GPA21-0008_Staff Report_Attach D- MND Appx B-Biological Resources — San Marcos City Council, February 28, 2023

ATTACHMENT D

MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

APPENDIX B

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES REPORT

An Employee-Owned Company
3111 Camino del Rio North, Suite 600, San Diego, CA 92108-5726 | 619.308.9333 | reconenvironmental.com SAN DIEGO | BAY AREA | TUCSON
November 29, March 22, 2022
Mr. Paul Mayer
Manager & General Partner
Santa Fe Flores LP
P.O. Box 903
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Reference: Biological Resources Report for the Santa Fe Flores Project (RECON Number 9865) Dear Mr. Mayer:

This report summarizes the biological resources survey and results, assessment for potential impacts on biological resources, and proposed avoidance measures for the Santa Fe Flores project (project).

Summary
RECON Environmental, Inc. (RECON), on behalf of the City of San Marcos (City) Development Services Department Planning Division, has prepared this biological resources report for the proposed Santa Fe Flores project (project).

RECON conducted a biological survey on March 3, 2022, and determined that the project had one sensitive plant species, decumbent goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens), on-site and has the potential to support migratory and nesting birds, including Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii). Avoidance measures to prevent potential impacts associated with project construction is to conduct pre-construction nesting bird surveys.

1.0 Introduction, Project Description, Location, and Setting This report describes the results of the biological resources survey for the project conducted by RECON biologist Jade Woll on March 3, 2022. The proposed project is located east of North Las Flores Drive, in San Marcos, California, north of South Santa Fe Avenue and east of State Route 78 (Figure 1). The biological study area (BSA) occurs within assessor’s parcel numbers 217-161-18 and 217-161-19, and is located in Los Vallecitos de San Marcos Land Grant, of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic map, San Marcos (Figure 2; USGS 1996). The proposed project is located within a developed area, surrounded by residential and commercial properties on all sides of the project (Figure 3). A 2.5acre BSA, including all areas to be potentially impacted, were evaluated to determine the current condition of the biological resources present within the project (see Attachment 1: Current Site Photographs, and Figures 2 and 3). The BSA is outside of and situated approximately 1,500 feet south of the North San Diego County Multiple Species Conservation preserve lands known as Plan Pre-Approved Mitigation Area (Figure 4).

The 2.5-acre project site is undeveloped and is currently designated Commercial and Light Industrial in the City General Plan and zoned as Commercial and Light Industrial. The project would be located on a previously graded site and require a General Plan Amendment and Rezone to Multi-family Residential to allow the development of 50 multi-family residential units that would be three to four stories. The project would also include a 1,000-square- foot roof deck for fitness and leisure, a 1,170-square-foot ground floor leasing and amenity center, and a 120-square- foot ground floor fire command center. Vehicle parking would include a total of 107 surface parking spaces and bicycle parking would include a total of 11 lockers or bike storage rooms located on the upper and lower levels.

FIGURE 1
Regional Location
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USMC AIR

STATION

MIRAMAR

CAMP PENDLETON

MARINE CO BASE
Daley Ranch
Los Penasquitos
Canyon Presv
Mission Tr ails
Regional Park
Cleveland
NF
Lake Wohlford
Batiquitos Lagoon
Lake Hodges
San Vicente
Reservoir
Sweetwater
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S a n D i e g o R i v e r
Jamul Indian
Village
San Pasqual Reservation
Rincon
Reservation
La Jolla
Reservation
Barona
Reservation
Valley Center
Bostonia
Casa de
Oro-Mount
Helix
Crest
Fairbanks Ranch
Granite Hills
Hidden
Meadows
Jamul
Lake
San Marcos
Lakeside
La Presa
Ramona
Rancho
San Diego
Rancho
Santa Fe
Spring Valley
Winter Gardens
UV163
UV78
UV56
UV76
UV75
UV54
UV125
UV67
UV94
UV52
§¨¦8
§¨¦805
§¨¦15
§¨¦5

S A N D I E G O

C O U N T Y
Carlsbad
Chula
Vista
Coronado
Del
Mar
El Cajon
Encinitas
Escondido
La Mesa
Lemon
Grove
National City
Oceanside
Poway
San Diego
San Marcos
Santee
Solana
Beach
Vista
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USMC AIR

STATION

MIRAMAR

CAMP PENDLETON

S A N D I E G O

C O U N T Y
Carlsbad
Chula
Vista
Coronado
Del
Mar
El Cajon
Encinitas
Escondido
La Mesa
Lemon
Grove
National City
Oceanside
Poway
San Diego
San Marcos
Santee
Solana
Beach
Vista
0 5Miles [
M:\JOBS5\9865\common_gis\fig1.mxd 03/08/2022 bma
LOS

