OSMMA Exhibits (available in the City Clerk's Reading File) — Santa Clarita City Council, May 24, 2022 (part 1 of 2)

EXHIBIT A-2

All that certain real property situated in the unincorporated territory of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, more particularly described as follows:

PARCELS 1 AND 2 AS SHOWN ON A SUBDIVISION MAP FOR PARCEL NO. 82721, FILED IN BOOK ____, PAGES ____ TO ____, INCLUSIVE OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

Special Status Vegetation Types
Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

Tesoro del Valle Phases B and C
Revised VTTM 51644-1
Los Angeles County, California

EIR Mitigation Measure BIO-1

Prepared for BLC TESORO LLC
100 Bayview Circle, Suite 240
Newport Beach, California 92660
Contact: Michael Schlesinger
T: (949) 945-2290

Prepared by Psomas
225 South Lake Avenue, Suite 1000
Pasadena, California 91101
Contact: David Hughes
Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner #243
T: (626) 351-2000
January 25, 2021
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Special Status Vegetation\HMMP_Special Status Veg-012521.docx i Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project Location ..................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Project Description ................................................................................................ 3

1.3 Project Impacts ...................................................................................................... 3

1.4 Description of Special Status Vegetation Types .................................................... 5

1.4.1 Sage Scrub Communities .......................................................................... 5

1.4.2 Holly-Leaf Cherry Woodland ...................................................................... 5

1.4.3 Mixed Chaparral–Alluvial Scrub–Annual Grassland .................................. 5

1.4.4 Southern Riparian Scrub ........................................................................... 5

2.0 Mitigation Summary ........................................................................................................ 6

2.1 Mitigation Requirements ........................................................................................ 6

2.2 Responsible Parties .............................................................................................. 7

2.2.1 Project Applicant ........................................................................................ 8

2.2.2 Project Biologist ......................................................................................... 8

2.2.3 Long-Term Management Entities .............................................................. 8

2.2.4 Easement Holder ....................................................................................... 9

2.2.5 CEQA Mitigation Compliance .................................................................... 9

3.0 Mitigation Strategy ........................................................................................................ 10

3.1 Habitat Preservation ............................................................................................ 10

3.1.1 Sage Scrub Communities ........................................................................ 10

3.1.2 Holly-Leaf Cherry Woodland .................................................................... 10

3.1.3 Mixed Chaparral–Alluvial Scrub–Annual Grassland ................................ 10

3.1.4 Southern Riparian Scrub ......................................................................... 11

4.0 Ongoing Site Preservation and Management ............................................................. 13

4.1 Mitigation Site Ownership .................................................................................... 13

4.2 Long-Term Site Management .............................................................................. 13

4.3 Funding Mechanism ............................................................................................ 14

4.4 Coordination with CDFW and Other Permitting Agencies ................................... 14

5.0 References ..................................................................................................................... 15

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Special Status Vegetation\HMMP_Special Status Veg-012521.docx ii Table of Contents TABLES

Table Page

1 Vegetation Types and Other Areas Impacted by the Proposed Project ............................ 4 2 Summary of Vegetation Impacts and Required Mitigation ................................................ 7 3 Responsible Parties ........................................................................................................ .. 8 4 Summary of Habitat Preservation ................................................................................... 12

EXHIBITS

Exhibit Follows Page

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Special Status Vegetation\HMMP_Special Status Veg-012521.docx 1 Special Status Vegetation Types Habitat Mitigation Plan

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) described herein provides requirements and guidelines for various mitigation activities that are intended to compensate for impacts to special status vegetation types on the Tesoro del Valle property in northern Los Angeles County, California.

This HMMP includes several revisions to a versi on that was previously submitted to the County of Los Angeles. Previous versions described a variety of mitigation strategies including habitat preservation, enhancement, and restoration to provide sufficient mitigation acreage to compensate for project impacts. Reductions in the ex tent of required fuel modification activities were recently approved by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, so that habitat enhancement and restoration strategies are no longer necessary to provide sufficient mitigation to offset project impacts. Specifically, the reduction in the fuel modification footprint is related to the elimination of Zone C vegetation thinning impacts, which has reduced impacts to special status vegetation types by 19.19 acres.

The proposed mitigation activities are intended to compensate for impacts to sage scrub, holly- leaf cherry woodland, mixed chaparral–alluvial scrub–annual grassland, and southern riparian scrub as discussed in Mitigation Measure (MM) Bio-1 in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (“FSEIR”, Psomas 2018) for the Tesoro del Valle Phase B and C Residential Development Project. The HMMP is provided for review by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning (LACDRP). Please note that if any discrepancies occur between the requirements of MM Bio-1 and this HMMP regarding impact and mitigation quantities then what is described in the HMMP will supersede the MM upon approval of this document.

Specifically, MM Bio-1 requires the following items to be addressed in the HMMP:
 Responsibilities and Qualifications of the Personnel to Implement and Supervise the Plan. The responsibilities of the Landowner, Specialists, and Maintenance Personnel that will supervise and implement the plan shall be specified (described in Section 2.2).  Site Selection. The site(s) for mitigation shall be determined in coordination with the Project Applicant and the LACDRP. The site shall be located in a dedicated open space area and will be contiguous with other natural open space areas ( Mitigation sites are located in dedicated open space areas and contiguous with other natural open space; see Section 3.0 and Exhibits 4 through 6).
 Site Preparation and Planting Implementation. Site preparation shall include (1) protection of existing native species; (2) trash and weed removal; (3) native species’ salvage and reuse (i.e., duff); (4) soil treatments; (5) erosion-control measures (i.e., rice or willow wattles); and (6) seed mix application. The mitigation plan shall include a discussion of whether active restoration or enhancement is required to achieve the objectives of the HMMP or if passive restoration is expected to result in the desired HMMP objectives within a reasonable time frame (described in Section 3.0).  Plant Material. All plant material used for habitat restoration purposes shall consist of native species that are local to the immediate area of the mitigation site. The source of plant material used for habitat restoration shall come from areas within 10 miles of the mitigation site and within 1,000 feet of elevation. All plant material proposed for use in a habitat restoration program shall be inspected by a qualified biological monitor to ensure that all container plants are in good health and do not contain pests or pathogens that may be harmful to existing native plants or wildlife species, including but not limited to Argentine ants, invasive shot hole borers, phytophthora, etc. Any seeds to be used for habitat restoration purposes shall be collected, cleaned, stored, and packaged by a qualified seed Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Special Status Vegetation\HMMP_Special Status Veg-012521.docx 2 Special Status Vegetation Types Habitat Mitigation Plan supplier. Native seed mixes shall be inspected by a biological monitor prior to their application to ensure that they contain the proper species and that seed packages are in good condition and do not contain any pests or pathogens. Diseased or infested plant, seed, or landscape materials shall be removed from the site and transported to an appropriate off-site green waste facility (described in Sections 4.0 and 6.0).  Schedule. Establishment of restoration/revegetation sites shall be conducted between October 15 and January 30. Introduction of hydroseed mix and container plants shall occur immediately after the restoration sites are prepared (described in Sections 4.6 and 5.0).  Maintenance Plan/Guidelines. The Maintenance Plan shall include (1) weed control; (2) herbivory control; (3) trash removal; (4) irrigation system maintenance; (5) maintenance training; and (6) replacement planting (described in Section 5.0).  Monitoring Plan. The Monitoring Plan shall include (1) qualitative monitoring (i.e., photographs and general observations); (2) quantitative monitoring (i.e., randomly placed transects); (3) monthly reports for the first year and every other month thereafter; and (4) annual reports for five years, which will be submitted to the LACDRP. Monitoring will be conducted for five years or until performance standards have been met ( described in Section 6.0).
 Performance Standards. The HMMP shall include a discussion of appropriate performance standards to determine habitat restoration success. Minimum native species coverage of approximately 90 percent relative to a nearby reference site at the end of the five-year monitoring period is a commonly utilized performance standard, though the final performance standards shall be determined based on specific site conditions. The restoration program shall be considered su ccessful if the performance standards have been achieved at the end of the five-year monitoring period and once successful plant establishment has been documented (e.g., plant health is determined to be satisfactory by the biological monitor at least two years after supplemental watering has been discontinued). If performance standards have not been achieved at the conclusion of the five-year monitoring period, monitoring and maintenance activities shall be continued until performance standards have been met (described in Section 6.1).  Signage and Fencing. If necessary, the HMMP shall include specifications on fencing to protect biological resources and restrict human access. Signage specifications shall also be developed to indicate the site is a preserve area and to either indicate that trespassing is not allowed or to instruct visitors to stay on trails if public access is allowed (described in Section 4.5).
 Long-Term Site Management. The HMMP shall identify an appropriate entity to manage any open space areas utilized for mitigation purposes. A long-term management plan shall also be developed which will be implement ed by the Long-Term Management Entity (LTME). Potential land management entities include the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority; the Tesoro del Valle Homeowners Association; the Nature Conservancy, the City of Santa Clarita, or the County of Los Angeles. Any other management entities that may be identified would be subject to approval by the LACDRP.

The County of Los Angeles shall be named as an enforcing party on any conservation easement or land dedication agreement to ensure compliance with any restrictions or required land management actions associated with the open space areas ( described in Section 8.0).
 Proof of Funding for Site Management. The HMMP shall provide a funding mechanism to ensure that sufficient funds are available to the Long-Term Management Entity for the ongoing management and protection of the mitigation sites. Possible funding mechanisms may include an endowment, payments from the Homeowners Association, or establishing a special financing district (described in Section 8.3).

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Special Status Vegetation\HMMP_Special Status Veg-012521.docx 3 Special Status Vegetation Types Habitat Mitigation Plan The goals of the mitigation plan are to (1) list the parties responsible for the implementation of the mitigation program; (2) describe the mitigation strategy to offset project impacts; (3) identify locations where mitigation activities will occur; and (4) describe long-term preservation requirements for the sites described herein.

1.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project site (project site) is located in an unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County, just north of the City of Santa Clarita (Exhibit 1).

The approximate 1,275-acre project site is located directly south of the Angeles National Forest’s Saugus Ranger District, north of Copper Hill Drive and west of San Francisquito Canyon Road.

The northeastern corner of the project site covers a portion of San Francisquito Canyon, which has been designated as Significant Ecological Area (SEA) No. 20 by the County of Los Angeles.

The project site is also located immediately north of the Phase A development portion of the Tesoro del Valle project (Exhibit 2). The Angeles National Forest lies north of the project site and Castaic Lake is located approximately two miles to the northwest.

The project site is located on the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS’) Newhall 7.5-minute quadrangle of the San Bernardino Meridian at Township 5 North, Range 16 West, Sections 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 32, and 33. The topography on the project site consists of rugged hills and canyons with native vegetation types dominating the landscape. Elevations range from approximately 1,325 to 1,830 feet above mean sea level (msl).

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project involves the buildout of Phases B and C of the Tesoro del Valle Project site.

The project’s grading footprint impacts approximately 397 acres on which 820 homes would be created, consisting of 455 single-family detached homes and 365 age-qualified senior homes.

1.3 PROJECT IMPACTS
As described above, the Tesoro del Valle development footprint will cover approximately 400 acres which will impact several vegetation types that have been afforded “special status” and/or recognition by federal and State resource agencies (Exhibit 3). In addition to the direct impacts to vegetation via grading, a total of 7.94 acres will be modified to comply with requirements of Zone B fuel modification. Zone B fuel modification areas require permanent irrigation so that the composition of the natural vegetation community is modified with highly flammable vegetation being replaced with less flammable material that responds well to the increased irrigation.

Table 1 provides a summary of impacts to vegetation types that would result from development of the project site (grading and fuel modification), with the impacted special status vegetation types indicated in bold face type.

C a st a i c
La k e
D r i n kw a t e r
R e se r v o ir
La k e
C a st a i c
La g o o n
AvenueScott
CopperHillDr
LakeHughesRd
RyeCanyon Rd
San
Francisquito
Canyon
Rd
TheOld Rd
M
cBean
Pkwy
Six Flags Magic
Mountain
Newhall RanchRd
Com
m
erceCenter Dr
Bouquet Canyon Rd
Charles Helmers
Elem School
James Foster
Elementary School
Emblem
Elementary School
Santa Clarita
Elem School
Rosedale
Elementary
School
Live Oak
Elementary School
Mountain View
Elementary SCH
Arroyo Seco Junior
High School
Valencia
High
School
Saugus
High School
UV126
§¨5
Castaic Lake
State Rec Area
Northbridge
Park
Santa
Clarita
Park
Pamplico Park
Hasley Canyon
Park
Castaic
Sports
Complex
Bouquet
Canyon Park
D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\MXD\HMMP\Strategy_Overview\ex_LV_20190111.mxd 1 0 10.5
Miles²
Local Vicinity
Habitat Mitigation Plan, Special Status Vegetation Types, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Exhibit 1
(Rev: 05-27-2020 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Sage_Scrub\ex_LV.pdf Project Boundary
Castaic
Lake

