA. 1300 pp.

SHN. 2017. Biological Resource Assessment for the Wildflower Inn. Point Arena, California. December 28.

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Shuford, W.D. and Gardali, T., eds. 2008. California Bird Species of Special Concern: A ranked assessment of species, subspecies, and distinct populations of birds of immediate conservation concern in California. Studies of Western Birds 1. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, California, and California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento.

Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, MA and New York, NY.

Thomson, R.C., A.N. Wright, and H.B. Shaffer. 2016. California Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern. Co-published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and University of California Press. Oakland, California.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys and Coast Region (Version 2.0). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). 2020. National Wetland Plant List, version 3.4. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center. Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NH.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2006. Soil Survey of Mendocino County, Western Part, California.

In cooperation with U.C. Agricultural Experiment Station and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2017. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 8.1. L.M. Vasilas, G.W. Hurt, and J.F.

Berkowitz (eds.). In cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2022. Climate Information for Mendocino County in the State of California. Available at:
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/. Most Recently Accessed: August 2022.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1998. Point Arena Mountain Beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra (Rafinesque)) Recovery Plan. Region 1, Portland Oregon. 71 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2019. Point Arena Mountain Beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office, Arcata California. 7 pp.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2010. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the California Red-Legged Frog; Final Rule. Federal Register 75(51): 12816-12959. March 17.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022a. National Wetlands Inventory. Available at:
http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/index.html. Most Recently Accessed: August 2022.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022b. List of Federal Endangered and Threatened Species that Occur in Mendocino County, California. Available at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. Most recently Accessed: August 2022.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2015. Point Arena, California 7.5-minute quadrangle topographic map.

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Appendix A
Appendix A
Figures
Path: E:\Acad 2000 Files\31000\31421\GIS\ArcMap_Pro\31421_Base\31421_Base.aprx Sources: National Geographic, WRA | Prepared By: mrochelle, 11/10/2022 Study Area
P a c i f i c
O c e a n
View Extent
135 Main Street
Point Arena, California
0 1 2
Miles
Figure 1. Study Area Regional Location Map
Path: E:\Acad 2000 Files\31000\31421\GIS\ArcMap_Pro\31421_Base\31421_Base.aprx Sources: Google Earth 2020 Aerial, WRA | Prepared By: mrochelle, 11/10/2022 Figure 2.

Land Cover Types
135 Main Street
Point Arena, California
0 25 50
Feet
Parcel Boundary - 1.15
ac.

Project Area - 0.91 ac.

Study Area - 1.36 ac.

Sensitive Land Cover Types
Stream - 0.08 ac.

Riparian - 0.13 ac.

Non-sensitive Land Cover Types
Developed - 0.85 ac.

Non-native Annual
Grassland - 0.38 ac.

Main St.

Mill St.

Figure 3. Site Plan
Path: E:\Acad 2000 Files\31000\31421\GIS\ArcMap_Pro\31421_Base\31421_Base.aprx Sources: Google Earth 2020 Aerial, WRA | Prepared By: mrochelle, 11/10/2022 Figure 4.

Project Impacts
135 Main Street
Point Arena, California
0 25 50
Feet
Parcel Boundary - 1.15
ac.

Project Area - 0.91 ac.

Study Area - 1.36 ac.

Culverts
Impact Type
Permanent Impacts -

0.11 ac.

Temporary Impacts -

0.05 ac.

ESHA Aquatics
Stream Top of Bank -

0.08 ac. & 195 LF
ESHA Land Cover Type
Edge of Riparian - 0.13
ac.

ESHA Setbacks
50' Buffer
100' Buffer
Main St.

Mill St.

Permanent
Impact
Temporary
Impact
Stream Top of Bank 0 0
Edge of Riparian 0 0
within 50' ESHA Buffer 0 0
within 100' ESHA Buffer 0.07 0.04
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Appendix B
Appendix B
Species Observed in the Study Area
Page B-1
Appendix B. Plant species observed in the Study Area, April 23 and June 5, 2022

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME ORIGIN FORM RARITY
STATUS

CAL-IPC
STATUS

WETLAND STATUS
(WMVC 2020)
Allium triquetrum White flowered onion non-native perennial herb (bulb) - - - Alnus rubra Red alder native tree, shrub - - FAC
Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet vernal grass non-native (invasive) annual, perennial grass - Moderate FACU Athyrium filix-femina var.
cyclosorum
Western lady fern native fern - - FAC
Avena barbata Slim oat non-native (invasive) annual, perennial grass - Moderate - Bellis perennis English lawn daisy non-native perennial herb - - - Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome non-native (invasive) annual grass - Moderate - Bromus hordeaceus Soft chess non-native (invasive) annual grass - Limited FACU Bromus sitchensis var. carinatus California brome native perennial grass - - - Carex leptopoda Slender-footed sedge native perennial grasslike herb - - FAC Cerastium glomeratum Large mouse ears non-native annual herb - - FACU Conium maculatum Poison hemlock non-native (invasive) perennial herb - Moderate FAC Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed non-native perennial herb, vine - - - Cyperus eragrostis Tall cyperus native perennial grasslike herb - - FACW Ehrharta calycina Perennial veldt grass non-native (invasive) perennial grass - High - Equisetum telmateia ssp. braunii Giant horsetail native fern - - FACW Erodium moschatum Whitestem filaree non-native annual herb - - - Eschscholzia californica California poppy native annual, perennial herb - - - Festuca perennis Italian rye grass non-native (invasive) annual, perennial grass - Moderate FAC Galium aparine Cleavers native annual herb - - FACU
Geranium carolinianum Carolina geranium native annual herb - - - Geranium dissectum Wild geranium non-native (invasive) annual herb - Limited - Geranium molle Crane's bill geranium non-native annual, perennial herb - - - Hedera helix English ivy non-native (invasive) vine, shrub - High FACU Heracleum maximum Common cowparsnip native perennial herb - - FAC Hesperocyparis macrocarpa Monterey cypress native tree Rank 1B.2 - - Holcus lanatus Common velvetgrass non-native (invasive) perennial grass - Moderate FAC Hypochaeris radicata Hairy cats ear non-native (invasive) perennial herb - Moderate FACU Juncus hesperius Coast rush native perennial grasslike herb - - FACW Page B-2
Leontodon saxatilis Hawkbit non-native annual herb - - FACU Lonicera involucrata Coast twinberry native shrub - - FAC Medicago polymorpha Bur clover non-native (invasive) annual herb - Limited FACU Myosotis latifolia Wide leaved forget me not non-native (invasive) perennial herb - Limited - Oenanthe sarmentosa Water parsley native perennial herb - - OBL Oxalis pes-caprae Bermuda buttercup non-native (invasive) perennial herb - Moderate - Petasites frigidus var. palmatus Western coltsfoot native perennial herb - - FACW Poa annua Annual blue grass non-native annual grass - - FAC Ranunculus repens Crowfoot non-native (invasive) perennial herb - Limited FAC Raphanus sativus Wild radish non-native (invasive) annual, biennial herb - Limited - Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry non-native (invasive) shrub - High FAC Rubus ursinus California blackberry native vine, shrub - - FACU Rumex acetosella Sheep sorrel non-native (invasive) perennial herb - Moderate FACU Rumex crispus Curly dock non-native (invasive) perennial herb - Limited FAC Salix lasiandra var. lasiandra Pacific willow native tree - - FACW Salix sitchensis Coulter willow native tree, shrub - - FACW Scirpus microcarpus Mountain bog bulrush native perennial grasslike herb - - OBL Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood native tree - - -
Sherardia arvensis Field madder non-native annual herb - - - Solanum sp. Nightshade - annual herb - - -
Stachys chamissonis Hedge nettle native perennial herb - - FACW Trifolium dubium Shamrock non-native annual herb - - FACU Trifolium repens White clover non-native perennial herb - - FAC Trifolium subterraneum Subterranean clover non-native annual herb - - - Urtica dioica Stinging nettle native perennial herb - - FAC Vicia sativa Spring vetch non-native annual herb, vine - - UPL Vinca major Vinca non-native (invasive) perennial herb - Moderate FACU All species identified using the Jepson Manual, 2nd Edition (Baldwin et al. 2012), The Jepson Flora Project (eFlora 2022), and nomenclature follows The Jepson Flora Project (eFlora 2022) unless otherwise noted
Page B-3
Sp.: “species”, intended to indicate that the observer was confident in the identity of the genus but uncertain which species Cf.: “confer” or “compared with”, intended to indicate a species appeared to the observer to be specific, but was not identified based on diagnostic characters 1Rare Status: The CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (CNPS 2022a) FE: Federal Endangered
FT: Federal Threatened
SE: State Endangered
ST: State Threatened
SR: State Rare
CRPR 1A: Plants presumed extirpated in California and either rare or extinct elsewhere CRPR 1B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere CRPR 2A: Plants presumed extirpated in California, but more common elsewhere CRPR 2B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere CRPR 3: Plants about which we need more information – a review list CRPR 4: Plants of limited distribution – a watch list
2 Invasive Status: California Invasive Plant Inventory (Cal-IPC 2022) High: Severe ecological impacts; high rates of dispersal and establishment; most are widely distributed ecologically.

Moderate: Substantial and apparent ecological impacts; moderate-high rates of dispersal, establishment dependent on disturbance; limited moderate distribution ecologically
Limited: Minor or not well documented ecological impacts; low-moderate rate of invasiveness; limited distribution ecologically Assessed: Assessed by Cal-IPC and determined to not be an existing current threat 3Wetland Status: National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands, Arid West Region (Corps 2020) OBL: Almost always a hydrophyte, rarely in uplands
FACW: Usually a hydrophyte, but occasionally found in uplands FAC: Commonly either a hydrophyte or non-hydrophyte
FACU: Occasionally a hydrophyte, but usually found in uplands UPL: Rarely a hydrophyte, almost always in uplands
NL: Rarely a hydrophyte, almost always in uplands
NI: No information; not factored during wetland delineation Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
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Appendix C
Appendix C
Potential for Special-status Species to Occur in the Study Area Page C-1
Appendix C. Potential for Special-status Species to Occur in the Study Area. List compiled from the CDFW CNDDB database (CDFW 2022b), USFWS IPaC Report (USFWS 2022b), and CNPS Electronic Inventory (CNPS 2022a) searches of the Point Arena, Eureka Hill, Mallo Pass Creek, Cold Spring, Gualala, and Saunders Reef USGS 7.5' quadrangles.

SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
PLANTS
Abronia umbellata var. breviflora
pink sand-verbena
CRPR 1B Coastal dunes, coastal strand; located
on fore-dunes and inter-dunes with
sparse cover. Elevation range: 0 – 35
feet. Blooms: June – October.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain sand dunes nor is
located on the immediate coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Agrostis blasdalei
Blasdale’s bentgrass
CRPR 1B Coastal dunes, coastal bluff scrub,
coastal prairie; on sandy or gravelly
soil near exposed rock; often in
nutrient-poor soil. Elevation range: 15
– 490 feet. Blooms: May – July.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain scrub nor is located on
the immediate coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Arctostaphylos nummularia ssp.
mendocinensis
pygmy manzanita
CRPR 1B Closed-cone coniferous forest; located
acidic, sandy clay substrate in pygmy
forest stands. Elevation range: 290 –
600 feet. Blooms: January.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain suitable habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Astragalus agnicidus
Humboldt County milk-vetch
SE; CRPR 1B Broadleaf upland forest, redwood
forest; located in disturbed openings
in timber lands, on south-facing
aspects, and along ridgelines.

Elevation range: 585 – 2600 feet.

Blooms: April – September.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain broadleaf forest or
large areas of redwood forest
which have been recently
disturbed.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Astragalus rattanii var. rattanii
Rattan’s milk-vetch
CRPR 4 Chaparral, cismontane woodland,
lower montane coniferous forest;
located on gravelly streambanks.

Elevation range: 95 – 2685 feet.

Blooms: April – July.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain chaparral, woodland or
lower montane coniferous forest
and the stream banks are not
gravelly.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Page C-2
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

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RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Calamagrostis bolanderi
Bolander's reed grass
CRPR 4 Bogs and fens, Broadleaf upland
forest, closed-cone coniferous forest,
coastal scrub, meadows and seeps,
marshes and swamps, North Coast
coniferous forest; situated in
freshwater wetlands. Elevation range:
0 – 1490 feet. Blooms: May – August.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain wetlands or other
suitable habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Calystegia purpurata ssp. saxicola
coastal bluff morning glory
CRPR 1B Coastal dunes, coastal scrub; located
on coastal bluffs. Elevation range: 30 –
330 feet. Blooms: May – September.

Unlikely. The Study Area lacks
coastal prairie and coastal scrub
and is not located on the
immediate coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Campanula californica
swamp harebell
CRPR 1B Bogs and fens, closed-cone coniferous
forest, coastal prairie, meadows,
freshwater marsh, North Coast
coniferous forest; typically located in
wetlands within a variety of
surrounding habitats. Elevation range:
3 – 1320 feet. Blooms: June – October.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain wetlands.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Carex californica
California sedge
CRPR 2B Bogs and fens, closed-cone coniferous
forest, coastal prairie, meadows,
marshes and swamps; located in drier
areas of swamps, bogs, and marsh
margins. Elevation range: 290 – 1090
feet. Blooms: May – August.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain wetlands.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Carex lyngbyei
Lyngbye’s sedge
CRPR 2B Marshes and swamps; brackish to
freshwater. Elevation range: 0 – 35
feet. Blooms: April – August.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain marsh or swamp
habitat nor is located along the
immediate coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Page C-3
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

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RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Carex saliniformis
deceiving sedge
CRPR 1B Coastal prairie, coastal scrub,
meadows and seeps, coastal salt
marshes and swamps; located in mesic
sites. Elevation range: 10 – 750 feet.

Blooms: June – July.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain wetlands.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Castilleja ambigua ssp. ambigua
johnny-nip
CRPR 4 Coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie,
coastal scrub, marshes and swamps,
valley and foothill grassland, vernal
pools, margins. Elevation range: 0 –
1430 feet. Blooms: March – August.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain scrub habitat, vernal pools
nor is located along the immediate
coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Castilleja ambigua ssp.
humboldtiensis
Humboldt Bay owl’s-clover
CRPR 1B Coastal salt marsh; located in marshes
associated with salt grass, cordgrass,
pickleweed, and jaumea. Elevation
range: 0 – 10 feet. Blooms: April –
August.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain coastal salt marsh.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Castilleja mendocinensis
Mendocino Coast paintbrush
CRPR 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub,
coastal prairie, closed-cone coniferous
forest, coastal dune; typically located
on open sea bluffs and cliffs. Elevation
range: 0 – 520 feet. Blooms: April –
August.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain grassland or scrub
habitat located along the
immediate coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus
glory brush
CRPR 4.3 Chaparral. Elevation ranges from 100
- 2000 feet. Blooms: March – June,
sometimes August.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain chaparral or forest
habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Ceanothus gloriosus var. gloriosus
Point Reyes ceanothus
CRPR 4.3 Coastal bluff scrub, closed-cone
coniferous forest, coastal dunes,
coastal scrub/sandy. Elevation ranges
from 20 – 1710 feet. Blooms: March –
May.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain scrub habitat and is not
located along the immediate coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Page C-4
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Coptis laciniata
Oregon goldthread
CRPR 4 North Coast coniferous forest,
meadows and seeps; located in mesic
sites, roadsides, and streamsides.

Elevation range: 0 – 3250 feet.

Blooms: March – April.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain rocky sites in dense conifer
forest.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata
Mendocino dodder
CRPR 1B Coastal dunes; located in interdune
depressions; likely hosts on lupines,
catchflies, and cudweeds. Elevation
range: 0 – 165 feet. Blooms: July –
October.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain coastal dunes.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Erigeron biolettii
streamside daisy
CRPR 3 Broadleaf upland forest, cismontane
woodland, north coast coniferous
forest/rocky, mesic. Elevation range:
100 - 3610 feet. Blooms: June –
October.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain rocky sites.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Erigeron supplex
supple daisy
CRPR 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie;
typically located in grassy sites along
the coastline. Elevation range: 30 –
165 feet. Blooms: May – July.

Unlikely. The Study Area contains
grassland habitat, however the
habitat is low quality and does not
represent typical habitat.

Not Observed. This species
was not observed during the
June survey.

Erysimum concinnum
bluff wallflower
CRPR 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub,
coastal dunes; situated on sandy
substrate. Elevation range: 0 – 605
feet. Blooms: February – July.

No Potential. The Study Area is
not located along the immediate
coast nor contains coastal scrub or
dune habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Fritillaria roderickii
Roderick’s fritillary
SE; CRPR 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie,
valley and foothill grassland; located
on grassy slopes, mesas, and terraces.

Elevation range: 45 – 1300 feet.

Blooms: March – May. This species is
determined to not be taxonomically
distinct from F. biflora var. biflora, a
common species (Jepson eFlora 2022)
No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain grassland or scrub
habitat along the immediate coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Page C-5
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

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RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Gilia capitata ssp. pacifica
Pacific gilia
CRPR 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie,
valley and foothill grassland. Elevation
range: 15 – 3090 feet. Blooms: April –
August.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain grassland or scrub habitat
with exposed soils or rocks.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Glehnia littoralis ssp. leiocarpa
American Glehnia
CRPR 4.2 Coastal dunes. Elevation range: 0 – 70
feet. Blooms: May – August.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain dunes.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Glyceria grandis
American manna grass
CRPR 2B Meadow and seep; located in wet
meadows, ditches, streamsides, and
pond edges in valleys and low
mountains. Elevation range: 45 – 6435
feet. Blooms: June – August.

Moderate Potential. The Study
Area contains streamside habitat.

Not Observed. This species
was not seen during June
site visit. No further
recommendations.

Hesperevax sparsiflora var.
brevifolia
short-leaved evax
CRPR 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dune;
located on sandy bluffs and flats near
the immediate coastline. Elevation
range: 0 – 700 feet. Blooms: March –
June.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain grassland or scrub
habitat located along the
immediate coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Hesperocyparis pygmaea
Mendocino cypress
CRPR 1B Closed-cone coniferous forest; located
on podzol-like soils (e.g., Blacklock
series). Elevation range: 100 – 1950
feet.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain acidic sandy soils or
closed cone conifer forest.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Horkelia marinensis
Point Reyes Horkelia
CRPR 1B Coastal dunes, coastal prairie, coastal
scrub; located on sandy flats and
dunes near the coast; in open grassy
sites within scrub. Elevation range: 15
– 1140 feet. Blooms: May –
September.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain sandy soil or scrub habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Page C-6
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

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RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Horkelia tenuiloba
thin-lobed Horkelia
CRPR 1B Broadleaf upland forest, coastal scrub,
closed-cone coniferous forest, valley
and foothill grassland, chaparral; in
mesic openings, on sandy substrate.

Elevation range: 165 – 1640 feet.