ANGELES

ORANGE RIVERSIDE

SAN BERNARDINO

SAN DIEGO
MEXICO
Project Locationkj
FIGURE 2
Biological Study Area on USGS Map
Map Source: USGS 7.5 minute topographic map series, San Marcos quadrangle, 1996, Los Vallecitos de San Marcos Land Grant 0 2,000Feet [
Biological Study Area
M:\JOBS5\9865\common_gis\fig2_bio.mxd 03/21/2022 bma FIGURE 3
Biological Study Area on Aerial Photograph

S SANTA FE AVE

LAS FLORES DR

VIALAVENTA

N LAS FLORES DR

NORMAN STRASSE
RD

DE LEONE RD

S SANTA FE AVE

LAS FLORES DR

VIALAVENTA

N LAS FLORES DR

NORMAN STRASSE
RD

DE LEONE RD
Image Source: NearMap (flown January 2022)
0 200Feet [
Biological Study Area
M:\JOBS5\9865\common_gis\fig3_bio.mxd 03/21/2022 bma FIGURE 4
Biological Study Area
in Relation to MSCP Preserve Area

CHERIMOYA DR

HYDRACT

EL CORTO
VIA

LAVENTA
LAS
FLORES
DR
M
IRA
SOL

VIA ANACAPA

AVENI D A
DE
SUERTE

EL TIGRE

VIA HACIENDA

NLAS FLORESDR
VIA

SANTALINA

HYDRA LN

BOSSTICKBLVD
UNNAMED 8C ST

PEGAS U
S
W
AY

S SANTA FE AVE

NORMAN STRASSERD

DE LEONE RD

AVENIDA REGINA

LOMA ALTA DR
UV78

CHERIMOYA DR

HYDRACT

EL CORTO
VIA

LAVENTA
LAS
FLORES
DR
M
IRA
SOL

VIA ANACAPA

AVENI D A
DE
SUERTE

EL TIGRE

VIA HACIENDA

NLAS FLORESDR
VIA

SANTALINA

HYDRA LN

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UNNAMED 8C ST

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S
W
AY

S SANTA FE AVE

NORMAN STRASSERD

DE LEONE RD

AVENIDA REGINA

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UV78
Image Source: NearMap (flown January 2022)
0 500Feet [Biological Study Area
North San Diego County MSCP
Outside Pre-Approved Mitigation Area (PAMA)
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November 29March 22, 2022

2.0 Regional Context
The City is in the process of preparing a Subarea Plan under the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program ( MHCP). The MHCP is a habitat conservation plan for the seven jurisdictional areas within the northern subregion of San Diego County, including San Marcos (San Diego Association of Governments [SANDAG] 2003). Under the MHCP, the City prepared a draft Natural Community Conservation Plan (draft Subarea Plan) that addresses land conservation issues (City of San Marcos 2001). This draft City of San Marcos Subarea Plan identifies a series of focused planning areas (FPAs) within which some lands will be dedicated for preservation of native habitats. These areas contain both “hard line” areas, which will ultimately be preserved as open space, and “soft line” areas, which will include both development and open space to be determined through the planning process. This biological resources report has been prepared according to the guidelines set forth in the MHCP (SANDAG 2003).

3.0 Habitats/Vegetation Communities
Two vegetation communities/land cover types were identified within the BSA: disturbed land and urban/developed.

The acreages of each vegetation community/land cover type within the BSA are presented in Table 1 and depicted in Figure 5. Under the MHCP, environmentally sensitive lands are categorized into different habitat groups of sensitivity.

Group A consists of wetland/riparian habitats, which are considered the most sensitive of habitats. Upland vegetation communities that are classified as Group B (rare uplands), Group C (coastal sage scrub), Group D (chaparral), and Group E (annual [non-native] grasslands) are considered sensitive by the MHCP. Group F (other lands), which includes disturbed lands, is not considered sensitive (SANDAG 2003).

Table 1
Vegetation Communities/Land Cover Types within the BSA
Type or Community
(Holland Code as modified by Oberbauer) MHCP Group
Total
(acres)
Disturbed Land (11300) F 2.2
Urban/Developed (12000) --* 0.3
TOTAL 2.5
*No MHCP assigned group.

Disturbed Habitat. Disturbed habitat consists of areas that may have been disturbed by human activity, and no longer function as a native vegetation community. Vegetation in such areas is typically dominated by opportunistic non - native species but may also contain a substantial portion of bare ground. Disturbed habitat can also include areas that have been previously graded, repeatedly cleared for fuel management, and/or experience repeated use (e.g. , off-road vehicle trails and construction staging sites) (Oberbauer et al. 2008).

Disturbed habitat occurs within the majority of the BSA and includes areas that have been disturbed through frequent off-roading activity. The area is comprised of non-native herbaceous cover mixed with non-native grasses, with dominant species such as crimson fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora), mustard (Brassica sp.), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), and bristly ox-tongue (Helminthotheca echioides).