A N G E L E S

N A T I O N A L F O R E S T
Santa Clara River
Lake
Piru
Pyramid
Lake
§¨5Los Angeles
Ventura
Project
Location
§¨210
ST14
ST118
ST126
Santa
Clarita
Simi Valley
Project Location Exhibit 2
(Rev: 07/01/2020 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Sage_Scrub\ex_ProjectLocation.pdf Phase A
Copper Hill Dr
M
cBean
Pkw
y
San
Fr
anc
isquito
Canyo
n
Rd
TesorodelValle Dr
Avenida
Rancho
Tesoro
W HillsDr
Low Ridge Pl
Charlie Canyon Rd
Liana
Ln
Brescia Dr
ViaMilagro
Lobelia Ln
MayfairDr
TangoDr
CoalMountainCt
W
Dakota
Dr
Pietro
Dr
F armer Jo hn Lat
Miss ion
TrailLn
N
Quail Trl
BernardoWay
Northpark Dr
Calex Dr
RiverTrailLn
Vista del R
ioDr
Joshua Dr
Tupelo
Ridge Dr
Ta pia CanyonRd
San Francisquito Mtrwy
Phase C
Phase B
D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\MXD\HMMP\SageScrub\ex_ProjectLocation_20200701.mxd 2,000 0 2,0001,000
Feet²
Aerial Source: LAR-IAC 2014
Project Impact Boundary
Fuel Modification Impacts
Phases B & C Boundaries
Phase A Boundary
Significant Ecological Area No. 20
Habitat Mitigation Plan, Special Status Vegetation Types, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Vegetation Impacts
Habitat Mitigation Plan, Special Status Vegetation Types, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Exhibit 3
(Rev: 07/01/2020 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Sage_Scrub\ex_Existing_Veg.pdf Boxwood Ln
Low Ridge Pl
Via Vizcaya
Via Cresta
ValleyOak
Ln
Medeira
Ln
Las
BrisasRd
Tamarack Ln
CallePrimavera
ViaEstancia
Riverview Rd
Palo Verdo Dr
DeodarPl
StoneyCreekRd
DukeDrViaMilagro
BlackPineWay
W
DakotaDr
Reyes Adobe Wa y
N Quail Trl
Startree LnAvenidaRanchoTesoro
Tesoro del Valle Dr
Raintree Ln
WaysideCany
onRd
Tapia CanyonRd
San
Francisquito
Cany
onRd
TamarackLn
BoxwoodLn
Low Ridge Pl
Via Vista
AvocadoPl
Casa Luna Pl
Las T
erre
no
Ln
TangoDr
FarmerJohn Lat
Missio n
TrailLn
Startree Ln
Bernardo Way
LasBrisas Rd
Joshua Dr
Raintree
Ln
Tes
oro
delValle Dr
CharlieCanyon Rd
WaysideCanyon Rd
San
FrancisquitoMtrw
y
Tapia Canyon Rd
1,350 0 1,350675
Feet²
D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\MXD\HMMP\SageScrub\ex_Veg_Impacts_20200701.mxd Aerial Source: LAR-IAC 2014
Project Boundary
Grading Limits
Fuel Modification Impacts
Vegetation Types and Other Areas
Mixed Chaparral/Alluvial Scrub/Annual Grassland
Chamise Chaparral
Chamise Chaparral/Annual Grassland
Chamise Chaparral/Sage Scrub
Sage Scrub
Sage Scrub/Annual Grassland
Holly-leaf Cherry Woodland
Annual Grassland
Alluvial Scrub
Coast Live Oak Woodland
Coast Live Oak Woodland/Elderberry Scrub
Coast Live Oak/Holly-leaf Cherry Woodland
Elderberry Scrub
Fremont Cottonwood Woodland
Southern Riparian Scrub
Disturbed/Developed
Open Water
Ornamental
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Special Status Vegetation\HMMP_Special Status Veg-012521.docx 4 Special Status Vegetation Types Habitat Mitigation Plan TABLE 1

VEGETATION TYPES AND OTHER AREAS IMPACTED

BY THE PROPOSED PROJECT

Vegetation Type/Other Area
Grading
Footprinta
(acres)
Fuel
Modificationb
Zone B
(Wet Zone)
No
Impact
(acres)
Total
On Site
(acres) On-site Off-site
Native Vegetation Types
alluvial scrub (Lepidospartum squamatum Alliance) 0.00 0.00 0.00 27.65 27.65 blue elderberry scrub (Sambucus nigra Alliance) 8.78 0.00 0.00 4.39 13.17 chamise chaparral
(Adenostoma fasciculatum Alliance) 74.24 0.00 1.20 197.52 272.96 chamise chaparral–annual grassland
(Adenostoma fasciculatum Alliance) 12.49 0.00 0.10 22.27 34.86 chamise chaparral–sage scrub
(Adenostoma fasciculatum-Salvia mellifera Alliance) 175.09 0.00 3.00 186.48 364.57 coast live oak woodland
(Quercus agrifolia Alliance)c 0.26 0.00 0.00 5.16 5.42
coast live oak woodland–blue elderberry scrub
(Quercus agrifolia–Sambucus nigra Alliances) 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.84 7.84 coast live oak woodland–holly-leaf cherry woodland
(Quercus agrifolia–Prunus ilicifolia Alliances) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.52 0.52 Fremont cottonwood woodland
(Populus fremontii Alliance) 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.61 1.61
holly-leaf cherry woodland
(Prunus ilicifolia Alliance) 0.22 0.00 0.00 7.97 8.19
mixed chaparral–alluvial scrub–annual grassland
(no Alliance) 3.72 0.00 0.00 7.67 11.39
sage scrub (Artemisia californica–Eriogonum
fasciculatum Alliance) 75.72 0.09 1.21 196.65 273.58
sage scrub–annual grassland (Artemisia
californica–Eriogonum fasciculatum Alliance) 21.80 0.01 2.40 132.83 157.03 southern riparian scrub (Salix lasiolepis Alliance) 1.43 0.00 0.00 3.20 4.63 Subtotal Native Vegetation Types 373.75 0.10 7.91 801.76 1,183.42 Subtotal Native Vegetation Types 373.85 Non-Native Vegetation Types
annual grassland (Bromus semi-natural stands) 8.52 0.00 0.02 46.44 54.98 ornamental 4.49 0.77 0.00 4.02 8.51
Subtotal Non-Native Vegetation Types 13.01 0.77 0.02 50.46 63.49 Other Areas
disturbed–developed 10.82 2.03 0.01 14.34 25.17
open water 0.12 0.00 0.00 2.70 2.82
Subtotal Other Areas 10.94 2.03 0.01 17.04 27.99
Total 397.70 2.90 7.94 869.26 1,274.90 Total 400.60
a Grading footprint consists of both on-site impacts (397.70 acres) and off-site impacts (2.90 acres) b Approved fuel modification requirem ents consist of Zone A (on individual building pads) and Zone B (irrigated slopes within 100 feet of structures) areas only. No Zone C (dry zone vegetation thinning) fuel modification is required. c Coast live oak woodland is considered to be a special status vegetation type, but mitigation is described in a separate plan.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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1.4 DESCRIPTION OF SPECIAL STATUS VEGETATION TYPES
The vegetation types to be impacted by the project that have been determined to have “special status” include various sage scrub communities (e.g., sage scrub, sage scrub–annual grassland, and chamise chaparral–sage scrub), holly-leaf cherry woodland, mixed chaparral–alluvial scrub/annual grassland, and southern riparian scrub. Please note that coast live oak woodland is also considered to be a special status vegetation type. However, mitigation related to oak impacts is detailed in a separate coast live oak woodland mitigation plan. Special status vegetation types that are the subject of this mitigation program are described below.

1.4.1 Sage Scrub Communities
As indicated above, the sage scrub communities are those that are dominated scrub species such as California sagebrush ( Artemisia californica ), black sage ( Salvia mellifera), California buckwheat ( Eriogonum fasciculatum ), deerweed (Acmispon glaber ), and purple sage ( Salvia leucophylla). In addition to sage scrub, additional special status vegetation types in this category include chamise chaparral–sage scrub and sage scrub–annual grassland. Chamise- chaparral– sage scrub contains chamise ( Adenostoma fasciculatum) as a co-dominant species with other shrubs listed above, while sage scrub–annual grassland essentially is degraded sage scrub habitat with a significant vegetative component of non-native herbaceous species such as slender wild oats (Avena barbata), foxtail chess ( Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), tocalote (Centaurea melitensis), and short-pod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana).

1.4.2 Holly-Leaf Cherry Woodland
Holly-leaf cherry woodland is defined by the dominance of holly-leaf cherry ( Prunus ilicifolia ).

Other species that are common on the project site to this vegetation type include fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica ), blue elderberry ( Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea ), and sacapellote ( Acourtia microcephala).

1.4.3 Mixed Chaparral–Alluvial Scrub–Annual Grassland
This vegetation type is located in a flat canyon bottom with alluvial soils in the eastern portion of the project site. Species that are associated with chaparral vegetation are common throughout this area including holly-leaf redberry ( Rhamnus ilicifolia ), thick-leaf yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium), chamise, fragrant sumac, and California buckwheat. Scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum), a dominant component of alluvial scrub, is also found in patches toward the upstream portion of this area. Non-native annual grasses such as slender wild oats and ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) are prevalent throughout.

1.4.4 Southern Riparian Scrub
Southern riparian scrub is dominated by several species of willow, including black willow (Salix gooddingii) and arroyo willow ( Salix lasiolepis), along with mule fat ( Baccharis salicifolia) and tamarisk ( Tamarix ramosissima ). This vegetation type occurs in various debris/detention basins in the southeastern portion of the development footprint. The quality of this habitat has been observed to vary greatly in response to annual precipitation; recent drought years resulted in a significant deterioration to the quality of this habitat as many of the willow saplings have become significantly desiccated.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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2.0 MITIGATION SUMMARY
Impacts to special status vegetation types were considered significant under the California Environmental Quality Act through the preparation of the project’s FSEIR. Implementation of MM Bio-1, which requires preparation of this Habitat Mitigation Plan, is designed to mitigate the loss of these special status vegetation types. This section summarizes the required mitigation specified in MM Bio-1 and the parties responsible for implementing the mitigation activities.

2.1 MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS
Impacts to special status vegetation types that will result from removal via grading or as a result of modifying vegetation communities to comply with fuel modification requirements require mitigation. Mitigation ratios are dependent on the type of impact (grading or fuel modification).

The removal of vegetation through grading will be offset at a 2:1 ratio for all special status vegetation types: sage scrub, chamise chaparral–sage scrub, sage scrub–annual grassland, holly-leaf cherry woodland, mixed chaparral–alluvial scrub–annual grassland, and southern riparian scrub.

Fuel modification requirements consist of a Zone A area on the developed housing pads and a Zone B area that consists of an irrigated landscape area to reduce the potential spread of fire.

The total fuel modification area of these two zones is 100 feet from the nearest structure. Most of these fuel modification zones will occur within the grading footprint of the development area; Zone B fuel modification that occurs outside of the project’s grading footprint is treated as a separate impact in Table 2 (Zone A fuel modification occurs entirely within the grading footprint).

Zone B fuel modification will require the removal of several species that are characteristic of sage scrub communities (e.g., California sagebrush, California buckwheat, and black sage) and planting of other species that respond positively to the increased irrigation. While Zone B will still be composed of native plant species, the above-described changes will result in a conversion of vegetation types. These changes will be mitigated at a 1.5:1 ratio (i.e., one acre of Zone B vegetation conversion would require 1.5 acres of mitigation credit). Since the submittal of previous versions of this mitigation plan, as described in Section 1.0, Fuel Modification (FFFM) No. 202000371 (related to Fuel Modification Plan No. 8486) was approved on October 8, 2020 by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. FFFM No. 202000371 removes Zone C (dry zone) fuel modification requirements that would have resulted in a reduction of vegetation coverage.

Sage scrub vegetation is a special status vegetation type, while chamise chaparral-sage scrub and sage scrub-annual grassland contain sage scrub as a component. Therefore, sage scrub mitigation credit is utilized herein at a greater ratio than the other vegetation types. For example, one acre of sage scrub mitigation credit provides the same benefit as two acres of chamise chaparral-sage scrub mitigation.

As summarized in Table 2, construction of the proposed project requires the following mitigation for special status vegetation types:
 555.34 acres of sage scrub communities (sage scrub, sage scrub-annual grassland, chamise chaparral-sage scrub);
 0.44 acre of holly-leaf cherry woodland;
 7.44 acres of mixed chaparral–alluvial scrub–annual grassland; and  2.86 acres of southern riparian scrub

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Special Status Vegetation\HMMP_Special Status Veg-012521.docx 7 Special Status Vegetation Types Habitat Mitigation Plan TABLE 2

SUMMARY OF VEGETATION IMPACTS AND REQUIRED MITIGATION

Vegetation Type/Other Area
Impact
Type
Impact
Quantity
(acres)
Mitigation
Ratio
Mitigation
Requirement
(acres)
Special Status Vegetation Types
sage scrub
Grading

75.81 2:1 151.62
chamise chaparral–sage scrub 175.09 2:1 350.18
sage scrub–annual grassland 21.81 2:1 43.62
sage scrub
Fuel Modification
(Zone B)

1.21 1.5:1 1.82
chamise chaparral–sage scrub 3.00 1.5:1 4.50
sage scrub–annual grassland 2.40 1.5:1 3.60
Sage Scrub Mitigation Subtotal 279.32 555.34
holly-leaf cherry woodland Grading 0.22 2:1 0.44
Holly-leaf Cherry Woodland Mitigation
Subtotal 0.22 0.44
mixed chaparral–alluvial scrub–annual grassland Grading 3.72 2:1 7.44 Mixed Chaparral–Alluvial Scrub–Annual
Grassland Subtotal 3.72 7.44
southern riparian scrub Grading 1.43 2:1 2.86
Southern Riparian Scrub Subtotal 1.43 2.86

2.2 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
The Project Applicant and Project Biologist responsible for preparing this HMMP, and key individuals responsible for its approval are listed below in Table 3. Specific responsibilities and qualifications of each responsible party are described below.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Special Status Vegetation\HMMP_Special Status Veg-012521.docx 8 Special Status Vegetation Types Habitat Mitigation Plan TABLE 3

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

Task/Role
Responsible Parties
Entity/Company Contact Address Phone Number
Project Applicant BLC Tesoro LLC Michael Schlesinger
100 Bayview Circle,
Suite 240
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 945-2290
Project Biologist Psomas David Hughes
225 South Lake Avenue,
Suite 1000
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 351-2000
Long-Term
Management Entities
(LTMEs)
City of Santa Clarita Janine Prado
23920 Valencia Boulevard
Suite 300
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 255-4978
Tataviam Land
Conservancy Nicole Johnson
1019 Second Street
Suite 1
San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 837-0794
Tesoro del Valle
Master Homeowners
Association
Shauna Gatlin
25115 West Avenue Stanford
Valencia, CA 91354 (661) 294-5270
Easement Holder
Mountains Recreation
and Conservation
Authority
Paul Edelman 5810 Ramirez Canyon Road
Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 589-3230
CEQA mitigation
compliance
Los Angeles County
Department of
Regional Planning
Joe Decruyenaere
320 West Temple Street
13th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-6461
TBD: To be determined

2.2.1 Project Applicant
The Project Applicant is responsible for executing an agreement with a reputable land management agency for the permanent preservation of all mitigation areas described herein and for providing an endowment or other financial assurance mechanism to ensure that sufficient funds are available for the ongoing management of the mitigation areas.

