STAFF REPORT FOR COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT CDP 4-2023 (Slankard) May 28, 2024
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APPLICANT: Thomas and Amy Slankard
OWNERS: Thomas and Amy Slankard
P.O Box 34
Point Arena CA 95468
AGENTS: None
REQUEST: Coastal Development Permit (CDP 4-2023) to remove approximately 25 trees that have been deemed hazardous by utility company contractors and an independently hired arborist. Stumps will be left in place. All large wood will be hauled offsite, and the remaining limbs will be burned or chipped onsite. The project also includes restoration with appropriate native trees and plants.
LOCATION: In the Coastal Zone, in the City of Point Arena, Mendocino County, located at 130 West Lake (027-081-04-00).
See Attachment 1: Location Map.
APPEALABLE AREA: Not appealable
TOTAL ACREAGE: ±8.31 acres
GENERAL PLAN: Suburban Residential--One-half Acre (SR 1/2) ZONING: Suburban Residential--One-half Acre (SR 1/2)
EXISTING LAND USE(S): Residential Development
ADJACENT LAND
USES(S):
North: Vacant/ Rural Residential
South: Residential
East: Residential
West: State Park
ENVIRONMENTAL
DETERMINATION:
Categorically exempt from CEQA—Class 4, Section 15304: Minor Alterations to Land (Fuel management activities within 100’ of structures)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant requests a CDP for the removal of approximately 25 dead and dying Monterey Pine trees from within an ESHA forest community which was planted on site in the late 1970s. The forest consists of Pinus Municata and Pinus Radiata. The project will also include some restoration with native trees and plants.
APPEALS: This project is not appealable to the Coastal Commission.
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LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM CONSISTENCY RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the proposed project as conditioned is consistent with the applicable goals and policies of the Local Coastal Program as described in further detail in this report.
SUMMARY OF REFERRAL AGENCY COMMENTS:
Coastal Commission No response
California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Requested a botanical study and met with the Biologist on Site to review the project prior to the preparation of the botanical study.
US Dept. of Fish and Wildlife No response
Manchester Band of Pomo No response
BACKGROUND
In the late 1970’s a plantation of trees was planted on the property, which had been a grassy bluff as long ago as the 1930s. Similar tree planting took place throughout the Coast due to a State Agency giving away pine seedlings. The trees have aged and many are now coming to the end of their natural life, with some tree falls in recent years. The applicant and PG&E are concerned that at least 25 trees on the property are a threat to power lines and residences along Elmwood Drive.
The applicant submitted a CDP application on March 19, 2023. In September of 2023, a biological report was required for the project by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The applicant hired a consultant who completed and submitted the biological report in November of 2024. The former City Planner left the City of Fort Bragg in October. The applicant contacted the City on numerous occasions to find out the status of the project between October 2023 and March of 2024, however they did not receive an update until the new City Planner was hired and had an opportunity to review the file and restart the planning process. The current City Planner took up this project in April of 2024.
LAND USE AND ZONING
Zoning / General Plan
The parcel is both zoned and designated by the Point Arena General Plan as Suburban Residential-- One-half Acre (SR 1/2). This designation applies to areas in which residential development shall be the predominant use. Other principally permitted uses include gardening, small-scale farming and grazing. The trees proposed for removal are non-native to Mendocino County. These trees have a relatively short 50 to 70 year life cycle and are prone to falling over when they get old. Therefore, the City Council can find that the trees are not consistent with the existing residential uses along Eastwood Drive nor are they consistent with gardening and small-scale agriculture.
The proposed vegetation removal is intended to increase the safety and resiliency of the existing residential land use. The project would not alter, intensify, or expand the existing land use; instead, it would aid in the ongoing use of the property as zoned and intended, and is therefore consistent with the land use requirements of the zoning code and General Plan.
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Development Provisions and Exceptions
The following reviews the project’s consistency with various policies of the zoning code that are specifically applicable to this development type.
Site Development and Architectural Review (18.25.150). This section of the zoning ordinance applies to (among other project types) alterations of land and landforms. Specifically,
18.25.150(4)(n) requires the minimization of alterations to natural landforms and preventing substantial grading. The proposed project would not remove stumps from the site, thereby minimizing impacts to natural landforms and avoiding substantial grading. The project is consistent with this policy.
PUBLIC ACCESS
The City adopted a Community Action Plan (CAP) in 2010 that recommends transportation and circulation improvements including future access trails throughout the City. The CAP includes a Trails Map that shows potential future trail locations. There are no existing or mapped potential access routes on the project parcel. The proposed project will not impact any existing or proposed future public access.
HAZARDS
Flooding
The property is located outside the 100 Year Flood Zone according to the FEMA flood map (Flood Insurance Rate Map 060185-1740-G). Flood hazards are not anticipated to be an issue for this project as it consists of tree removal in an upland area.
Geology
The project is not located in an area with steep slopes according to the General Plan’s Natural Hazards Map. As shown on the map, steep slopes are depicted on the southwest portion of the parcel, but not within the project footprint. (Attachment 1).
Aerial photo illustrating property slopes to the west and south of the project site.
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The project site is also outside of areas shown on the Natural Hazards Map as hazardous bluffs, and west of the Hathaway Creek Fault line. Geologic hazards are not anticipated to be an issue for this project.
Fire
The removal of dangerous trees located near PG&E lines and on evacuation routes would improve fire safety in the neighborhood. The removal of branches (through chipping or burning) and trunks from the property, as required in Special Condition 1, will significantly reduce post project fire risks.
VISUAL RESOURCES
Visual resource policies apply to how development is viewed from public areas, with the intent that any adverse impacts to public views are avoided to the extent feasible.
The proposed project is not located within a mapped viewshed, as depicted on the Point Arena Scenic Corridors map. The project area is visible from West Lake Road, which is a public space.
Eastwood Drive – looking South along eastside of the property illustrating the planted row of Monterey Pines.
Policy 18.25.150(3) requires that new development be “designed to minimize adverse impacts on scenic areas from scenic roads or public viewing areas to the maximum extent feasible.” The trees proposed for removal are located on a public roadway and are visible from the public right of way. However Special Condition 2 requires the applicant to replant this area with native trees that will be shorter in stature and so the project will have a minimal long-term impact on visual resources.