Blooms: May – July.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain forest, grassland, or
chaparral habitat underlain by
sandy soils
Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Hosackia gracilis
Harlequin lotus
CRPR 4;
(butterfly
host plant)
Broadleaf upland forest, coastal bluff
scrub, closed-cone coniferous forest,
cismontane woodland, coastal prairie,
coastal scrub, meadows and seeps,
marshes and swamps, North Coast
coniferous forest, valley and foothill
grassland; located in wetlands and
often roadside ditches or compacted
decommissioned roadbeds. Elevation
range: 0 – 2275 feet. Blooms: March –
July.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain mesic sites.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Kopsiopsis hookeri
small groundcone
CRPR 2B North Coast coniferous forest; located
in open woods, shrublands, generally
hosts on salal (Gaultheria shallon).

Elevation range: 290 – 2880 feet.

Blooms: April – August.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain forest habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Lasthenia californica ssp. bakeri
Baker’s goldfields
CRPR 1B Closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal
scrub; located in openings in scrub
and coastal forest habitat. Elevation
range: 195 – 1690 feet. Blooms: April
– October.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain forest or scrub habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Lasthenia californica ssp.
macrantha
perennial goldfields
CRPR 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dune,
coastal scrub. Elevation range: 15 –
1690 feet. Blooms: January –
November.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain coastal scrub or dune
habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Page C-7
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

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RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Lasthenia conjugens
Contra Costa goldfields
FE; CRPR 1B Valley and foothill grassland, vernal
pools, cismontane woodland, playas;
located in grassy areas in swales,
pools, and depressions; often
underlain by alkaline substrate.

Elevation range: 0 – 1530 feet.

Blooms: March – June.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain vernal pool habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Lathyrus palustris
marsh pea
CRPR 2B Bogs and fens, lower montane
coniferous forest, marshes and
swamps, North Coast coniferous
forest, coastal prairie, coastal scrub;
located in moist coastal areas.

Elevation range: 3 – 325 feet. Blooms:

March – August.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain wetlands.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Leptosiphon aureus
Bristly leptosiphon
CRPR 4 Chaparral, cismontane woodland,
coastal prairie, valley and foothill
grassland. Elevation range 180-4920
feet. Blooms: April-July
Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain rocky areas or low growing
herbaceous vegetation and is
regularly mowed.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Lilium maritimum
coast lily
CRPR 1B Closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal
prairie, coastal scrub, broadleaf
upland forest, North Coast coniferous
forest; typically located on sandy soils,
often in raised hummocks or bogs, and
roadside ditches. Elevation range: 15 –
1545 feet. Blooms: May – August.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain wetlands, forest or scrub
habitat nor is underlain by sandy
soils.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Microseris paludosa
marsh Microseris
CRPR 1B Closed-cone coniferous forest,
cismontane woodland, coastal scrub,
valley and foothill grassland. Elevation
range: 15 – 925 feet. Blooms: April –
July.

Unlikely. The Study Area contains
grassland habitat however it is
regularly mowed and dominated
by invasive non-native species.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Page C-8
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Mitellastra caulescens
leafy-stemmed miterwort
CRPR 4 Broadleaf upland forest, lower
montane coniferous forest, meadows
and seeps, North Coast coniferous
forest; sometimes roadsides.

Elevation range: 20 - 5580 feet.

Blooms: sometimes March, April –
October.

Moderate Potential. The Study
Area contains streamside habitat.

Not Observed. This species
was not seen during April or
June site visit. No further
recommendations.

Oenothera wolfii
Wolf’s evening-primrose
CRPR 1B Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dune,
coastal prairie, lower montane
coniferous forest; located on sandy
substrates in mesic sites. Elevation
range: 10 – 2600 feet. Blooms: May –
October.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain coastal scrub, dune,
grassland habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Perideridia gairdneri ssp. gairdneri
Gairdner's yampah
CRPR 4 Broadleaf upland forest, chaparral,
coastal prairie, valley and foothill
grassland, vernal pools; situated in
vernally mesic sites. Elevation range:
0 – 2000 feet. Blooms: June – October.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain mesic sites in grassland
habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Piperia candida
white-flowered rein orchid
CRPR 1B North Coast coniferous forest, lower
montane coniferous forest, broadleaf
upland forest; located on forest duff,
mossy banks, often decommissioned
logging roads, rock outcrops, and
muskeg; periodically on serpentine
substrate. Elevation range: 95 – 4260
feet. Blooms: March – September.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain upland forest habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Pleuropogon refractus
nodding semaphore grass
CRPR 4 Lower montane coniferous forest,
meadows and seeps, north coast
coniferous forest, riparian
forest/mesic. Elevation range: 0 –
5250 feet. Blooms: sometimes March,
April – August.

Moderate Potential. The Study
Area contains riparian habitat and
streamside.

Not Observed. This species
was not seen during the
April or June site visit. No
further recommendations.

Page C-9
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Potamogeton epihydrus
Nuttall's ribbon-leaved pondweed
CRPR 2B Marshes and swamps; located in
assorted shallow freshwater. Elevation
range: 1210 – 7130 feet. Blooms:
sometimes June, July – September.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain perennial freshwater
ponds or swamps.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Sidalcea calycosa ssp. rhizomata
Point Reyes checkerbloom
CRPR 1B Marshes and swamps; located in
freshwater marsh habitat near the
coast. Elevation range: 10 – 245 feet.

Blooms: April – September.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain sunny perennially
mesic sites, nor is located on the
immediate coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Sidalcea malachroides
maple-leaved checkerbloom
CRPR 4.2 Broadleaf upland forest, coastal
prairie, coastal scrub, north coast
coniferous forest, riparian woodland;
often located in disturbed areas.

Elevation range: 0 - 2400 feet. Blooms:
sometimes March, April – August.

Moderate Potential. The Study
Area contains riparian areas.

Not Observed. This species
was not seen during April,
June site visit. No further
recommendations.

Sidalcea malviflora ssp. purpurea
purple-stemmed checkerbloom
CRPR 1B Broadleaf upland forest, coastal scrub.

Elevation range: 45 – 280 feet.

Blooms: May – June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain scrub or broadleaf habitat
nor is located along the immediate
coast.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Streptanthus glandulosus ssp.
hoffmanii
Hoffman’s bristly jewel-flower
CRPR 1B Chaparral, cismontane woodland,
valley and foothill grassland; located
on rocky sites often derived from
serpentine. Elevation range: 390 –
1545 feet. Blooms: March – July.

No Potential. The Study Area is not
underlain by serpentine soils.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Trifolium buckwestiorum
Santa Cruz clover
CRPR 1B Coastal prairie, broadleaf upland
forest, cismontane woodland; located
in moist grassy areas. Elevation range:
340 – 1985 feet. Blooms: April –
October.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain moist grassy areas.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Page C-10
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

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RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Trifolium trichocalyx
Monterey clover
FE; SE;
CRPR 1B
Closed-cone coniferous forest; located
on poorly drained, nutrient-deficient
soils with a hardpan; often in openings
and burned areas. Elevation range: 95
– 780 feet. Blooms: April – June.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain forest or hard pan
soils.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is not
present.

Veratrum fimbriatum
fringed false-hellbore
CRPR 4 Bogs and fens, coastal scrub,
meadows and seeps, North Coast
coniferous forest; located in mesic
areas, frequently on stream banks.

Elevation range: 10 – 980 feet.

Blooms: July – September.

Moderate Potential. The Study
Area contains streamside habitat.

Not Observed. This species
was not seen during April,
June, or July site visit. No
further recommendations.

Viola adunca
western dog violet
none;
(butterfly
host plant)
Streambanks, meadow-forest edges in
a wide variety of forest types, coastal
prairie; typically located in mesic
areas. Host plant for Behren’s
silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene
behrensii). Elevation range: 10 –
11605 feet. Blooms: April – August.

Moderate Potential. The Study
Area does contain grassland
habitat adjacent to forest habitat.

Not Observed. This species
was not seen during April,
June, or July site visit. No
further recommendations.

WILDLIFE
Mammals
Aplodontia rufa nigra
Point Arena mountain beaver
FE, SSC Coastal areas in the vicinity of Point
Arena with springs or seepages.

Utilizes north-facing slopes of ridges
and gullies with friable soils and
thickets of undergrowth.

High Potential. The Study Area
contains scrub habitat and is
located adjacent to Arena Creek.

Not Observed. Protocollevel surveys conducted in
2017 and 2022 found no
burrows in suitable habitat
within 100 feet of the Study
Area. See Appendix F for
USFWS Determination
Letter. No further
recommendations.

Page C-11
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Arborimus pomo
Sonoma tree vole
SSC Occurs in old-growth and mature
coniferous forests, particularly bishop
pine forest, Douglas fir forest, coast
redwood forest, and montane mixed
conifer-hardwood. Recent
documentation from Monterey pine
stands.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain forest habitat.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Corynorhinus townsendii
townsendii
Townsend's western big-eared bat

SSC, WBWG
High
Humid coastal regions of northern and
central California. Roost in limestone
caves, lava tubes, mines, buildings etc.

Especially likely to be found in
abandoned buildings along the coast.

Will only roost in the open, hanging
from walls and ceilings. Maternity
roosting sites limited, but individuals
remain relatively close to the sites
following disbanding. Extremely
sensitive to disturbance
Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain caves, mines, or buildings
suitable for roosting.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Birds
Brachyramphus marmoratus
marbled murrelet
FT, SE Primarily coastal marine, but breeds in
old-growth redwood stands containing
platform-like branches along the
coast. Migrates daily from inland nests
and roosts to forage in the Pacific
Ocean.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain old-growth redwoods
or mature conifers with suitable
structure. Only a few locations on
the Mendocino coast are known
marbled murrelet breeding areas.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Cerorhinca monocerata
Cassin’s (Rhinoceros) auklet
SSC Pelagic species, nesting colonially in
burrows or crevices on offshore and
coastal islands and rocks.

No Potential. The Study Area is
not located along the coast line.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Page C-12
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Reptiles and Amphibians
Ascaphus truei
coastal tail frog
SSC Requires permanent streams of low
temperature in forested areas of high
annual precipitation (greater than 40
inches). Individuals have been
collected up to 40 feet from streams
during moist periods. The normal
home range has a long dimension that
rarely exceeds 80 feet.

Unlikely (Breeding and Dispersal).

The Study Area does not contain
perennial, high flowing stream
habitat in forested area. One
documented occurrence is within
5-miles of Study Area at Schooner
Gulch.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Dicamptodon ensatus
California giant salamander
SSC Occurs in the north-central Coast
Ranges. Moist coniferous and mixed
forests are typical habitat; also uses
woodland and chaparral. Adults are
terrestrial and fossorial, breeding in
cold, permanent or semi-permanent
streams. Larvae usually remain
aquatic for over a year.

Unlikely (Breeding and Dispersal).

The Study Area is not within moist
conifer forest and is surrounded by
development.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Emys marmorata
western pond turtle
SSC A thoroughly aquatic turtle of ponds,
marshes, rivers, streams and irrigation
ditches with aquatic vegetation.

Require basking sites such as partially
submerged logs, vegetation mats, or
open mud banks, and suitable upland
habitat (sandy banks or grassy open
fields) for egg-laying.

Moderate Potential (Dispersal).

Unlikely (Breeding). The Study
Area contains a perennial stream
which may provide suitable
dispersal habitat. Breeding on
adjacent uplands is unlikely due to
regular human activity.

Presumed Present. The
species has the potential to
be present due to suitable
habitat, but no dedicated
surveys to determine
absence/presence were
performed. Presence is
presumed. See Section 6.2.2
for recommendations.

Rana aurora
northern red-legged frog
SSC Occurs in the vicinity of quiet,
permanent pools of streams, marshes,
and occasionally ponds. Prefers
shorelines with extensive vegetation.

No Potential (Breeding and
Dispersal). This species does not
occur south of Mills Creek, located
approximately 17 miles north of
the Study Area.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Page C-13
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Rana boylii
foothill yellow-legged frog
SSC Found in or near rocky streams in a
variety of habitats; highly aquatic.

Prefers partially-sunlit, shallow
streams and riffles with a rocky
substrate; requires at least some
cobble-sized substrate for egg-laying.

Needs at least 15 weeks to attain
metamorphosis. Feeds on
invertebrates (aquatic and terrestrial).

Unlikely (Breeding and Dispersal).

Aquatic features within the Study
Area are restricted perennial
stream that has insufficient
characteristics (cobbly bottom,
continuous flow; pools and riffles)
to support breeding. Individuals do
not typically move overland and
are rarely observed far from a
source of permanent water. In
northern California, it was
observed adults were on average
within ten feet and rarely over 40
feet from the stream (Bourque
2008).

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Rana draytonii
California red-legged frog
FT, SSC Lowlands and foothills in or near
permanent sources of deep water
with dense emergent and/or
overhanging riparian vegetation.

Favors perennial to intermittent
ponds, marshes, and stream pools.

Requires 11 to 20 weeks of continuous
inundation for larval development.

Disperses through upland habitats
during and after rains.

Moderate Potential (Dispersal).

Unlikely (Breeding). The stream
within the Study Area likely flows
too quickly during breeding season,
creating unsuitable breeding
conditions. However, CRLF may
disperse across the Study Area
during the wet season prior to
breeding or take refuge in moist
sites near the stream during nonbreeding/dispersal times.

Presumed Present. The
species has the potential to
be present due to suitable
upland habitat, but no
dedicated surveys to
determine
absence/presence were
performed. Presence is
presumed. See Section 6.2.2
for recommendations.

Page C-14
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Rhyacotriton variegatus
southern torrent salamander
SSC Known from cold, permanent seeps
and small streams with rocky
substrate in coast redwood-Douglas fir
forests. Reproduction is aquatic taking
about 8 months for eggs to hatch
which occurs in the spring. Nonbreeding habitat is typically within splash zone or moss-covered rock
rubble with trickling water.

Unlikely (Breeding and Dispersal).

The Study Area is not within coast
redwood-Douglas fir forests and
the stream lacks rocky substrate.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Taricha rivularis
red-bellied newt
SSC Inhabits coastal forests from southern
Sonoma County northward, with an
isolated population in Santa Clara
County. Redwood forest provides
typical habitat, though other forest
types (e.g., hardwood) are also
occupied. Adults are terrestrial and
fossorial. Breeding occurs in streams,
usually with relatively strong flows.

Red-bellied newts are known to revisit
the same stream for breeding each
year.

Unlikely. The Study Area contains
limited forest habitat and stream
flow is relatively weak and flashy.

Also, no newts have been
documented within 5-miles.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Fishes
Eucyclogobius newberryi
tidewater goby
FE, SSC Brackish water habitats along the
California coast from Agua Hedionda
Lagoon, San Diego County to the
mouth of the Smith River. Found in
shallow lagoons and lower stream
reaches. Requires fairly still but not
stagnant water and high oxygen levels.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain brackish or estuarine
waters. The stream does not have
a year-round surface connection
with the Pacific Ocean (Google
Earth 2022). No finfish have been
documented in Arena Creek (CDFW
2022b).

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Page C-15
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Lavinia symmetricus parvipinnis
(Hesperoleucus parvipinnis)
Gualala roach
SSC Known from the Gualala River
watershed in predominantly warmer
waters. Presumably prefers pools, but
may favor stream margins when
pikeminnows are present. Feeds on
filamentous algae, crustaceans, and
insects.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain suitable anadromous
or estuarine waters. The stream
does not have a year-round surface
connection with the Pacific Ocean
(Google Earth 2022). No finfish
have been documented in Arena
Creek (CDFW 2022b).

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Oncorhynchus kisutch
coho salmon – central CA coast
ESU
FE, SE Occurs in inland and coastal rivers,
and marine waters. Requires beds of
loose, silt-free, coarse gravel for
spawning. Also requires riparian cover
to contribute to cool, well-aerated
water. Federal listing applies to
populations between Punta Gorda and
San Lorenzo River. State listing applies
populations south of San Francisco
Bay only.

No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain suitable anadromous
or estuarine waters. The stream
does not have a year-round surface
connection with the Pacific Ocean
(Google Earth 2022). No finfish
have been documented in Arena
Creek (CDFW 2022b).

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus
steelhead - northern CA coast DPS
FT Includes populations occurring below
impassable barriers in coastal basins
from Redwood Creek (Humboldt Co.)
to, and including, the Gualala River.

The majority of adults enter rivers in
the fall or winter, and spawn in early
winter or spring; summer-run adults
enter rivers in late spring to early
summer. Spawns in cool, clear streams
with high dissolved oxygen and gravel
riffle substrate. Deeper pools with
sufficient riparian cover for rearing are
necessary for successful breeding
No Potential. The Study Area does
not contain suitable anadromous
or estuarine waters. The stream
does not have a year-round surface
connection with the Pacific Ocean
(Google Earth 2022). No finfish
have been documented in Arena
Creek (CDFW 2022b).

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Page C-16
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE

STUDY AREA

RESULTS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Invertebrates
Danaus plexippus pop. 1
Monarch butterfly
FC Winter roosts protected under CEQA.

Winter roosts extend along the
California coast from northern
Mendocino County to Baja. Roosts
typically located in closed-cone
conifers or eucalyptus in windprotected sites with nectar and water sources nearby, and are often on
south, southwest, or west facing
slopes which may provide more
favorable temperature regimes and
wind protection (Leong et al. 2004).

Monarch butterflies typically arrive in
mid-October to overwintering sites
along the California coast and remain
until late February or March (Jepsen et
al. 2015).

No Potential (Roosting). The Study
Area does not contain suitable
forest habitat for winter roosts.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Lycaedes argyrognomon lotis
[Plebejus anna lotis]
lotis blue butterfly
FE Known from sphagnum-willow bogs in
transition zones between coastal
prairie with bishop pine and Bolander
pine forests. Harlequin lotus (Hosackia
gracilis) and rose flowered lotus
(Hosackia rosea) are suspected host
plants.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not
contain known larval food plant
species, nor has typical habitat the
species is documented from.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Speyeria zerene behrensii
Behren’s silverspot butterfly
FE Inhabits coastal terrace prairie habitat.

Larval plant is dog violet (Viola
adunca). Known from six historic
locations from City of Mendocino to
Salt Point; currently considered extant
from Point Arena south to Salt Point.

No Potential. The Study Area does
contain grassland habitat; however
no dog violet is present and the
grassland is regularly mowed.

Not Present. Suitable
habitat for this species is
absent in the Study Area. No
further recommendations.