2.2.2 Project Biologist
The Project Applicant will retain a Project Biologist experienced in assessing native vegetation types to document the type and quality of the various vegetation types on the project site. The mapping of the vegetation types provides the basis for determining the project impacts and habitat preservation described herein. The Project Biologist is also responsible for preparing the HMMP to adequately compensate for project development.

2.2.3 Long-Term Management Entities
Mitigation sites described herein will be transferred to three separate Long-Term Management Entities (LTMEs). The majority will be transferred to the City of Santa Clarita, while three separate areas that are generally surrounded by developed areas will be transferred to the Tesoro del Valle Master Homeowners Association (HOA). The Phase C Conservation Area will be transferred to the Tataviam Land Conservancy (TLC). The terms of the transfer of these areas to the LTMEs are described in separate Open Space Manage ment and Maintenance Agreements (OSMMAs).

It is the responsibility of the LTMEs to manage the mitigation sites to ensure that their habitat qualities are maintained in perpetuity. An endowment or other financial assurance will be provided Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Special Status Vegetation\HMMP_Special Status Veg-012521.docx 9 Special Status Vegetation Types Habitat Mitigation Plan by the Project Applicant to the LTMEs to ensure sufficient funds are available for the successful management of the mitigation areas. The LTMEs are subject to approval by the LACDRP.

2.2.4 Easement Holder
The area in the northeast corner of the property in San Francisquito Canyon is referred to as the Phase C Conservation Area. Preservation of natural habitat in this area is described in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Streambed Alteration Agreement No. 1600- 2020-0101-R5 as mitigation for impacts to jurisdictional streambeds. As a result, a Conservation Easement (CE), based on the CDFW-approved CE template, shall be recorded to ensure the permanent preservation of the area. The CE must be recorded in favor of a CDFW-approved conservation agency.

For the Phase C Conservation Area, the Easement Holder will be the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). The Easement Holder has the responsibility to ensure that the mitigation property is retained forever in its natural condition and to prevent any use of the area that will interfere with its conservation values.

2.2.5 CEQA Mitigation Compliance
The LACDRP is responsible for reviewing this HMMP to confirm that the mitigation activities described herein adequately compensate for impacts to special status vegetation types. The LACDRP will also review the qualifications of all Long-Term Management Entities that are identified to receive the mitigation areas and the CE and OSMMAs that ensure their permanent preservation.

The County of Los Angeles will have regulatory authority over the Tesoro del Valle project area, including the open space areas described herein, until the project area has been annexed to the City of Santa Clarita (expected November 2021). The County of Los Angeles will be a third-party beneficiary of the OSMMAs until the project area is annexed to the City of Santa Clarita, at which point the County’s third-party beneficiary status will end, including the enforcement duties of open space management requirements of the OSMMAs.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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3.0 MITIGATION STRATEGY
To compensate for project impacts to the special status vegetation types described in Section

2.1, the Project Applicant will ensure the preservation of other open space areas on the project site. Preservation of special status vegetation types will occur in three separate portions of the project site:

1. The majority of the habitat preservation areas are located in open space areas to the west, north, and east of the development area. These areas will be transferred to the City of Santa Clarita.

2. Areas that are internal to the project development area and are generally surrounded by development. Three discrete areas will be transferred to the HOA: (1) the area that is between the Phase A and Phase B development areas; (2) an island of undisturbed habitat in the middle of the Phase B development footprint; and (3) an area that is located south of Casa Luna Place and west of Tesoro del Valle Drive.

3. The Phase C Conservation Area is in the northeast corner of the property in San Francisquito Canyon. Ownership of this area will be transferred to the TLC and the MRCA will hold a CE over the area to comply with requirements of the CDFW Streambed Alteration Agreement. Property transfer will occur following recordation of the CE.

Table 4 provides a summary of required mitigation and the associated preservation to demonstrate that all mitigation requirements are satisfied.

3.1 HABITAT PRESERVATION
Preservation areas that are within the property boundary but are outside the project’s development footprint (i.e., the grading footprint and fuel modification areas) will be conveyed to the Long-Term Management Entities (Exhibit 4). Preservation of each vegetation type will be credited as 1:1 mitigation (i.e., one acre of preserved vegetation will provide one acre of mitigation). Mitigation credit to be provided via habitat preservation is summarized below.

3.1.1 Sage Scrub Communities
Areas throughout the northern and western portions of the Tesoro del Valle property outside the development footprint contain a mixture of sage scrub communities, including sage scrub (196.65 acres), chamise chaparral–sage scrub (186.48 acres), and sage scrub–annual grassland (132.83 acres). Preservation of these areas will provi de 496.77 acres of mitigation credit as summarized in Table 4.

3.1.2 Holly-Leaf Cherry Woodland
Wayside Canyon, located in the southwestern corner of the property, contains a total of 7.97 acres of holly-leaf cherry woodland. Preservation of this area will greatly exceed the mitigation requirement for this vegetation type of 0.44 acre.

3.1.3 Mixed Chaparral–Alluvial Scrub–Annual Grassland
Project development will impact the uppermost portion of the canyon that contains this vegetation type. Preserving the remaining 7.67 acres that will remained undisturbed will exceed the mitigation requirement of 7.44 acres.

Habitat Preservation Areas
Habitat Mitigation Plan, Special Status Vegetation Types, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Exhibit 4
(Rev: 07/01/2020 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Sage_Scrub\ex_Habitat_Preservation.pdf Boxwood Ln
Low Ridge Pl
Via Vizcaya
Via Cresta
ValleyOak
Ln
Medeira
Ln
Las
BrisasRd
Tamarack Ln
CallePrimavera
ViaEstancia
Riverview Rd
Palo Verdo Dr
DeodarPl
StoneyCreekRd
DukeDrViaMilagro
BlackPineWay
W
DakotaDr
Reyes Adobe Wa y
N Quail Trl
Startree LnAvenidaRanchoTesoro
Tesoro del Valle Dr
Raintree Ln
WaysideCany
onRd
Tapia CanyonRd
TamarackLn
BoxwoodLn
Low Ridge Pl
Via Vista
AvocadoPl
Las T
erre
no
Ln
TangoDr
Missio n
TrailLn
Startree Ln
Bernardo Way
LasBrisasRd
Joshua Dr
Rain
tree
Ln
Charlie Canyon Rd
Wayside Canyon Rd
Tapia Canyon Rd
San
Francisquito
Canyon
Rd
1,350 0 1,350675
Feet²
D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\MXD\HMMP\SageScrub\ex_Habitat_Preservation_20200701.mxd Aerial Source: LAR-IAC 2014
Project Boundary
Grading Limits
Mitigation Areas
City of Santa Clarita Habitat Preservation Area
Tesoro del Valle HOA Habitat Preservation Area
Phase C Conservation Area
Vegetation Types and Other Areas
Mixed Chaparral/Alluvial Scrub/Annual Grassland (7.67 acres, providing 7.44 acre of mitigation credit) Chamise Chaparral
Chamise Chaparral/Annual Grassland
Chamise Chaparral/Sage Scrub (186.48 acres of mitigation credit) Sage Scrub (196.65 acres of mitigation credit)
Sage Scrub/Annual Grassland (132.83 acres of mitigation credit) Holly-leaf Cherry Woodland (7.97 acres, providing 0.44 acre of mitigation credit) Annual Grassland
Alluvial Scrub
Coast Live Oak Woodland
Coast Live Oak Woodland/Elderberry Scrub
Coast Live Oak/Holly-leaf Cherry Woodland
Elderberry Scrub
Fremont Cottonwood Woodland
Southern Riparian Scrub (3.20 acres, providing 2.86 acres of mitigation credit) Disturbed/Developed
Open Water
Ornamental
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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3.1.4 Southern Riparian Scrub
The northeastern corner of the Tesoro del Valle property contains a portion of San Francisquito Creek that has 3.20 acres of southern riparian scrub vegetation. This area contains a mixture of black willow, arroyo willow, and mule fat that is consistent with the vegetative composition of what occurs in the development footprint. Preserving this area will exceed the mitigation requirement of 2.86 acres.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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SUMMARY OF HABITAT PRESERVATION

Vegetation Type
Required
Mitigation
(acres)a
Mitigation
Strategy
Mitigation
Provided (acres)
Mitigation Surplus
(positive) or Deficit
(negative) (acres)
Relative
Habitat
Valueb
Adjusted
Mitigation
Surplus (acres)
Sage Scrub Mitigation
sage scrub 153.44 Preservati on 196.65 43.21 2x 86.42
chamise chaparral–sage scrub 354.68 Pr eservation 186.48 -168.20 1x -168.20 sage scrub–annual grassland 47.22 Preservation 132.83 85.61 1x 85.61 Subtotal 555.34 515.96 -39.38 3.8 3
Holly-Leaf Cherry Woodland Mitigation
holly-leaf cherry woodland 0.44 Pr eservation 7.97 7.53 1x 7.53 Subtotal 0.44 7.97 7.53 7.53
Mixed Chaparral–Alluvial Scrub–Annual Grassland Mitigation mixed chaparral–alluvial scrub–annual grassland 7.44 Preservation 7.67 0.23 1x 0.23 Subtotal 7.44 7.67 0.2 3 0.2 3
Southern Riparian Scrub Mitigation
southern riparian scrub 2.86 Pres ervation 3.20 0.34 1x 0.34 Subtotal 2.86 3.20 0.34 0.34
a Mitigation requirements are calculated in Table 2 and consist of mitigation to offset project grading and fuel modification impacts. b Sage scrub habitat is deemed to have twice the habitat value for mitigation credit (relative to chamise chaparral-sage scrub and sage scrub-annual grassland) and the surplus in sage scrub mitigation offsets the deficit for the chamise chaparral-sage scrub vegetation type

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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4.0 ONGOING SITE PRESERVA TION AND MANAGEMENT
As a part of the mitigation program, long-term management of the mitigation sites will be transferred to the LTMEs. This section describes the ownership and long-term management of the mitigation sites.

4.1 MITIGATION SITE OWNERSHIP
The mitigation sites will be transferred in fee to the City of Santa Clarita, the TLC and the HOA under the terms of the OSMMAs. The LACDRP will be named as an enforcing party in the OSMMAs, until the open space areas are annexed by the City of Santa Clarita.

Three areas will be transferred in fee to the HOA: (1) the mitigation site that is between the Phase A and Phase B development areas; (2) an island of undisturbed habitat in the middle of the Phase B development footprint; and (3) an area that is located south of Casa Luna Place and west of Tesoro del Valle Drive.

The mitigation site to the west, north, and east of the development area will be transferred in fee to the City of Santa Clarita. These areas contain the majority of habitat to be preserved for mitigation credit.

The Phase C Conservation Area will be transferred in fee to the TLC subject to a CE in favor of the MRCA. The CE will be based on the approved CDFW template and the terms of the CE will be enforceable by CDFW and LACDRP. As required by current CDFW policy, the TLC is required to apply for approval as a CDFW land manager in order to accept mitigation lands. Should the TLC not be approved by the CDFW and an alternative LTME becomes necessary, BLC Tesoro will enter into an agreement with a land manager that is already approved by CDFW. Property transfer will occur following recordation of the CE and CDFW approval of the TLC to serve as the owner and LTME of the Phase C Conservation Area.

The terms of each OSMMA and CE will allow right-of-entry to the Project Applicant to perform mitigation activities pursuant to other HMMPs associated with the Project.

4.2 LONG-TERM SITE MANAGEMENT
The City of Santa Clarita will serve as the LTME for most of the open space areas utilized for mitigation purposes. The HOA will serve as the LTME for the open space area transferred to it as described above. The TLC will serve as the LTME for the Phase C Conservation Area, though the MRCA will be the easement holder for this area. As discussed above, the TLC is required to apply for CDFW approval to act as the LTME for the Phase C Conservation Area. Should the TLC not be approved by the CDFW and an alternative LTME becomes necessary, BLC Tesoro will enter into an agreement with a land manager that is already approved by CDFW.

As the LTMEs, the City of Santa Clarita, the TLC and the HOA will be responsible for preparing Long-Term Management Plans (LTMPs) for all areas to be preserved. A separate LTMP will be prepared by each LTME. The LTMPs will describe activities such as non-native plant control, supplemental native seed mix application, trash removal, repair and maintenance of any protective fencing or signage that is erected, and public outreach to ensure compliance with the rules of the open space areas. Land management activities will be performed on a permanent basis.

The LTMPs must be approved by the LACDRP Bi ologist and the CDFW (Phase C Conservation Area only).

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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4.3 FUNDING MECHANISM
A funding mechanism is required to ensure that sufficient funds are available to the LTMEs for the ongoing management and protection of the mitigation site.

Funding for the HOA-owned mitigation sites will be provided by monthly dues paid by the members of the HOA.

Funding for the City Open Space Areas will be provided by one or more of the following sources, which may include: (1) parcel taxes paid to the City of Santa Clarita’s Open Space Preservation District (after the project area is annexed to the City); (2) a new Community Facilities District for maintenance purposes to be formed in the project area; or (3) establishment of a Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District (after the project area is annexed to the City of Santa Clarita).

Funding for the Phase C Conservation Area will be provided by one or more of the following sources: (1) State and federal grants secured by the TLC; (2) a new Community Facilities District for maintenance purposes to be formed in the project area; or (3) establishment of a Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District (after the project area is annexed to the City).

4.4 COORDINATION WITH CDFW AND OTHER PERMITTING AGENCIES All proposed conservation easements and LTMPs, together with a description of proposed endowment and other funding arrangements, shall be submitted to the LACDRP for review and comment prior to the recording of the first final map. The LACDRP acknowledges that the final form of these documents is subject to the review and approval of the CDFW and other permitting agencies, and that the documents and proposed funding arrangements are therefore subject to change. The Project Applicant shall keep the LACDRP informed of any modifications requested by the permitting agencies.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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5.0 REFERENCES
Psomas. 2018. Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report, Tesoro del Valle (Phases A, B, C) Project. State Clearinghouse No. 2016101032. CEQA report provided to the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning.

Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and
Monitoring Program

Tesoro del Valle Phases B and C
Revised VTTM 51644-1
Los Angeles County, California

Streambed Alteration Agreement 1600-1999-0126-R5
Condition 10
EIR Mitigation Measure BIO-2
Los Angeles County Oak Tree Permit No. 2010-00029

Prepared for BLC TESORO LLC
100 Bayview Circle, Suite 240
Newport Beach, California 92660
Contact: Michael Schlesinger
T: (949) 945-2290

Prepared by Psomas
225 South Lake Avenue, Suite 1000
Pasadena, California 91101
Contact: David Hughes
Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner #243
T: (626) 351-2000
November 9, 2020
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx i Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. ES-1

1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project Location ..................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Project Description ................................................................................................ 3

1.3 Responsible Parties .............................................................................................. 4

1.4 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................ 4

1.5 Project Impacts and Required Mitigation ............................................................... 5

2.0 Mitigation Program Summary ........................................................................................ 7

2.1 Mitigation Site Locations ....................................................................................... 7

2.2 Reference Site Locations ...................................................................................... 7

2.3 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................ 7

2.4 Schedule ............................................................................................................... 8

2.5 Responsible Parties .............................................................................................. 8

2.5.1 Project Applicant ........................................................................................ 8

2.5.2 Biological Monitor ...................................................................................... 8

2.5.3 Landscape Contractor ............................................................................... 8

2.5.4 Long-Term Management Entities .............................................................. 9

2.5.5 Easement Holder ....................................................................................... 9

2.5.6 LACDRP and CDFW ................................................................................. 9

3.0 Oak Tree Protection During Construction .................................................................. 10

3.1 Protected Zone .................................................................................................... 10

3.2 Equipment and Storage Access .......................................................................... 10

3.3 Erosion Control .................................................................................................... 10

3.4 Replacement ....................................................................................................... 10

3.5 Grading Plans ...................................................................................................... 11

3.6 Vegetation Clearing
............................................................................................. 11

3.7 Dust Control ........................................................................................................ 11

4.0 Mitigation Site Installation ............................................................................................ 12

4.1 Rationale for Expecting Implementation Success ............................................... 12

4.2 Financial Assurance ............................................................................................ 12

4.3 Site Preparation ................................................................................................... 12

4.3.1 Protection of Existing Resources ............................................................. 12

4.3.2 Exotic Species Removal .......................................................................... 12

4.4 Planting Plan ....................................................................................................... 13 Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx ii Table of Contents

4.4.1 Container Planting ................................................................................... 14

4.5 Irrigation Plan ...................................................................................................... 14

4.6 Fencing ................................................................................................................ 15

4.7 As-Built Conditions .............................................................................................. 15

4.8 Seed Application ................................................................................................. 15

5.0 Long-term Maintenance and Management ................................................................. 17

5.1 Adaptive Management ........................................................................................ 17

5.2 Maintenance Schedule ........................................................................................ 17

5.3 Ongoing Exotic and Weed Species Control ........................................................ 18

5.4 Irrigation .............................................................................................................. 18

5.5 Erosion and Sedimentation Control ..................................................................... 18

5.6 Pest Control ......................................................................................................... 18

5.7 Plant Replacement .............................................................................................. 19

5.8 Trash Removal .................................................................................................... 19

5.9 Vegetation Management ..................................................................................... 19

5.9.1 Dead Wood/Leaf Litter Removal .............................................................. 19

5.9.2 Pruning .................................................................................................... 19

6.0 Biological Monitoring Guidelines ................................................................................ 20

6.1 Performance Standards and Success Criteria .................................................... 20

6.2 Monitoring Methods ............................................................................................. 21

6.3 Monitoring Schedule ............................................................................................ 22

6.4 Site Status Documentation .................................................................................. 23

6.4.1 Initial Implementation Summary .............................................................. 23

6.4.2 Progress Reports ..................................................................................... 23

6.4.3 Annual Status Reports ............................................................................. 23

7.0 Final Program Approv al ............................................................................................... 25

7.1 Final Agency Approval ........................................................................................ 25

8.0 Long-Term Site Management ....................................................................................... 26

8.1 Mitigation Site Ownership .................................................................................... 26

8.2 Long-Term Site Management .............................................................................. 26

8.3 Funding Mechanism ............................................................................................ 26

8.4 Coordination with CDFW and Other Permitting Agencies ................................... 27

9.0 References ..................................................................................................................... 28

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx iii Table of Contents TABLES

Table Page

1 Responsible Parties ........................................................................................................ .. 4 2 CDFW Tree Mitigation Summary ...................................................................................... 5 3 Tree Mitigation Summary .................................................................................................. 6 4 Oak Container Plant Palette ............................................................................................ 14 5 Seed Mix Species and Quantities ................................................................................... 15 6 Habitat Mitigation Sites Maintenance Program Schedule ............................................... 17 7 Performance Standards .................................................................................................. 20 8 Tree Health Rating Criteria ............................................................................................. 21 9 Long-Term Site Monitoring Schedule Years One and Two ............................................. 22 10 Long-Term Site Monitoring Schedule Years Three through Ten .................................... 22 11 Site Remedial Procedures .............................................................................................. 24

EXHIBITS

Exhibit Follows Page

1 Local Vicinity ..................................................................................................................... 3 2 Project Location ................................................................................................................ 3 3 Oak Tree Planting Locations ............................................................................................. 7 4 Oak Tree Planting Locations ............................................................................................. 7 5 Mitigation Site Photos ....................................................................................................... 7 6 Reference Site Photos ...................................................................................................... 7

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx ES-1 Executive Summary

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program (HMMP) described herein provides guidelines for the establishment of oak trees and oak woodland habitat as compensation for oak tree impacts associated with development of the Tesoro del Valle Phases B and C Residential Project by BLC Tesoro, LLC (project). This project consists of the development of 820 homes on the approximate 397-acre project site in northern Los Angeles County, immediately north of the City of Santa Clarita, California. Mitigation requirements for impacts to oak trees and oak woodland associated with this project are found in the following documents:
 California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Streambed Alteration Agreement (SAA) (No. 5-126-99; amended December 2019)
 The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan for the Tesoro del Valle (Phases A, B, C) Project Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 2016101032)
 County of Los Angeles Oak Tree Permit No. 2010-00029
Impacts to oak trees and oak woodland habitat were considered to be significant under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project will remove 11 oak trees that are protected by the County of Los Angeles Oak Tree Ordinance (CLAOTO). These oak trees occur within 0.31 acre of oak woodlands as defined by the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Management Plan. Oak tree replacement for trees protected by the CLAOTO is provided at a 2:1 ratio, so that 22 replacement trees are needed to satisfy this requirement.

Trees protected by the CDFW are determined differently than the CLAOTO. The project will impact 12 oak trees that are subject to CDFW protection (most of which are the same trees covered by the CLAOTO). The resulting mitigation requirement for these impacts is based on the size of the trees to be removed so that the amended SAA requires the establishment of 127 oak trees.

Mitigation will be performed within two separate on-site open space areas: oak trees to satisfy the County of Los Angeles requirements will be insta lled in an open space area to the north of the project development area, while oak trees pursuant to CDFW requirements will be installed in an open space along the eastern portion of San Francisquito Canyon, located southeast of the project development area.

This document describes (1) the quantity of oak tree resources to be impacted; (2) existing conditions in the oak woodland areas to be impacted; (3) the sites where mitigation is to be performed; and (4) site preparation activities, long-term monitoring, and ongoing maintenance that are expected to facilitate the successful establishment of oak trees and oak woodland habitat.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program (HMMP) described herein provides requirements and guidelines for the establis hment and monitoring of coast live oak ( Quercus agrifolia) and scrub oak ( Quercus berberidifolia) trees and oak woodland habitat on the Tesoro del Valle property in northern Los Angeles County, California.

The proposed mitigation activities are intended to compensate for impacts to coast live oak and scrub oak trees as discussed in Mitigation Measure (MM) Bio-2 in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (“FSEIR”, Psomas 2018) for the Tesoro del Valle Phase B and C Residential Development Project. The HMMP is provided for review by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning (LACDRP). Please note that if any discrepancies occur between the requirements of MM Bio-2 and this HMMP regarding impact and mitigation quantities then what is described in the HMMP will supersede the MM upon approval of this document.

Specifically, MM Bio-2 requires the following items to be addressed in the HMMP:

Prior to ground disturbance, orange snow fencing shall be installed around trees (five feet outside the drip line) that are in the vicinity of proposed grading limits but would not be impacted by construction. Fencing shall be in place and inspected by the Project Biologist prior to commencement of ground disturbance. This fencing shall remain in place throughout construction in the vicinity of the fenced trees until the LACDRP determines that the fences can be removed without placing the trees in jeopardy of damage from construction activities (See Section 3.0).

Individual oak tree replacement as described above shall be performed in order to offset the loss of 0.31 acre of coast live oak woodland (as defined by the Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Management Plan). This shall be accomplished by establishing trees in on-site open space areas in the vicinity of existing oak trees. Trees shall be spaced at a distance of 30 and 60 feet to provide at least 0.62 acre of oak woodland (to provide a minimum 2:1 replacement ratio). The restoration program shall be described in a HMMP in accordance with a LACDRP-approved landscape palette. The HMMP shall be developed by a qualified Biologist and shall be submitted for review and approval to the LACDRP prior to initiating project activities that would impact oak trees and/or oak woodland resources. The Project Applicant shall be responsible for plan implementation. Restoration shall consist of seeding and planting containers of appropriate native species. The HMMP will include the following items:
 Responsibilities and Qualifications of the Personnel to Implement and Supervise the Plan. The responsibilities of the Landowner, Specialists, and Maintenance Personnel that would supervise and implement the Plan shall be specified (See Section 2.4).
 Site Selection. The mitigation site(s) shall be determined in coordination with the Project Applicant and resource agencies. The site will be located in a dedicated open space area and will be contiguous with other natural open space (See Section 2.1).  Site Preparation and Planting Implementation. Site preparation shall include (1) protection of existing native species, (2) trash and weed removal, (3) native species’ salvage and reuse (i.e., duff), (4) soil treatments, (5) temporary irrigation installation, (6) erosion-control measures (i.e., rice or willow wattles), (7) seed mix application to create a native understory that is comparable to the impacted oak woodland areas, and (8) planting of container plants. The mitigation plan shall include a discussion of whether active restoration or enhancement is required to create an appropriate native understory or if passive restoration may be expected to allow Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 2 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program natural establishment of a native understory within a reasonable time frame ( See Section 4.3).
 Plant Material. All plant material used for habitat restoration purposes shall consist of native species that are local to the immediate area of the mitigation site. The source of plant material used for habitat restoration shall come from areas within 10 miles of the mitigation site and within 1,000 feet of elevation. All plant material proposed for use in a habitat restoration program shall be inspected by a qualified biological monitor to ensure that all container plants are in good health and do not contain pests or pathogens that may be harmful to existing native plants or wildlife species, including but not limited to Argentine ants, invasive shot hole borers, phytophthora, etc. Any seeds to be used for habitat restoration purposes shall be collected, cleaned, stored, and packaged by a qualified seed supplier. Native seed mixes shall be inspected by a biological monitor prior to their application to ensure that they contain the proper species and that seed packages are in good condition and do not contain any pests or pathogens. Diseased or infested plant, seed, or landscape materials shall be removed from the site and transported to an appropriate off-site green waste facility (See Section 4.4).
 Schedule. A schedule shall be developed that includes planting in late fall and early winter, between October 15 and January 30 (See Sections 4.4 and 4.8).  Maintenance Plan/Guidelines. The Maintenance Plan shall include (1) weed control, (2) herbivory control, (3) trash removal, (4) irrigation system maintenance, (5) maintenance training, and (6) replacement planting (See Section 5.0).  Monitoring Plan. The Monitoring Plan shall include (1) qualitative monitoring (i.e., photographs and general observations), (2) quantitative monitoring (i.e., randomly placed transects), (3) monthly reports for the first year and reports every other month thereafter, and (4) annual reports that shall be submitted to the resource agencies for three to five years. The site shall be monitored and maintained for five years or until performance standards have been met to ensure successful establishment of oak woodland (See Section 6.0).
 Performance Standards. The HMMP shall include a discussion of appropriate performance standards to determine habitat restoration success. Performance standards would consist of 100 percent survival of replacement oak trees and minimum native species coverage for oak woodland understory stratum of approximately 90 percent relative to a nearby reference site at the end of the five-year monitoring period, though the final performance standards shall be determined based on specific site conditions. The restoration program shall be considered successful if the performance standards have been achieved at the end of the five-year monitoring period and once successful plant establishment has been documented (e.g., plant health is determined to be satisfactory by the biological monitor at least two years after supplemental watering has been discontinued). If performance standards have not been achieved at the conclusion of the five-year monitoring period, monitoring and maintenance activities shall be continued until performance standards have been met (See Section 6.1).
 Signage and Fencing. If necessary, the HMMP shall include specifications on fencing to protect biological resources and restrict human access. Signage specifications shall also be developed to indicate the site is a preserve area and to either indicate that trespassing is not allowed or to instruct visitors to stay on trails if public access is allowed (See Sections 4.6 and 8.2).
 Long-Term Site Management. The HMMP shall identify an appropriate entity to manage any open space areas utilized for mitigation purposes. A Long-Term Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 3 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program Management Plan shall also be developed which will be implemented by the Long- Term Management Entity. Potential land management entities include the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the Tesoro del Valle Homeowners Association, the Nature Conservancy, the City of Santa Clarita, or the County of Los Angeles. Any other management entities that may be identified would be subject to approval by the LACDRP. The County of Los Angeles shall be named as an enforcing party on any conservation easement or land dedication agreement to ensure compliance with any restrictions or required land management actions associated with the open space areas (See Section 8.0).
 Proof of Funding for Site Management. The HMMP shall provide a funding mechanism to ensure that sufficient funds are available to the long-term management entity for the ongoing management and protection of the mitigation sites. Possible funding mechanisms may include an endowment, payments from the HOA, or establishing a special financing district (See Section 8.3).