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There will be un unavoidable short-term impact on visual resources, immediately after the trees are felled and before the new trees get established. However this road is accessed only by the adjacent neighbors who’s homes are currently threaten by the potential of tree fall.
The City Council (acting as Planning Commission) could determine that the tree removal does not create an adverse impact on scenic areas from scenic roads or public viewing areas, as the view is fairly limited in duration and the removal of a portion of the trees would not substantially alter the viewshed.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Section 18.25.220 provides standards for development to protect natural resources. This section includes policies prohibiting and/or regulating new development (including vegetation removal) within or adjacent to environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHAs), and ESHA buffer zones are required between proposed development and identified ESHA.
In order to determine whether or not ESHA exists proximate to the proposed project, the applicant submitted a Biological Resources Assessment dated October 17, 2023, authored by Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting. The report concluded that a majority of the property qualifies as an ESHA, specifically Pinus Muricate and Pinas Radiata Forest aka Bishop Pine - Monterey pine forest and woodland (Attachment 4).
Staff recommends Special Condition 1 to minimize potential impacts to the ESHA onsite:
Special Condition 1. Protect EHSA through the following measures:
• Tree removal shall be limited to the removal of the identified 25 Monterey Pines on the project plans. No bishop pines may be removed.
• Tree removal activities shall be limited to the 100-foot corridor along the eastern edge of the property, to minimize impacts to other native vegetation. To the degree feasible, heavy equipment shall not enter this area. All burning shall happen within this 100-foot corridor. • The trees shall be felled to the stump. The stumps shall be left in place to minimize ground disturbing activity.
• Two or three trees’ worth of logs may be left on site to provide habitat (taller snags are preferred for this. The remainder of the felled trees must be cut into lengths and removed from the site.
• Smaller branches may be burned or chipped on site. Chip piles shall not cover native vegetation, but may be used to kill non-native invasive vegetation. • Vehicles and equipment used in the tree removal process must be refueled off site. • The project shall not include the application of herbicides. • During designated fire season motorized equipment must have federally or state-approved spark arrestors; all vehicles must be equipped with firefighting tools as appropriate and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders, and ordinances. When the fire danger rating is Very High or Extreme no work shall be undertaken.
Additionally, the City’s Zoning Ordinance requires replacement of removed trees on a 2 to 1 basis as outlined below:
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Section 5.15.D 11. Developments shall be planned to avoid removing trees, if feasible. At least two trees shall be planted for every one removed to accommodate development facilitated by the General Plan. Visually attractive native trees species, such as bishop pine and sargent cypress, shall be the preferred species used, as they require less water, herbicides, pesticides, and are valuable to wildlife resources.
The Coastal Commission considers tree removal a type of development. Therefore, Staff Recommends Special Condition 2 to address this requirement.
Special Condition 2: The applicant shall plant up to 50 native trees, (native to Mendocino County) which grow to a maximum height of 25 feet in height, in the project area. All purchased trees shall be purchased from local nurseries to ensure that the local genome is maintained. The total number of native trees in this area shall equal 50 trees, and the applicant can utilize existing locally native tree sprouts that are already in the project work area for part of this effort. Each tree shall be mapped, identified, and monitored for a minimum of five years. A success metric of 65% of total species planted will be maintained.
Planted trees shall include proper exclusion devices (i.e. cages) to best protect the young plants.
Additionally, the project has the potential to impact birds during the bird nesting season. Staff recommends the following Special Condition to minimize potential impacts to birds:
Special Condition 3. Protection of Nesting Birds and Tree Voles. • Prior to removal of any trees, a nesting bird and Sonoma Tree Vole survey will be conducted. 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.
• Tree/vegetation removal and initial ground disturbance is preferred between August 16 to January 31, outside of the general bird nesting season.
PAMB. The proposed project is not located within Point Arean Mountain Beaver habitat and so is not anticipated to have any impacts on the Point Arean Mountain Beaver.
With the implementation of these Special Conditions the project is consistent with the City’s natural resource protection policies.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
No cultural resources inventory was prepared for the project. However as the project does not include soil disturbance other than digging small holes to plant the native trees, the project is unlikely STAFF REPORT FOR COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT CDP 4-2023 (Slankard) May 28, 2024
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to have any impact on cultural resources. Therefore, Staff recommends Special Condition 4 and 5 to address any accidental discovery.
Special Condition 4. Unanticipated Discovery of Cultural Resources If cultural resources are encountered during the project, all work shall stop within the vicinity of the discovery and and the City of Point Arena shall be contacted immediately. No work may proceed until approved by the City of Point Arena City Planner. Archaeological and historic-period resources in the region may include:
• Archeological materials: flaked stone tools (projectile point, biface, scraper, etc.) and debitage (flakes) made of chert, obsidian, etc., groundstone milling tools and fragments (mortar, pestle, handstone, millingstone, etc.), faunal bones, fire-affected rock, dark middens, housepit depressions and human interments.
• Historic-era resources: may include, but are not limited to, small cemeteries or burial plots, cut (square) nails, containers or miscellaneous hardware, glass fragments, cans with soldered seams or tops, ceramic or stoneware objects or fragments, milled or split lumber, earthworks, feature or structure remains, and trash dumps.
Special Condition 5. Encountering Native American Remains If potential human remains are discovered during the project, the following steps will be taken:
• Stop all work within 100 feet;
• Immediately contact the City of Point Arena and the county coroner; • Secure location, but do not touch or remove remains and associated artifacts;
• Do not remove associated spoils or pick through them; • Record the location and keep notes of all calls and events; and • Treat the find as confidential and do not publicly disclose the location.
Provided these treatment measures are taken during the inadvertent discovery of archaeological resources or human remains, the project will not have a significant impact to cultural resources and is consistent with the City’s cultural resource protection policies.
PROJECT FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS
Recommended Action
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 18.30.080 and Chapter 18.30.090 of the Point Arena Municipal Code, the City Council approves the proposed project and adopts the following findings and conditions of approval.
Coastal Development Permit Findings (18.30.080)
1. The proposed development as described in the application and accompanying materials, as modified by any conditions of approval is in conformity with the city of Point Arena’s certified local coastal program and will not adversely affect coastal resources.