Page C-17
*Key to status codes:

FC Federal Candidate for Listing
FE Federal Endangered
BGEPA Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Species
FT Federal Threatened
SC (E/T) State Candidate for Listing (Endangered/Threatened) SE State Endangered
SFP State Fully Protected Animal
SR State Rare
SSC State Species of Special Concern
ST State Threatened
CRPR 1A CNPS CRPR 1A: Plants presumed extinct in California CRPR 1B CNPS CRPR 1B: Plants rare, threatened or endangered in California and elsewhere CRPR 2A CNPS CRPR 2A: Plants presumed extirpated in California, but more common elsewhere CRPR 2B CNPS CRPR 2B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere CRPR 3 CNPS CRPR 3: Plants about which CNPS needs more information (a review list) CRPR 4 CNPS CRPR 4: Plants of limited distribution (a watch list) WBWG Western Bat Working Group High or Medium-high Priority Species Potential to Occur:

No Potential: Habitat on and adjacent to the site is clearly unsuitable for the species requirements (cover, substrate, elevation, hydrology, plant community, site history, disturbance regime).

Unlikely: Few of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or the majority of habitat on and adjacent to the site is unsuitable or of very poor quality. The species is not likely to be found on the site.

Moderate Potential: Some of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present, and/or only some of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is unsuitable. The species has a moderate probability of being found on the site.

High Potential: All of the habitat components meeting the species requirements are present and/or most of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is highly suitable. The species has a high probability of being found on the site.

Results and Recommendations:

Present: Species was observed on the site or has been recorded (i.e. CNDDB, other reports) on the site recently.

Presumed Present: Species is assumed to be present on-site based on the presence of key habitat components.

Presumed Present without Impact: Species assumed present; however, project activities will not have an impact on the species.

Presumed Absent: Species is presumed to not be present due to a lack of key habitat components.

Not Present: Species is considered not present due to a clear lack of any suitable habitat and/or local range limitations.

Not Observed: Species was not observed during dedicated/formal surveys.

Presence Unknown: Species has the potential to be present, but no dedicated surveys to determine absence/presence were performed.

Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
November 2022
WRA, Inc.

Appendix D
Appendix D
Representative Photographs
Photo 1. Looking west toward the Study Area from
adjacent parcel. Mill Street is located just right of
the photo edge.

Photo 3. Looking from Mill Street toward Arena
Creek across eastern neighboring parcel.

Photo 2. Looking west along Arena Creek, outside
of the Study Area.

Photo 4. Arena Creek in the Study Area.

Appendix D. Site Photographs 1
Photo 5. Arena Creek in Study Area.

Photo 7. Looking east along existing structure
located at Arena Creek top-of-bank.

Photo 6. Riparian vegetation in Study Area.

Photo 8. Looking north across the Study Area and
along existing structure in Study Area.

Appendix D. Site Photographs 2
Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
November 2022
WRA, Inc.

Appendix E
Appendix E
Statement of Qualifications
Appendix E – Statement of Qualifications

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
WRA is an environmental consulting firm with over 30 years of experience conducting biological resources assessments, wetland delineations, protocol-level rare plant surveys, special-status wildlife assessments and species-specific surveys, as well as preparing applications with state and federal natural resource agencies for avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating impacts to sensitive natural resources. Other services and products with which WRA has expertise include preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents, habitat mitigation and monitoring plans, natural resource management plans, mitigation and conservation bank enabling instruments, grazing management plans, and wetland and other natural resources restoration plans.

Matt Richmond, BS, Principal with WRA, has over fifteen years performing botanical assessments, rare plant surveys, environmentally sensitive habitat area surveys, wetland delineations, and vegetation mapping. He also has experience performing protocol-level surveys for California red-legged frog, Ridgeway’s rail, marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, Point Arena mountain beaver, and Behren’s silverspot butterfly. His project focus is in conservation and mitigation banking, coastal development projects, vineyard development, and timber resources. Mr. Richmond regularly manages large-scale mitigation banking projects, as well as coastal development permits, coastal restoration projects, vineyard grading permits with a focus in Mendocino, Napa, Lake, and Sonoma counties. Mr. Richmond’s technical training includes the flora of Northern California, plant ecology, and forest ecology. Additionally, he has completed the 40-hour Corps wetland delineation training. Mr. Richmond received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Humboldt State University.

Rhiannon Korhummel, BS, Senior Plant Biologist with WRA, has seven years of experience performing vegetation and habitat mapping, rare plant surveys, botanical assessments, and wetland delineations. Her projects focus on coastal development, vineyard development, cannabis development, habitat mitigation and monitoring plans, mitigation banking, and single-family residence development in Sonoma, Mendocino, Napa, and Lake Counties. Ms. Korhummel’s technical training includes flora of Northern California, vegetation mapping and data collection, plant ecology, and soil science. Additionally, she has completed the 40-hour Corps wetland delineation course. She is the rare plant chairperson for the Dorothy King Young (DKY) CNPS chapter. Ms. Korhummel received her Bachelor of Science in Botany from Humboldt State University.

Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
November 2022
WRA, Inc.

Appendix F
Appendix F
USFWS Letter of Consultation
In Reply Refer to:
2023-0000322
Sent electronically
Rhiannon Korhummel
WRA, Inc.
5341 Old Redwood Highway, Ste. 310
Petaluma, California 94954
Subject: Response to request for Point Arena mountain beaver and California red-legged frog technical assistance regarding a proposed commercial construction and remodel project at 135 Main Street, Point Arena, Mendocino County, California Dear Ms. Korhummel:

This responds to your September 9, 2022, request for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) technical assistance for the federally endangered Point Arena mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra; PAMB) and federally threatened California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii; CRLF) regarding proposed commercial construction and remodeling at 135 Main Street, Point Arena, Mendocino County, California. The Service’s responsibilities include administering the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Section 3(19) of the Act defines “take” to mean harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. “Incidental” take is defined as take that is incidental to, but not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. At issue in the request is the potential for incidental take of the PAMB or CRLF as a result of this proposed action.

Point Arena mountain beaver
The Service submitted a “no take” PAMB technical assistance letter for this project in December 2017 (Project Code: AFWO-18B0014-18TA0058) ––based on negative PAMB survey results from October 26, 2017––which recommended additional PAMB technical assistance if the project was not completed within 5 years of the aforementioned negative survey results or if the project description changed. This letter refers to recent changes in the project description and the results of a new PAMB presence/absence survey conducted by Service biologist, Gregory Schmidt, on May 10, 2022, in response to the 5-year technical assistance deadline mentioned above.

The project description still includes ground-disturbing activities such as placement of scaffolding for building remodeling, reroofing, and exterior painting, and water well decommissioning. The changes to the project description since the December 2017 technical United States Department of the Interior
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Ecological Services
Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office
1655 Heindon Road
Arcata, California 9552 1
U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE
~ . -:~
Ms. Rhiannon Korhummel (Project Code: 2023-0000322) 2
1 “Service-approved biologist” refers to individuals with adequate experience and training in species identification, suitable habitat delineation, survey protocols, and handling and relocation techniques for covered species. The applicant will submit the names and qualifications of prospective Service-approved biologists to the Service for approval prior to implementing proposed construction activities and proposed avoidance and minimization measures. assistance letter includes the addition of four or five free-standing rental units and expansion of a parking area into the currently undeveloped portion of the parcel. In 2022, a 50-foot riparian (willows) ESHA (Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area) was established along Point Arena Creek on the southern edge of the parcel. The proposed locations of the free-standing rental units and parking area have been moved to undeveloped portions of the parcel to the north of the 50- foot ESHA. Equipment used for development will be typical heavy equipment (grader, backhoe, skid steer, rolling compactor). No pile driving or other such hard/heavy vibrational work that would likely qualify as “severe ground vibration disturbance” (from the Service’s “Draft Guidelines for Project-Related Habitat Assessments and Presence-Absence Surveys for the Point Arena Mountain Beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra),” potentially taking PAMB, will be conducted.

The subject property contains suitable PAMB habitat only along its southern edge along Point Arena Creek. Additional suitable habitat occurs south of the subject property across Point Arena Creek on an adjacent private parcel containing a residence. All suitable habitat within 100 feet of the proposed activities were surveyed for PAMB presence except for a portion of the private property immediately south of the subject parcel that had “No Trespassing” signs. However, this unsurveyed area included the residence mentioned above, and was mowed and occupied by dogs, thus unlikely to be suitable for or occupied by PAMB. No sign of PAMB occupancy was found during a presence/absence survey conducted by the Service on May 10, 2022. The 100-foot survey distance was chosen based on the expected level of ground vibration from the proposed activities as described in the Service’s draft guidelines mentioned above.

Accordingly, the Service has determined that the project as described is unlikely to result in incidental take of PAMB and can proceed at any time. This “no take” conclusion is valid for a period of 5 years from the May 10, 2022, negative presence/absence survey. If ground-disturbing activities at 135 Main Street, Point Arena, Mendocino County, California have not been completed within this 5-year period, or if additional activities are proposed, please contact the Service for additional technical assistance for PAMB.

California red-legged frog
Point Arena Creek provides potential suitable habitat for the CRLF. However, the creek flow rates during the CRLF breeding season (i.e., during the wet season from approximately November through the following April) are likely too high for breeding CRLFs. In addition, riparian vegetation along the creek is dense with little sun reaching the ground surface suggesting basking areas may be limited. Therefore, the Service considers the creek as suboptimal suitable breeding habitat for the CRLF; but all undeveloped portions of the parcel, including the locations proposed for new construction, may be suitable terrestrial habitat for the CRLF. No grounddisturbing activities will occur within 50 feet of Point Arena Creek due to the riparian ESHA.

Therefore, potential impacts to the CRLF will only occur within terrestrial portions of the parcel greater than 50 feet from Point Arena Creek. The applicant has proposed the following avoidance and minimization measures for the CRLF to reduce the likelihood of “take” within suitable terrestrial habitat:
• Prior to the start of construction activities, a Service-approved biologist1 (biologist) will conduct worker environmental awareness training for all construction workers that may work Ms. Rhiannon Korhummel (Project Code: 2023-0000322) 3
within suitable frog habitat. Awareness training will include a brief review of the biology of the frog and a description of the conservation measures below, which must be followed by all construction personnel. The biologist will appoint a biological monitor (e.g., the crew foreman) who will be responsible for ensuring that all crewmembers comply with the measures. The biologist or biological monitor will stop work and contact the Service if a subadult (approximately 7 months to 3 years old) or sexually mature adult (3–4 years old) frog is encountered within terrestrial habitat during project activities. • Within 24 hours prior to the onset of ground-disturbing activities, the biologist will survey all suitable terrestrial habitat within the parcel for all sub-adult and adult frogs. Surveys should include construction materials, such as in pipes and under boards or other materials, that frogs may have occupied during the night. Surveys must be conducted within 24 hours of ground-disturbing activities to lower the probability of one or more frogs moving into the parcel after a survey has already been conducted.
• If a frog is found during pre-work surveys, construction activities will cease until the biologist can safely capture, handle, and relocate the frog to nearby suitable habitat that will not be physically impacted by construction activities. The biologist will subsequently notify the Service of the number and life stage (adult, sub-adult) of frogs captured, handled, and moved to nearby suitable habitat. Alternatively, frogs encountered immediately prior to construction activities can be gently guided (i.e., by slowly walking toward the frog so it moves out of the area on its own) from the areas of impact by the biologist. Construction will not begin until the frog “self-relocates” to a safe location well outside the areas that will be physically impacted by construction activities.
• All food-related trash will be disposed of in closed containers that are to be removed from the parcel at least twice per week during the construction period. Food may attract frog predators such as raccoons to the parcel.
• Frogs may occupy small mammal burrows within upland habitat. To the extent practicable, small mammal burrows will be avoided. Prior to the start of work, burrows will be flagged for avoidance by the biologist. Burrow openings will be monitored within active work areas and if necessary, burrow openings will be cleared of soil or other blockages.

The Service has determined that the project as described is unlikely to result in incidental take of CRLF and can proceed at any time provided these avoidance and minimization measures are adhered to.

If you have questions regarding this response, please contact Gregory Schmidt at 707-834-3193.

Sincerely,
Vicky Ryan
Deputy Field Supervisor
Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area Survey
November 2022
WRA, Inc.

Appendix G
Appendix G
SHN 2017 Biological Resources Assessment Letter
CONSULTING ENGINEERS & GEOLOGISTS, INC.
335 S. Main  Willits, CA 95590-3977  707-459-4518  FAX: 707-459-1884 [email protected] \\Willitssvr\Projects\2014\414083-SeaShell-Inn\100-SSInn-Botany\Rpts\BRR_WildflowerInn_20171228.docx(Footer) Reference: 414083.100
December 28, 2017
Jeff Hansen
P.O. Box 669
Point Arena, California
Subject: Biological Resource Assessment for the Wildflower Inn. Point Arena, California Dear Mr. Hansen,
On May 9, 2016, August 2, 2017, and October 26, 2017, SHN Engineers & Geologists biologist Greg O’Connell conducted site visits to survey special status species1 and natural communities at the Wildflower Inn, Point Arena, California (Assessor’s parcel numbers [APN] 027-122-21 and 027-122-20) (Figure 1). The site is situated in the United Stated Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute Point Arena topographic quadrangle.

Elevation at the site is approximately 110 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The property owner is proposing to remodel buildings on these parcels, including one immediately adjacent to Point Arena Creek.

Introduction and Environmental Setting
The purpose of this report is to identify potential special status species within the project parcels.

The study area is set adjacent to Point Arena Creek, in the town of Point Arena. Elevations throughout the project area range from approximately 103 to 120 feet above MSL. Topography is mostly flat, with a gentle slope (0-8 percent) toward the south. The average precipitation for this area is 42 inches per year.

Methods
Survey protocol consisted of conducting a floristic account of all plant species observed, focused botanical surveys for sensitive species, and wildlife habitat assessments. The study area is defined as APN 027-122-21 and 027-122-20.

Prior to conducting fieldwork, the following references were reviewed, and then re-evaluated prior to this report:
 California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) query for the Point Arena and the surrounding USGS

7.5 minute topographic quadrangles (CDFW, 2017a);

1 The term “Special Status Species” is used collectively to refer to species that are state or federally listed, species that are state or federal candidates for listing, and all species listed by the California Natural Diversity Database and California Native Plant Society. This term is consistent with the biological resources that need to be assessed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.

Jeff Hansen
Biological Resource Assessment for the Wildflower Inn
December 28, 2017

\\Willitssvr\Projects\2014\414083-SeaShell-Inn\100-SSInn-Botany\Rpts\BRR_WildflowerInn_20171228.docx (Footer 2nd Page)  Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (California Native Plant Society [CNPS], 2017) query for a list of all plant species reported for the Point Arena and the surrounding USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles;
 Biogeographical Information and Observation System (BIOS; CDFW, 2017b); and  United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) was queried for threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of the proposed project and/or may be affected by the proposed project (Appendix 1; USFWS, 2017a).

From the database queries, a list of potential target species for the study area was compiled for regionally occurring special status plant species (Appendix 2) and regionally occurring special status animals species (Appendix 3).

In addition to surveying for target species, a list of all botanical species encountered was compiled. Plants were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible to distinguish special-status species from others. A list of observed botanical species is attached as Table 1-2, in Attachment 1. Botanical nomenclature follows The Jepson Manual, Vascular Plants of California (Baldwin, et al., 2012) and subsequent online revisions.

The study area received full survey coverage during each site visit.

Results
The study area consists of a mowed lawn, riparian habitat associated with Point Arena Creek, motel buildings, and paved parking areas. Vegetation in the lawn area is dominated by non-native grasses, including rattlesnake grass (Briza maxima), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), seaside barley (Hordeum marinum), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), and reed fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Vegetation in the riparian area is dominated by and overstory of red alder (Alnus rubra), California bay (Umbellularia californica), Hooker’s willow (Salix hookeriana), and Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis). The riparian understory includes Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), salmon berry (Rubus spectabilis), red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa), vinca (Vinca major), pig-a-back-plant (Tolmiea menziesii), and English ivy (Hedera helix).

During the field surveys, all special status species potentially present in the study area were targeted. The botanical survey was floristic and seasonally appropriate to detect special status plant species with a moderate or higher potential for occurrence. A total of 74 plant species were observed (Appendix 4). No special status plant species or special status animals were detected, including during the survey for the Point Arena mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra [PAMB]; Appendix 5). Although characteristics suitable for PAMB habitat exist within the project area, a presence-absence survey determined this species was not present at the time of observations.

USFWS Information for
Planning and
Conservation Report 1
December 17, 2017
United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Arcata Fish And Wildlife Office
1655 Heindon Road
Arcata, CA 95521-4573
Phone: (707) 822-7201 Fax: (707) 822-8411
In Reply Refer To:

Consultation Code: 08EACT00-2018-SLI-0068
Event Code: 08EACT00-2018-E-00138
Project Name: Wildflower Inn / Seashell Inn
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project To Whom It May Concern:

The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 ).et seq.

New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.

The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 ), Federal agencies are required to et seq. utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat.

A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the 12/17/2017 Event Code: 08EACT00-2018-E-00138 2
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.

If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at:
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 ), and projects affecting these species may require et seq. development of an eagle conservation plan
(http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/eagle_guidance.html). Additionally, wind energy projects should follow the wind energy guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to migratory birds and bats.

Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communications towers (e.g., cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at:
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm; http://www.towerkill.com; and
http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/comtow.html.

We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office.

Attachment(s):

Official Species List
12/17/2017 Event Code: 08EACT00-2018-E-00138 1
Official Species List
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action".

This species list is provided by:

Arcata Fish And Wildlife Office
1655 Heindon Road
Arcata, CA 95521-4573
(707) 822-7201
12/17/2017 Event Code: 08EACT00-2018-E-00138 2
Project Summary
Consultation Code: 08EACT00-2018-SLI-0068
Event Code: 08EACT00-2018-E-00138
Project Name: Wildflower Inn / Seashell Inn
Project Type: DEVELOPMENT
Project Description: Motel re-model
Project Location:

Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/38.90802446204889N123.69198809244651W Counties: Mendocino, CA
12/17/2017 Event Code: 08EACT00-2018-E-00138 3
Endangered Species Act Species
There is a total of 16 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.

Mammals

NAME STATUS
Point Arena Mountain Beaver Aplodontia rufa nigra
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7727
Endangered
Birds

NAME STATUS
Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus
Population: U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA)
There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat. final .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4467
Threatened
Northern Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis caurina
There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat. final .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1123
Threatened
Western Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus
Population: Pacific Coast population DPS-U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Mexico (within 50 miles of Pacific coast)
There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat. final .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8035
Threatened
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
Population: Western U.S. DPS
There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat. proposed .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3911
Threatened
12/17/2017 Event Code: 08EACT00-2018-E-00138 4
Reptiles

NAME STATUS
Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas
Population: East Pacific DPS
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6199
Threatened
Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea
There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat. final .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1493
Endangered
Amphibians

NAME STATUS
California Red-legged Frog Rana draytonii
There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat. final .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2891
Threatened
Fishes

NAME STATUS
Tidewater Goby Eucyclogobius newberryi
There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat. final .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/57
Endangered
Insects

NAME STATUS
Behren's Silverspot Butterfly Speyeria zerene behrensii No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/900
Endangered
Lotis Blue Butterfly Lycaeides argyrognomon lotis
There is critical habitat for this species The location of the critical habitat is not proposed . available.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5174
Endangered
12/17/2017 Event Code: 08EACT00-2018-E-00138 5
Crustaceans

NAME STATUS
California Freshwater Shrimp Syncaris pacifica
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7903
Endangered
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta conservatio
There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat. final .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8246
Endangered
Flowering Plants

NAME STATUS
Burke's Goldfields Lasthenia burkei
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4338
Endangered
Contra Costa Goldfields Lasthenia conjugens
There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat. final .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7058
Endangered
Showy Indian Clover Trifolium amoenum
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6459
Endangered
Critical habitats

THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S JURISDICTION.