Additionally, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) requires mitigation to compensate for the loss of oak trees that are associated with jurisdictional waters. The requirements for this mitigation are described in Streambed Alteration Agreement (SAA) No. 5-126-99 (amended December 2019). Tree estab lishment procedures described herein are intended to satisfy tree mitigation requirements as described in the FSEIR and the SAA. The goals of this document are to: (1) describe the existing status of oak trees and oak woodlands within the project boundaries, (2) identify appropriate locations on the project site to establish replacement oak trees and understory habitat, (3) describe specifications for oak tree installation and seed mix application, and (4) document the success of oak woodland establishment through the implementation of a maintenance and monitoring program.

1.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed project is located in an unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County, just north of the City of Santa Clarita. The approximate 1,275-acre project site is located directly south of the Angeles National Forest’s Saugus Ranger District, north of Copper Hill Drive, and west of San Francisquito Canyon Road (Exhibit 1). The northeastern corner of the project site covers a portion of San Francisquito Canyon, which has been designated as the Santa Clara River Significant Ecological Area by the County of Los Angeles. The project site is also located immediately north of the Phase A development portion of the Tesoro del Valle project (Exhibit 2). The Angeles National Forest lies north of the project site, and Castaic Lake is located approximately 2 miles to the northwest.

The project site is located on the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS’) Newhall 7.5-minute quadrangle of the San Bernardino Meridian at Township 5 North, Range 16 West, Sections 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 32, and 33. The topography on the project site consists of rugged hills and canyons with native vegetation types dominating the landscape. Elevations in the study area range from approximately 1,325 to 1,830 feet above mean sea level (msl).

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project involves the buildout of Phases B and C of the Tesoro del Valle project site.

The project’s grading footprint impacts approximately 397 acres on which 820 homes would be created, consisting of 455 single-family detached homes and 365 age-qualified senior homes.

Additionally, the project consists of the development of private parks and recreation areas, public and private trails, public and private open space, public and private roadways, and utility infrastructure.

C a st a i c
La k e
D r i n kw a t e r
R e se r v o ir
La k e
C a st a i c
La g o o n
AvenueScott
CopperHillDr
LakeHughesRd
RyeCanyon Rd
San
Francisquito
Canyon
Rd
TheOld Rd
M
cBean
Pkwy
Six Flags Magic
Mountain
Newhall RanchRd
Com
m
erceCenter Dr
Bouquet Canyon Rd
Charles Helmers
Elem School
James Foster
Elementary School
Emblem
Elementary School
Santa Clarita
Elem School
Rosedale
Elementary
School
Live Oak
Elementary School
Mountain View
Elementary SCH
Arroyo Seco Junior
High School
Valencia
High
School
Saugus
High School
UV126
§¨5
Castaic Lake
State Rec Area
Northbridge
Park
Santa
Clarita
Park
Pamplico Park
Hasley Canyon
Park
Castaic
Sports
Complex
Bouquet
Canyon Park
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Miles²
Local Vicinity
Oak Tree Mitigation Plan, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Exhibit 1
(Rev: 12-04-2019 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Oak_Tree\ex_LV.pdf Project Boundary
Castaic
Lake

A N G E L E S

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 4 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

1.3 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
The Project Applicant and Biological Monitor responsible for implementing the long-term maintenance and monitoring program are listed below in Table 1 along with key individuals responsible for its approval.

TABLE 1

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

Task/Role
Responsible Parties
Entity/Company Contact Address Phone Number
Project Applicant BLC Tesoro LLC Michael Schlesinger
100 Bayview Circle,
Suite 240
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 945-2290
Biological Monitor Psomas David Hughes
225 South Lake Avenue,
Suite 1000
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 351-2000
CEQA Mitigation
Compliance
County of Los Angeles
Department of
Regional Planning
Joe Decruyenaere
320 West Temple Street,
13 th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-6461
Long-Term
Management Entities
City of Santa Clarita Janine Prado
23920 Valencia Boulevard,
Suite 300
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 255-4978
Tataviam Land
Conservancy Nicole Johnson
1019 Second Street
Suite 1
San Fernando, CA 91340
(818) 837-0794
Conservation
Easement Holder
Mountains Recreation
and Conservation
Authority
Paul Edelman 5810 Ramirez Canyon Road
Malibu, CA 90265 (310) 589-3230
Section 1600
Permitting
California Department
of Fish and Wildlife Victoria Tang
4665 Lampson Avenue,
Suite C
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
(562) 430-5082
Landscape
Contractor TBD TBD TBD TBD
TBD: To be determined

1.4 EXISTING CONDITIONS
Oak trees generally occur in three locations on the project site: (1) the uppermost portion of Tapia Canyon in the west-central portion of the project site, (2) an unnamed canyon that abuts the eastern boundary of the grading boundary, and (3) an unnamed canyon that is in the eastern portion of the property. Several other solitary oak trees are located in various upland locations on the Tesoro del Valle property.

The understory of oak woodland areas consists of native shrubs such as California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) and California buckwheat ( Eriogonum fasciculatum) along with annual grasses such as wild oat grass ( Avena spp.), ripgut brome ( Bromus diandrus), and red brome (Bromus madritensis spp. rubens). The coverage of understory species varies depending on the tree canopy coverage (i.e., areas with a dense tree canopy have a sparsely vegetated understory, while woodlands consisting of more scattered trees are intermixed with more shrub species).

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 5 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

1.5 PROJECT IMPACTS AND REQUIRED MITIGATION
Oak tree resources on the project site are subject to protection by both the CLAOTO and by the California Fish and Game Code . The CLAOTO protects all oak trees with a minimum trunk diameter at breast height (dbh) of 8 inches. Heritage oak trees, as defined by the CLAOTO, include trees that either measure 36 inches or more in trunk diameter or have a significant historical or cultural importance. The Fish and Game Code protects all native riparian trees with a minimum dbh of 2 inches.

An inventory of oak trees was performed by Psomas in 2016 that documented 170 oak trees on the Tesoro del Valle property. Of these trees, 158 meet the requirements to be protected by the CLAOTO, while 159 are under the jurisdiction of the CDFW (most trees on the site are subject to both regulations). Oak woodlands, as defined by the County of Los Angeles Oak Woodlands Management Plan (Oak Woodlands Plan), were also identified and delineated as part of the oak tree inventory. Pursuant to the Oak Woodlands Plan, oak woodland areas are identified by measuring the canopy area for each oak tree and multiplying that area by 10 to determine each tree’s “area of influence”. Overlapping “areas of influence” constitute oak woodlands.

By overlaying the project’s grading limits onto the tree inventory map, it was determined that project development will impact a total of 11 coast live oaks that are protected by the CLAOTO, though none meet the definition of a heritage tree. The loss of these trees is to be offset by the installation of 22 replacement coast live oaks. Additionally, one coast live oak is located immediately adjacent to the Project development footprint and may have its root zone encroached upon. If this tree’s root zone is indeed encroached upon, it will be monitored annually for a period of two years to determine if encroachment has resulted in its death. If this tree’s health deteriorates from encroachment, 2 additional replacement trees will be installed to compensate for the loss of this tree to satisfy the requirements of the CLAOTO. These impacts conform to authorized tree removals that are specified in Oak Tree Permit No. 2010-00029.

Additionally, project development will impact 11 coast live oaks and 1 scrub oak that are under the jurisdiction of the CDFW. Most of these trees are the same as the trees covered by the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Permit, but the CDFW’s tree replacement ratios are based on the size of the tree to be removed (i.e., small trees are mitigated at a 2:1 ratio, while larger trees are mitigated at ratios of up to 20:1). The project’s SAA requires 127 replacement trees (122 coast live oaks and 5 scrub oaks). There is no minimum size requirement for CDFW mitigation trees.

Table 2 provides a summary of how the CDFW tree replacement requirement was determined.

TABLE 2

CDFW TREE MITIGATION SUMMARY

Tree Size (dbh)
Species < 8” 8-12" 12-24" 24-36" >36" Total
coast live oak
Quercus agrifolia
Impacts 1 – 6 4 – 11
Mitigation Ratio 2:1 5:1 10:1 15:1 20:1
Mitigation 2 – 60 60 – 122
scrub oak
Quercus berberidifolia
Impacts – 1 – – – 1
Mitigation Ratio 2:1 5:1 10:1 15:1 20:1
Mitigation – 5 – – – 5
Tree Impact Total 1 1 6 4 – 12
Tree Replacement Total 2 5 60 60 – 127
dbh: trunk diameter at breast height
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 6 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program As described above, one coast live oak tree is near the grading boundary and may be encroached upon. While the CLAOTO requires this tree to be compensated for at a 2:1 ratio, the terms of the CDFW SAA require 10 replacement trees based on its dbh of 23.2 inches (based on replacement ratios shown in Table 2).

The tree replacement areas must also contain native understory plants to offset the impacts to oak woodland habitat (the Oak Woodlands Plan is intended to provide mitigation for impacts to oak woodlands as an ecological system rather than simply a number of trees).

Table 3 provides a summary of project tree impacts and associated mitigation.

TABLE 3

TREE MITIGATION SUMMARY

Species CDFW Guidelines CLAOTO
Total Planting
Requirement Common Name Botanical Name
Impacted
Trees
Replacement
Trees
Impacted
Trees
Replacement
Trees
coast live oak Quercus agrifolia 11 122 11 22 144
scrub oak Quercus berberidifolia 1* 5 0 0 5
Total 149
CDFW: California Department of Fish and Wildlife; CLAOTO: County of Los Angeles Oak Tree Ordinance. * The size of this impacted scrub oak is below the threshold for coverage under the CLAOTO.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 7 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

2.0 MITIGATION PROGRAM SUMMARY
The overall goal of this mitigation program is to provide for the establishment and long-term sustainability of 122 coast live oak trees and 5 scrub oaks as described in SAA No. 5-126-99 and 22 coast live oak trees to compensate for oak tree impacts pursuant to Los Angeles County Oak Tree Permit No. 2010-00029, along with associated woodland understory species.

2.1 MITIGATION SITE LOCATIONS
The oak trees to be established for CDFW mitigation will be located in an open space area in San Francisquito Canyon (hereinafter referred to as the CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site, Exhibit 3).

This open space area is known as the Phase D Conservation Area and will be subject to a Conservation Easement (CE) to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA).

The CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site measures over 3 acres, which provides sufficient acreage to plant trees at a density of approximately 40 trees per acre, which is consistent with reference site conditions.

The 22 coast live oaks to be established to satisfy the requirements of the County Oak Tree Permit will be located in natural open space areas to the north of the project development area (hereinafter referred to as the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site, Exhibit 4). The Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site measures approximately 2 acres, which provides excess acreage to plant trees at a density of 40 trees per acre.

The CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site is suitable for oak tree establishment because coast live oaks occur on the upper banks of San Francisquito Creek in several locations upstream of the mitigation site. The Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site was chosen because it would extend an existing oak woodland area further upstream. Several coast live oaks occur along Tapia Creek to the southwest of the mitigation site, so that the proposed oak plantings will expand upon this existing woodland area.

2.2 REFERENCE SITE LOCATIONS
Two reference site locations have been identified that will provide comparative information for the mitigation program. These reference sites will provide information for appropriate tree planting density, understory species coverage, and tree health. Reference Site 1 is located in a canyon along the extreme eastern boundary of the project site, while Reference Site 2 is located along San Francisquito Creek in natural open space owned by the City of Santa Clarita (Exhibit 4).

Photographs of the mitigation sites and reference sites are provided in Exhibits 5 and 6.

2.3 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site is located along the eastern edge of San Francisquito Canyon that contains scattered Fremont cottonwood trees ( Populus fremontii), along with native shrubs such as yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium), golden currant (Ribes aureum), California buckwheat, and mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia).

The Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site is located in a small canyon that contains scattered native shrubs such as California buckwheat, blue elderberry ( Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea), and chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum ) along with moderately dense cover of non- native grasses.

Oak Tree Planting Locations
Oak Tree Mitigation Plan, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Exhibit 3
(Rev: 05/20/2020 MMD) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Oak_Tree\ex_OakTree_PlantingLocations.pdf San Francisquito Canyon Rd
LobeliaLn
Windrose Pl
Rio Lobo Way
Mayfair Dr
N
Rio
Lobo
Way
M
ission
TrailLn
Stage Coach Way
Stoney Creek Rd
Calex Dr
DukeDr
W
DakotaDr
AvenidaRanchoTesoro
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Feet²
Aerial Source: LAR-IAC 2014
Phase D Conservation Area Limits
USACE "waters of the U.S."
RWQCB "waters of the State"
CDFW Jurisdictional Areas
CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site
Oak Tree Planting Locations
Oak Tree Mitigation Plan, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Exhibit 4
(Rev: 04-23-2020 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Oak_Tree\ex_OakTreePlantingLocations.pdf Reference Site 1
Reference Site 2
San
Francisquito
Canyon
Rd
550 0 550275
Feet²
D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\MXD\HMMP\Oak_Tree\ex4_OakWoodland_Mitigation_202001414.mxd Aerial Source: LAR-IAC 2014
Project Boundary
Grading Limits
Fuel Modification Impacts
Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site
Reference Sites
Existing Tree Species
coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia)
scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia)
Map Extent
Mitigation Site Photos Exhibit 5
Oak Tree Mitigation Plan, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Photo 2: View of Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site. (04/14/2020 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Oak_Tree\ex_MitigationSitePhotos.pdf D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\Graphics\HMMP\Oak_Tree\ex_MitigationSitePhotos_20200414.ai Photo 1: View of CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site.

Reference Site Photos Exhibit 6
Oak Tree Mitigation Plan, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Photo 4: View of conditions in Reference Site 2.
(04/14/2020 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Oak_Tree\ex_ReferenceSitePhotos.pdf D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\Graphics\HMMP\Oak_Tree\ex_ReferenceSitePhotos_20200414.ai Photo 3: View of conditions in Reference Site 1.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 8 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

2.4 SCHEDULE
Trees will be installed in the mitigation sites approximately one year after the removal of the trees that are permitted for removal during the fall or early winter so that collected acorns do not need to be stored for a long period and because cool conditions and natural precipitation are beneficial for acorn germination/establishment. It is expected that approximately one year will be required for water infrastructure to be built which would provide an irrigation source for replacement trees.