STAFF REPORT FOR COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT CDP 4-2023 (Slankard) May 28, 2024
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The applicant supplied documents reviewing the potential for the project to affect ESHA and archaeological resources, and concluded the there is limited or no potential for adverse effects on these resources. Additionally, as conditioned the project would not impact coastal resources; and
2. Feasible mitigation measures and/or alternatives have been incorporated to substantially lessen any significant adverse effects of the development on the environment.
Conditions of approval are required where necessary to lessen adverse effects on the environment; and
3. The proposed use is consistent with the purposes of the zone in which the site is located.
The City’s Zoning Map designates the parcel as zoned Suburban Residential--One-half Acre (SR 1/2), where residential uses are allowed. The project would allow for the continued use of the parcel for a residential use; and
4. The proposed development is in conformance with the city of Point Arena’s general plan.
The City’s Land Use Map designates the parcel as zoned Suburban Residential--One-half Acre (SR 1/2), where residential uses are allowed. The project would allow for the continued use of the parcel for a residential use; and
5. The proposed location of the use and conditions under which it may be operated or maintained will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity.
The project would allow for the safe continuance of the adjacent residential uses and help to ensure the ongoing supply of power to the neighborhood and lessen the potential for fire.
6. Services, including, but not limited to, water supply, sewage disposal, solid waste, and public roadway capacity have been considered and are adequate to serve the proposed development.
The project would not require additional or new water, sewer, waste, or roadway capacity or connections.
Required Findings for Development Located within ESHA and ESHA Buffers Sec. 5.22
1. 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
This project is not proposed for riparian habitat area. The project will occur in a limited timeframe and has been designed and conditioned to prevent impacts to the forest.
2. The proposed development is compatible with the continuance of such habitat areas.
The proposed project consists of removal of a non-native (to Mendocino) older line of planted Monterey pine trees. As conditioned the project does not allow the removal of Bishop Pines and it requires the replanting and STAFF REPORT FOR COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT CDP 4-2023 (Slankard) May 28, 2024
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maintenance of 50 replacement locally genetic smaller in stature trees and a 5-year monitoring program to insure project success. As conditioned the project is compatible with the continuation of the habitat area.
3. Soils and vegetation removal and disturbances shall be minimized.
The proposed project will minimize soil disturbance by leaving all stumps in place and limiting the work area to a 100-foot buffer around the trees slated for removal.
4. Non-native vegetation shall not be planted except for the continuance of existing agricultural practices.
The proposed project would only include planting of genetically local native trees and vegetation.
Standard Conditions
1. This action shall become final on the date of approval. No appeal periods apply. The permit shall expire and become null and void at the expiration of two years after the effective date, except where construction and use of the property in reliance on such permit has been initiated prior to its expiration.
To remain valid, progress towards completion of the project must be continuous. The applicant has sole responsibility for renewing this application before the expiration date. The City will not provide a notice prior to the expiration date.
2. The use and occupancy of the premises shall be established and maintained in conformance with the provisions of Title 18 of the Point Arena Municipal Code.
3. The application, along with supplemental exhibits and related material, shall be considered elements of this permit, and that compliance therewith is mandatory, unless an amendment has been approved by the City of Point Arena Planning Commission or its successor agency.
4. This permit shall be subject to the securing of all necessary permits for the proposed development from City, State and Federal agencies having jurisdiction.
5. The applicant shall secure all required building permits for the proposed project as required by the Building Inspection Division of the Mendocino County Department of Planning and Building Services.
6. This permit shall be subject to revocation or modification upon a finding of any one or more of the following:
a. The permit was obtained or extended by fraud.
b. One or more of the conditions upon which the permit was granted have been violated.
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c. The use for which the permit was granted is conducted so as to be detrimental to the public health, welfare or safety, or to be a nuisance.
d. A final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction has declared one or more conditions to be void or ineffective or has enjoined or otherwise prohibited the enforcement or operation of one or more such conditions.
7. This permit is issued without a legal determination having been made upon the number, size or shape of parcels encompassed within the permit described boundaries. Should, at any time, a legal determination be made that the number, size or shape of parcels within the permit described boundaries are different than that which is legally required by this permit, this permit shall become null and void.
8. A two-year limitation applies to all coastal development, variance, conditional use, design review, planned residential development, or comprehensive development plan permits. If development has not commenced within two years from the granting of a permit, the permit shall be void, except where construction and or use of the property in reliance on such permit has been initiated prior to its expiration. To remain valid, progress toward completion of the project must be continuous. On or before the date of expiration of a coastal development permit, variance, conditional use permit, design review, planned residential development, or comprehensive development plan, the person holding the permit shall apply for a renewal of said permit if the use is to be continued beyond the date of expiration or the development cannot be initiated prior to expiration. A renewal could be processed under Administrative review by the City, on a cost-recovery basis, for a renewal period of two years.
Special Conditions
1. Protect EHSA through the following measures:
• Tree removal shall be limited to the removal of the identified 25 Monterey Pines on the project plans. No bishop pines may be removed.
• Tree removal activities shall be limited to the 100-foot corridor along the eastern edge of the property, to minimize impacts to other native vegetation. To the degree feasible, heavy equipment shall not enter this area. All burning shall happen within this 100-foot corridor.
• The trees shall be felled to the stump. The stumps shall be left in place to minimize ground disturbing activity.
• Two or three trees’ worth of logs may be left on site to provide habitat (taller snags are preferred for this. The remainder of the felled trees must be cut into lengths and removed from the site.
• Smaller branches may be burned or chipped on site. Chip piles shall not cover native vegetation, but may be used to kill non-native invasive vegetation. • Vehicles and equipment used in the tree removal process must be refueled off site. • The project shall not include the application of herbicides. • During designated fire season motorized equipment must have federally or stateapproved spark arrestors; all vehicles must be equipped with firefighting tools as appropriate and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, orders, and ordinances. When the fire danger rating is Very High or Extreme no work shall be undertaken.
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2. The applicant shall plant up to 50 native trees, (native to Mendocino County) which grow to a maximum height of 25 feet in height, in the project area. All purchased trees shall be purchased from local nurseries to ensure that the local genome is maintained. The total number of native trees in this area shall equal 50 trees, and the applicant can utilize existing locally native tree sprouts that are already in the project work area for part of this effort. Each tree shall be mapped, identified, and monitored for a minimum of five years. A success metric of 65% of total species planted will be maintained. Planted trees shall include proper exclusion devices (i.e. cages) to best protect the young plants.