Regionally Occurring
Special Status Plant
Species Scoping List 2
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Abronia umbellata var. breviflora pink sand-verbena -- / -- / 1B.1 G4G5T2 / S1 Coastal dunes. Coastal dunes and coastal
strand. Foredunes and interdunes with
sparse cover. A. umbellata var. breviflora is
usually the plant closest to the ocean. 0-25
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there are 2
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

4.1 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 1987.

Blooms Jun-Oct.

None
Agrostis blasdalei Blasdale's bent grass -- / -- / 1B.2 G2 / S2 Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal dunes; Coastal
prairie. Coastal dunes, coastal bluff scrub,
coastal prairie. Sandy or gravelly soil close to
rocks; often in nutrient-poor soil with sparse
vegetation. 5-365 meters above sea level.

Within the surrounding quad search, there
are 6 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest
being 3.3 miles from the study area; and the
most recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2013.

Blooms May-Jul.

Low
Arctostaphylos nummularia ssp. mendocinoensis pygmy manzanita -- / -- / 1B.2 G3?T1 / S1 Closed-cone coniferous forest. Closed-cone
coniferous forest. Acidic, sandy-clay soils in
dwarf coniferous forest. 90-185 meters
above sea level. There are no Rarefind
occurrences for this taxon within the
surrounding quads. Blooms Jan.

Low
Astragalus agnicidus Humboldt milk-vetch -- / E / 1B.1 G2 / S2 Broadleaved upland forest; North coast
coniferous forest. Broadleafed upland forest,
north coast coniferous forest. Disturbed
openings in partially timbered forest lands;
also along ridgelines; south aspects. 160-670
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there are 4
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

7.9 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2015.

Blooms Apr-Sep.

Low
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Astragalus agnicidus Humboldt milk-vetch -- / E / 1B.1 G2 / S2 Broadleaved upland forest; North coast
coniferous forest. Broadleafed upland forest,
north coast coniferous forest. Disturbed
openings in partially timbered forest lands;
also along ridgelines; south aspects. 160-670
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there are 4
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

7.9 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2015.

Blooms Apr-Sep.

Low
Astragalus rattanii var. rattanii Rattan's milk-vetch -- / -- / 4.3 G4T4 / S4 Chaparral; Cismontane woodland; Lower
montane coniferous forest. Chaparral,
cismontane woodland, lower montane
coniferous forest. Open grassy hillsides,
gravelly flats in the valleys, and gravel bars of
stream beds. 30-825 meters above sea level.

There are no Rarefind occurrences for this
taxon within the surrounding quads. Blooms
Apr-Jul.

Low
Bryoria pseudocapillaris false gray horsehair lichen -- / -- / 3.2 G3 / S2 Coastal dunes; North coast coniferous forest.

Coastal dunes, North Coast coniferous forest
(immediate coast). Usually on conifers. 0-90
meters above sea level. There are no
Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within
the surrounding quads.

Low
Calamagrostis bolanderi Bolander's reed grass -- / -- / 4.2 G4 / S4 Bog & fen; Broadleaved upland forest;
Closed-cone coniferous forest; Coastal scrub;
Freshwater marsh; Marsh & swamp;
Meadow & seep; North coast coniferous
forest; Wetland. Closed-cone coniferous
forest, north coast coniferous forest,
broadleafed upland forest, coastal scrub,
marshes and swamps, meadows and seeps,
bogs and fens. Mesic sites. 0-455 meters
above sea level. There are no Rarefind
occurrences for this taxon within the
surrounding quads. Blooms May-Aug.

Low
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Calystegia purpurata ssp. saxicola coastal bluff morning-glory -- / -- / 1B.2 G4T2T3 / S2S3 Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal dunes; Coastal
scrub; North coast coniferous forest. Coastal
dunes, coastal scrub, coastal bluff scrub,
North Coast coniferous forest. 5-430 meters
above sea level. Within the surrounding quad
search, there are 5 Rarefind Occurrences;
with the closest being 4 miles from the study
area; and the most recent observation date
within the surrounding quads for this taxon
was 2017. Blooms (Mar)Apr-Sep.

Low
Campanula californica swamp harebell -- / -- / 1B.2 G3 / S3 Bog & fen; Closed-cone coniferous forest;
Coastal prairie; Marsh & swamp; Meadow &
seep; North coast coniferous forest;
Wetland. Bogs and fens, closed-cone
coniferous forest, coastal prairie, meadows
and seeps, freshwater marsh, north coast
coniferous forest. Bogs and marshes in a
variety of habitats; uncommon where it
occurs. 1-405 meters above sea level. Within
the surrounding quad search, there are 38
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest
beingmiles from the study area; and the
most recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2016.

Blooms Jun-Oct.

Moderate
Carex californica California sedge -- / -- / 2B.3 G5 / S2 Bog & fen; Closed-cone coniferous forest;
Coastal prairie; Freshwater marsh; Marsh &
swamp; Meadow & seep; Wetland. Bogs and
fens, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal
prairie, meadows and seeps, marshes and
swamps. Meadows, drier areas of swamps,
marsh margins. 90-335 meters above sea
level. Within the surrounding quad search,
there are 2 Rarefind Occurrences; with the
closest being 2.9 miles from the study area;
and the most recent observation date within
the surrounding quads for this taxon was
2000. Blooms May-Aug.

Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Carex lyngbyei Lyngbye's sedge -- / -- / 2B.2 G5 / S3
Marsh & swamp; Wetland. Marshes and
swamps (brackish or freshwater). 0-200
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 2.3 miles
from the study area; and the most recent
observation date within the surrounding
quads for this taxon was 1949. Blooms AprAug.

Low
Carex saliniformis deceiving sedge -- / -- / 1B.2 G2 / S2 Coastal prairie; Coastal scrub; Marsh &
swamp; Meadow & seep; Wetland. Coastal
prairie, coastal scrub, meadows and seeps,
marshes and swamps (coastal salt). Mesic
sites. 2-230 meters above sea level. Within
the surrounding quad search, there are 5
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

2.3 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2006.

Blooms Jun(Jul).

Moderate
Castilleja ambigua var. ambigua johnny-nip -- / -- / 4.2 G4T5 / S4 Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal prairie; Coastal
scrub; Marsh & swamp; Valley & foothill
grassland; Vernal pool. Coastal bluff scrub,
coastal scrub, coastal prairie, marshes and
swamps, valley and foothill grassland, vernal
pool margins. 0-435 meters above sea level.

There are no Rarefind occurrences for this
taxon within the surrounding quads. Blooms
Mar-Aug.

Moderate
Castilleja ambigua var. humboldtiensis Humboldt Bay owl's-clover -- / -- / 1B.2 G4T2 / S2 Marsh & swamp; Salt marsh; Wetland.

Marshes and swamps. In coastal saltmarsh
with Spartina, Distichlis, Salicornia, Jaumea.
0-20 meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 3.6 miles
from the study area; and the most recent
observation date within the surrounding
quads for this taxon was Blooms Apr-Aug.

None
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Castilleja mendocinensis Mendocino Coast paintbrush -- / -- / 1B.2 G2 / S2 Closed-cone coniferous forest; Coastal bluff
scrub; Coastal dunes; Coastal prairie; Coastal
scrub. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub,
coastal prairie, closed-cone coniferous forest,
coastal dunes. Often on sea bluffs or cliffs in
coastal bluff scrub or prairie. 3-70 meters
above sea level. Within the surrounding quad
search, there are 7 Rarefind Occurrences;
with the closest being 4.6 miles from the
study area; and the most recent observation
date within the surrounding quads for this
taxon was 2012. Blooms Apr-Aug.

Low
Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus glory brush -- / -- / 4.3 G4T4 / S4 Chaparral. Chaparral. 30-610 meters above
sea level. There are no Rarefind occurrences
for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Blooms Mar-Jun(Aug).

Low
Ceanothus gloriosus var. gloriosus Point Reyes ceanothus -- / -- / 4.3 G4T4 / S4 Closed-cone coniferous forest; Coastal bluff
scrub; Coastal dunes; Coastal scrub. Closedcone coniferous forest, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, coastal bluff scrub. Usually on bluffs
along the coast in sandy soils, but also known
from more inland sites. 5-520 meters above
sea level. There are no Rarefind occurrences
for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Blooms Mar-May.

Low
Coptis laciniata Oregon goldthread -- / -- / 4.2 G4 / S3 Meadow & seep; North coast coniferous
forest; Wetland. North Coast coniferous
forest, meadows and seeps. Mesic sites such
as moist streambanks. 0-1000 meters above
sea level. Within the surrounding quad
search, there are 2 Rarefind Occurrences;
with the closest being 6.5 miles from the
study area; and the most recent observation
date within the surrounding quads for this
taxon was 2007. Blooms (Feb)Mar-May(SepNov).

Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Cuscuta pacifica var. papillata Mendocino dodder -- / -- / 1B.2 G5T1 / S1 Coastal dunes. Coastal dunes. Interdune
depressions. Annual parasitic vine observed
on Gnaphalium, Silene and Lupinus. 0-50
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there are 2
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being
4 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2011.

Blooms Jul-Oct.

Low
Erigeron biolettii streamside daisy -- / -- / 3 G3? / S3? Broadleaved upland forest; Cismontane
woodland; North coast coniferous forest.

Broadleafed upland forest, cismontane
woodland, north coast coniferous forest. Dry
slopes, rocks, ledges along rivers; mesic sites.
30-1100 meters above sea level. There are no
Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within
the surrounding quads. Blooms Jun-Oct.

Low
Erigeron supplex supple daisy -- / -- / 1B.2 G2 / S2
Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal prairie. Coastal
bluff scrub, coastal prairie. Usually in grassy
sites. 5-185 meters above sea level. Within
the surrounding quad search, there is 1
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

1.7 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2006.

Blooms May-Jul.

Moderate
Erysimum concinnum bluff wallflower -- / -- / 1B.2 G3 / S2 Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal dunes; Coastal
prairie. Coastal dunes, coastal bluff scrub,
coastal prairie. More or less a coastal
generalist within coastal habitat types. 3-60
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 8.2 miles
from the study area; and the most recent
observation date within the surrounding
quads for this taxon was 1979. Blooms FebJul.

Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Erythronium revolutum coast fawn lily -- / -- / 2B.2 G4G5 / S3 Bog & fen; Broadleaved upland forest; North
coast coniferous forest; Wetland. Bogs and
fens, broadleafed upland forest, north coast
coniferous forest. Mesic sites; streambanks.
60-1405 meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there are 2
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

12.5 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2015.

Blooms Mar-Jul(Aug).

Moderate
Fritillaria roderickii Roderick's fritillary -- / E / 1B.1 G1Q / S1 Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal prairie; Valley &
foothill grassland. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal
prairie, valley and foothill grassland. Grassy
slopes, mesas. 15-610 meters above sea
level. Within the surrounding quad search,
there are 5 Rarefind Occurrences; with the
closest being 2.7 miles from the study area;
and the most recent observation date within
the surrounding quads for this taxon was
2007. Blooms Mar-May.

Moderate
Gilia capitata ssp. pacifica Pacific gilia -- / -- / 1B.2 G5T3 / S2 Chaparral; Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal
prairie; Valley & foothill grassland. Coastal
bluff scrub, chaparral, coastal prairie, valley
and foothill grassland. 5-1345 meters above
sea level. Within the surrounding quad
search, there are 3 Rarefind Occurrences;
with the closest being 3.7 miles from the
study area; and the most recent observation
date within the surrounding quads for this
taxon was 2010. Blooms Apr-Aug.

Moderate
Glehnia littoralis ssp. leiocarpa American glehnia -- / -- / 4.2 G5T4 / S3 Coastal dunes. Coastal dunes. 0-20 meters
above sea level. There are no Rarefind
occurrences for this taxon within the
surrounding quads. Blooms May-Aug.

Low
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Glyceria grandis American manna grass -- / -- / 2B.3 G5 / S3 Bog & fen; Marsh & swamp; Meadow &
seep; Wetland. Bogs and fens, meadows and
seeps, marshes and swamps. Wet meadows,
ditches, streams, and ponds, in valleys and
lower elevations in the mountains. 60-2045
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 2.1 miles
from the study area; and the most recent
observation date within the surrounding
quads for this taxon was 1949. Blooms JunAug.

Moderate
Hesperevax sparsiflora var. brevifolia short-leaved evax -- / -- / 1B.2 G4T3 / S2 Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal dunes; Coastal
prairie. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes,
coastal prairie. Sandy bluffs and flats. 0-215
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there are 7
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

1.2 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2017.

Blooms Mar-Jun.

Low
Hesperocyparis pygmaea pygmy cypress -- / -- / 1B.2 G1 / S1 Closed-cone coniferous forest. Closed-cone
coniferous forest. On podzol-like blacklock
soil in pygmy cypress forest community. 30-
430 meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 3.9 miles
from the study area; and the most recent
observation date within the surrounding
quads for this taxon was 2016.

None
Horkelia marinensis Point Reyes horkelia -- / -- / 1B.2 G2 / S2 Coastal dunes; Coastal prairie; Coastal scrub.

Coastal dunes, coastal prairie, coastal scrub.

Sandy flats and dunes near coast; in
grassland or scrub plant communities. 2-775
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 8.6 miles
from the study area; and the most recent
observation date within the surrounding
quads for this taxon was 1981. Blooms MaySep.

Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Horkelia tenuiloba thin-lobed horkelia -- / -- / 1B.2 G2 / S2 Broadleaved upland forest; Chaparral; Valley
& foothill grassland. Broadleafed upland
forest, chaparral, valley and foothill
grassland. Sandy soils; mesic openings. 45-
640 meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 6.3 miles
from the study area; and the most recent
observation date within the surrounding
quads for this taxon was 2007. Blooms MayJul(Aug).

Moderate
Hosackia gracilis harlequin lotus -- / -- / 4.2 G4 / S3 Broadleaved upland forest; Cismontane
woodland; Closed-cone coniferous forest;
Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal prairie; Coastal
scrub; Marsh & swamp; Meadow & seep;
North coast coniferous forest; Valley &
foothill grassland; Wetland. Broadleafed
upland forest, coast bluff scrub, coast prairie,
cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, closedcone coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, marshes and swamps, north coast coniferous
forest, valley and foothill grassland. Wetlands
and roadsides. 0-700 meters above sea level.

There are no Rarefind occurrences for this
taxon within the surrounding quads. Blooms
Mar-Jul.

Moderate
Hypogymnia schizidiata island tube lichen -- / -- / 1B.3 G1 / S1 Chaparral; Closed-cone coniferous forest.

Chaparral, closed-cone coniferous forest. On
bark and wood of hardwoods and conifers.
360-405 meters above sea level. There are no
Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within
the surrounding quads.

Low
Kopsiopsis hookeri small groundcone -- / -- / 2B.3 G4? / S1S2 North coast coniferous forest. North coast
coniferous forest. Open woods, shrubby
places, generally on Gaultheria shallon. 120-
1435 meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 10.3
miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2012.

Blooms Apr-Aug.

Low
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Lasthenia burkei Burke's Goldfields E / E / 1B.1 G1 / S1 Meadow & seep; Vernal pool; Wetland.

Vernal pools, meadows and seeps. Most
often in vernal pools and swales. 15-600
meters above sea level. There are no
Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within
the surrounding quads. Blooms Apr-Jun.

Low
Lasthenia californica ssp. bakeri Baker's goldfields -- / -- / 1B.2 G3T1 / S1 Closed-cone coniferous forest; Coastal scrub;
Marsh & swamp; Meadow & seep. Closedcone coniferous forest, coastal scrub, meadows and seeps, marshes and swamps.

Openings. 60-520 meters above sea level.

Within the surrounding quad search, there
are 5 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest
being 2.8 miles from the study area; and the
most recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2004.

Blooms Apr-Oct.

Moderate
Lasthenia californica ssp. macrantha perennial goldfields -- / -- / 1B.2 G3T2 / S2 Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal dunes; Coastal
scrub. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes,
coastal scrub. 5-185 meters above sea level.

Within the surrounding quad search, there
are 6 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest
being 3.4 miles from the study area; and the
most recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 1984.

Blooms Jan-Nov.

Low
Lasthenia conjugens Contra Costa goldfields E / -- / 1B.1 G1 / S1 Alkali playa; Cismontane woodland; Valley &
foothill grassland; Vernal pool; Wetland.

Valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools,
alkaline playas, cismontane woodland. Vernal
pools, swales, low depressions, in open
grassy areas. 1-450 meters above sea level.

Within the surrounding quad search, there is
1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest
being 3.2 miles from the study area; and the
most recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 1987.

Blooms Mar-Jun.

Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Lathyrus palustris marsh pea -- / -- / 2B.2 G5 / S2
Bog & fen; Coastal prairie; Coastal scrub;
Lower montane coniferous forest; Marsh &
swamp; North coast coniferous forest;
Wetland. Bogs & fens, lower montane
coniferous forest, marshes and swamps,
north coast coniferous forest, coastal prairie,
coastal scrub. Moist coastal areas. 2-140
meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 9.7 miles
from the study area; and the most recent
observation date within the surrounding
quads for this taxon was 2005. Blooms MarAug.

Moderate
Leptosiphon acicularis bristly leptosiphon -- / -- / 4.2 G3 / S3 Chaparral; Cismontane woodland; Coastal
prairie; Valley & foothill grassland. Chaparral,
cismontane woodland, coastal prairie, valley
and foothill grassland. Grassy areas,
woodland, chaparral. 55-1500 meters above
sea level. There are no Rarefind occurrences
for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Blooms Apr-Jul.

Moderate
Lilium maritimum coast lily -- / -- / 1B.1 G2 / S2
Broadleaved upland forest; Closed-cone
coniferous forest; Coastal prairie; Coastal
scrub; Marsh & swamp; North coast
coniferous forest. Closed-cone coniferous
forest, coastal prairie, coastal scrub,
broadleafed upland forest, north coast
coniferous forest, marshes and swamps.

Historically in sandy soil, often on raised
hummocks or bogs; today mostly in roadside
ditches. 4-475 meters above sea level.

Within the surrounding quad search, there
are 35 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest
being 2 miles from the study area; and the
most recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2012.

Blooms May-Aug.

Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Lilium rubescens redwood lily -- / -- / 4.2 G3 / S3
Broadleaved upland forest; Chaparral; Lower
montane coniferous forest; North coast
coniferous forest; Ultramafic; Upper
montane coniferous forest. Chaparral, lower
montane coniferous forest, broadleafed
upland forest, upper montane coniferous
forest, north coast coniferous forest.