Trees will be maintained and monitored for a minimum of five years in the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site and ten years in the CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site. The monitoring period may be extended if the project performance standards are not met, though early sign-off of the mitigation program may be sought in the event of excellent site performance. Non-native grass removal will occur prior to the installation of oak trees in the mitigation area, and regular removal of non-native grasses will continue for approximately two years after tree installation to reduce the prevalence of these species. A native understory seed mix will be applied to the site at the end of this initial weed control period.

2.5 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
Successful mitigation program implementation will depend upon the cooperative efforts of the Project Applicant, the Landscape Contractor, and the Biological Monitor. The following section outlines the various functions and responsibilities of these entities and individuals.

2.5.1 Project Applicant
The Project Applicant is responsible for (1) retaining a qualified Biological Monitor to monitor installation, long-term maintenance, and site performance of the mitigation sites; and (2) hiring a qualified Landscape Contractor to install and maintain the mitigation sites. The Project Applicant will ultimately be responsible for the successful implementation of the program described herein and for compliance with required performance standards.

2.5.2 Biological Monitor
The Project Applicant will retain a Biological Monitor and Arborist (who holds a Certification issued by the International Society of Arboriculture) who is experienced in monitoring the installation and growth of native tree species as well as native plant establishment and non-native plant species control. The Biological Monitor will be responsible for monitoring invasive weed species eradication, site preparation activities, installation of container plants, and native seed mix application. The Biological Monitor will also be responsible for coordinating with the Project Applicant and the Landscape Contractor regarding the status of the mitigation program. The Biological Monitor will attend all meetings on the project site during installation procedures and will be responsible for directing the Landscape Contractor during HMMP implementation to ensure compliance with specified performance standards and the successful establishment of native plants. In all instances, the Biological Monitor will consult with and obtain approval from the Project Applicant concerning implementation revisions and will notify the Project Applicant prior to the initiation of any and all stages of HMMP implementation.

2.5.3 Landscape Contractor
The Project Applicant will be responsible for retaining a licensed Landscape Contractor experienced in (1) non-native plant species control and management in natural habitat areas and (2) the installation and maintenance of habitat mitigation programs. The Landscape Contractor will be responsible for performing all non-native plant species control activities and performing all other site preparation procedures, container plant installation, and seed mix application to Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 9 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program designated areas. The Landscape Contractor will also be responsible for coordinating with the Biological Monitor regarding all site installation activities.

2.5.4 Long-Term Management Entities
Mitigation sites described herein will be transferred to two separate Long-Term Management Entities (LTMEs). Open space areas to the north of the development area will be transferred to the City of Santa Clarita, while the Phase D Conservation Area will be transferred to the Tataviam Land Conservancy (TLC). The terms of the transfer of these areas to the LTMEs are described in separate Open Space Management and Maintenance Agreements (OSMMAs). It is the responsibility of the LTMEs to manage the mitigation sites to ensure that their habitat qualities are maintained in perpetuity. An endowment or other financial assurance will be provided by the Project Applicant to the LTMEs to ensure sufficient funds are available for the successful management of the mitigation areas. The LTMEs are subject to approval by the LACDRP.

2.5.5 Easement Holder
The Easement Holder is an entity that is approved by the CDFW to hold a conservation easement for a property that provides mitigation credit. The Easement Holder has the responsibility to ensure that the mitigation property remains in its natural condition in perpetuity and to prevent any use of the area that will interfere with its conservation values. For the off-site mitigation site (Phase D Conservation Area), the Easement Holder will be the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA).

2.5.6 LACDRP and CDFW
The LACDRP and the CDFW will be responsible for reviewing annual monitoring reports for the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site and the CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site (within the Phase D Conservation Area), respectively. Annual monitoring reports will be provided by the Biological Monitor to the resource agencies to confirm that the mitigation programs are on schedule to achieve required performance standards. Once the mitigation programs have achieved the final performance standards, the LACDRP and the CDFW will be responsible for coordinating with the Project Applicant and the Biological Monitor to confirm the successful completion of the programs and to provide written confirmation that will release the Project Applicant from further maintenance and monitoring responsibilities.

The County of Los Angeles will have regulatory authority over the Tesoro del Valle project area, including the open space areas that contain the Oak Tree Mitigation Sites described herein, until the project area has been annexed to the City of Santa Clarita (expected November 2021). The County of Los Angeles will be a third-party beneficiary of the OSMMA until the project area is annexed to the City of Santa Clarita, at which point the County’s third-party beneficiary status will end, including the enforcement duties of open space management requirements of the OSMMA.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 10 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

3.0 OAK TREE PROTECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION
Initial construction activities have the potential to directly and indirectly impact oak woodland habitats that are to be preserved as open space. Potential short-term impacts on oak trees that are in the proximity to the grading footprint include soil compaction, dust accumulation on trees, erosion, and short- and long-term drainage alteration.

In accordance with the guidelines set forth in the publication “Oak Trees: Care and Maintenance” prepared by the Forestry Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, existing oak trees shall be preserved and protected as follows.

3.1 PROTECTED ZONE
A “protected zone”, defined as a radius extending 5 feet beyond the dripline of a tree (with a minimum distance of 15 feet from the trunk), shall apply to oaks within 50 feet of the project’s grading footprint. The protected zone will be marked using orange snow fencing to indicate the avoidance area. The fencing shall be installed prior to grading or tree removal and shall not be removed until grading operations in the vicinity of these trees is complete.

3.2 EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE ACCESS
Equipment shall not be stored, parked, or operated within the protected zone of any oak tree.

Temporary structures shall not be placed within the protected zone of an oak tree. Trenching, excavation, or clearance of vegetation within the protected zone of an oak tree shall be accomplished by the use of hand tools or small hand-held power tools. Any major roots encountered shall be conserved to the extent possible and treated as recommended by the Biological Monitor/Arborist. Utility trenches shall not be routed within the protected zone of an oak tree unless those locations are required by the serving utility. No planting or irrigation system shall be installed within the dripline of a preserved oak tree, and no irrigation will be directed to flow into the protected zone of any oak tree. Construction access will be planned to minimize pruning of preserved oaks. All storage areas will be restored to a natural condition after construction is completed.

3.3 EROSION CONTROL
A combination of chain-link and silt fencing will be constructed on the slopes below grading areas to prevent erosion and deposition of materials in woodlands and drainages during grading and construction activities. Back-cutting techniques will be used where grading occurs along the top of slopes to prevent excess soil and rock from escaping downslope and disturbing natural areas.

Natural drainage patterns will be maintained as much as possible during and following construction. Erosion control techniques or sediment control devices, including the use of sandbags and the installation of sediment traps, will be used to control erosion and limit excess drainage if construction activities occur during the rainy season.

3.4 REPLACEMENT
Any work within the protected zones (i.e., encroachment) that results in the death of an oak tree within two years of disturbance shall require tree replacement. Trees shall be replaced at the rate of two trees for each tree that dies. Replacement trees shall be grown from oak acorns that are collected from local trees. Tree planting shall be supervised by a biologist with knowledge and experience in restoration ecology. Replacement plants shall be maintained and monitored for a period of at least five years to ensure the long-term success of the replacement plantings.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 11 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

3.5 GRADING PLANS
All sensitive resources shall be noted on the grading plan prior to initiation of grading to eliminate confusion or misunderstanding when grading begins. Oak tree information grading plans shall specify trunk diameter and canopy diameter.

3.6 VEGETATION CLEARING
Pruning and clearing of native trees, shrubs, and snags shall be avoided.

3.7 DUST CONTROL
All trees in the vicinity of construction activity will be periodically sprayed with water (at least once every three weeks) to reduce dust accumulation on the leaves.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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4.0 MITIGATION SITE INSTALLATION

4.1 RATIONALE FOR EXPECTING IMPLEMENTATION SUCCESS
The mitigation program is expected to be successful for several reasons: (1) specified plant species are native to the local area and are adapted to local conditions, (2) mature oak trees are located in the near vicinity of the proposed mitigation sites which indicates that soil and hydrological conditions are appropriate for the successful establishment of oak woodland habitat, (3) supplemental water will be applied if necessary to assist in plant establishment, and (4) long- term monitoring and maintenance of the site will quickly identify and address any problems that threaten the success of the mitigation program.

4.2 FINANCIAL ASSURANCE
All costs associated with this mitigation program are the responsibility of the Project Applicant.

Upon successful completion of the mitigation program and receipt of resource agency confirmation of program success, the financial responsibilities of the Project Applicant will be fulfilled.

4.3 SITE PREPARATION

4.3.1 Protection of Existing Resources
The Landscape Contractor will be responsible for complying with the resource protection measures listed in all regulatory agency permits and authorizations.

1. Existing Plant Species: Existing native plant species will be retained and protected from damage by people and equipment. The Biological Monitor will consult with the Landscape Contractor prior to program initiation to identify native plants that are to remain on the project site.

2. Water Quality/Soils Quality Control: The Landscape Contractor will ensure that no foreign material and/or liquid (such as oil, gasoline, or other petroleum products) is deposited on any soil within the mitigation site, along the dripline (the outside edge of foliage overhang) of any native plant species, or within existing drainages. Should any such contamination of the soil occur, the Landscape Contractor will remove the affected soil, as directed by the Biological Monitor, at no expense to the Project Applicant.

3. Construction Storage and Staging: Prior to initiating mitigation program activities, the Biological Monitor shall indicate to the Landscape Contractor all sensitive biological areas that shall be avoided. All staging and storage of equipment, vehicles, and materials will be located outside identified sensitive resource areas. Construction equipment, vehicles, and materials will not be placed on existing native vegetation or within sensitive resource areas. The location of construction staging and storage areas will be identified in coordination with the Biological Monitor.

4.3.2 Exotic Species Removal
All invasive exotic species will be removed from the mitigation sites at the direction of the Biological Monitor. Invasive woody species will be controlled prior to tree installation. Herbaceous species such as black mustard ( Brassica nigra) or wild oat grass will be mechanically controlled to reduce their coverage for the first two years of the mitigation program. Appropriate methods of weed control will be determined through consultation between the Biological Monitor, the Landscape Contractor, and the resource agencies (as needed), based on site conditions.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 13 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program Mechanical removal of non-native plants is the preferred method of control, and herbicides will only be used if mechanical removal does not adequately control non-natives. Various weed- control methods are described below:

1. Mechanical Removal: Weed whips and other mechanical or hand-removal methods will be used to remove grass and small/immature weed species to provide suitable open ground for native species establishment and to effectively minimize seedling regrowth.

2. Cut-and-Paint Method of Herbicide Application: Glyphosate will be applied to large (i.e., all plants greater than 3 feet in height) woody invasive species using the cut-and- paint method of application. In all riparian areas, Rodeo brand herbicide shall be used, while Round-Up brand herbicide may be used in upland areas where chemicals will not wash into any streams. The cut-and-paint method consists of: (1) cutting the stem(s) of the shrub to a height of 12 inches or less and removing all aboveground debris from the site; (2) applying glyphosate to the cut stump within five minutes of cutting the stem; and (3) performing follow-up foliar applications, as described below, to seedling regrowth every four to six weeks until all regrowth has been eradicated.

3. Foliar Application of Herbicide: Rodeo or Round-Up, as appropriate, will be applied to small (i.e., less than 3 feet tall) broadleaf invasive plant species including immature giant reed, castor bean, tree-of-heaven, mustard, and any other invasive exotic species that are established within the mitigation sites. The following removal techniques will be used:
a. Rodeo or Round-Up should be applied to each plant at a minimum rate of

1.5 percent to ensure that each plant receives a comprehensive and fully effective treatment and that re-sprouting from root materials is minimal. Application will consist of: (1) spot applications to individual plants where broadleaf plant coverage is sparse and (2) broadcast applications to dense patches of weed species.

Applications should be on a spray-to-wet basis, and coverage should be uniform and complete. Contact with native shrub and grass species should be avoided as much as possible; in the event of gusty winds or winds in excess of 5 miles per hour, all work will be temporarily discontinued to protect Applicators and adjacent natural resources. Treatments should also be temporarily discontinued in the event of rainfall, since rainfall reduces the effectiveness of the herbicide. b. Sprayed vegetation should be left undisturbed for seven days to allow the herbicide to be distributed throughout the entire plant. Visible effects of herbicide application consist of wilted foliage, brown foliage, and disintegrated root material. c. All treated plant materials should be removed by a string trimmer or other appropriate equipment. Plant material that contains mature seeds will be removed from the mitigation sites and disposed of at an appropriate off-site facility. Plant material that does not contain seeds may be left at the mitigation site to serve as mulch at the discretion of the Biological Monitor.
d. The steps listed above should be repeated two to three times every two to three weeks following the initial treatment to remove seedling exotic species.

4.4 PLANTING PLAN
Plant establishment will be performed between October 15 and January 30 and during those periods when weather and soil conditions are suitable. In this way, seasonal rains can be used to facilitate plant establishment. Most native plant species are dormant during this time period, and container species experience the least amount of stress and shock if planted at this time. Timing will be approved in advance by the Biological Monitor.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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4.4.1 Container Planting

1. Timing: Planting will be performed between October and March and during those periods when weather and soil conditions are suitable for planting.

2. Planting Layout: Actual planting locations within the habitat mitigation sites will be determined by the Biological Monitor in coordination with the Landscape Contractor. The Landscape Contractor will provide a variety of colored “pin flags” to mark planting locations using a color-coded scheme.

3. Acorn Planting: Though the CLAOTO requires replacement plants to consist of 15-gallon container stock, trees raised from direct seeding of acorns in natural habitat areas are better acclimated to site conditions and exhibi t better long-term growth and survival than large container stock. Therefore, acorns will be utilized for tree planting instead of container species, as indicated in Table 4. Plant layout configurations will be adjusted in the field by the Biological Monitor.
a. Acorns will be collected from trees within 1 mile of the project site and planted within four months of collection.
b. Acorns will be collected from multiple locations to the extent practicable to provide a diversity of genetic source material.
c. Soil will be loosened at the planting site as necessary to ensure that roots extending from the acorn can penetrate surrounding soil. d. Each acorn will be inserted into the soil so that less than 1 inch of soil covers the acorn.
e. Weed-free mulch will be placed to depth of 2 to 3 inches on top of the planted acorn. Mulch will be placed in a circular area with a radius of 2 feet from the acorn planting site.