3. Protection of Nesting Birds and Tree Voles. Prior to removal of any trees, a nesting bird and Sonoma Tree Vole survey will be conducted. The survey should cover the Project Area and surrounding areas within 100 feet. If active bird nests are found during the survey, an appropriate no- disturbance 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. Tree/vegetation removal and initial ground disturbance is preferred between August 16 to January 31, outside of the general bird nesting season.
4. Unanticipated Discovery of Cultural Resources. If cultural resources are encountered during the project, all work shall stop within the vicinity of the discovery and and the City of Point Arena shall be contacted immediately. No work may proceed until approved by the City of Point Arena City Planner. Archaeological and historic-period resources in the region may include:
Archeological materials: flaked stone tools (projectile point, biface, scraper, etc.) and debitage (flakes) made of chert, obsidian, etc., groundstone milling tools and fragments (mortar, pestle, handstone, millingstone, etc.), faunal bones, fire-affected rock, dark middens, housepit depressions and human interments.
Historic-era resources: may include, but are not limited to, small cemeteries or burial plots, cut (square) nails, containers or miscellaneous hardware, glass fragments, cans with soldered seams or tops, ceramic or stoneware objects or fragments, milled or split lumber, earthworks, feature or structure remains, and trash dumps.
5. Encountering Native American Remains. If potential human remains are discovered during the project, the following steps will be taken:
• Stop all work within 100 feet;
• Immediately contact the City of Point Arena and the county coroner; • Secure location, but do not touch or remove remains and associated artifacts; • Do not remove associated spoils or pick through them; • Record the location and keep notes of all calls and events; and • Treat the find as confidential and do not publicly disclose the location.
Staff Report prepared by:
________________________________ ________________
Marie Jones, City Planner
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ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map
2. Project Plans
3. Site Photos
4. Email dated 4-24-2024 from Applicant
5. Biological Report
6. Arborist Report
7. Letter from CDFW regarding project
ATTACHMENT 1: LOCATION MAP, ZONING and RESOURCE MAPS
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Project Location
Zoning Map
ATTACHMENT 1: LOCATION MAP, ZONING and RESOURCE MAPS
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ATTACHMENT 2: PROJECT PLANS
ATTACHMENT 3: Site Photos
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View of Project Area while South
View of Project Area Looking East from Property
ATTACHMENT 3: Site Photos
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ATTACHMENT 4: Applicant email
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Hi Marie,
Thank you for the update this morning. Attached are pictures of a few of the trees along Eastwood that fell in the 16 months: one is last year (dated 03-13-23) and the other three are this year (all fell in March 2024.)
All of these trees fell during peaceful weather. The 2023 one fell (a double tree, actually) on a bright sunny day (due north, thankfully) while our lovely neighbor Zach (due east) was sitting quietly at home, 40 feet away. (We were in our house on the property that day, too. Even our house shook. These trees are massive.)
The other photos show two others that also fell (due west, thankfully) while Zach was at home. These two trees not only fell (and died), but they obliterated at least six other younger and smaller trees (A few Douglas firs, a Grand fir, and a couple of redwoods.) The badly maimed redwoods will probably survive, but the Grand fir was massacred.
(The last photo is of a tree that fell further in on the property, but yanked up live underground power lines and destroyed the meter. Not a safe situation.)
Mind you, these pictures are of only three of perhaps 10 or 12 trees that have fallen along Eastwood in the last year or so. (We have lost count. PG&E took down several.) There are perhaps only 20 left of the original 35 mentioned on the permit?
Our first and most urgent concern is for the safety of the four neighbors. Truthfully, we would have left the trees standing (despite the power lines), if there were no houses within falling zone. How they have all fallen towards the west and north is astounding to us. We don't want to press our luck.
There are at least six trees of the remaining standing trees that are very "iffy" looking. Some of the rest of them (about seven) have a garage in between the tree and a neighbor's house, so they aren't quite as urgent. (That neighbor emailed us, however, when tree #8 fell during the day.) And a few others are leaning towards the north or west (four or five), so they, too aren't as concerning.
But six are looking quite dangerous and should probably be felled as soon as possible.
Regards,
Amy (and Tom) Slankard
ATTACHMENT 4: Applicant email
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ATTACHMENT 4: Applicant email
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Black Diamond Tree Experts International Society of Arboriculture Arborist Sean Steckler certification number WE-13093A
2101 Corby Ave. Contractors Lic.# 1097851
Santa Rosa, CA 95407 Cell 707-694-5934
This arborist report is for 130 West Lake street, Point Arena, California. Property owned by Tom and Amy Slankard. During the heavy storms this winter the Slankards have had many large mature Bishop pines fail. Some have completely uprooted and fallen over. Many have broken off from the main trunk of the tree and fallen to the ground. This property has hundreds of mature, aging out, defected, and unbalanced Bishop pines growing on it. The fallen trees, of which there are many, have come very close to smashing out buildings, the main house, and high voltage distribution electric lines. Along the east property line there is a row of about 34 hazardous trees. A few of these have failed and fallen, a couple have been cut down by PG&E crews.
Next to this row is a street that stretches along the length of the property with many houses on the opposite side. Also the communication lines, and the power lines run down this street.
These trees are all between 80 and 120 feet tall, with approximate diameters of 24 to 36 inches.
These trees have been numbered 1 to 34 starting from the northeast corner of the parcel. 1-Top heavy, leaning over powerlines, large defect.
2-Heavy lean, all weight towards powerlines.
3-Top heavy, all weight towards powerlines.
4-PG&E crew cut, left the clean up for owners.
5-Heavy lean, all weight towards powerlines.
6-Codominant stems, one leans towards powerlines.
7-Large limbs growing over powerlines, all weight towards lines. 8-Root crown erupting, heavy lean towards powerlines, top heavy. 9-Top heavy, growing over powerlines.
10-Top heavy, growing over powerlines.
11-Codominant stems, growing over powerlines, top heavy, leaning towards lines. 12-Top heavy, leaning over powerlines.
13-Codominant stems, top heavy, leaning towards powerlines. 14-Top heavy, leaning towards powerlines.
15-This tree failed, and broke off the main stem.