Sometimes on serpentine. 30-1910 meters
above sea level. There are no Rarefind
occurrences for this taxon within the
surrounding quads. Blooms Apr-Aug(Sep).

Low
Lycopodium clavatum running-pine -- / -- / 4.1 G5 / S3
Lower montane coniferous forest; Marsh &
swamp; North coast coniferous forest;
Wetland. Lower montane coniferous forest,
north coast coniferous forest, marshes and
swamps. Forest understory, edges, openings,
roadsides; mesic sites with partial shade and
light. 45-1225 meters above sea level.

Within the surrounding quad search, there is
1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest
being 14.6 miles from the study area; and the
most recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2000.

Blooms Jun-Aug(Sep).

Low
Microseris paludosa marsh microseris -- / -- / 1B.2 G2 / S2 Cismontane woodland; Closed-cone
coniferous forest; Coastal scrub; Valley &
foothill grassland. Closed-cone coniferous
forest, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub,
valley and foothill grassland. 3-610 meters
above sea level. Within the surrounding quad
search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences;
with the closest being 1.5 miles from the
study area; and the most recent observation
date within the surrounding quads for this
taxon was 1968. Blooms Apr-Jun(Jul).

Moderate
Mitellastra caulescens leafy-stemmed mitrewort -- / -- / 4.2 G5 / S4 Broadleaved upland forest; Lower montane
coniferous forest; Meadow & seep; North
coast coniferous forest. Broadleafed upland
forest, lower montane coniferous forest,
meadows and seeps, north coast coniferous
forest. Mesic sites. 5-1700 meters above sea
level. There are no Rarefind occurrences for
Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Blooms (Mar)Apr-Oct.

Oenothera wolfii Wolf's evening-primrose -- / -- / 1B.1 G2 / S1 Coastal bluff scrub; Coastal dunes; Coastal
prairie. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes,
coastal prairie, lower montane coniferous
forest. Sandy substrates; usually mesic sites.
0-125 meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind
Occurrences; with the closest being 2.1 miles
from the study area; and the most recent
observation date within the surrounding
quads for this taxon was 1964. Blooms MayOct.

Moderate
Perideridia gairdneri ssp. gairdneri California Gairdner's yampah -- / -- / 4.2 G5T4 / S4 Broadleaved upland forest; Chaparral;
Coastal prairie; Valley & foothill grassland;
Vernal pool; Wetland. Broadleafed upland
forest, chaparral, coastal prairie, valley and
foothill grassland, vernal pools. Adobe flats
or grasslands, wet meadows and vernal
pools, under Pinus radiata along the coast;
mesic sites. 0-610 meters above sea level.

There are no Rarefind occurrences for this
taxon within the surrounding quads. Blooms
Jun-Oct.

Moderate
Perideridia gairdneri ssp. gairdneri California Gairdner's yampah -- / -- / 4.2 G5T4 / S4 Broadleaved upland forest; Chaparral;
Coastal prairie; Valley & foothill grassland;
Vernal pool; Wetland. Broadleafed upland
forest, chaparral, coastal prairie, valley and
foothill grassland, vernal pools. Adobe flats
or grasslands, wet meadows and vernal
pools, under Pinus radiata along the coast;
mesic sites. 0-610 meters above sea level.

There are no Rarefind occurrences for this
taxon within the surrounding quads. Blooms
Jun-Oct.

Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Piperia candida white-flowered rein orchid -- / -- / 1B.2 G3 / S3 Broadleaved upland forest; Lower montane
coniferous forest; North coast coniferous
forest; Ultramafic. North Coast coniferous
forest, lower montane coniferous forest,
broadleafed upland forest. Sometimes on
serpentine. Forest duff, mossy banks, rock
outcrops, and muskeg. 45-1615 meters
above sea level. Within the surrounding quad
search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences;
with the closest being 12.9 miles from the
study area; and the most recent observation
date within the surrounding quads for this
taxon was 2014. Blooms (Mar)May-Sep.

Low
Pleuropogon refractus nodding semaphore grass -- / -- / 4.2 G4 / S4 Lower montane coniferous forest; Meadow
& seep; North coast coniferous forest;
Riparian forest; Wetland. Meadows and
seeps, lower montane coniferous forest,
north coast coniferous forest, riparian forest.

Mesic sites along streams, grassy flats in
shaded redwood groves, often on granite. 0-
1600 meters above sea level. There are no
Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within
the surrounding quads. Blooms (Mar)AprAug.

Moderate
Potamogeton epihydrus Nuttall's ribbon-leaved pondweed -- / -- / 2B.2 G5 / S2S3 Marsh & swamp; Wetland. Marshes and
swamps. Shallow water, ponds, lakes,
streams, irrigation ditches. 295-2640 meters
above sea level. Within the surrounding quad
search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences;
with the closest being 2.1 miles from the
study area; and the most recent observation
date within the surrounding quads for this
taxon was 1979. Blooms (Jun)Jul-Sep.

None
Sidalcea calycosa ssp. rhizomata Point Reyes checkerbloom -- / -- / 1B.2 G5T2 / S2 Freshwater marsh; Marsh & swamp;
Wetland. Marshes and swamps. Freshwater
marshes near the coast.5-95 meters above
sea level. Within the surrounding quad
search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences;
with the closest being 3.4 miles from the
study area; and the most recent observation
date within the surrounding quads for this
taxon was 1953. Blooms Apr-Sep.

Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Sidalcea malachroides maple-leaved checkerbloom -- / -- / 4.2 G3 / S3 Broadleaved upland forest; Coastal prairie;
Coastal scrub; North coast coniferous forest;
Riparian forest. Broadleafed upland forest,
coastal prairie, coastal scrub, north coast
coniferous forest, riparian forest. Woodlands
and clearings near coast; often in disturbed
areas. 0-730 meters above sea level. Within
the surrounding quad search, there is 1
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest
beingmiles from the study area; and the
most recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2002.

Blooms (Mar)Apr-Aug.

Moderate
Sidalcea malviflora ssp. purpurea purple-stemmed checkerbloom -- / -- / 1B.2 G5T1 / S1 Broadleaved upland forest; Coastal prairie.

Broadleafed upland forest, coastal prairie.
15-85 meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there are 6
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

0.4 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2006.

Blooms May-Jun.

Moderate
Streptanthus glandulosus ssp. hoffmanii Hoffman's bristly jewelflower -- / -- / 1B.3 G4T2 / S2 Chaparral; Cismontane woodland;
Ultramafic; Valley & foothill grassland.

Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and
foothill grassland. Moist, steep rocky banks,
in serpentine and non-serpentine soil. 60-
765 meters above sea level. There are no
Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within
the surrounding quads. Blooms Mar-Jul.

Low
Trifolium amoenum two-fork clover E / -- / 1B.1 G1 / S1 Coastal bluff scrub; Ultramafic; Valley &
foothill grassland. Valley and foothill
grassland, coastal bluff scrub. Sometimes on
serpentine soil, open sunny sites, swales.

Most recently cited on roadside and eroding
cliff face. 5-310 meters above sea level.

There are no Rarefind occurrences for this
taxon within the surrounding quads. Blooms
Apr-Jun.

Moderate
Appendix 2
Regionally Occurring Special Status Plant Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CRPR Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence
Trifolium buckwestiorum Santa Cruz clover -- / -- / 1B.1 G2 / S2 Broadleaved upland forest; Cismontane
woodland; Coastal prairie. Coastal prairie,
broadleafed upland forest, cismontane
woodland. Moist grassland. Gravelly margins.
30-550 meters above sea level. Within the
surrounding quad search, there are 7
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

4.1 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2006.

Blooms Apr-Oct.

Moderate
Trifolium trichocalyx Monterey clover E / E / 1B.1 G1 / S1 Closed-cone coniferous forest. Closed-cone
coniferous forest. Openings, burned areas,
and roadsides. Sandy soils. 60-210 meters
above sea level. Within the surrounding quad
search, there are 3 Rarefind Occurrences;
with the closest being 3.7 miles from the
study area; and the most recent observation
date within the surrounding quads for this
taxon was 2014. Blooms Apr-Jun.

Low
Usnea longissima Methuselah's beard lichen -- / -- / 4.2 G4 / S4 Broadleaved upland forest; North coast
coniferous forest; Oldgrowth; Redwood.

North coast coniferous forest, broadleafed
upland forest. Grows in the "redwood zone"
on tree branches of a variety of trees,
including big leaf maple, oaks, ash, Douglasfir, and bay. 45-1465 m in California. Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1
Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being

12.4 miles from the study area; and the most
recent observation date within the
surrounding quads for this taxon was 2002.

Low
Veratrum fimbriatum fringed false-hellebore -- / -- / 4.3 G3 / S3 Bog & fen; Coastal scrub; Meadow & seep;
North coast coniferous forest; Wetland.

Coastal scrub, north coast coniferous forest,
bogs and fens, meadows and seeps. Marine
terrace deposits; mesic sites. 3-300 meters
above sea level. There are no Rarefind
occurrences for this taxon within the
surrounding quads. Blooms Jul-Sep.

Moderate
Regionally Occurring
Special Status Animal
Species Scoping List 3
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Aplodontia rufa nigra Point Arena mountain beaver E / -- / SSC G5T1 / S1 Mammal. Coastal scrub; Meadow & seep. Coastal areas of Point Arena with springs or seepages. North-facing slopes of ridges and gullies with friable soils and thickets of undergrowth. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 39 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 0.1 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2013.

Moderate
Aquila chrysaetos golden eagle -- / -- / FP ; WL G5 / S3 Bird. Broadleaved upland forest; Cismontane woodland; Coastal prairie; Great Basin grassland; Great Basin scrub; Lower montane coniferous forest; Pinon & juniper woodlands; Upper montane coniferous forest; Valley & foothill grassland. Rolling foothills, mountain areas, sage-juniper flats, and desert.

Cliff-walled canyons provide nesting habitat in most parts of range; also, large trees in open areas. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Arborimus pomo Sonoma tree vole -- / -- / SSC G3 / S3
Mammal. North coast coniferous forest; Oldgrowth; Redwood. North coast fog belt from Oregon border to Somona County. In Douglas-fir, redwood & montane hardwood-conifer forests. Feeds almost exclusively on Douglas-fir needles. Will occasionaly take needles of grand fir, hemlock or spruce. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 22 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 2.6 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2002.

Low
Ardea herodias great blue heron -- / -- / -- G5 / S4
Bird. Brackish marsh; Estuary; Freshwater marsh; Marsh & swamp; Riparian forest; Wetland. Colonial nester in tall trees, cliffsides, and sequestered spots on marshes. Rookery sites in close proximity to foraging areas: marshes, lake margins, tide-flats, rivers and streams, wet meadows. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Moderate
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Ascaphus truei Pacific tailed frog -- / -- / SSC G4 / S3S4 Amphibian. Aquatic; Klamath/North coast flowing waters; Lower montane coniferous forest; North coast coniferous forest; Redwood; Riparian forest.

Occurs in montane hardwood-conifer, redwood, Douglas-fir & ponderosa pine habitats. Restricted to perennial montane streams. Tadpoles require water below 15 degrees C. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 22 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 8.7 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2011.

Low
Athene cunicularia burrowing owl -- / -- / SSC G4 / S3
Bird. Coastal prairie; Coastal scrub; Great Basin grassland; Great Basin scrub; Mojavean desert scrub; Sonoran desert scrub; Valley & foothill grassland.

Open, dry annual or perennial grasslands, deserts, and scrublands characterized by low-growing vegetation. Subterranean nester, dependent upon burrowing mammals, most notably, the California ground squirrel. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Bombus caliginosus obscure bumble bee -- / -- / -- G4? / S1S2 Insect. Coastal areas from Santa Barabara county to north to Washington state. Food plant genera include Baccharis, Cirsium, Lupinus, Lotus, Grindelia and Phacelia. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 4 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 0 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1969.

Moderate
Bombus occidentalis western bumble bee -- / -- / -- G2G3 / S1 Insect. Once common & widespread, species has declined precipitously from central CA to southern B.C., perhaps from disease. 0 Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 0.8 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1963.

Moderate
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Brachyramphus marmoratus marbled murrelet T / E / -- G3G4 / S1 Bird. Lower montane coniferous forest; Oldgrowth; Redwood. Feeds nearshore; nests inland along coast from Eureka to Oregon border and from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz. Nests in old-growth redwood-dominated forests, up to six miles inland, often in Douglas-fir. Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 7.2 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1993.

Low
Branchinecta conservatio Conservancy Fairy Shrimp E / -- / -- G2 / S2 Crustacean. Valley & foothill grassland; Vernal pool; Wetland. Endemic to the grasslands of the northern two-thirds of the Central Valley; found in large, turbid pools. Inhabit astatic pools located in swales formed by old, braided alluvium; filled by winter/spring rains, last until June. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Cerorhinca monocerata rhinoceros auklet -- / -- / WL G5 / S3 Bird. Off-shore islands and rocks along the California coast. Nests in a burrow on undisturbed, forested and unforested islands, and probably in cliff caves on the mainland. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 2 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being surrounding miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1980.

Low
Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus western snowy plover T / -- / SSC G3T3 / S2S3 Bird. Great Basin standing waters; Sand shore; Wetland. Sandy beaches, salt pond levees & shores of large alkali lakes. Needs sandy, gravelly or friable soils for nesting. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Chelonia mydas Green Sea Turtle T / -- / -- G3 / S1
Reptile. Marine bay. Marine. Completely herbivorous; needs adquate supply of seagrasses and algae. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

None
Coccyzus americanus western yellow-billed cuckoo T / E / -- G5T2T3 / S1 Bird. Riparian forest. Riparian forest nester, along the broad, lower floodbottoms of larger river systems. Nests in riparian jungles of willow, often mixed with cottonwoods, with lower story of blackberry, nettles, or wild grape. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Corynorhinus townsendii Townsend's big-eared bat -- / -- / SSC G3G4 / S2 Mammal. Broadleaved upland forest; Chaparral; Chenopod scrub; Great Basin grassland; Great Basin scrub; Joshua tree woodland; Lower montane coniferous forest; Meadow & seep; Mojavean desert scrub; Riparian forest; Riparian woodland; Sonoran desert scrub; Sonoran thorn woodland; Upper montane coniferous forest; Valley & foothill grassland. Throughout California in a wide variety of habitats. Most common in mesic sites. Roosts in the open, hanging from walls and ceilings. Roosting sites limiting. Extremely sensitive to human disturbance. Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 11.1 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1966.

Low
Danaus plexippus pop. 1 monarch - California overwintering population -- / -- / -- G4T2T3 / S2S3
Insect. Closed-cone coniferous forest. Winter roost sites extend along the coast from northern Mendocino to Baja California, Mexico. Roosts located in wind-protected tree groves (eucalyptus, Monterey pine, cypress), with nectar and water sources nearby. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 3 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 8.9 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2014.

Moderate
Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback Sea Turtle E / -- / -- -- / -- Reptile. Marine sea turtle. None Dicamptodon ensatus California giant salamander -- / -- / SSC G3 / S2S3 Amphibian. Aquatic; Meadow & seep; North coast coniferous forest; Riparian forest. Known from wet coastal forests near streams and seeps from Mendocino County south to Monterey County, and east to Napa County.

Aquatic larvae found in cold, clear streams, occasionally in lakes and ponds.

Adults known from wet forests under rocks and logs near streams and lakes.

Within the surrounding quad search, there are 12 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 8 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2001.

Low
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Emys marmorata western pond turtle -- / -- / SSC G3G4 / S3 Reptile. Aquatic; Artificial flowing waters; Klamath/North coast flowing waters; Klamath/North coast standing waters; Marsh & swamp; Sacramento/San Joaquin flowing waters; Sacramento/San Joaquin standing waters; South coast flowing waters; South coast standing waters; Wetland. A thoroughly aquatic turtle of ponds, marshes, rivers, streams and irrigation ditches, usually with aquatic vegetation, below 6000 ft elevation. Needs basking sites and suitable (sandy banks or grassy open fields) upland habitat up to 0.5 km from water for egg-laying. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Erethizon dorsatum North American porcupine -- / -- / -- G5 / S3 Mammal. Broadleaved upland forest; Cismontane woodland; Closed-cone coniferous forest; Lower montane coniferous forest; North coast coniferous forest; Upper montane coniferous forest. Forested habitats in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade, and Coast ranges, with scattered observations from forested areas in the Transverse Ranges. Wide variety of coniferous and mixed woodland habitat. Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 10 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1997.

Low
Eucyclogobius newberryi tidewater goby E / -- / SSC G3 / S3 Fish. Aquatic; Klamath/North coast flowing waters; Sacramento/San Joaquin flowing waters; South coast flowing waters. Brackish water habitats along the California coast from Agua Hedionda Lagoon, San Diego County to the mouth of the Smith River. Found in shallow lagoons and lower stream reaches, they need fairly still but not stagnant water and high oxygen levels. Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 5.5 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1997.

None
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Fratercula cirrhata tufted puffin -- / -- / SSC G5 / S1S2 Bird. Protected deepwater coastal communities. Open-ocean bird; nests along the coast on islands, islets, or (rarely) mainland cliffs. Requires sod or earth into which the birds can burrow, on island cliffs or grassy island slopes. Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being surrounding miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1980.

None
Helminthoglypta arrosa pomoensis Pomo bronze shoulderband -- / -- / -- G2G3T1 / S1 Mollusk. North coast coniferous forest; Redwood. Found near the coast in heavily-timbered redwood canyons of Mendocino County. Found under redwoods. Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 13.9 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was

0. Low
Lavinia symmetricus parvipinnis Gualala roach -- / -- / SSC G4T1T2 / S2S3 Fish. Aquatic; Sacramento/San Joaquin flowing waters. Found only in the Gualala River. 0 Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 13.5 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1999.

None
Lycaeides argyrognomon lotis Lotis Blue Butterfly E / -- / -- G5TH / SH Insect. Bog & fen; Meadow & seep; Wetland. Inhabits wet meadows or poorly-drained sphagnum-willow bogs, where soils are waterlogged & acidic; north coastal Calif. Inhabits upper edges of peat bog between peat & surrounding low willows; hostplant is Lotus formosissimus. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Numenius americanus long-billed curlew -- / -- / WL G5 / S2 Bird. Great Basin grassland; Meadow & seep. Breeds in upland shortgrass prairies and wet meadows in northeastern California. Habitats on gravelly soils and gently rolling terrain are favored over others. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii coast cutthroat trout -- / -- / SSC G4T4 / S3 Fish. Aquatic; Klamath/North coast flowing waters. Small coastal streams from the Eel River to the Oregon border. Small, low gradient coastal streams and estuaries. Needs shaded streams with water temperatures <18C, and small gravel for spawning. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Moderate
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha pink salmon -- / -- / -- G5 / S1 Fish. Aquatic. Most spawn in intertidal or lower reaches of streams and rivers in September and October. Move further upstream in Sacramento River.

Optimal temperature = 5.6 to 14.4 C. Embryos and alevins require fastflowing, well-oxygenated water for development and survival. Within the surrounding quad search, there is 1 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 2.4 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2003.