Some native vegetation was identified throughout the disturbed habitat, such as California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia ssp. salicifolia), coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis), coastal goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii), and decumbent goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens) but these individual species were too few and widespread to form a distinct native habitat. (see Figure 5). The disturbed lands on- site are classified by the MHCP as Group F. Impacts to Group F habitat types would not be considered significant and would not require mitigation.

FIGURE 5
Existing Biological Resources
kj

N LAS FLORES DR

S SANTA FE AVE
30 individuals
kj

N LAS FLORES DR

S SANTA FE AVE
30 individuals
Image Source: NearMap (flown January 2022)
0 100Feet [
Biological Study Area
Common Name, Latin Name
kj Decumbent Goldenbush
(Isocoma menziezii decumbens)
Vegetation Community
Disturbed Land
Urban/Developed
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November 29March 22, 2022

Urban/Developed Land. Urban/developed areas consist of any land that has been constructed upon, containing permanent or semi-permanent structures, pavement or hardscape, or landscaped areas that are regularly maintained and/or irrigated (Oberbauer et al. 2008).

Urban/developed land occurs along the eastern edge of the BSA and consists of ornamental vegetation along the sidewalk (see Figure 5).

4.0 Special-Status Species
Prior to conducting field surveys, a review of publicly available data was conducted to determine the potential for special-status species to occur within the BSA. The review included data provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (USFWS 2022), California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB; CDFW 2022a), and California Native Plant Society (CNPS 2021). During the field survey, habitats were assessed for their potential to support special-status species and all incidentally observed species were recorded. No focused special- status species surveys were conducted. All plant and wildlife species observed during the general survey are presented in Attachments 2 and 3, respectively. Plant or wildlife species are considered special status if they are: (1) covered or listed as a narrow endemic under the MHCP (SANDAG 2003); (2) listed by state or federal agencies as threatened or endangered or are proposed for listing; (3) included on CNPS California Rare Plant Ranks 1, 2, 3, or 4 (CNPS 2021); or (4) considered rare, endangered, or threatened by local conservation organizations or specialists (Reiser 2001).

4.1 Special Status Plant Species
One special status plant species, decumbent goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens), was observed within the BSA (see Figure 5). No other sensitive plants are anticipated to occur due to high levels of disturbance within the project boundary (e.g., off-roading activity, prevalence of nonnative species). A comprehensive list of sensitive plant species with potential for occurrence within the BSA based on the records search results is presented in Attachment 4, and includes those species with potential for occurrence based on species range and habitat conditions (CDFW 2022b; CDFW 2022c).

Decumbent Goldenbush. Decumbent goldenbush is a CRPR 1B.2 species (CNPS 2021). This species was observed on- site and has high potential to occur due to the disturbed nature of the site and suitable soils present.

4.2 Special Status Wildlife Species
No special status wildlife species were observed within the BSA; however, one special status wildlife species, Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), has a moderate potential to occur on-site. A comprehensive list of sensitive wildlife species with potential for occurrence within the BSA based on the records search results is presented in Attachment 5, and includes those species with potential for occurrence based on species range and habitat conditions (CDFW 202 2a; CDFW 2022d; USFWS 2022).

Cooper’s Hawk (Nesting). The Cooper’s hawk is a CDFW watch list species (nesting) and a MHCP-covered species (CDFW 2022a; SANDAG 2003). This species has a moderate potential to occur due the presence of suitable trees for nesting within the disturbed land and urban/developed within the BSA. No individuals or active nests were observed within the BSA at the time of the survey.

Nesting/Migratory Birds. The project also has potential to support migratory and nesting birds within the entire BSA.

Under Section 3503 of the California Fish and Game Code (CFGC), it is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird, except as otherwise provided by this code or any regulation made pursuant thereto.

Mr. Paul Mayer

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November 29March 22, 2022

Section 3503.5 of the CFGC prohibits take, possession, or destruction of any birds in the orders Falconiformes (raptors) or Strigiformes (owls), or of their nests and eggs.

5.0 Jurisdictional Wetlands and Waterways
A formal wetland delineation was not conducted; however, no potential jurisdictional wetlands or waters were observed within the BSA.

6.0 Other Unique Features/Resources
Though it is reasonable to assume that urban-adapted species may occur locally within the project impact area, the site as a whole does not function as a wildlife movement corridor and there is no indication that the site supports any wildlife nursery sites. The proposed project area is outside any City FPAs and biological core and linkage areas (BCLA); therefore, there are no impacts anticipated to wildlife movement corridors, wildlife nursery sites, FPAs or a BCLA.