16-Codominant stems, top heavy, severe lean towards powerlines. 17-Top heavy, leans towards powerlines.
18-Top heavy, leans towards powerlines, large limbs growing over lines. 19-This tree failed, broke off the main stem halfway up the trunk. 20-Top heavy, leaning towards powerlines, large limbs over lines. 21-Codominant stems, top heavy, and severely leaning towards powerlines. 22,23,24,25,26,27-all failed along road, clean up needed. 28-Top heavy, leaning towards powerlines.
29-Failed half way up the stem, half of this tree is on the ground and needs to be cleaned up. 30-Codominant stems, top heavy, leaning towards powerlines. 31-Codominant stems, top heavy, leaning towards powerlines. 32-Codominant stems, top heavy, leaning towards powerlines. 33-Top heavy, leaning towards powerlines.
All of these trees are extremely dangerous. It is not a matter of if they will fail, it is only a matter of when. When they do it will do significant damage to high voltage powerlines, and potentially causing large fires. Every home along this row is under threat of significant damage by two or more trees on this list. The potential for loss of human life is the most important issue of all posed by these trees, and should not be overlooked. I recommend that every tree on this list be removed immediately. All debris chipped up, and cleaned.
Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting
Biological Scoping Survey – 130 West Lake Street, Point Arena CA 95468 October 7, 2023 & October 17, 2023
Introduction:
A biological scoping survey was conducted on 7 October 2023, by Principal Consulting Biologist Sarah Bradley and a follow-up visit was conducted in conjunction with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and City of Point Arena on 17 October 2023, in which a diverse assemblage of plant communities was observed and noted on with the parcel. The Manual of California Vegetation (CNPS 2023) the California Natural Community List (CDFW 2023) and the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) (CDFW 2023) were referenced to verify previous classification and rank of the plant community. Sensitive plants and communities are ranked in the October 2023 – CDFW California Sensitive Natural Communities List using the NatureServe conservation ranking system which ranks all biota for their global (G) and state (S) sensitivity. The CNDDB recognizes all communities and plants ranked at a State level of S3 or lower as sensitive. For CDFW published sensitive natural communities, factors such as habitat integrity and community size may affect recommended protection measures. For those communities found within the survey area that do not correlate with any published communities, sensitivity would be determined according to their range and distribution, threats as well as habitat integrity and community size. The Study Area is an approximately eightacre parcel located on the west side of the City of Point Arena (Figure 1).
Procedure:
Prior to a site visit, all pertinent databases were queried to gather information regarding the Study Area. This includes the above-referenced sites as well as the US Fish and Wildlife Wetlands Mapper and UC Davis’s Soils Web. All information was compiled and reviewed prior to the site visit to give the biologist the best understanding of the potential occurrences and factors that could affect the development of this project. A site visit was made, and the Study Area was thoroughly reviewed, and photographs were taken as references. Finally, all queries from CNDDB were analyzed and the potential for occurrence was determined based on the condition of the Study Area. A final determination was made after all data was reviewed and comparison of the site photographs were made.
Natural Communities:
Communities observed at 130 W. Lake Street are as follows:
• Pinus muricata – Pinus radiata Forest Alliance (G3/S3.2) Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting • PO Box 14, Fort Bragg CA 95437 • [email protected] • 707.734.0922 Figure 1: Study Area
0 100 200 400 130 W. Lake St., Pt. Arena US Feet
Figure 3: Aerial image of Study Area, circa 1934
• Landscaped and developed.
Proposed Project:
This report is being prepared as part of the application process for a Coastal Development Permit to remove approximately thirty-four trees that have been deemed hazardous by utility company contractors and an independently hired arborist. The trees will be cut, and the stumps will be left in place. All large wood will be hauled offsite, and the remaining limbs will be burned or chipped onsite. The owners acknowledge that their property contains a sensitive natural community and wish to use the tree removal as an opportunity to enhance their property by adding appropriate, native plants to create a more diverse and stable habitat (Figure 2). An aerial photo of the Study Area taken in 1934 shows that the entire blufftop was almost completely devoid of trees (Figure 3). This suggests that either the area was historically a grassy bluff, or it had been burned many years before. There are no stumps in the Study Area suggesting that the area was not historically logged or burned. An image from 1983 shows that the Study Area has been planted with trees (Figure 4). It is apparent that the trees were planted because they are in straight lines along the roadways, are planted equidistant from each other and in a pattern along the driveway and are all of approximately the same age.
Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting • PO Box 14, Fort Bragg CA 95437 • [email protected] • 707.734.0922 2 Figure 2: ESHA Map 0 100 200 400
Developed &
Landscaped
ESHA: Pinus muricata -
Pinus radiata Forest
US Feet
Figure 4: Aerial image of Study Area, circa 1983
Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting • PO Box 14, Fort Bragg CA 95437 • [email protected] • 707.734.0922 3 Proposed Mitigation:
While it is apparent that the vegetation has been planted, it is the property owners desire to enhance what currently exists, while removing the hazardous trees. They also plan to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in the future. They have acknowledged that the late fall is not the ideal time to conduct a biological study, it is also imperative that these hazardous trees can be removed as soon as possible. Therefore, they proposed the following:
• Contract with Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting to conduct a full Biological Survey in the Spring • Begin removing the hazardous trees as soon as their CDP is granted; however, phase the removal over several seasons and years to reduce both the damage to the surrounding habitat but also due to budgetary considerations. • Once the CDP is approved, begin mowing and manually removing invasive species in Mitigation Area #1 (Figure 5). This area is approximately twenty-five feet wide and parallels Eastwood Drive. Once the invasive species are removed, begin replanting the area with appropriate shrub and herb layer species that will enhance the ESHA. The list of proposed species is identified in Appendix B
• When trees are removed, they will be felled to the stump, with the stump left in place to minimize ground disturbing activity. The large lumber will be hauled off site to be disposed of. The smaller tree branches will be either chipped or burnt on site. This is to be determined once the best practice is determined. However, the property owners are agreeable to either method.