4. Numbering Plant Locations: Each tree planting location will have a 2-foot or 4-foot wooden lath stake inserted into the ground near the planted tree. An identifying number will be written on the lath stake so that each tree’s performance can be monitored during the long-term monitoring period.

TABLE 4

OAK CONTAINER PLANT PALETTE

Scientific Name Common Name
Number
per acre
Container
Size
Total
Quantity
Quercus agrifolia coast live oak 39 acorns 144
Quercus berberidifolia scrub oak 1 acorns 5
TOTAL 40 149

4.5 IRRIGATION PLAN
Water will be provided to container plants and acorns through two possible methods:
(1) a temporary irrigation system that consists of individual bubblers to provide water directly to planting basins or (2) hand watering via a hose that would be connected to a nearby quick coupler or water truck.

The Landscape Contractor will develop the irrigation system, and the Biological Monitor will approve the system prior to installation. Water will be provided for a period of approximately Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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4.6 FENCING
The CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site is located in an area that is not expected to be subject to significant human visitation so that the need for protective fencing is not anticipated. The Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site is located near the northern boundary of the development area, and a mountain bike trail passes through the planting area. There are no signs that mountain bikers leave the established trail, so no fencing is expected to be needed for this area either. Damage to the oak tree plantings will be identified during regular monitoring visits. If damage to the oak trees is observed, protective fencing may be installed if deemed necessary by the Biological Monitor. If herbivory from deer, rabbits, or gophers is responsible for damage to native plantings, metal cages may be installed above or below ground as deemed necessary by the Biological Monitor.

4.7 AS-BUILT CONDITIONS
At the completion of mitigation installation activities, the Biological Monitor will submit documentation to the Project Applicant, the Landscape Contractor, and all appropriate resource agencies that summarizes installation initiation and completion dates, site-preparation activities, and plant-establishment activities. Also included will be site photos and a map indicating the as- built conditions of the mitigation locations at the completion of installation activities.

4.8 SEED APPLICATION
As indicated above in Section 4.3.2, the first two years of the mitigation program will include regular trimming of non-native grasses and herbaceous species in the vicinity of the oak tree mitigation sites to create favorable conditions for the germination and establishment of native understory plants. Once the Biological Monitor determines that non-native grass and herbaceous species have been suitably controlled, the native seed mix that is summarized in Table 5 will be applied to the mitigation sites. The seed mix will be obtained from a reputable and technically experienced native seed supplier, subject to approval by the Biological Monitor. Seeds and propagules will be collected as much as possible from the project site and other local plant sources within 10 miles and 1,000 elevational feet of the mitigation site. Seed sources should come from areas that have similar habitat conditions as the project site. Plant material will be collected from multiple locations to the extent practicable to provide a diversity of genetic source material. The Biological Monitor shall approve the seed mix and the sources of collection before seed is packaged. Appropriate seed mixes and container species are listed below for the habitat establishment and enhancement areas.

Application of the understory seed mix will be performed between October 15 and January 30 when weather and soil conditions are suitable and seasonal rains can facilitate successful germination. Timing of seed mix application will be approved in advance by the Biological Monitor.

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SEED MIX SPECIES AND QUANTITIES

Scientific Name Common Name % purity % germ. lbs./acre
Acmispon glaber deer weed 90 60 5.0
Acourtia microcephala sacapellote N/A N/A 2.0
Adenostoma fasciculatum chamise N/A N/A 1.0
Artemisia californica California sagebrush 30 60 2.0
Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat 55 20 3.0
Lupinus succulentus arroyo lupine 98 85 1.0
Melica imperfecta small-flowered melic grass 90 60 2.0
Prunus ilicifolia holly-leaf cherry N/A N/A 1.0
Rhus aromatica skunk bush 80 50 1.0
Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea blue elderberry 95 20 1.0 Solanum douglasii Douglas’ nightshade 90 20 1.0
Solanum xanti chaparral nightshade 90 20 1.0
Stipa lepida foothill needlegrass 60 60 2.0
Total 23.0
germ: germination; lbs: pounds; N/A: not available
Note that species and quantities are subject to change based on seed availability at the time of seed application

All seed will be clearly labeled showing type of seed; the name of the supplier; and percentage of pure live seed. All seed mixes will be stored in a dark, cool place and not be allowed to become damp. Seeds will be applied by hand to avoid damaging container species, as described below.  The seed mix will be pre-mixed in the proportions specified in the detailed installation plans.
 Five cubic feet per acre of fine grade plaster sand will be added to the total seed mix. The seed and sand will be thoroughly mixed to adequately mix the seed and sand prior to broadcasting.
 The seed mix will be thoroughly raked into the soil.

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5.0 LONG-TERM MAINTENA NCE AND MANAGEMENT
Maintenance and long-term management operations that are discussed below will be performed in the mitigation sites. The intent of the maintenance program is to facilitate the establishment of self-sustainable native habitat. Maintenance and management tasks on the mitigation site will be performed for a period of at least five years until project performance standards are achieved.

5.1 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
The principles of an adaptive management program will be adopted for this mitigation program to maximize the chances for successful oak es tablishment. Adaptive management is an ongoing process where monitoring identifies site performance issues (e.g., plant mortality or poor growth).

One or more strategies to improve inadequate site performance will be determined through collaboration between the Biological Monitor and Landscape Contractor. These strategies will be implemented, and subsequent monitoring will determ ine the efficacy of the adopted strategy or strategies. In this way, improved site management strategies are identified and the overall site performance is improved. This section identifies several management components that will be monitored as part of the adaptive management process and potential strategies discussed. Oak tree health in the reference sites will be observed to determine if any health issues for the planted oaks are related to a widespread environmental or disease issue that may be affecting oaks outside the mitigation sites.

5.2 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
A summary of the activities to be performed for the mitigation sites is provided in Table 6. The Biological Monitor, in coordination with the Landscape Contractor, will approve any needed revisions to the specified schedule and methodologies. When the Biological Monitor determines poor, unhealthy condition of plant materials, inadequate control of weed species and/or non-compliance with performance standards, the maintenance tasks will be continued until performance standards are met.

TABLE 6

HABITAT MITIGATION SITES

MAINTENANCE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Work Tasksa Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Weed Control
Erosion Control
Pest Control
Identify Plant Mortality
Plant Replacementb
Trash Removal
Note: Shaded boxes denote ongoing tasks.
a Maintenance task schedule and frequency will be adjusted, as appropriate, depending on site conditions and in coordination with the Biological Monitor.
b As needed.

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5.3 ONGOING EXOTIC AND WEED SPECIES CONTROL
Exotic and invasive weed species control w ill be performed regularly during the required maintenance period. It is important that the Landscape Contractor is able to distinguish native plant species from weedy or non-native species. Before weed control is initiated, the Biological Monitor will brief the Landscape Contractor and crew regarding the identification of desirable and undesirable plant materials. Weed/exotics removal will occur on a monthly basis from March through August and on an as-needed basis from September to February each year of the required maintenance period. Weed species will be controlled as necessary using methods described in Section 3.2. If the weed control schedule does not maintain weed coverage below the project performance standard, the Landscape Contractor will increase the frequency of weeding events or lengthen the overall period of monthly removal efforts.

5.4 IRRIGATION
Temporary irrigation will be provided by hand watering in the mitigation sites to ensure the successful establishment of native tree species. Based on site conditions and plant health, irrigation will be curtailed after two years and discontinued within three years following implementation to allow native species to adapt to the natural water regime. The sites will be self- sustainable without supplemental water for at l east two years prior to final approval of this program.

Irrigation application and schedules will be implemented to encourage deep root growth (i.e., periodic deep irrigation versus frequent light irrigation). Generally, the irrigation regime for oak trees consists of water application during the winter and early spring and dry soil conditions during the summer to avoid conditions that encourage fungus to develop on the trees. Watering events should thoroughly saturate the root zone of oak trees, and then watering should be discontinued until the soil has thoroughly dried out. Plant species will be monitored for drought stress following irrigation termination to minimize dieback. Irrigation may be re-activated in the event of widespread stress or dieback.

If the planted oak trees exhibit drought stress or dieback, alteration of the irrigation schedule is the most likely cause. Therefore, supplemental watering events may be lengthened (i.e., more water applied per event) or watered for a longer seasonal period. To combat drought stress, small shade structures may be erected to filter sunlight reaching the young plants or additional mulch may be applied to maintain soil moisture.

5.5 EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL
Best management practices (e.g., sediment traps, weed-free straw bales) will be used on an as- needed basis to effectively reduce the potential for soil erosion in the mitigation sites. The deposition of debris, herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, petroleum products, or any other pollutants in the mitigation sites will be avoided.

5.6 PEST CONTROL
Insects, plant disease, herbivores, and other pests will be closely monitored during the five-year maintenance period. Diseased or infected plants will be immediately disposed of off-site at an appropriate landfill to prevent infection of on-site resources at the recommendation of the Biological Monitor. Pesticide use will comply with local codes and regulations and will be used with the permission of the Biological Monitor. Li ve traps will be used as necessary to control problem rodent species responsible for excessive herbivory and plant species damage. Any other rodent-control strategies must be approved by the Biological Monitor. If the plantings are harmed Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 19 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program by mammal herbivory (e.g., rabbits, gophers), protective metal cages will be installed above or below ground as deemed necessary by the Biological Monitor.

5.7 PLANT REPLACEMENT
During the required maintenance period, plant failure below the required coverage and survival standards and/or poor health will be compensated for by reseeding and/or replanting using species and quantities specified by the Biological Monitor. No reseeding or replanting will occur in any season unfavorable for plant germination and establishment. The Biological Monitor will make regular inspections of the work as specified in the Biological Monitoring Guidelines to assess the condition of all plants and to determine any remedial measures necessary to provide adequate coverage and survival rates.

5.8 TRASH REMOVAL
All trash and debris will be removed by hand on a regular basis from all mitigation sites.

5.9 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

5.9.1 Dead Wood/Leaf Litter Removal
Dead wood will not be removed from any of the mitigation sites. Decomposing vegetation provides valuable microhabitats for invertebrates, reptiles, small mammals, and birds. In addition, the decomposition of dead wood and leaf litter is necessary for the replacement of soil nutrients and minerals.

5.9.2 Pruning
Vegetation removal and pruning will be performed only when necessary for public safety and will be minimized as much as possible. All removed native vegetation will be chipped and spread throughout the mitigation site. Dense canopy, multi-layered understory, and mid-story growth provide valuable nesting, foraging, and sheltering opportunities for wildlife species.

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6.0 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING GUIDELINES
Monitoring will be performed by the Biological Monitor to facilitate compliance with conditions and performance standards set forth in this section. The Biological Monitor will be responsible for (1) monitoring site preparation (exotics removal, soils preparation, and irrigation installation), seed mix application, container planting, long-term maintenance, and long-term site performance; (2) providing site status documentation; and (3) facilitating the protection of natural resources during all initial implementation and long-term maintenance activities throughout the mitigation program. The Biological Monitor will also be responsible for coordinating with the Project Applicant, the Landscape Contractor, LACDRP, and CDFW regarding site conditions, site performance, and required remedial measures.

6.1 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND SUCCESS CRITERIA
The performance goals listed in Table 7 will be met in the mitigation sites for the mitigation program to be considered successful. The performance standard for rating tree health is based on the criteria provided in Table 8. The goal of the mitigation program is to provide self-sustaining oak woodland vegetation with minimal establis hment of invasive non-native species. The mitigation plantings must withstand at least two years without supplemental irrigation to be considered established. The Biological Monitor is responsible for evaluating compliance with specified performance standards.

TABLE 7

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Year
Native Tree
Survival
Native Understory
Species Coverage
Non-Native Plant
Species Percent
Coverage Tree Health Ratinga
One 100% – <20% 100% of trees (149 of 149) rated 3 or higher 75% of trees (112 of 149) rated 4 or higher
Two 100% – <10% 100% of trees (149 of 149) rated 3 or higher 75% of trees (112 of 149) rated 4 or higher
Three 100% 50% of reference
site coverage <10% 100% of trees (149 of 149) rated 3 or higher 75% of trees (112 of 149) rated 4 or higher
Four 100% 70% of reference
site coverage <10% 100% of trees (149 of 149) rated 3 or higher 75% of trees (112 of 149) rated 4 or higher
Five 100% 90% of reference
site coverage <10% 100% of trees (149 of 149) rated 3 or higher 75% of trees (112 of 149) rated 4 or higher
a Based on the rating system described in Table 8.

Please note that no performance standards are provided for the Y ears 1 and 2 for Native Understory Species Coverage as seed application in the understory stratum will occur once trees have had a chance to establish.

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TREE HEALTH RATING CRITERIA

Rating Criteria
5 Tree in excellent health with abundant foliage and new leaf growth and no signs of herbivory or other limb damage (e.g., broken branches). 4 Tree in very good health with ample green foliage and new leaf growth; few signs of limb damage or herbivory.
3 Tree in moderate health with limited existing foliage and some new leaf growth; moderate limb damage or herbivory.
2 Tree in poor health; existing leaves yellowing and/or new leaf growth appears unhealthy; extensive limb or trunk damage.
1 Tree in obvious decline; existing leaves yellowing and no new leaf growth; extensive limb or trunk damage.

6.2 MONITORING METHODS
Long-term site monitoring will consist of both qu alitative and quantitative monitoring. Qualitative surveys performed within the mitigation sites will include an assessment of native plant species percent coverage and diversity, native species recruitment and reproduction, plant mortality and germination, pest problems, invasive weed species establishment, trash/human encroachment, erosion, and wildlife species use. Qualitative surveys will include observations of wildlife usage of the sites.

Quantitative surveys will be conducted annually at the mitigation sites and will include a quantitative assessment of tree survival, ratings of tree health, and measurement of the native and non-native understory plant cover with the point-intercept method of vegetative assessment.