7.0 Significance of Project Impacts and Proposed Mitigation This section describes project impacts and recommended avoidance and mitigation measures based on the County’s MHCP (SANDAG 2003).

7.1 Vegetation Community Impacts and Proposed Mitigation The project would cause direct permanent impacts to 2.0 acres of disturbed land and 0.3 acre of urban/developed (Table 2; Figure 6). Impacts to disturbed land and urban/developed are not considered significant and , therefore, no mitigation would be required.

Table 2
Habitat/Vegetation Communities, Impacts, and Mitigation Habitat/
Vegetation Community
Existing On-site
(acres)1
Permanent Impacts
(acres)1
Mitigation
Ratio
Mitigation Required
(acres)
Disturbed Land (Group F) 2.2 2.0 0:1 0.00
Urban/Developed (--2) 0.3 0.3 n/a3 n/a3
TOTAL 2.5 2.3 - 0.00
1Rounded to nearest tenth of an acre. Any discrepancies in totals are due to rounding. 2No MHCP assigned group.
3N/A = not applicable

7.2 Sensitive Plant Species
One sensitive plant species, decumbent goldenbush, was detected on-site; however, there are no other sensitive plant species that have a moderate or high potential to occur within the BSA. Suitable habitat for decumbent goldenbush within the project impact area is of marginal quality due to heavy disturbance, and comprises a small fraction of the habitat available to this species both at a local level (within the City ) and on a regional scale. Therefore, the impacts that would occur to sensitive plants would be less than significant and no mitigation would be required.

FIGURE 6
Impacts to Biological Resources
kj

N LAS FLORES DR

S SANTA FE AVE
30 individuals
kj

N LAS FLORES DR

S SANTA FE AVE
30 individuals
Image Source: NearMap (flown January 2022)
0 100Feet [Biological Study Area
Impact Footprint
Common Name, Latin Name
kj Decumbent Goldenbush
(Isocoma menziezii decumbens)
Vegetation Community
Disturbed Land
Urban/Developed
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November 29March 22, 2022

7.3 Sensitive Wildlife Species
Migratory and Nesting Birds. Direct impacts to migratory and nesting birds, including Cooper’s hawk, could result from the accidental destruction of nests through removal of disturbed land, if construction were to occur during the general bird breeding season (between March and September; SANDAG 2003). Therefore, avoidance measures, which will be implemented during construction, are discussed below and are expected to prevent direct impacts to migratory and nesting birds, including Cooper’s hawk.

AM-BIO-1: If construction initiation occurs between March and September, a pre-construction nesting bird and raptor survey of the project impact area shall be completed by a qualified biologist prior to vegetation removal. The pre-construction survey shall be conducted within 10 calendar days prior to the start of construction activities (including removal of vegetation). If any active nests are detected, the area will be flagged and mapped along with a buffer as recommended by the qualified biologist. The buffer area(s) established by the qualified biologist will be avoided until the nesting cycle is complete or it is determined that the nest is no longer active. The qualified biologist shall be a person familiar with bird breeding behavior and capable of identifying the bird species of San Diego County by sight and sound and determining alterations of behavior as a result of human interaction. Buffers will be based on species-appropriate buffers and/or local topography and line of sight, species behavior and tolerance to disturbance, and existing disturbance levels, as determined appropriate by the qualified biologist.

7.4 Jurisdictional Wetlands and Waterways
No potential jurisdictional wetlands or waters were observed on-site. Therefore, there are no anticipated impacts to any jurisdictional wetlands or waterways and no mitigation would be required.

7.5 Wildlife Movement and Nursery Sites
Though it is reasonable to assume that urban-adapted species may occur locally within the impact footprint, the site as a whole does not function as a wildlife movement corridor and there is no indication that the site supports any wildlife nursery sites. Therefore, the project will not result in any impact to wildlife movement or nursery sites and no mitigation would be required.

If you have any questions regarding this letter report or the biological resources present on the site, please do not hesitate to contact me at 619-308-9333 x117 or [email protected].

Sincerely,
Jade Woll
Biologist
Reviewed By:

Cailin Lyons, Biology Group Director

JCW:sh
Mr. Paul Mayer

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November 29March 22, 2022

8.0 References Cited
American Society of Mammalogists
2020 Mammalian Species (online). http://www.mammalsociety.org/publications/mammalian-species. July

Baldwin, B.G., S. Boyd, B.J. Ertter, R.W. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, D.H. Wilken, eds. 2002 Jepson Online Interchange. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_cpn.pl?7749. Accessed November 7, 2002.

Bradley, R.D., L.K. Ammerman, R.J. Baker, L.C. Bradley, J.A. Cook, R.C. Dowler, C. Jones, D.J. Schimdly, F.B. Stangl Jr., R.A. Van Den Bussche, and B. Wursig
2014 Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers, Museum of Te xas Tech University No. 327. October

Brenzel, K. N.
2001 Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset Publishing. Menlo Park, California.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
2022a Special Animals. Natural Diversity Database. Department of Fish and Wildlife. July.