• A similar methodology will be followed for each of the subsequent phases, with the trees being felled, removed and an area cleared of invasive species, then replanted with appropriate native species from Appendix B. • It is important that each of the revegetated areas mimic natural habitat as close as possible. Therefore, we propose to leave native tree species that are regenerating naturally. Each tree will be mapped and identified and will be monitored for a minimum of five years. Other species planted will be mapped and recorded as well. A success metric of 65% of total species planted will be maintained. If it is found that the planted species are victim of predation, proper exclusion devices (i.e. fencing, cages, etc.) will be installed to best protect the young plants. Successful removal of invasive species will be measured by the replacement of native species, including those in the herb layer. This includes grasses and other low growing, not brushy species.
• Prior to removal of any trees, a nesting bird and Sonoma Tree Vole survey will be conducted. Appropriate size and species of trees exist to support the Sonoma Tree Vole. • All plants will be purchased from local nurseries to insure that the local genome is maintained. Seeds, such as grasses will be purchased from reputable sources that guarantee the quality of the seedbank.
Habitat Integrity:
Habitat integrity is defined as the ability of an ecological system to support and maintain a community of organisms that has species composition, diversity, and functional organization comparable to those of natural habitats within a region. The Study Area currently supports a very diverse and wonderful suite of species. However, it can be improved with the inclusion of other native and appropriate species for this habitat. While it is questionable as to what the original habitat might have been, through anthropological intervention, a Pinus muricata – Pinus radiata Forest now exists. The addition of appropriate species will help support native biota including bird species as well as insects.
Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting • PO Box 14, Fort Bragg CA 95437 • [email protected] • 707.734.0922 4 Figure 3:
Proposed Mitigation Sites 0 100 200 400
US Feet
Survey Parcel
Proposed Mitigation
Sites
Figure 6: View of Study Area looking to the North
Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting • PO Box 14, Fort Bragg CA 95437 • [email protected] • 707.734.0922 5 Figure 7: View to the South
Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting • PO Box 14, Fort Bragg CA 95437 • [email protected] • 707.734.0922 6 Figure 8: Large open area that can provide mitigation, with view of leaning trees in the background.
Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting • PO Box 14, Fort Bragg CA 95437 • [email protected] • 707.734.0922 7 Figure 9: View of invasive species located near the northwest corner of Study Area.
Appendices:
• Appendix A – Potentially occurring special status species that could be present in the Study Area • Appendix B – Suggested planting pallet for mitigation sites located in the Study Area.
Dark Gulch Environmental Consulting • PO Box 14, Fort Bragg CA 95437 • [email protected] • 707.734.0922 8 Table A-1. Special-status plant and wildlife species habitat suitability and survey results for 130 W. Lake Street, Point Arena CA 95468 (Study Area). List compiled from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Electronic Inventory searches (October 2023) of the Point Arena, Mallo Pass Creek, Saunders Reef, Cold Springs, Eureka Hill and Gualala USGS 7.5' quadrangles. Several additional regionally significant species are listed based on potential to occur in coastal Point Arena.
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
IN STUDY AREA SURVEY RESULTS
Plants
pink sand verbena
Abronia umbellata
var. breviflora
Rank 1B
A perennial herb found on coastal dunes, coastal strand; located on foredunes and interdunes with low vegetation cover. Elevation range: 0 – 10 meters. Blooms: June –
October.
No Potential. The Study
Area does not contain
coastal dune habitat
necessary to support this
species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present.
Blasdale’s bent
grass
Agrostis blasdalei
Rank 1B
A perennial rhizomatous herb found on coastal dunes,
coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie; located on sandy to gravelly substrate close to rocks of bluff faces; typically located in nutrient poor areas with sparse vegetation cover.
Elevation range: 0 – 150 meters. Blooms: May – July.
No Potential. The Study
Area does not contain the
necessary habitat for this
species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present.
Humboldt County
milk-vetch
Astragalus
agnicidus
Rank 1B
A perennial herb found in broadleaved upland forest, North coast coniferous forests; openings and disturbed areas.
Elevation range: 120 – 800 meters. Blooms: April –
September
No Potential. The Study
Area is below the
appropriate elevation.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present.
coastal bluff
morning-glory
Calystegia
purpurata ssp.
saxicola
Rank 1B
A perennial herb found in coastal dunes, coastal scrub; located on coastal bluffs. Elevation range: 0 – 105 meters.
Blooms: May – September.
Moderate Potential.
The Study area contains
appropriate habitat but
there are no known
occurrences in the area.
Not Observed. This species
was not observed during the
rare plant surveys.
swamp harebell
Campanula
californica
Rank 1B
A perennial rhizomatous herb found in 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: 1 - 405 meters. Blooms: June – October.
No Potential. The Study
Area does not contain
wetland habitat.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
IN STUDY AREA SURVEY RESULTS
California sedge
Carex californica
Rank 2
A perennial rhizomatous herb found in 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: 90 – 335
meters. Blooms: May – August.
No Potential. The Study
Area is well below the
accepted elevation range
for this species
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
Lyngbye’s sedge
Carex lyngbyei
Rank 2B
A perennial rhizomatous herb found in marshes and
swamps, brackish or freshwater. Elevation: 0 -10 meters.
Blooms April – August
No Potential. The Study
Area is well above the
accepted elevation range
for this species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
Deceiving sedge
Carex saliniformis
Rank 1B
A perennial rhizomatous herb found in coastal prairie,
coastal scrub, marsh & swamp, meadow & seep, pond
shores, wet openings. Elevation range: 3 - 230 meters.
Blooms May – July.
Moderate Potential.
The Study Area contains
suitable habitat.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
Humboldt Bay
owl’s-clover
Castilleja ambigua
var. humboldtiensis
Rank 1B
An annual semiparasitic herb found in marsh and swamp,
salt marsh, wetland. Elevation range: 0 – 3 meters.
Blooms April – August.
No Potential. The Study
Area does not contain
any marsh or swamp
habitat and the elevation
is too high
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
Mendocino Coast
paintbrush
Castilleja
mendocinensis
Rank 1B
A perennial hemiparasitic herb found in coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub, coastal prairie, closed-cone coniferous
forest, coastal dune; typically located on open sea bluffs and cliffs. Elevation range: 0 – 160 meters. Blooms: April – August.
High Potential. The
Study Area contains
appropriate habitat and is
within the known
elevation range.
Not Observed. This species
was not observed during the
rare plant surveys.
Oregon goldthread
Coptis laciniata
Rank 4.2 A perennial rhizomatous herb found in meadows and seeps, North coast coniferous forest, wetlands,
streambanks. Elevation range: 500 – 2000 meters.