Moderate
Oncorhynchus kisutch pop. 4 coho salmon - central California coast ESU E / E / -- G4 / S2?
Fish. Aquatic. Federal listing = pops between Punta Gorda & San Lorenzo River. State listing = pops south of Punta Gorda. Require beds of loose, siltfree, coarse gravel for spawning. Also need cover, cool water & sufficient dissolved oxygen. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 2 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 7.8 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1997.

Moderate
Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop.
16 steelhead - northern California DPS T / -- / -- G5T2T3Q / S2S3 Fish. Aquatic; Sacramento/San Joaquin flowing waters. Coastal basins from Redwood Creek south to the Gualala River, inclusive. Does not include summer-run steelhead. 0 Within the surrounding quad search, there are 3 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 2.8 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2015.

Moderate
Pandion haliaetus osprey -- / -- / WL G5 / S4
Bird. Riparian forest. Ocean shore, bays, freshwater lakes, and larger streams.

Large nests built in tree-tops within 15 miles of a good fish-producing body of water. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Pelecanus occidentalis californicus California brown pelican D / D / FP G4T3 / S3 Bird. Colonial nester on coastal islands just outside the surf line. Nests on coastal islands of small to moderate size which afford immunity from attack by ground-dwelling predators. Roosts communally. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Progne subis purple martin -- / -- / SSC G5 / S3
Bird. Broadleaved upland forest; Lower montane coniferous forest. Inhabits woodlands, low elevation coniferous forest of Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, and Monterey pine. Nests in old woodpecker cavities mostly; also in humanmade structures. Nest often located in tall, isolated tree/snag. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Rana aurora northern red-legged frog -- / -- / SSC G4 / S3 Amphibian. Klamath/North coast flowing waters; Riparian forest; Riparian woodland. Humid forests, woodlands, grasslands, and streamsides in northwestern California, usually near dense riparian cover. Generally near permanent water, but can be found far from water, in damp woods and meadows, during non-breeding season. Within the surrounding quad search, there are surrounding Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 9.2 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2016.

Low
Rana boylii foothill yellow-legged frog -- / CT / SSC G3 / S3 Amphibian. Aquatic; Chaparral; Cismontane woodland; Coastal scrub; Klamath/North coast flowing waters; Lower montane coniferous forest; Meadow & seep; Riparian forest; Riparian woodland; Sacramento/San Joaquin flowing waters. Partly-shaded, shallow streams and riffles with a rocky substrate in a variety of habitats. Needs at least some cobble-sized substrate for egg-laying. Needs at least 15 weeks to attain metamorphosis. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 16 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 3.1 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2005.

Low
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Rana draytonii California red-legged frog T / -- / SSC G2G3 / S2S3 Amphibian. Aquatic; Artificial flowing waters; Artificial standing waters; Freshwater marsh; Marsh & swamp; Riparian forest; Riparian scrub; Riparian woodland; Sacramento/San Joaquin flowing waters; Sacramento/San Joaquin standing waters; South coast flowing waters; South coast standing waters; Wetland. Lowlands and foothills in or near permanent sources of deep water with dense, shrubby or emergent riparian vegetation. Requires 11-20 weeks of permanent water for larval development. Must have access to estivation habitat. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 8 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 2 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2016.

Moderate
Rhyacotriton variegatus southern torrent salamander -- / -- / SSC G3G4 / S2S3 Amphibian. Lower montane coniferous forest; Oldgrowth; Redwood; Riparian forest. Coastal redwood, Douglas-fir, mixed conifer, montane riparian, and montane hardwood-conifer habitats. Old growth forest. Cold, well-shaded, permanent streams and seepages, or within splash zone or on moss-covered rocks within trickling water. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 6 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 6.5 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 2005.

Moderate
Speyeria zerene behrensii Behren's silverspot butterfly E / -- / -- G5T1 / S1 Insect. Coastal prairie. Restricted to the Pacific side of the Coast Ranges, from Point Arena to Cape Mendocino, Mendocino Co. Inhabits coastal terrace prairie habitat. Foodplant is Viola sp. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 5 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 0 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1990.

Moderate
Strix occidentalis caurina northern spotted owl T / T / SSC G3T3 / S2S3 Bird. North coast coniferous forest; Oldgrowth; Redwood. Old-growth forests or mixed stands of old-growth and mature trees. Occasionally in younger forests with patches of big trees. High, multistory canopy dominated by big trees, many trees with cavities or broken tops, woody debris, and space under canopy. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Appendix 3
Regionally Occurring Special Status Animal Species Scoping List Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name FESA / CESA / CDFW Heritage Ranks Notes Potential for Occurrence Syncaris pacifica California Freshwater Shrimp E / E / -- G2 / S2 Crustacean. Aquatic; Sacramento/San Joaquin flowing waters. Endemic to Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties. Found in low elevation, low gradient streams where riparian cover is moderate to heavy. Shallow pools away from main streamflow. Winter: undercut banks with exposed roots. Summer: leafy branches touching water. There are no Rarefind occurrences for this taxon within the surrounding quads.

Low
Taricha rivularis red-bellied newt -- / -- / SSC G4 / S2 Amphibian. Broadleaved upland forest; North coast coniferous forest; Redwood; Riparian forest; Riparian woodland. Coastal drainages from Humboldt County south to Sonoma County, inland to Lake County. Isolated population of uncertain origin in Santa Clara County. Lives in terrestrial habitats, juveniles generally underground, adults active at surface in moist environments. Will migrate over 1 km to breed, typically in streams with moderate flow and clean, rocky substrate. Within the surrounding quad search, there are 5 Rarefind Occurrences; with the closest being 9.7 miles from the study area; and the most recent observation date within the surrounding quads for this taxon was 1971.

Moderate
Plant Species Observed 4
Appendix 4
Plant Species Observed
Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name Family Lifeform Status
Achillea millefolium Yarrow Asteraceae Perennial herb Native Acmispon americanus var. americanus Spanish lotus Fabaceae Annual herb Native Agrostis stolonifera Redtop Poaceae Perennial grass Non-native Invasive Aira caryophyllea Silvery hairgrass Poaceae Annual grass Non-native Invasive Alnus rubra Red alder Betulaceae Tree, Shrub Native
Athyrium filix-femina var. cyclosorum Western lady fern Woodsiaceae Fern Native Avena barbata Slim oat Poaceae Annual, Perennial grass Non-native Invasive Baccharis pilularis ssp. pilularis Coyote brush Asteraceae Shrub Native Bellis perennis English lawn daisy Asteraceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Brassica nigra Black mustard Brassicaceae Annual herb Non-native Invasive Briza maxima Rattlesnake grass Poaceae Annual grass Non-native Invasive Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome Poaceae Annual grass Non-native Invasive Bromus hordeaceus Soft chess Poaceae Annual grass Non-native Invasive Cirsium vulgare Bullthistle Asteraceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Claytonia perfoliata Miner's lettuce Montiaceae Annual herb Native Claytonia sibirica Candy flower Montiaceae Perennial herb Native Conium maculatum Poison hemlock Apiaceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Cotoneaster sp. cotoneaster Rosaceae Shrub Non-native Invasive Dactylis glomerata Orchardgrass Poaceae Perennial grass Non-native Invasive Festuca arundinacea Reed fescue Poaceae Perennial grass Non-native Invasive Galium aparine Cleavers Rubiaceae Annual herb Native
Genista monspessulana French broom Fabaceae Shrub Non-native Invasive Geranium molle Crane's bill geranium Geraniaceae Annual, Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Hedera helix English ivy Araliaceae Vine, Shrub Non-native Invasive Hesperocyparis macrocarpa Monterey cypress Cupressaceae Tree Non-native Holcus lanatus Common velvetgrass Poaceae Perennial grass Non-native Invasive Hordeum marinum Seaside barley Poaceae Annual grass Non-native Invasive Hypericum perforatum Klamathweed Hypericaceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Hypochaeris radicata Hairy cats ear Asteraceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Lupinus bicolor Lupine Fabaceae Annual, Perennial herb Native Lupinus rivularis Riverbank lupine Fabaceae Perennial herb Native Madia sativa Coastal tarweed Asteraceae Annual herb Native Marah oregana Coast man-root Cucurbitaceae Perennial herb, Vine Native Medicago polymorpha California burclover Fabaceae Annual herb Non-native Invasive Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal Lamiaceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Oenanthe sarmentosa Water parsley Apiaceae Perennial herb Native Oxalis oregana Redwood sorrel Oxalidaceae Perennial herb Native Appendix 4
Plant Species Observed
Wildflower Motel. Point Arena, California
Latin Name Common Name Family Lifeform Status
Parentucellia viscosa Yellow parentucellia Orobanchaceae Annual herb Non-native Invasive Pinus radiata X Monterey pine cultivar Pinaceae Tree Non-native Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantaginaceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Plantago major Common plantain Plantaginaceae Perennial herb Non-native Poa annua Annual blue grass Poaceae Annual grass Non-native Poa pratensis Kentucky blue grass Poaceae Perennial grass Non-native Invasive Prunella vulgaris Self heal Lamiaceae Perennial herb Native Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii Douglas fir Pinaceae Tree Native Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens Western bracken fern Dennstaedtiaceae Fern Native Ranunculus repens Crowfoot, creeping buttercup Ranunculaceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Raphanus sativus Jointed charlock Brassicaceae Annual, Biennial herb Non-native Invasive Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry Rosaceae Shrub Non-native Invasive Rubus spectabilis Salmon berry Rosaceae Shrub Native
Rubus ursinus California blackberry Rosaceae Vine, Shrub Native Rumex acetosella Sheep sorrel Polygonaceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Rumex crispus Curly dock Polygonaceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Salix hookeriana Coastal willow Salicaceae Tree, Shrub Native Salix lasiandra var. lasiandra Pacific willow Salicaceae Tree Native Salix sitchensis Coulter willow Salicaceae Tree, Shrub Native Sambucus racemosa var. racemosa Red elderberry Adoxaceae Shrub Native Scirpus microcarpus Mountain bog bulrush Cyperaceae Perennial grasslike herb Native Senecio vulgaris Common groundsel Asteraceae Annual herb Non-native Sequoia sempervirens Coast redwood Cupressaceae Tree Native Sonchus oleraceus Sow thistle Asteraceae Annual herb Non-native Stachys ajugoides var. rigida Hedge nettle Lamiaceae Perennial herb Native Symphyotrichum chilense California aster Asteraceae Annual herb Native Tellima grandiflora Fringe cups Saxifragaceae Perennial herb Native Tolmiea menziesii Pig a back plant Saxifragaceae Perennial herb Native Trifolium dubium Shamrock Fabaceae Annual herb Non-native Trifolium repens White clover Fabaceae Perennial herb Non-native Triphysaria pusilla Little owl's clover Orobanchaceae Annual herb Native Umbellularia californica California bay Lauraceae Tree Native Urtica dioica Nettle Urticaceae Perennial herb Native
Vaccinium parvifolium Red huckleberry Ericaceae Shrub Native Vicia sativa Common vetch Fabaceae Annual herb, Vine Non-native Vinca major Vinca Apocynaceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive Zantedeschia aethiopica Callalily Araceae Perennial herb Non-native Invasive

Point Arena Mountain
Beaver Survey Results 5
CONSULTING ENGINEERS & GEOLOGISTS, INC.
335 S. Main  Willits, CA 95590-3977  707-459-4518  FAX: 707-459-1884 [email protected] \\Willitssvr\Projects\2014\414083-SeaShell-Inn\100-SSInn-Botany\PUBS\rpts\20171206-PAMB-WildflowerInn.docx Reference: 414083.100
December 6, 2017
Gregory Schmidt
US Fish and Wildlife Service
1655 Heindon Road
Arcata CA 95521-4573
Subject: Point Arena Mountain Beaver Survey at the Wildflower Inn. Point Arena, CA.

Dear Greg:

Thank you for your assistance in addressing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) concerns about potential effects of the Wildflower Inn’s remodel project on the Point Arena mountain beaver.

The Wildflower Inn (formerly the Seashell Inn) is located at 135 Main Street, Point Arena, California (Assessor Parcel Numbers 027-122-21 and 027-122-20). The property owner is proposing to remodel buildings on these parcels, including one immediately adjacent to Point Arena Creek. Additionally, a ground water well is proposed to be decommissioned. Due to the close proximity to Point Arena Creek and potentially suitable habitat for the Point Arena mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra; or “PAMB”), a habitat assessment and presence-absence survey for this species has been conducted in accordance with the USFWS’ Draft Guidelines for Project-Related Habitat Assessments and Presence-Absence Surveys for the Point Arena Mountain Beaver (USFWS, 2017). PAMB is federally listed under the Endangered Species Act as endangered. The goal of this letter is to provide the USFWS sufficient information to support a no-take determination for the project.

Project description
Several buildings associated with the Wildflower Inn will be remodeled. The southern-most building is slated for a painting and re-roofing project in 2018. A portion of this u-shaped building is immediately adjacent to the banks of Point Arena Creek. These project activities will entail scaffolding being placed along the side the building, immediately adjacent to Point Arena Creek (Appendix 1; Figure 1). All material transported on and off the roof will be handled from the north side of the building facing away from the creek. It is anticipated that the re-roofing will be completed in two weeks or less (occurring between July and October). The scaffolding will be placed on a flat, narrow edge of soil between the building foundation and the bank of Point Arena Creek (Appendix 2; Photo 1).

Additionally, an existing ground water well occurring in the lawn east of the buildings is proposed to be decommissioned and abandoned (Appendix 1; Figure 1 and Appendix 2; Photo 2). This will entail using a 10- inch diameter drill to over-bore the existing well hole to a depth of 50 feet, then backfilling the hole with Gregory Schmidt
Wildflower Inn PAMB Survey Results
December 6, 2017

\\Willitssvr\Projects\2014\414083-SeaShell-Inn\100-SSInn-Botany\PUBS\rpts\20171206-PAMB-WildflowerInn.docx clay. Well decommissioning activities will produce low to moderate ground disturbance that is anticipated to travel less than 50 feet.

Habitat Assessment
A desktop review of the California Natural Diversity Database (CDFW, 2016) confirmed PAMB presence within the Point Arena Creek Watershed. Although there are several records of PAMB within the Point Arena Creek watershed, there are no documented records within the project area. A site visit occurred on May 9, 2016 to characterize the project vicinity and habitat types present and to determine if suitable PAMB habitat was present. The habitat assessment was conducted for all locations within 100-feet of project activities (habitat assessment area).

The majority of the habitat assessment area contains building structures and paved parking areas. A mowed lawn area occurs to the east of the buildings and the southern boundary contains riparian habitat associated with Point Arena Creek (Appendix 1; Figure 2). PAMB are typically found in one of three basic habitat types:
riparian, coastal scrub, and dune scrub (USFWS, 2017). The riparian zone within the habitat assessment area contains suitable habitat characteristics for PAMB. However, the suitable habitat has experienced intense historical disturbance during the original construction of the buildings and currently receives a moderate level of disturbance from ongoing human use, maintenance activities, and central proximity to downtown Point Arena. There is moderate habitat connectivity along Point Arena Creek within the vicinity of the project area due to Point Arena Creek’s riparian area being limited to a range of 30- to 70-foot wide, and that U.S. Highway 101, immediately west of the project area, likely limits PAMB dispersal.

Presence-Absence Survey
A PAMB presence-absence survey was conducted on October 26, 2017 by three SHN biologists over a 1.25- hour period. The survey methodology consisted of walking in an intuitive meander that resulted in thorough coverage of the area surveyed (Appendix 1; Figure 2). Wooden poles were used to probe through vegetation and potential PAMB den locations. For suitable habitat within the study area south of Point Arena Creek, the survey area included locations that were not marked with no-trespassing signs1. The portion of the suitable habitat that was not surveyed occurred on the project’s opposite side of Point Arena Creek in close proximity to a neighboring residence. Although the neighboring residence area contains potentially suitable habitat for PAMB, the likelihood of PAMB presence is extremely low due to the presence of several dogs and other pet animals.

1 Parcels south of Point Arena Creek are not owned by the project proponent, resulting in limited access.

Gregory Schmidt
Wildflower Inn PAMB Survey Results
December 6, 2017

\\Willitssvr\Projects\2014\414083-SeaShell-Inn\100-SSInn-Botany\PUBS\rpts\20171206-PAMB-WildflowerInn.docx Project Effects on PAMB
Due to the absence of PAMB within the project area, direct impacts to the species will not occur.

Additionally, the project does not propose to alter or eliminate PAMB habitat. Indirect impacts to PAMB are unlikely due to the absence of this species within the area surveyed and the low likelihood of PAMB occurrence within the portion of the neighboring parcel to the south of the project area that was not surveyed.

Assistance provided by USFWS
Technical assistance was provided by USFWS biologist John Hunter for the May 2016 habitat assessment, and USFWS biologist Gregory Schmidt assisted with the October 2017 presence-absence survey.

Summary
Although characteristics suitable for PAMB habitat exist within the project area, a presence-absence survey determined this species was not present at the time of observations. Based on prior conversations with USFWS staff, these negative PAMB surveys will be valid for five years. The project proponent would like to receive a letter from the USFWS concurring with a no-take determination for the project, and that determination would be valid for five years.

Please let me know if you have any questions or additional concerns. Thank you for your assistance with this project.

Respectfully submitted,
SHN Engineers & Geologists
Greg O’Connell
Biologist / Botanist
GDO:ceg
Appendices: 1. Appendix 1 Figures

2. Appendix 2 Photos
Gregory Schmidt
Wildflower Inn PAMB Survey Results
December 6, 2017

\\Willitssvr\Projects\2014\414083-SeaShell-Inn\100-SSInn-Botany\PUBS\rpts\20171206-PAMB-WildflowerInn.docx References
USFWS. 2017. Draft Guidelines for Project-Related Habitat Assessments and Presence-Absence Surveys for the Point Arena Mountain Beaver. Arcata, CA.

CDFW. 2016. Rarefind. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. ± 0 50 100 Feet
Legend
Parcels
Point Arena Creek
Project Area
Figure 1
± 0 50 100 Feet
Legend
Parcels
Point Arena Creek
Project Area
Habitat Assessment Area
Area Surveyed
Suitable Habitat
Figure 2
Photo 1. Note building and foundation to the left and Point Arena Creek to the right. Photo taken May 9, 2016.

Photo 2. Note white pipe in central portion of photo, visible at the base of the fence line. Photo taken May 9, 2016.

USFWS Technical
Assistance Response
Letter 6

WRA, Inc. | Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 310, Petaluma, CA 94954 www.wra-ca.com · WRA Project #31421 135 Main Street
May 7, 2024
Attn: Jeffery Hansen
PO Box 669
Point Arena, CA
Subject: Special-Status Fish Assessment Addendum to ESHA Survey Report of 135 Main Street Dear Jeffery Hansen,
This letter is to provide updated information for the Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) Survey report for 135 Main Street, Point Arena, California written by WRA in 2022. This letter specifically discusses the potential for coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Central Coast Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) Coho Salmon and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Northern California Distinct Population Segment (DPS) Steelhead within the Study Area and provides refined recommendations for the avoidance of potential impacts to the fish during construction.