2022b Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. Natural Diversity Database. Department of Fish and Wildlife. July.

2022c State and Federally Listed Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Plants of California. July.

2022d State & Federally Listed Endangered & Threatened Animals of California. July .

California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
2021 Rare Plant Program. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8 -03).

Sacramento, CA. Accessed in July. Available at http://www.rareplants.cnps.org.

Chesser, R. T., S. M. Billerman, K. J. Burns, C. Cicero, J. L. Dunn, B. E. Hernández-Baños, A. W. Kratter, I. J. Lovette, N. A.

Mason, P. C. Rasmussen, J. V. Remsen, Jr., D. F. Stotz, and K. Winker 2021 Check-list of North American Birds (online). American Ornithological Society. http://checklist.aou.org/taxa.

Crother, B. I., Ronald M. Bonett, Jeff Boundy, Frank T. Burbrink, Kevin de Queiroz, Darrel R. Frost, Richard Highton, John B. Iverson, Elizabeth L. Jockusch, Fred Kraus, Kenneth L. Krysko, , Adam D. Leaché, Emilly Mo riarty Lemmon, Roy W. McDiarmid, Joseph R. Mendelson III, Peter A. Meylan, Tod W. Reeder, Sara Ruane, and Michael E. Seidel 2017 Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico, with Comments Regarding Confidence in our Understanding, Eighth Edition. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Herpetological Circular No. 43.

Eriksen, Clyde, and Denton Belk
1999 Fairy Shrimp of California’s Puddles, Pools, and Playas. Mad River Press, Eureka.

Evans, Arthur V.
2008 Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America. Sterling Publishing Company, New York.

Mr. Paul Mayer

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November 29March 22, 2022

Harvey, M. J., J. S. Altenbach, and T. L. Best
2011 Bats of the United States and Canada. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.

Jennings, M. R., and M. P. Hayes
1994 Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. Final report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, CA. Contract number 8023.

Jepson Flora Project (eds.)
2020 Jepson eFlora, http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html.

Nature Festivals of San Diego County
2002 Checklist of Butterflies of San Diego County. Professional review by David Faulkner of the San Diego Natural History Museum and Dr. John Brown of the Smithsonian Institute. Revised September. http://www.sdnhm.org/science/entomology/projects/checklist-of-butterflies-of-san-diego-county/.

NatureServe
2021 NatureServe Explorer. www.natureserve.org.

Oberbauer, T., M. Kelly, and J. Buegge
2008 Draft Vegetation Communities of San Diego County. Based on “Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California,” Robert F. Holland, Ph.D., October 1986. March.

Page, L. M., H. Espinosa-Pérez, L. T. Findley, C. R. Gilbert, R. N. Lea, N. E. Mandrak, R. L. Mayden, and J. S. Nelson 2013 Common and scientific names of fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, 7 th edition. American
Fisheries Society, Special Publication 34, Bethesda, Maryland.

Rebman, J. P., and M. G. Simpson
2014 Checklist of the Vascular Plants of San Diego County, 5th edition. San Diego Natural History Museum.

Reiser, C.H.
2001 Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press. July

San Diego, County of
2010 Guidelines for Determining Significance. Biological Resources, Land Use and Environment Group.

Department of Planning and Land Use. Department of Public Works. Fourth Revision. September 15.

San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
2003 Final MHCP Plan. Prepared for the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program for the Cities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, San Marcos, Solana Beach, and Vista. Volumes I, II, and III. March.

San Marcos, City of
2001 Natural Community Conservation Plan for the City of San Marcos. Agency review draft, May.

Tremor, Scott, D. Stokes, W. Spencer, J. Diffendorfer, H. Thomas, S. Chivers, and P. Unitt, eds. 2017 San Diego County Mammal Atlas. San Diego Natural History Museum.

Mr. Paul Mayer

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November 29March 22, 2022

Unitt, P. A.
2004 San Diego County Bird Atlas. San Diego Natural History Museum, Ibis, San Diego

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 2021 The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. Accessed from http://plants.usda.gov.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
2022 Species Observation Database.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
1996 7.5 minute topographic map series, San Marcos quadrangle, Los Vallecitos de San Marcos Land Grant .

Western Bat Working Group (WBWG)
2017 Western Bat Species (species accounts). http://wbwg.org/western-bat-species/.