Blooms February – November.
No Potential. The Study
Area is well below the
accepted elevation range
for this species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
Mendocino dodder
Cuscuta pacifica
var. papillata
Rank 1B An annual parasitic vine found on coastal dunes. Elevation range: 0 – 50 meters. Blooms June – October.
No Potential. The Study
Area is well above the
accepted elevation range
for this species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
IN STUDY AREA SURVEY RESULTS
Supple daisy
Erigeron supplex
Rank 1B
A perennial herb found on coastal bluff scrub, coastal
prairie. Elevation range: 10 – 50 meters. Blooms: May – July.
No Potential. The Study
Area is well above the
accepted elevation range
for this species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
bluff wallflower
Erysimum
concinnum
Rank 1B An annual/perennial herb found on cliffs, coastal bluffs, dunes and prairies. Elevation: 0 – 185 meters. Blooms
March – June.
Moderate Potential. The
Study Area contains
coastal prairie habitat;
however, this species is
typically located on looser
sands than are present in
the Study Area.
Not Observed. This species
was not observed during the
rare plant surveys
Coast fawn lily
Erythronium
revolutum
Rank 2B
A perennial bulbiferous herb found in bogs and fens,
broadleaved upland forest, North coast coniferous forest, Wetland. Elevation 0 – 1600 meters. Blooms: March –
August.
No Potential. This
species requires wet
places in woodlands and
the Study Area lacks this
habitat
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
Roderick’s fritillary
Fritillaria roderickii
Rank 1B
A perennial bulbiferous herb found on coastal bluff scrub, Coastal prairie, Valley and foothill grasslands. Elevation:
15 – 1300 meters. Blooms: March through May.
Moderate Potential.
Appropriate habitat for this
species exists in the Study
Area, but there are no
known occurrences in the
immediate area.
Not Observed. This species
was not observed during the
rare plant surveys
Pacific gilia
Gilia capitata ssp.
Pacifica
Rank 1B
An annual herb found in the chaparral, Coastal bluff
scrub, Coastal prairie, Valley and foothill grassland.
Elevation: 5 – 1665 meters. Blooms April – August.
Moderate Potential.
Appropriate habitat for this
species occurs within the
Study Area, but there are
no known occurrences in
the immediate area.
Not Observed. This species
was not observed during the
rare plant surveys
American manna
grass
Glyceria grandis
Rank 2B
A perennial rhizomatous her found in bogs and fens,
marsh and sawm, meadow and seep, wetlands.
Elevation 15 – 1980 meters. Blooms June – August
No Potential. This
species requires wet areas
and the Study Area does
not have the appropriate
habitat.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
IN STUDY AREA SURVEY RESULTS
short-leaved evax
Hesperevax
sparsiflora var.
brevifolia
Rank 1B
An annual herb found in coastal bluff scrub, coastal dune; located on sandy bluffs and flats near the immediate
coastline. Elevation range: 0 – 215 meters. Blooms:
March – June.
Moderate Potential.
Appropriate habitat for this
species occurs within the
Study Area, but there are
no known occurrences in
the immediate area.
Not Observed. This species was
not observed during the rare plant
surveys
pygmy cypress
Hesperocyparis
pygmaea
Rank 1B
A perennial evergreen tree found in a closed-cone
coniferous forest; located on podzol-like soils (Blacklock series). Elevation range: 30 – 600 meters
No Potential. The Study
Area does not contain
pygmy forest or podzol-like
soils necessary to support
this species.
Not Present. No suitable habitat
present
Point Reyes horkelia
Horkelia marinensis
Rank 1B A perennial herb found on sandy coastal flats. Elevation:
5 – 755 meters. Blooms May – September.
No Potential. The Study
Area does not contain
coastal dune habitat
necessary to support this
species.
Not Present. No suitable habitat
present.
Thin-lobed horkelia
Horkelia tenuiloba
Rank 1B
A perennial herb found in broadleaved upland forest,
chaparral, valley and foothill grasslands. Usually sandy soils. Elevation: 50 – 500 meters. Blooms: May –
August
Moderate Potential.
Appropriate habitat for this
species occurs within the
Study Area but there are
no known occurrences in
the immediate area.
Not Observed. This species was
not observed during the rare plant
surveys
Island rock lichen
Hypogymnia
schizidiata
Rank 1B
A folios lichen that occurs on bark and wood of
hardwoods and conifers, in closed-cone coniferous
forests and chaparral. Elevation: 360 – 405 meters.
No Potential. The Study
Area is located well below
the accepted elevation
range of this species.
Not Present. No suitable habitat
present
Small groundcone
Kopsiopsis hookeri
Rank 2B
Perennial rhizomatous herb that is parasitic. North coast coniferous forest. Elevation: 90 – 885 meters. Blooms
April – August
No Potential. The Study
Area is located well below
the accepted elevation
range of this species.
Not Present. No suitable habitat
present
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
IN STUDY AREA SURVEY RESULTS
Baker’s goldfields
Lasthenia californica
ssp. bakeri
Rank 1B A perennial herb found in closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal scrub; located in openings in scrub and coastal forest habitat. Elevation range: 60 – 520 meters. Blooms:
April – October.
Moderate Potential.
Appropriate habitat for
this species occurs within
the Study Area but there
are no known
occurrences in the
immediate area.
Not Observed. This species
was not observed during the
rare plant surveys
Perennial goldfields
Lasthenia californica
ssp. macrantha
Rank 1B
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dune, coastal scrub.
Elevation range: 15 – 1690 feet. Blooms: January –
November.
No Potential. The Study
Area does not have the
appropriate habitat for
this particular species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
Contra Costa
goldfields
Lasthenia conjugens
Rank 1B
An annual herb found in alkali playa, cismontane
woodland, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pool,
wetland. Elevation: 0 – 470 meters. Blooms March –
June.
No Potential. The Study
Area does not contain the
necessary wet habitat for
this particular species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
Marsh pea
Lathyrus palustris
Rank 2B
A perennial herb found in bogs and fens, coastal prairie, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest. Marsh
and swamp, North coast coniferous forest, wetlands.
Elevation: 1 – 100 meters. Blooms March – August.