METHODS
WRA fisheries biologist reviewed California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Center for Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) (CDFW 20241) the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Critical Habitat Mapper (USFWS 20242), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Critical Habitat Mapper (NMFS 2024a3) and the NMFS Essential Fish Habitat Mapper (NMFS 2024b4) to determine if salmon or critical habitat for any species or EFH, respectively, occurs within Arena Creek.

RESULTS
Arena creek is present in the Study Area, with the top-of-bank (TOB) located immediately adjacent to existing developed areas that are proposed for remodeling. Arena Creek is identified as critical habitat for steelhead and coho, with documented occurrences of steelhead within the creek (CDFW 2024) and is considered essential fish habitat (NMFS 2024b). Arena Creek is likely to support rearing fish, including coho and steelhead. The species are described below. 1 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2024. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch. Sacramento, CA. Most recently accessed: May 2024. 2 USFWS Critical Habitat for Threatened and Endangered Species Online Viewer. Available online at:
https://fws.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=9d8de5e265ad4fe09893cf75b8dbfb77 3 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2024a. National NMFS ESA Critical Habitat Mapper. Available at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/map/national-esa-critical-habitat-mapper/. Most Recently Accessed: May 2024.
4 (NMFS). 2022. Essential Fish Habitat Mapper. Available at:
https://www.habitat.noaa.gov/protection/efh/efhmapper/. Most Recently Accessed: May 2024 WRA, Inc. | Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 310, Petaluma, CA 94954 www.wra-ca.com
2 Steelhead - Northern California Distinct Population Segment (DPS) (Onocorhynchus mykiss:
steelhead), Federal Threatened, CDFW Species of Special Concern. The federal designation refers populations occurring below impassable barriers in coastal basins from Redwood Creek to, and including, the Gualala River. The state designation refers only to the summer-run. The majority of adult steelhead enter the river in the fall or winter and spawn in early winter or spring, although summer-run steelhead enter much earlier in late spring to early summer and spawn winter or spring. Spawn in cool, clear streams with high dissolved oxygen and gravel riffle substrate. Deeper pools with sufficient riparian cover for rearing are necessary for successful breeding.

Coho salmon - Central California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit(ESU) (O. kisutch: coho), Federal Endangered, State Endangered. The Central California Coast ESU includes all naturally spawned populations of coho salmon (and their progeny) in California streams from the Eel River to Aptos Creek, including the Russian River and its tributaries, excluding the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin. Coho salmon typically migrate in late fall to early winter to spawn in smaller coastal streams. Spawning migration known as “runs” occur throughout the year.

Spawning occurs mainly between November and January, but can occur as late as March during drought conditions. Juveniles may spend several years in the freshwater habitat before migrating to the ocean. Most adult fish return “home” maintaining fidelity to their natal stream. Preferred spawning habitat for coho salmon is small freshwater streams with cool to cold water temperature, medium to small gravel substrate, and high dissolved oxygen levels at the head of a riffle where water changes from laminar flow to turbulent flow (providing greater dissolved oxygen). Abundant riffle areas (shallow areas with gravel substrate) for spawning and deeper pools with sufficient riparian cover for rearing are necessary for successful breeding.

Both steelhead and coho are likely to occur within Arena Creek, and may rear as juveniles for one or more years before migrating to the ocean. As such these species have a high potential to be present in the summer as rearing juveniles. Adults would only be present in the late fall through early spring (November through April) when migrating inland for spawning. Eggs and fry would be present in the creek in winter and early spring (December through April), while and emigrating smolts would be anticipated to leave the system in the late winter through spring (February through May). Therefore, the most critical life phases of salmonids as well as any migratory events would only be present at times outside of when work is proposed in accordance to the measures below. Only rearing juvenile steelhead and coho may be present year-round in waters of the Study Area.

Critical habitat is designated within the Study Area for two species: Northern Distinct Population Segment steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and Central California Coast Coho salmon (O.

Kisutch). The extent of critical habitat for both species extends up to the ordinary high-water mark within Arena Creek (NMFS 2024a). The extent of critical habitat would be contained within the area noted as stream in Figure 2 (Attachment 1) of the ESHA report. Essential Fish Habitat for salmonids is also present in Arena Creek, and similarly extends to the ordinary high-water mark. The extent of EFH would be contained within the area noted as stream in Figure 2 (Attachment 1). The stream has a relatively deep channel but does not have run-riffle-pool complexes; therefore, anadromous fish may rear within the local area, but are unlikely to spawn in the vicinity.

WRA, Inc. | Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 310, Petaluma, CA 94954 www.wra-ca.com
3 PROJECT ANALYSIS
The proposed Project occurs within 100-feet of Arena Creek and therefore a reduced buffer analysis is necessary for coho and steelhead. Below is the reduced buffer analysis for these specific ESHA.

Table 1. ESHA and Point Arena Mountain Beaver Buffer Development Criteria Analysis City of Point Arena Municipal Code 18.25.220 and 18.25.240
New Development

1. Biological Significance of Adjacent
Lands. Lands adjacent to a wetland,
stream, or riparian habitat area vary
in the degree to which they are
functionally related to these habitat
areas. Functional relationships may
exist if species associated with such
areas spend a significant portion of
their life cycle on adjacent lands. The
degree of significance depends upon
the habitat requirements of the
species in the habitat area (e.g.,
nesting, feeding, breeding, or resting).

Where a significant functional
relationship exists, the land supporting
this relationship shall also be
considered to be part of the ESHA,
and the buffer zone shall be measure
from the edge of these lands and be
sufficiently wide to protect these
functional relationships. Where no
significant functional relationship
exists, the buffer shall be measured
from the edge of the wetland, stream,
or riparian habitat that is adjacent to
the proposed development.

New development avoids the creek, riparian
vegetation, and associated 50-foot landward buffer,
but improvements or replacement of existing
structures will occur in the 50-foot buffer of Arena
creek.

Coho and steelhead are presumed present in Arena
Creek. Riparian vegetation along Arena Creek
provides shade value to the creek and to salmon
habitat. These areas are classified as ESHA. Lands
beyond these ESHA provide low quality habitat due
to disturbance, past and existing development, and
location (city limits and near State Route 1).

Mitigation Measures 2a, 2d, and 4a, 4c, 4f, 4g, of the
ESHA report will reduce the potential impact to
during construction activities. Incorporation of the
previously identified Mitigation Measures in addition
to Recommendations 1 through 4 provided under the
Recommendations Section below are anticipated to
be sufficient to reduce any potential impacts to these
wildlife species through water quality protection.

2. Sensitivity of Species to
Disturbance. The width of the buffer
zone shall be based, in part, on the
distance necessary to ensure that the
most sensitive species of plants and
animals will not be disturbed
significantly by the permitted
development. Such a determination
shall be based on the following, after
consultation with the California Dept.
of Fish and Wildlife or others with
similar expertise:

Steelhead and coho may be present within Arena
Creek.

Steelhead/Coho: Arena Creek is likely to support
year-round rearing habitat for steelhead and coho
salmon. However, no work is proposed within the
creek. Further, any upland work will employ specific
measures to prevent any impacts to aquatic
habitats, thereby avoiding impacts to fish as well.
(a) Steelhead and coho migration and breeding
activities occur during the fall through late
WRA, Inc. | Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 310, Petaluma, CA 94954 www.wra-ca.com
4 (a). Nesting, feeding, breeding,
resting, or other habitat requirements
of both resident and migratory fish
and wildlife species.
(b). An assessment of the short-term
and long-term adaptability of various
species to human disturbance.
(c). An assessment of the impact and
activity levels of the proposed
development on the resource.
spring, while juveniles are present for at least
one year before migrating to the ocean.
(b) The proposed construction adjacent to Arena
Creek is the restoration of existing structures
built along the banks of the creek. The
structures were previously occupied and have
been present for more than five decades.

Presumably, coho and steelhead have
continued to use Arena Creek during and
following initial construction of the structures
and while the buildings were occupied. As
such, the salmon are presumably adapted to
the disturbance associated with human
activities along that portion of the creek.

During construction activities, the juvenile
may avoid the reach of stream adjacent to
the structures during the day when there is
movement associated with construction work.
(c) Steelhead and coho salmon may utilize Arena
Creek year-round for various life stages of
development. All project related impacts are
within uplands and no impacts to the creek
are proposed. Mitigation Measures 2a
through 2f of the ESHA report have been
designed to minimize effects to aquatic
habitats from general work, while Mitigation
Measures 3a through 3c of the ESHA report
specifically protect Arena Creek while working
on scaffolding adjacent to the creek. Further,
limiting work on the project to the dry season
(June 1 to October 15) simultaneously avoids
working directly next to the creek when more
sensitive life stages of fish are present as
well as when fish are migratory (i.e., when
adults immigrate for spawning or when
smolts emigrate to marine environments).

Application of this measure minimizes the
potential auditory or visual disturbances
along the bank during such migratory events.

Considering the Project avoids impacting the
creek entirely, and implementation of the
aforementioned minimization measures,
effects to protected fish within the creek are
avoided and no fish specific measures are
necessary. Following completion of the
Project, with incorporation of Mitigation
Measure 4g, human and pet disturbance to
the stream will be minimal.

WRA, Inc. | Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 310, Petaluma, CA 94954 www.wra-ca.com
5 3. Susceptibility of Parcel to Erosion.

The width of the buffer zone shall be
based, in part, on an assessment of
the slope, soils, impervious surface
coverage, runoff characteristics, and
vegetative cover of the parcel and to
what degree the development will
change the potential for erosion. A
sufficient buffer to allow for the
interception of any additional material
eroded as a result of the proposed
development should be provided.

The proposed Project is situated on relatively flat
areas where persistent soil erosion is unlikely. The
Project is designed to capture runoff or shunt to City
stormwater infrastructure. A retaining wall is
proposed along the edge of impervious surfaces to
prevent run off into the buffer area. Standard best
management practices (BMP’s) will be deployed
during construction to further mitigate potential soil
erosion (Mitigation Measures 2a through 2d of the
ESHA report).

4. Use of Natural Topographic
Features to Locate Development. Hills
and bluffs adjacent to ESHAs shall be
used, where feasible, to buffer habitat
areas. Where otherwise permitted,
development should be located on the
sides of hills away from ESHAs.

Similarly, bluff faces should not be
developed, but shall be included in the
buffer zone.

New development is sited to be greatest extent
feasible from ESHA and is not proposed within 50-
feet of ESHA.

5. Use of Existing Cultural Features to
Locate Buffer Zones. Cultural features
(e.g., roads and dikes) shall be used,
where feasible, to buffer habitat
areas. Where feasible, development
shall be located on the side of roads,
dikes, irrigation canals, flood control
channels, etc. away from the ESHA.

The majority of the Project is improvement to
existing developed areas. The portion of the Project
which is to be new development is proposed
adjacent to existing City streets, sidewalks, and
developed areas. New development will be located
at least 50-feet from any ESHA.

6. Lot Configuration and Location of
Existing Development. Where an
existing subdivision or other
development is largely built-out and
the buildings are a uniform distance
from a habitat area, at least that
same distance shall be required as a
buffer zone for any new development
permitted. However, if that distance is
less than 100 feet, additional
mitigation measures (e.g., planting of
native vegetation) shall be provided to
ensure additional protection. Where
development is proposed in an area
that is largely undeveloped, the widest
and most protective buffer zone
feasible shall be required.

The Project is located within City limits, surrounded
by other developed City lots. New development is
only proposed outside the 50-foot buffer of on-site
ESHA which is similar distance as adjacent parcels
on Arena Creek. As new development will be located
between 50- and 100-feet of ESHA, buffer
enhancement activities are proposed under
Mitigation Measures 1a.

WRA, Inc. | Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 310, Petaluma, CA 94954 www.wra-ca.com
6 7. Type and Scale of Development
Proposed. The type and scale of the
proposed development will, to a large
degree, determine the size of the
buffer zone necessary to protect the
ESHA. Such evaluations will be made
on a case-by-case basis depending
upon the resources involved, the
degree to which adjacent lands have
been developed, and the type of
development in the area.

Buffer Edge. The buffer area shall be
measured from the nearest outside
edge of the ESHA. For a wetland the
buffer shall be measured from the
upland edge of the wetland. For
riparian areas, the buffer shall be
measured from the outer edge of the
canopy of riparian vegetation. Where
riparian vegetation is not present, the
buffer shall be measured from the
outer edge of the bank of the subject
stream. For coastal bluff ESHA, the
buffer shall be measured from the
bluff edge. For plant community ESHA,
the buffer shall be measured from the
outer edge of the plants that comprise
the plant community. For Point Arena
Mountain Beaver ESHA, see Section

18.25.240.

Land Division. New subdivisions or
boundary line adjustments shall not be
allowed which will create or provide
for new parcels entirely within a buffer
area.

The type and scale of new development is similar to
that of adjacent developed parcels. Through
incorporation of all the Mitigation Measures, new
development 50-feet or greater from ESHA is
anticipated to not significantly impact ESHA present
or those which may occur in the Study Area.

The creek and riparian buffer is measured from the
outside edge of riparian vegetation.

No land division is proposed as part of the Project.

Pre-Existing Buildings and Non-Conforming Uses
Pre-existing buildings and nonconforming uses within riparian buffer zones may continue as legally nonconforming, but no additions that encroach closer to the stream or creek
within said corridor buffer zone shall
be permitted, with the following
exceptions contingent upon the four
required findings described below:
1) Accessory structures located at the
City’s wastewater reclamation facility
The Project includes improvements to or replacement
of existing structures and associated developed
areas. A portion of these areas are within the Arena
Creek riparian vegetation corridor, located up to the
Arena Creek top-of-bank. Similar use and functions
are expected by the Project, as these structures and
their functions (lodging, storage, access) were used
in the past. No additions to existing development
which encroach closer to Arena Creek are proposed.

Mitigation Measures identified in the ESHA report
along with Recommendations below will be
WRA, Inc. | Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 310, Petaluma, CA 94954 www.wra-ca.com
7 situated entirely within the developed
fenced area subject to a Coastal
Development Permit consistent with
all other applicable provisions of the
certified LCP.
2) Required Findings.
a) The proposed development has
been sited and designed to prevent
significant impacts to the habitat
values, functional capacity, and
species diversity of the adjacent
riparian habitat area; and
b) The proposed development is
compatible with the continuance of
such habitat areas.
c) Soils and vegetation removal and
disturbances shall be minimized.
d) Nonnative vegetation shall not be
planted except for the continuance of
existing agricultural practices.
incorporated into the Project to reduce potential
impacts during development and post-construction
activities and allow for continued function of ESHA.

A buffer analysis has determined that the proposed
Project is sited and designed to prevent significant
impacts to ESHA and is compatible with the
continuance of ESHA. No significant soil or
vegetation removal for development of the
replacement or improvements to existing structures
is anticipated.

New development is proposed to the east of the
existing development, between the 100- and 50-foot
riparian vegetation buffer. This new development is
presumed to be required to meet the Required
Findings. Mitigation Measures and Recommendations
will be incorporated into the Project which are
anticipated to have the Project meet the Required
Findings. A buffer analysis has determined that the
proposed Project is sited and designed to prevent
significant impacts to steelhead and coho and is
compatible with the continuance of steelhead and
coho in Arena Creek.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Considering the Project avoids impacting the creek entirely, and with implementation of the mitigation measures of the ESHA report, effects to protected fish within the creek are avoided and no fish specific measures are necessary. However, in addition to mitigation measures identified in the ESHA report, the following Best Management Practice recommendations should be employed to further protect water quality, which also protects fish habitat5:

Recommendation 1: No construction related debris will be staged within the 50-foot buffer, or in areas where such debris may wash into the creek. Any refueling of equipment should also occur outside of the 100-foot riparian buffer.

Recommendation 2: Under no circumstances should any wash water or wastewater from construction be allowed to enter Arena Creek.

Recommendation 3: Construction netting or tarps should be installed beneath scaffolding along the creek to capture any debris which may fall from the structures or scaffolding, preventing it from entering Arena Creek. Appropriate equipment for application of materials (i.e., paint, etc.) which is to be applied to the structures should be used. The manner in which materials are applied should be the least likely to cause drift, leaking or spillage. Any debris which may fall on the ground should be removed by the end of the workday. 5 Recommendations 3 and 4 are refined from the ESHA survey report mitigation measures to be more specific.

WRA, Inc. | Old Redwood Hwy, Suite 310, Petaluma, CA 94954 www.wra-ca.com
8 Recommendation 4: Land disturbance activities will occur during the general dry season June 1 through October 15. Erosion control measures (i.e., weed-free jutes straw waddle, weed-free straw bales, silt fencing, tarps) should be staged and installed on-site prior or at initiation of land disturbance activities in case rain-event may occur.

Critical Habitat
While critical habitat is present within the Study Area, no work is proposed within the creek and water quality protection measures stated above and in the ESHA report will avoid any direct or indirect effects to waters which might affect the function of critical habitat. Limiting work on the Project to the dry season (June 1-October 15) avoids working directly next to the creek at times of the year when critical habitat functions as a migratory corridor for fish, thereby minimizing noise or visual disturbances in the immediate vicinity. Further, the project proposes to enhance riparian vegetation which would potentially serve a benefit to critical habitat through additional shade, and stabilization of adjacent uplands. As such, the mitigation measures of the ESHA report and recommendations in this letter provide sufficient protection to prevent negative effects to critical habitat, and that the resulting Project won’t degrade its current function or value.

Essential Fish Habitat for salmonids is also present in Arena Creek, but as described already for critical habitat, there is no work proposed directly within the creek which may alter aquatic habitat extent or deleteriously effect fish habitat. The Project is designed to avoid waters and mitigation measures provided in the ESHA report will significantly reduce the potential of indirect effects of the Project to deleteriously affect the form, function or extent of EFH. Because no additional effects are anticipated that have not already been addressed by previously prescribed mitigation measures provided in the ESHA report, no further EFH specific measures are recommended.

Arena Creek may be a corridor for coho and steelhead. However, the portion of the stream in the Study Area is also surrounded by development and is regularly disturbed by human activity. The development within the Study Area is further outside of the riparian corridor and in and of itself is unlikely to result in any significant impacts to local wildlife movement.

No further actions are recommended for Critical Habitat, Essential Fish Habitat, or wildlife corridors.

Sincerely,
Rhiannon Korhummel
Biologist
Attachment 1: Figure 2 from the ESHA report
Path: E:\Acad 2000 Files\31000\31421\GIS\ArcMap_Pro\31421_Base\31421_Base.aprx Sources: Google Earth 2020 Aerial, WRA | Prepared By: mrochelle, 11/10/2022 Figure 2.

Land Cover Types
135 Main Street
Point Arena, California
0 25 50
Feet
Parcel Boundary - 1.15
ac.

Project Area - 0.91 ac.

Study Area - 1.36 ac.