9.0 Preparers and Persons/Organizations Contacted
Cailin Lyons, RECON Environmental, Inc., Biology Project Director Jade Woll, RECON Environmental, Inc., Biologist
Benjamin Arp, RECON Environmental, Inc., GIS Analyst
Stacey Higgins, RECON Environmental, Inc., Senior Production Specialist

10.0 Attachments

1. Current Site Photographs

2. Plants Species Observed

3. Wildlife Species Observed

4. Sensitive Plant Species with the Potential to Occur

5. Sensitive Wildlife Species with the Potential to Occur

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT 1
Current Site Photographs

P:\9865\Bio\Photos\photos1-4.docx 03/11/22

PHOTOGRAPH 1
View of Project Site Looking Southeast

PHOTOGRAPH 2
View of Project Site Looking Northwest

P:\9865\Bio\Photos\photos1-4.docx 03/11/22

PHOTOGRAPH 3
View of Project Site Looking Southwest

PHOTOGRAPH 4
View of Project Site Looking Southeast

ATTACHMENT 2
Plant Species Observed

Santa Fe Flores Project

Page 1 ends

Attachment 2
Plant Species Observed
Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin
ANGIOSPERMS: MONOCOTS

ARECACEAE PALM FAMILY
Washingtonia robusta Mexican fan palm DL I

POACEAE (GRAMINEAE) GRASS FAMILY
Avena sp. oats DL I
Bromus diandrus ripgut grass DL I
Bromus rubens [=Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens] red brome DL I Festuca perennis [=Lolium multiflorum and Lolium perenne] rye grass DL I Hordeum murinum wall barley DL I
Pennisetum setaceum crimson fountain grass DL I
ANGIOSPERMS: EUDICOTS

AIZOACEAE FIG-MARIGOLD FAMILY
Carpobrotus edulis freeway iceplant DL I

ANACARDIACEAE SUMAC OR CASHEW FAMILY
Searsia [=Rhus] lancea African sumac UD I

APIACEAE (UMBELLIFERAE) CARROT FAMILY
Foeniculum vulgare fennel DL I

ASTERACEAE SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Baccharis pilularis chaparral broom, coyote brush DL N
Baccharis salicifolia ssp. salicifolia mule fat, seep-willow DL N Cynara cardunculus ssp. flavescens cardoon, artichoke thistle DL I Dittrichia graveolens stinkwort DL I
Hedypnois cretica Crete weed DL I
Helminthotheca [=Picris] echioides bristly ox-tongue DL I Heterotheca grandiflora telegraph weed DL N
Isocoma menziesii coastal goldenbush DL N
Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens decumbent goldenbush DL N

BRASSICACEAE (CRUCIFERAE) MUSTARD FAMILY
Brassica sp. mustard DL I

Santa Fe Flores Project

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Attachment 2
Plant Species Observed
Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin
Brassica rapa turnip, field mustard DL I

CAPRIFOLIACEAE HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle UD I

CHENOPODIACEAE GOOSEFOOT FAMILY
Salsola tragus Russian thistle, tumbleweed DL I

CONVOLVULACEAE MORNING-GLORY FAMILY
Calystegia macrostegia morning-glory DL N

EUPHORBIACEAE SPURGE FAMILY
Euphorbia peplus petty spurge DL I

FABACEAE (LEGUMINOSAE) LEGUME FAMILY
Acmispon glaber [=Lotus scoparius] deerweed, California broom DL N Astragalus trichopodus var. lonchus ocean locoweed DL N Medicago polymorpha California burclover DL I
Melilotus albus white sweetclover DL I

GERANIACEAE GERANIUM FAMILY
Erodium botrys long-beak filaree DL I
Erodium moschatum greenstem filaree DL I

MALVACEAE MALLOW FAMILY
Malva neglecta common mallow, cheeses DL I

OXALIDACEAE OXALIS FAMILY
Oxalis pes-caprae Bermuda buttercup DL I

POLYGONACEAE BUCKWHEAT FAMILY
Polygonum aviculare Prostrate knotweed DL I

SCROPHULARIACEAE FIGWORT FAMILY
Myoporum parvifolium slender myoporum UD I

VERBENACEAE VERVAIN FAMILY
Lantana montevidensis trailing lantana UD I

Santa Fe Flores Project

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Attachment 2
Plant Species Observed
Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin
Notes: Scientific and common names were primarily derived from Jepson eFlora (Jepson Flora Project 2020). In instances where common names were not provided in this resource, common names were obtained from Rebman and Simpson (2014). Additional common names were obtained from the USDA maintained database (USDA 2021) or the Sunset Western Garden Book (Brenzel 2001) for ornamental/horticultural plants. Common names denoted with * are from County of San Diego 2010.