No Potential. The Study
Area does not contain the
necessary wet habitat for
this particular species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present.
coast lily
Lilium maritimum
Rank 1B
A perennial bulbiferous herb found in 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: 5 – 475
meters. Blooms: May – August.
Moderate Potential.
Appropriate habitat for
this species occurs within
the Study Area but there
are no known
occurrences in the
immediate area.
Not Observed. This species
was not observed during the
rare plant surveys
Marsh microseris
Microseris paludosa
Rank 1B
A perennial herb found in cismontane woodland, closedcone coniferous forest, coastal prairie, coastal scrub, marsh and swamp, North coast coniferous forest.
Elevation range: 5 – 355 meters. Blooms April – July.
Moderate Potential.
Appropriate habitat for
this species occurs within
the Study Area but there
are no known
occurrences in the
immediate area
Not Observed. This species
was not observed during the
rare plant surveys
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
IN STUDY AREA SURVEY RESULTS
Wolf’s eveningprimrose
Oenothera wolfii
Rank 1B
Perennial herb that grows in sandy usually mesic soil.
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal prairie,
lower montane coniferous forest. Elevation range: 3 –
800 meters. Blooms May – October
Moderate Potential. The
appropriate habitat exists
within the Study Area but
the required wet areas are
lacking. No known
occurrences are in the
immediate area.
Not Observed. This
species was not observed
during the rare plant
surveys
White-flowered rein
orchid
Piperia candida
Rank 1B
Perennial herb that sometimes exists in serpentinite
soil. Broad leaved upland forest, lower montane
coniferous forest, North coast coniferous forest.
Elevation range: 30-1310 meters. Blooms March –
May.
Moderate Potential. The
appropriate habitat exists
within the Study Area but
there are no know
occurrences in the
immediate area.
Not Observed. This
species was not observed
during the rare plant
surveys
Nuttall’s ribbonleaved pondweed
Potamogeton
epihydrus
Rank 2B
A perennial rhizomatous aquatic herb that lives in
assorted shallow freshwater marshes and swamps.
Elevation range: 369-2172 meters. Blooms June –
September.
No Potential. The Study
Area is located well below
the accepted elevation
range for this species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present
Maple-leaved
checkerbloom
Sidalcea
malachroides
Rank 4.2
A perennial herb often found in disturbed areas. Broad
leafed upland forest, coastal prairie, coastal scrub,
North coast coniferous forest, riparian woodland.
Elevation range: 0 – 730 meters. Blooms March –
August.
High Potential. The Study
Area contains appropriate
habitat and there are
several known occurrences
within the immediate area.
Not Observed. This
species was not observed
during the rare plant
surveys
Purple-stemmed
checkerbloom
Sidalcea malviflora
ssp. Purpurea
Rank 1B
A perennial rhizomatous herb that lives in broad leafed upland forest and coastal prairies. Elevation: 15 – 85
meters. Blooms: May – June.
High Potential. The Study
Area contains appropriate
habitat and there are
several known occurrences
within the immediate area.
Not Observed. This
species was not observed
during the rare plant
surveys
Santa Cruz clover
Trifolium
buckwestiorum
Rank 1B
An annual herb that lives in gravelly margins in broad
leaved upland forest, cismontane woodlands and
coastal prairies. Elevation: 105 – 610. Blooms: April – October.
No Potential. The Study
Area is located well below
the accepted elevation
range for this species.
Not Present. No suitable
habitat present.
SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT REQUIREMENTS POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
IN STUDY AREA SURVEY RESULTS
Monterey clover
Trifolium trichocalyx
Rank 1B
An annual herb that lives in closed-cone coniferous
forest (sandy openings, burned areas). Elevation: 30 –
305 meters. Blooms: April – June
Moderate Potential. The
Study Area contains
appropriate habitat but
there are no known
occurrences within the
immediate area.
Not Observed. This
species was not observed
during the rare plant
surveys
Methuselah’s beard
lichen
Usnea longissima
Rank 4.2
A fruticose lichen found on tree branches, usually on
old growth hardwoods and conifers, broad leaved
upland forest, north coast coniferous forests.
Elevation: 50-1460 meters.
Moderate Potential. The
Study Area contains
appropriate habitat, but
there are no know
occurrences within the
immediate area.
Not Observed. This
species was not observed
during the rare plant
surveys
Suggested Plan-ng List
• Western Labrador tea Rhododendron macrophyllum
• California huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum
• Golden-eyed grass Sisyrinchium californicum
• Glory brush Ceanothus gloriosus var. exaltatus
• Blue blossom Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
• California coffeeberry Frangula californica
• Salal Gaultheria shallon
• California blackberry Rubus ursinus
From: Garrison, Jennifer@Wildlife
To: [email protected]
Cc: Garrison, Jennifer@Wildlife
Subject: Referral for CDP for Tree Removal Project at 130 W Lake Street in Point Arena Date: Monday, May 6, 2024 1:55:54 PM
Marie,
CDFW appreciates the opportunity to review this referral and provide comments in our Trustee Agency role to the City of Point Arena as Lead Agency.
CDFW attended a site visit on October 15, 2023 and observed the trees proposed for removal. The trees are all leaning towards PGE powerlines and appear to have been planted as they are generally the same distance apart, flank the road in a line, and are of similar age/height. At that time, CDFW requested a biological scoping report be prepared to identify enhancement opportunities on the property to increase the Pinus muricata natural community and reduce invasive species establishment.
The biological scoping report and its measures incorporated in the staff report reflect CDFW’s recommendations made onsite. CDFW does not have additional comments on this CDP referral. If you have any questiong regarding this email, please give me a call to discuss.
Thank you, Jenn
Jennifer Garrison
Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist
Coastal Conservation Planning – Northern Region
32330 North Harbor Drive, Ft Bragg, CA 95437
707-477-7792
Jennifer. [email protected]
REPORT POACHERS & POLLUTERS: 1-888-334-2258
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 6:32 PM
To: Garrison, Jennifer@Wildlife <[email protected]> Cc: Wildlife CEQA Referrals <[email protected]>; Hutchins, Adam@Wildlife <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Referral for CDP for Tree Removal Project at 130 W Lake Street in Point Arena WARNING: This message is from an external source. Verify the sender and exercise caution when clicking links or opening attachments.
Hi Jennifer,