Sensitive Land Cover Types
Stream - 0.08 ac.

Riparian - 0.13 ac.

Non-sensitive Land Cover Types
Developed - 0.85 ac.

Non-native Annual
Grassland - 0.38 ac.

Main St.

Mill St.

SENT VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL
April 30, 2024
Marie Jones
City Planner
City of Point Arena
451 School Street 24000 S. Highway 1
Point Arena, CA 95468
[email protected]
RE: MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (MND) FOR THE WILDFLOWER EAST (PROJECT) DATED APRIL 23, 2024 STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NUMBER 2024040981 Dear Marie Jones,
The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) received a MND for the Project.

The applicant requests a Lot Line Adjustment to transfer 0.145 acres from Parcel B (APN 027-122-21) to Parcel A (027-122-20) and a Coastal Development Permit and Use Permit to: 1) reestablish and rehabilitate a restaurant and residential use and construct a 280 square foot trellis on Parcel A; 2) reestablish and rehabilitate lodging, restaurant, and residential use on Parcel B, 3) demolish an existing 3,880 square foot structure on Parcel B; 4) construct five (5) detached lodging units of 160 square feet each on Parcel B and; 6) other associated site work as demonstrated on the project plans. After reviewing the project, DTSC recommends and requests consideration of the following comments:

Marie Jones
April 30, 2024

1. If buildings or other structures are to be demolished on any project sites included in the proposed project, surveys should be conducted for the presence of lead-based paints or products, mercury, asbestos containing materials, and polychlorinated biphenyl caulk. Removal, demolition, and disposal of any of the above-mentioned chemicals should be conducted in compliance with California environmental regulations and policies. In addition, sampling near current and/or former buildings should be conducted in accordance with DTSC's Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) Guidance Manual.

2. DTSC recommends that all imported soil and fill material should be tested to ensure any contaminants of concern are within DTSC’s and U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regional Screen Levels (RSLs) for the intended land use. To minimize the possibility of introducing contaminated soil and fill material there should be documentation of the origins of the soil or fill material and, if applicable, sampling be conducted to ensure that the imported soil and fill material meets screening levels outlined in the PEA for the intended land use. The soil sampling should include analysis based on the source of the fill and knowledge of the prior land use.

Additional information can be found by visiting DTSC’s Human and Ecological Risk Office (HERO) webpage.

3. The City of Point Arena enter into an Standard Voluntary Agreement (SVA) with DTSC, the FLUXX portal link is provided and the page also has a link to the Fluxx User Guide that can help you navigate the system. You will need to create a new profile and once in the system, click “Start a Request for Lead Agency Oversight Application. If you have any questions about the application portal, please contact the DTSC Brownfield Coordinator Gregory Shaffer or contact the Application Portal Inbox
DTSC appreciates the opportunity to comment on the MND for the Project. Thank you for your assistance in protecting California’s people and environment from the harmful effects of toxic substances. If you have any questions or would like any clarification on Marie Jones
April 30, 2024

DTSC’s comments, please respond to this letter or via email for additional guidance.

Sincerely,
Dave Kereazis
Associate Environmental Planner
HWMP-Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
cc: (via email)
Governor’s Office of Planning and
Research State Clearinghouse
[email protected]
Tamara Purvis
Associate Environmental Planner
HWMP - Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
Scott Wiley
Associate Governmental Program Analyst
HWMP - Permitting Division – CEQA Unit
Department of Toxic Substances Control
[email protected]
 


 










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“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” DISTRICT 1
P.O. BOX 3700 | EUREKA, CA 95502–3700
(707) 445-6600 | FAX (707) 441-6314 TTY 711
www.dot.ca.gov
September 15, 2023
1-MEN-1-15.

Wildflower East Café & Motel
CDP 2021-04, LLA 2021-02
Mr. Scott Perkins
City of Point Arena
451 School Street
Point Arena, CA 95468
Dear Mr. Perkins:

Thank you for giving Caltrans the opportunity to review and comment on the Coastal Development Permit and Lot Line Adjustment to reestablish and rehabilitate restaurant and residential use on parcel A; and reestablish and rehabilitate lodging, restaurant, and residential use on Parcel B. Construction associated with the motel will include five (5) detached lodging units each 160 Square Feet in size on Parcel B. The redevelopment of the lot will require the demolition of an existing 3,880 SF structure on Parcel B. We have reviewed the proposal and offer the following comments:

Caltrans will be delivering two separate transportation improvements projects in the Point Arena area, including the Mendocino Route 1 Drainage Improvements (EA 01- 0L270, from MEN-1 postmile 0.0 to 105.5 and the North Point Arena CAPM (EA 01-0J940, from postmile 14.745 to 33.91), which is a preventative maintenance asphalt overlay.

Between these two projects, sidewalk with ADA work and bicycle facilities are proposed along State Route 1 (SR 1). The Caltrans-funded streetscape improvements will improve conditions on SR 1 for bicyclists and pedestrians. We suggest placing buildings closer to back of sidewalk in order to make the new facilities more inviting for all modes of travel which may be passing by.

Also, we encourage the applicant to widen the sidewalks, if possible. Caltrans has a goal to widen sidewalks beyond the minimum six-foot-wide standard to a more functional eight-feet wide, where possible (exclusive of curb) on all projects.

The traffic circulation on-site and within the adjacent public rights of way seems acceptable, however, we request that the driveway width be evaluated to determine whether it should be narrowed. A commercial driveway should be a minimum of 25- feet and no wider than 35-feet in width but should be no wider than necessary to accommodate turning vehicles.

Mr. Scott Perkins
9/15/2023

“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” If the driveway on SR 1 will be relocated from its current location, the driveway will need to be built to State standards and unnecessarily wide areas of driveway must be converted to sidewalk.

Any work within Caltrans Right-of-Way will require an Encroachment Permit from Caltrans. Applications are reviewed for consistency with State standards and are subject to Department approval. To streamline the permit application and review process, we encourage the applicant to consult with our Permit staff prior to submitting an application. Requests for permit applications can be sent to: Caltrans District 1 Permits Office, P.O. Box 3700, Eureka, CA 95502-3700, or requested by phone at (707) 441-5741. For additional information, the Caltrans Encroachment Permit Manual and Standard Application is available online at:
<https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/ep>.

Please feel free contact me with questions or for further assistance at (707) 684-6879, or by email at: <[email protected]>.

Sincerely,
Jesse Robertson
Transportation Planning
Caltrans District 1
e-copy: Heidi Quintrell, Chief, Caltrans District 1 Encroachment Permits September 12, 2023 File No.: 23-0302
Scott Perkins, Project Planner
City of Point Arena
451 School Street
P.O. Box 67
Point Arena, CA 95468
re: CDP 2021-04, LLA 2021-02 / APNs 027-122-20 & -21 / Jeffrey Hansen Dear Scott Perkins,
Records at this office were reviewed to determine if this project could adversely affect cultural resources.

Please note that use of the term cultural resources includes both archaeological sites and historical buildings and/or structures. The review for possible historic-era building/structures, however, was limited to references currently in our office and should not be considered comprehensive.

Project Description:

The applicant requests a Lot Line Adjustment to transfer 0.145 acres/6,316.2 SF from Parcel B (APN 027-122-21) to Parcel A (027-122-20), and a Coastal Development Permit to a) reestablish and rehabilitate restaurant and residential use on parcel A; and b) construct a 280 SF trellis on Parcel A; c) reestablish and rehabilitate lodging, restaurant, and residential use on Parcel B, d) demolish existing 3,880 SF structure on Parcel B; e) construct five (5) detached lodging units each 160 SF in size on Parcel B and; f) other associated site work as demonstrated on the project plans.

Previous Studies:

XX This office has no record of any previous cultural resource studies by a professional archaeologist or architectural historian for the proposed project area (see recommendation below).

Archaeological and Native American Resources Recommendations:

XX The proposed project area has the possibility of containing unrecorded archaeological site(s). A field study by a qualified professional archaeologist is recommended prior to commencement of project activities.

XX We recommend the lead agency contact the local Native American tribe(s) regarding traditional, cultural, and religious heritage values. For a complete listing of tribes in the vicinity of the project, please contact the Native American Heritage Commission at (916)373-3710.

The proposed project area has a low possibility of containing unrecorded archaeological site(s). Therefore, no further study for archaeological resources is recommended.

Built Environment Recommendations:

XX The proposed project area contains a recorded building, 165 Main Street [5468-0003-0001]. This building has a status code of 1D, meaning it is a contributor to a district listed in the National Register by the Keeper. In addition, the proposed project area is located within the boundary of the National Registerlisted Main Street Historic Commercial District [NPS-90001364-9999]. Prior to commencement of project activities, it is recommended that these resources be assessed by a qualified professional familiar with the architecture and history of Mendocino County.

Due to processing delays and other factors, not all of the historical resource reports and resource records that have been submitted to the Office of Historic Preservation are available via this records search. Additional information may be available through the federal, state, and local agencies that produced or paid for historical resource management work in the search area. Additionally, Native American tribes have historical resource information not in the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) Inventory, and you should contact the California Native American Heritage Commission for information on local/regional tribal contacts.

The California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) contracts with the California Historical Resources Information System’s (CHRIS) regional Information Centers (ICs) to maintain information in the CHRIS inventory and make it available to local, state, and federal agencies, cultural resource professionals, Native American tribes, researchers, and the public. Recommendations made by IC coordinators or their staff regarding the interpretation and application of this information are advisory only. Such recommendations do not necessarily represent the evaluation or opinion of the State Historic Preservation Officer in carrying out the OHP’s regulatory authority under federal and state law.

For your reference, a list of qualified professionals in California that meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards can be found at http://www.chrisinfo.org. If archaeological resources are encountered during the project, work in the immediate vicinity of the finds should be halted until a qualified archaeologist has evaluated the situation. If you have any questions please give us a call (707) 588-8455.

Sincerely,
Bryan Much
Coordinator
Send responses to: [email protected] with Scanned Response form

1 To: Point Arena City Council and Staff
Re: CDP 2021-04 (Jeff Hansen – Wildflower East)
May 6, 2024
I am happy to see that a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is finally being considered for this project, which has been progressing without “benefit of a permit” for 6 or 7 years. We are all to blame for that. The owner, for performing the work; the City for allowing it; the public (including myself) for not filing a complaint. Everyone would like to see this property rehabilitated and all the garbage and debris removed. It has been an eyesore for too many years.

I was excited to finally see the CDP application and design. I appreciate the mixed use plan; commercial, residential, motel. It will be an asset to the community.

However I cannot support the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) that has been prepared for this CDP, mainly due to failings in the “ESHA Survey” which the MND relies on. Therefore I ask that you deny the project and fix the MND. I believe this will be the most efficient way forward. The only other option I see is for appeal to the Coastal Commission, which will likely result in a similar outcome, but take far longer.

The City’s General Plan / Local Coastal Program, on page 29 of Chapter X Problem 1: Steelhead Trout
Coastal
Element
“Arena Creek has been heavily impacted over the years, but still contains a remnant Steelhead population and has potential for restoration.” Sec 2.4 (ESHA) under (C) Findings states…
(pg 29 is attached for your reference)
However, the MND does not even mention Steelhead. In fact on page 32 it erroneously states…
“The stream may support breeding habitat for common species of aquatic wildlife but is not suitable fish habitat.”
And on page 33 it states…
“…anadromous fish are unlikely to utilize Arena Creek.” 2 These statements are in direct conflict with the Coastal Element of the City’s General Plan/LCP and the actual facts. I have lived next to the creek for 35 years and have seen juvenile Steelhead in the creek with my own eyes.
- Please see the attached letter to the City (5/1/2023) from Craig Bell, regarding the Steelhead in Point Arena Creek.
- Also see the attached excerpt (pages 1 and 58) from “NMFS California Anadromous Fish Distribution”. Note that Steelhead were observed at river mile 1.7 in Point Arena Creek.

The false statement that this perennial stream “is not suitable fish habitat” makes the entire MND suspect. Obviously there are no mitigations for the fish since there is no acknowledgment of them. Fish may be impacted by construction debris, including fine silt from removing stucco, as one example. Roofing debris, paint chips, etc, etc.

At least one of the buildings, designated W/E 1 PARCEL B on the plans, is described in the MND as being “immediately adjacent to the creek”. The MND states that work on that side of the building might cause some debris in the creek. Mitigation MM Bio 3c proposes the use of “construction netting”. I don’t believe this is adequate to keep the small (fine) debris out of the creek. Tarps or something similar is necessary. Best Management Practices (BMPs) should be more fully explored.

Problem 2: Construction Debris in the Creek
The MND notes that a 3800 sq ft building was dismantled without a permit, with much of the debris still remaining on-site. Ensuring less than significant impact to the water quality of the creek from construction and run-off is not adequately addressed in the MND.

The MND states there are no PAMB on-site. Not surprising since it’s paved and not appropriate habitat. However they are across the creek, in the north-facing hillside, which is prime habitat and within the 500 foot “MB Buffer Area”. Normal mitigations, include limiting noise and pounding during breeding season, should be included in the MND.

Problem 3: Point Arena Mountain Beaver
3 The runoff of most of Mill St. flows into the culvert located on the east property line of Parcel B, and then more/less along the property line to the creek. This is not shown on any of the maps, nor is it discussed in plans or the MND. Will some sort of swale be constructed to keep the flows away from the new cottages? Or is there some other plan?
Problem 4: Mill Street Drainage
For the last many years there have been a series of long-term blockages on the sidewalk and street, due to this project. Often it is near impossible to enter or exit Hwy One. For several years the street was torn up in front of the building and blocked with fences.

Then it was a trench filled with rocks for a year or so and became a serious pot hole. No sooner did it get paved than the storage container appeared, about a year ago. The multi-year encroachment on Mill St. is obviously part of the project and should be dealt with here. CEQA does not allow segmenting a project. How much longer will this encroachment continue? Any further encroachment as a result of this project, and the on-going traffic impact to the residents, must be included in this CDP.

Problem 5: Encroachment on Mill Street
Thanks,
Eric Dahlhoff
117 Mill St. / PO Box 543
Point Arena, CA 95468
707-882-3127
[email protected]
Attachments below
- pg 29 Coastal Element, City of Point Arena
- Letter from Craig Bell
- Excerpt from “NMFS California Anadromous Fish Distribution” - May 2024 photo of the project viewed from Mill St.

X. Coastal, Page 29
areas at the River's mouth.

2. Hathaway Creek/Garcia Riparian System
The Hathaway Creek riparian habitat provides abundant cover for a variety of wildlife species, including Point Arena Mountain Beaver. The acreage of the Garcia/Hathaway systems represent nearly 20% of all coastal marsh and 43% of all coastal riparian habitat systems in Mendocino County. The city’s sole supply of water comes from the Garcia River.

3. Arena Creek
Point Arena Creek provides cover for various song and game birds as well as other wildlife forms, including the Point Arena Mountain Beaver, Lotus Blue Butterfly, Behrens Silverspot and Coast Lily. Its main attributes are it's scenic quality and its potential for hiking uses and, hopefully, a restored fishery.

4. Other Sensitive Habitat Areas
There are numerous small springs, seasonal creeks, marsh, vernal pools and other areas displaying wetlands characteristics through-out the City. (C) Findings
The relative remoteness of the Garcia and Hathaway Creek wetlands has offered a certain amount of protection from human disturbance and development. The watershed has been severely impacted to a point that the once abundant fishery is near collapse.

Impoundment of water on the Garcia River/Hathaway Creek for agriculture or domestic purposes could significantly impact the wetland systems if the impoundment and/or diversions are not adequately regulated and monitored.

An illegal dump is located near the intersection of Windy Hollow Road and the Garcia River, just upstream from the PAWW well.

Arena Creek has been heavily impacted over the years, but still contains a remnant Steelhead population and has potential for restoration. The creek area contains considerable prime Mountain Beaver Habitat.
(D) Goals
To work with Mendocino County to manage the sensitive habitat areas outside the city limits in a manner that will sustain the biological productivity of stream and coastal environments for longterm commercial, recreational, scientific and educational purposes. [ Letter from Craig Bell to City 5/1/2023 ]
Dear Mayor Burkey and Members of the City Council,
I recently met with Billy Arana and members of the Arena Cove Stewards. The meeting was to discuss and get my perspective on efforts to protect and restore the native run of Steelhead in Arena Creek.

I first observed juvenile Steelhead in Arena Creek in 1979. I saw young fishermen catching them near Highway One. I also observed juveniles upstream near Eureka Hill Road. I understand that Cal Trans observed juvenile Steelhead during the Highway One bridge project.

Steelhead are among the wildest of fish species on the planet. They are documented as traveling a thousand miles up the Columbia River then into the Snake River in Idaho to spawn. Steelhead have a number of life history variations that allow them to survive extended low water periods and impassable barriers.

They typically spend one to three years rearing in freshwater.

I would project the the adult population of Steelhead migrating up Arena Creek to be in the neighbor hood of ten pair on the upper side and their in river range range to be less than two miles. One or two pairs in some years. There are likely low water/rainfall years when no adults can make it into the stream. Steelhead are known to stray form their native streams at rates up to ten percent. The relatively healthy Steelhead population in the nearby Garcia River would likely contribute to the Arena Creek population in some years.

Because they are such a powerful symbol of all things in nature, I think it is worthwhile to make efforts to protect and encourage their ongoing presence. This is consistent with other protection and recognition efforts in the Arena Cove. I recommended to the group that they try and document presence of juveniles using snorkel survey at various points in Arena Creek, starting at the Cove and working upstream as landowner access permission allows.

Arena Creek has very dense riparian and in river habitat that suit juvenile rearing. A lot of restoration monies are spent trying to create that kind of complexity. I suspect that a limiting factor my be lack of suitable spawning gravels. This is something that could be augmented by adding spawning size gravels as a restoration effort. BedRock could easily provide such gravels for purchase.
[ Letter from Craig Bell to City 5/1/2023 ]
At our meeting at the Cove, I led the group over to a log jam that is located along the parking lot a short distance above the beach rocks. I know folks folks first impulse is to remove large wood like that in an assumption that those create a barrier. Such is not the case as those logs have created a scour pool that would provide cover for adult and juvenile Steelhead from predators such as Otters.

CDFW has spent very large sums of money to reintroduce such large woody debris (LWD) in spawning tributaries. Adult and juvenile Steelhead can easily travel under and around the those logs in winter flows.

As part of a survey it would be good to map real and potential migration barriers. Real barriers can be identified by the presence of young of the year (YOY) below the site and none above. Those could be modified by removing the small wood and leaving the large. I would recommend keeping a relatively clear passage from the Ocean across the beach rocks so that adult Steelhead can enter Arena Creek. Alternating logs and rocks would be OK, but not large, across bar flow channel.

Adding recognition of the presence and community support for protecting the native Steelhead that make Arena Cove and Arena Creek their home would be a good addition to any signage about Cove natural resources.

Sincerely,
Craig Bell - Watershed Restoration Planner, past Chair Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission
cc Arena Cove Stewards