HABITATS ORIGIN
DL = Disturbed Land N = Native to locality
UD = Urban/Developed I = Introduced species from outside locality

ATTACHMENT 3
Wildlife Species Detected

Santa Fe Flores Project

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Attachment 3
Wildlife Species Observed

Scientific Name

Common Name

Occupied
Habitat
On-Site Abundance/
Seasonality (Birds Only) Evidence of Occurrence

INVERTEBRATES

PIERIDAE WHITES & SULPHURS
Pieris rapae cabbage white (I) DL O
BIRDS

ACCIPITRIDAE HAWKS, KITES, & EAGLES
Buteo lineatus red-shouldered hawk FO F/ Y O

COLUMBIDAE PIGEONS & DOVES
Zenaida macroura mourning dove FO C/ Y O

TROCHILIDAE HUMMINGBIRDS
Calypte anna Anna’s hummingbird DL C/ Y O

CORVIDAE CROWS, JAYS, & MAGPIES
Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow FO C/ Y O

AEGITHALIDAE BUSHTIT
Psaltriparus minimus bushtit UD C/ Y V
Melozone [=Pipilo] crissalis California towhee DL C/ Y O

MAMMALS

SCIURIDAE SQUIRRELS & CHIPMUNKS
Otopermophilus [=Spermophilus] beecheyi California ground squirrel DL B

CANIDAE CANIDS
Canis latrans coyote DL S
(I) = Introduced species
NOTE: Zoological nomenclature for invertebrates is in accordance with the NatureServe 2021 and Evans 2008; for fish with Natu reServe 2021; for reptiles and amphibians with Crother et. al (2017); for birds with Chesser et al. 2021; for mammals with Bradley et al. (2014), American Society of Mammalogists 2021.

Santa Fe Flores Project

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Attachment 3
Wildlife Species Observed

Scientific Name

Common Name

Occupied
Habitat
On-Site Abundance/
Seasonality (Birds Only) Evidence of Occurrence

HABITATS ABUNDANCE
DL = Disturbed land C = Common to abundant; almost always encountered in proper habitat, usually in FO = Flying overhead moderate to large numbers
UD = Urban/developed F = Fairly common; usually encountered in proper habitat, generally not in large numbers

EVIDENCE OF OCCURRENCE SEASONALITY (birds only)
B = Burrow Y = Year-round resident; probable breeder on-site or in vicinity O = Observed
S = Scat
V = Vocalization

ATTACHMENT 4
Sensitive Plant Species with the Potential to Occur

Santa Fe Flores Project

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Attachment 4
Sensitive Plant Species Observed or with the Potential to Occur Scientific Name
Common Name
Sensitivity Code & Status
Habitat Preference/
Requirements
Detected On-Site
Yes/No
Potential to
Occur On-Site
(Observed or

L/M/H/U)
Basis for Determination of
Occurrence Potential
State/
Federal
Status
CNPS
Rank
County of
San Diego
ANGIOSPERMS: DICOTS

APIACEAE CARROT FAMILY
Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii
San Diego button-celery
SE/FE 1B.1 -- Biennial/perennial herb; vernal
pools, mesic areas of coastal sage
scrub and grasslands, blooms
April–June; elevation less than
2,000 feet. Known from San Diego
and Riverside counties. Additional
populations occur in Baja
California, Mexico.

No U Unlikely to occur due to lack
of vernal pools, mesic areas of
coastal sage scrub, and
grasslands. This species has
been documented within a 1-
mile radius of the survey area
(CDFW 2022b).

ASTERACEAE SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens
decumbent goldenbush
–/– 1B.2 -- Perennial shrub; chaparral, coastal
sage scrub; sandy soils, often in
disturbed areas; blooms April–
November; elevation less than 500
feet.

Yes H This species was observed on-
site.

Santa Fe Flores Project

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L/M/H/U)
Basis for Determination of
Occurrence Potential
State/
Federal
Status
CNPS
Rank
County of
San Diego
ANGIOSPERMS: MONOCOTS

THEMIDACEAE BRODIAEA FAMILY
Brodiaea filifolia
thread-leaved brodiaea
[=thread-leaf brodiaea]
SE/FT 1B.1 -- Perennial herb (bulbiferous);
cismontane woodland, coastal
sage scrub, playas, valley and
foothill grassland, vernal pools;
often clay soils; blooms March–
June; elevation 80-3,675 feet.

California endemic. Known from
San Diego, Riverside, Orange, Los
Angeles, and San Bernardino
counties.

No U Unlikely to occur due to lack
of cismontane woodland,
coastal sage scrub, playas,
valley and foothill grassland,
and vernal pools
. Additionally,
the survey was conducted
during the time of this
species blooming period and
no flowering individuals or
vegetative stems/stalks were
observed at the time of
survey. This species has been
documented within a 1-mile
radius of the survey area
(CDFW 2022b).

Brodiaea orcuttii
Orcutt’s brodiaea
–/– 1B.1 -- Perennial herb (bulbiferous);
closed cone coniferous forest,
chaparral, meadows and seeps,
valley and foothill grassland,
vernal pools; mesic, clay soil;
blooms May–July; elevation less
than 5,600 feet.

No U Unlikely to occur due to lack
of closed cone coniferous
forest, chaparral, meadows and
seeps, valley and foothill
grassland, and vernal pools.

This species has been
documented within a 1-mile
radius of the survey area
(CDFW 2022b).

Santa Fe Flores Project

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L/M/H/U)
Basis for Determination of
Occurrence Potential
State/
Federal
Status
CNPS
Rank
County of
San Diego

FEDERAL CANDIDATES AND LISTED PLANTS STATE LISTED PLANTS FE = Federally listed endangered SE = State listed endangered FT = Federally listed threatened

CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY (CNPS): CALIFORNIA RARE PLANT RANKS (CRPR) 1B = Species rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. These species are eligible for state listing. .1 = Species seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened; high degree and immediacy of threat). .2 = Species fairly threatened in California (20-80% occurrences threatened; moderate degree and immediacy of threat).

POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ON-SITE
U = Unexpected

ATTACHMENT 5
Sensitive Wildlife Species with the Potential to Occur

Santa Fe Flores Project

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Attachment 5
Sensitive Wildlife Species Occurring or with the Potential to Occur Common Name/
Scientific Name
Sensitivity Code & Status
Habitat Preference/
Requirements
Detected
On-Site?
Yes/No
Potential to
Occur On-Site
(Observed or

L/M/H/U)
Basis for Determination of
Occurrence Potential
State/Federal
Status
County of
San Diego

INVERTEBRATES

BRANCHINECTIDAE FAIRY SHRIMP
San Diego fairy shrimp
Branchinecta sandiegonensis
FT MHCP Vernal pools. No U Not expected to occur. No
vernal pools or other
depressions containing
wetland or vernal pool plant
species characteristic of vernal
habitat were observed.

BIRDS

ACCIPITRIDAE HAWKS, KITES, & EAGLES
Cooper’s hawk (nesting)
Accipiter cooperii
WL/- MHCP Mature forest, open
woodlands, wood edges,
river groves. Parks and
residential areas.

No M Moderate potential to nest
within the survey area due to
the presence of suitable trees
for nesting.

POLIOPTILIDAE GNATCATCHERS
Coastal California gnatcatcher
Polioptila californica californica
SSC/FT MHCP Coastal sage scrub, maritime
succulent scrub. Resident.

No U Not expected to occur due to
the lack of coastal sage scrub,
and maritime succulent scrub.

This species has been
documented within a 1-mile
radius of the survey area
(CDFW 2022b).

Santa Fe Flores Project

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L/M/H/U)
Basis for Determination of
Occurrence Potential
State/Federal
Status
County of
San Diego

PASSERELLIDAE NEW WORLD PASSERINES
Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow
Aimophila ruficeps canescens
WL/- MHCP Coastal sage scrub,
chaparral, grassland.

Resident.

No U Not expected to occur due to
the lack of coastal sage scrub,
chaparral, and grassland. This
species has been documented
within a 1-mile radius of the
survey area (CDFW 2022b).

MAMMALS

MUSTELIDAE WEASELS, OTTERS, & BADGERS
American badger
Taxidea taxus
SSC/- -- Grasslands, Sonoran desert
scrub.

No U Not expected to occur in the
survey area due to the high
level of disturbance and lack
of suitable habitat. This species
has been documented within a
1-mile radius of the survey
area (CDFW 2022a).

Santa Fe Flores Project

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L/M/H/U)
Basis for Determination of
Occurrence Potential
State/Federal
Status
County of
San Diego
(I) = Introduced species
NOTE: Zoological nomenclature for invertebrates is in accordance with the NatureServe 2021 and Evans 2008; for fish with NatureServe 2021; for reptiles and amphibians with Crother et. al (2017); for birds with Chesser et al. 2021; for mammals with Bradley et al. (2014), American Society of Mammalogists 202 1. Determination of the potential occurrence for listed, sensitive, or noteworthy species is based upon known ranges and habitat preferences for species follows Eriksen and B elk 1999, Nature Festivals of San Diego County 2002, Evans 2008, Page et al. 2013, Jennings and Hayes 1994, Unitt 2004, Tremor et. al. 2017, Western Bat Working Group 2017, and Harvey et al. 2011. Listing status is based on California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Natural Diversity Database (CDFW) 2022d and the County of San Diego MHCP (SANDAG 2003).

STATUS CODES
Listed/Proposed
FT = Listed as threatened by the federal government

Other
SSC = California Department of Fish and Wildlife species of special concern WL = California Department of Fish and Wildlife watch list species MHCP = Multiple Habitat Conservation Program covered species

Potential to Occur On-Site
M = Medium
U = Unexpected

San Marcos City CouncilFebruary 28, 2023

San Marcos City Council
February 28, 2023