During these surveys, the condition of each planted oak tree will be assessed and recorded to confirm that the minimum number of trees are present and that their health meets the performance standard. To measure understory species coverage, randomly located point-intercept transects will be used during the quantitative survey within the habitat mitigation sites at the end of each year following implementation. A minimum of four 100-foot point-intercept transects will be used at each mitigation site for this quantitative assessment. The final number may be increased as necessary (based on the discretion of the Biological Monitor) to adequately capture the level of species diversity that exists within each site and to provide meaningful data regarding species coverage and diversity. Species coverage will be listed by native and non-native species. This information will be used on a yearly basis to determine compliance or non-compliance with the percent coverage performance standards listed in Table 7.

Permanent photo-documentation stations will be utilized in various points of the mitigation sites.

These stations will be used to provide visual documentation of each site’s progress when all implementation activities are completed and during each annual quantitative survey. The locations of these photo-documentation stations will be determined immediately prior to project installation.

The Biological Monitor will meet with the Landscape Contractor, as necessary, during regularly scheduled site visits to discuss site conditions and to recommend remedial measures.

Recommended remedial measures will be based on site observations and survey results.

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6.3 MONITORING SCHEDULE
Monitoring will consist of qualitative, bi-monthly visits by the Biological Monitor during the first two years after site installation and quarterly visits during each successive year of the program to assess site performance. Bi-monthly surveys will consist of five qualitative surveys and one quantitative survey each year for the first two years following site installation. Quarterly surveys will be performed after the first two years which will consist of three qualitative surveys and one quantitative survey each year. Quantitative surveys will be conducted on an annual basis after site installation to measure native and non-native species coverage and to determine compliance with site performance standards. The length of the long-term monitoring for this project is expected to be five years in the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site and ten years in the CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site. The monitoring period may be extended if the project performance standards are not met, though early sign-off of the mitigation program may be sought if the site exhibits excellent performance. A schedule of long-term site performance monitoring tasks is provided in Tables 9 and 10.

TABLE 9

LONG-TERM SITE MONITORING SCHEDULE

YEARS ONE AND TWO

Work Tasks Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Site Monitoring
Qualitative Surveys X X X X X
Quantitative Surveys X
Photo-documentation X
On-site Meetings1 X X X X X X
Site Status Documentation
Installation Completion X
Progress Reports X X X X X
Annual Status Reports2 X
1 On-site meetings will occur as necessary during regularly scheduled site monitoring visits and may include, as needed, the Biological Monitor, the Landscape Contractor, resource agencies, and any other appropriate parties. 2 Submitted by December 31 of each year.

TABLE 10

LONG-TERM SITE MONITORING SCHEDULE

YEARS THREE THROUGH TEN

Work Tasks Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Site Monitoring
Qualitative Surveys X X X
Quantitative Surveys X
Photo-documentation X
On-site Meetings1 X X X X
Site Status Documentation
Progress Reports X X X
Annual Status Reports2 X
1 On-site meetings will occur as necessary during regularly scheduled site monitoring visits and may include, as needed, the Biological Monitor, the Landscape Contractor, resource agencies, and any other appropriate parties. 2 Submitted by December 31 of each year.

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6.4 SITE STATUS DOCUMENTATION

6.4.1 Initial Implementation Summary
A Letter Report that summarizes initial mitigation implementation will be submitted to the Project Applicant, the Landscape Contractor, LACDRP, and CDFW within six weeks of installation completion. The report will include a discussion of any modifications to the HMMP, as specified in this document; a summary of all exotic species removed, plant species planted, and seed species broadcast; and photographs of implementation activities and site conditions immediately following implementation completion.

6.4.2 Progress Reports
Progress reports will be submitted by the Biological Monitor to the Project Applicant and the Landscape Contractor following each qualitative monitoring site visit. Each progress report will summarize estimated native species coverage and diversity, native species health and overall vigor, the establishment of volunteer native species, exotic species establishment, the use of the sites by wildlife species, significant drought stress, and any recommended remedial measures deemed necessary to ensure compliance with specified performance standards.

6.4.3 Annual Status Reports
Annual site status reports that summarize site conditions will be forwarded by the Biological Monitor to the Project Applicant, the Landscape Contractor, LACDRP, and CDFW at the end of each year following initial implementation. The annual report will summarize (1) native and non- native species coverage and tree survival rates measured during yearly quantitative surveys, (2) compliance/non-compliance with performance standards, (3) native species health and overall vigor, (4) the establishment of volunteer native species, (5) the use of the site by wildlife species, (6) the presence of invasive weed species, and (7) significant drought stress. Fixed photo- documentation stations will be established so that site progress can be compared visually on an annual basis. The report will also include a discussion of recommended remedial measures that facilitate successful site establishment and compliance with established performance standards, as summarized in Table 11.

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SITE REMEDIAL PROCEDURES
Performance Standard Non-Compliance Remedial Measure
Minimum 100 percent survival of
tree species within the mitigation
sites at the end of five years at the
mitigation sites.

Less than 100 percent survival at
the end of the mitigation program
Additional planting of tree species.

If tree damage/mortality is determined
to be caused by deer or rabbits, metal
protective cages can be placed around
the trees.

If damage/mortality is caused by below-
ground herbivory (e.g., gophers), root
cages can be installed with new
plantings
Native species coverage in the
understory (excluding tree cover)
should be a minimum of 50% at
the end of 5 years at the mitigation
sites
Less than 40% native understory
coverage at the end of the
mitigation program.

Additional seeding of native understory
species as determined by the Biological
Monitor.

Non-native plant species (not
including grass species) should
cover less than 20% of the
mitigation sites by the end of the
first year and less than 10% each
successive year.

Non-native plant coverage in
excess of the performance
standard.

Additional weed-removal effort by the
Landscape Contractor. Need for
herbicide use to be determined by the
Biological Monitor.

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7.0 FINAL PROGRAM APPROVAL
When the performance standards described in Section 6.1 have been met within the mitigation sites, the Biological Monitor will submit a final annual status report to the Project Applicant, LACDRP, and CDFW. Included with the final report will be written notification that the mitigation program is complete and ready for resource agency signoff.

7.1 FINAL AGENCY APPROVAL
The final annual status report for each mitigation site will be forwarded to the Project Applicant, the LACDRP, and the CDFW. The Biological Monitor and the Project Applicant will meet at the mitigation site with representatives from the LACDRP and the CDFW to verify success in meeting established performance standards. Once mitigation program success has been determined, final approval letters from the LACDRP and the CDFW w ill be provided to the Project Applicant to serve as an official mitigation program sign-off.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 26 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

8.0 LONG-TERM SITE MANAGEMENT
As a part of the mitigation program, long-term management of the mitigation sites will be transferred to the LTMEs. This section describes the ownership and long-term management of the mitigation sites.

8.1 MITIGATION SITE OWNERSHIP
The mitigation sites will be transferred in fee to the City of Santa Clarita and the TLC under the terms of the OSMMAs. The LACDRP will be named as an enforcing party in the OSMMAs, until the open space areas are annexed by the City of Santa Clarita.

The open space areas to the west, north, and east of the development area that contain the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site will be transferred in fee to the City of Santa Clarita.

The Phase D Conservation Area will be transferred in fee to the TLC subject to a CE in favor of the MRCA. The off-site Phase D Conservation Area contains the CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site.

The CE will be based on the approved CDFW template and the terms of the CE will be enforceable by CDFW and LACDRP.

The terms of each OSMMA and CE will allow right-of-entry to the Project Applicant to perform mitigation activities described herein.

8.2 LONG-TERM SITE MANAGEMENT
The City of Santa Clarita will serve as the LTME for the open space areas that contain the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site. The TLC will serve as the LTME for the Phase D Conservation Area (which contains the CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site), though the MRCA will be the easement holder for this area. As required by current CDFW policy, the TLC is required to apply for approval as a CDFW land manager. Should the TLC not be approved By CDFW and an alternative LTME becomes necessary, BLC Tesoro will enter into an agreement with a land manager that is already approved by CDFW.

As the LTMEs, the City of Santa Clarita and the TLC will be responsible for preparing Long-Term Management Plans (LTMPs) for all areas to be preserved. A separate LTMP will be prepared by each LTME. The LTMPs will describe activities such as non-native plant control, supplemental native seed mix application, trash removal, repair and maintenance of any protective fencing or signage that is erected, and public outreach to ensure compliance with the rules of the open space areas. Land management activities will be performed on a permanent basis.

The LTMPs must be approved by the LACDRP Bi ologist and the CDFW (Phase D Conservation Area only).

8.3 FUNDING MECHANISM
A funding mechanism is required to ensure that sufficient funds are available to the LTMEs for the ongoing management and protection of the mitigation site.

Funding for the open space areas that contain the Los Angeles County Oak Tree Mitigation Site (to be managed by the City of Santa Clarita) will be provided by one or more of the following sources, which may include: (1) parcel taxes paid to the City of Santa Clarita’s Open Space Preservation District (after the project area is annexed to the City); (2) a new Community Facilities District for maintenance purposes to be formed in the project area; or (3) establishment of a Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 27 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District (after the project area is annexed to the City of Santa Clarita).

Funding for the Phase D Conservation Area that contains the CDFW Oak Tree Mitigation Site (to be managed by the TLC) will be provided by one or more of the following sources: (1) State and federal grants secured by the TLC; or (2) a new Community Facilities District for maintenance purposes to be formed in the project area.

8.4 COORDINATION WITH CDFW AND OTHER PERMITTING AGENCIES All proposed CEs and LTMPs, together with a description of proposed endowment and other funding arrangements, shall be submitted to the LACDRP for review and comment prior to the recording of the first final map. The LACDRP acknowledges that the final form of these documents is subject to the review and approval of the CDFW and other permitting agencies, and that the documents and proposed funding arrangements are therefore subject to change. The Project Applicant shall keep the LACDRP informed of any modifications requested by the permitting agencies.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Oak Tree\Oak Tree Mit Plan-110920.docx 28 Oak Tree Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

9.0 REFERENCES
Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Habitat Conservation Strategic Alliance (LACOWHCSA). 2011 (May). Los Angeles County Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan. Los Angeles, CA: the LACOWHCSA.

Psomas. 2018. Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for Tesoro del Valle (Phases A, B, C) Project, County of Los Angeles Project No. 92074-(5), SCH 2016101032, VTTM TR51644-1.
––––––. 2017 (March). Oak Tree Survey Report, Tesoro del Valle Phases B and C, Revised VTTM 51644-1, Los Angeles County, California. Technical report prepared for BLC TESORO LLC. Pasadena CA: Psomas.

Mariposa Lily
Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program

Tesoro del Valle Phases B and C
Revised VTTM 51644-1
Los Angeles County, California

EIR Mitigation Measure BIO-3

Prepared for BLC TESORO LLC
100 Bayview Circle, Suite 240
Newport Beach, California 92660
Contact: Michael Schlesinger
T: (949) 945-2290

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx i Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project Location ..................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Project Description ................................................................................................ 2

1.3 Project Impacts ...................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Target Plant Species Characteristics ............................................................................ 4

3.0 Mitigation Summary ........................................................................................................ 5

3.1 Responsible Parties .............................................................................................. 5

3.1.1 Project Applicant ........................................................................................ 5

3.1.2 Project Biologist ......................................................................................... 6

3.1.3 Landscape Contractor ............................................................................... 6

3.1.4 Long-Term Management Entities .............................................................. 7

3.1.5 CEQA Mitigation Compliance .................................................................... 7

3.2 Mitigation Site Location ......................................................................................... 7

4.0 Initial Installation Activities ............................................................................................ 9

4.1 Seed Collection ..................................................................................................... 9

4.2 Weed Control ........................................................................................................ 9

4.3 Seed Application ................................................................................................... 9

4.4 As-Built Conditions .............................................................................................. 10

5.0 Long-Term Site Maintenance (Five Years) .................................................................. 11

5.1 Weed Control ...................................................................................................... 11

5.2 Native Plant Protection ........................................................................................ 11

5.3 Site Protection ..................................................................................................... 11

5.4 Trash Removal .................................................................................................... 12

5.5 Pest Control ......................................................................................................... 12

6.0 Biological Monitoring Guidelines ................................................................................ 13

6.1 Performanc e Standards and Data Collection ...................................................... 13

6.2 Initial Implementation Monitoring ......................................................................... 13

6.3 Five-Year Monitoring Program ............................................................................ 14

6.4 Site Status Documentation .................................................................................. 15

6.4.1 Installation Summary ............................................................................... 15

6.4.2 Annual Status Reports ............................................................................. 15

7.0 Completion of Mitigation Program .............................................................................. 16

7.1 Notification of Completion ................................................................................... 16 Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx ii Table of Contents

7.2 Agency Confirmation ........................................................................................... 16

8.0 Long-Term Site Management ....................................................................................... 17

8.1 Mitigation Site Ownership .................................................................................... 17

8.2 Long-Term Site Management .............................................................................. 17

8.3 Funding For Site Management ............................................................................ 17

9.0 References ..................................................................................................................... 19

TABLES

Table Page

1 Responsible Parties ........................................................................................................ .. 6 2 Five-Year Maintenance Program Schedule .................................................................... 12 3 Performance Standards Mariposa Lily Enhancement Area ............................................ 13 4 Five-Year Site Monitoring Schedule ................................................................................ 14

EXHIBITS

Exhibit Follows Page

1 Local Vicinity ..................................................................................................................... 2 2 Project Location ................................................................................................................ 2 3 Mariposa Lily Mitigation Areas .......................................................................................... 5

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment

A Slender/Club-Haired Mariposa Lily Occurrence Information

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 1 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program (HMMP) described herein provides requirements and guidelines for the enhancement and expansion of existing populations of slender mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis ) and club-haired mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus var. clavatus ) on the Tesoro del Valle property in northern Los Angeles County, California.

The proposed mitigation activities are intended to compensate for impacts to these special status plant species as discussed in Mitigation Measure (MM) Bio-3 in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (“FSEIR”, Psomas 2018) for the Tesoro del Valle Phase B and C Residential Development Project. The HMMP is provided for review by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning (LACDRP). Please note that if any discrepancies occur between the requirements of MM Bio-3 and this HMMP regarding impact and mitigation quantities then what is described in the HMMP will supersede the MM upon approval of this document.

Specifically, MM Bio-3 requires the following items to be addressed in the HMMP:
 The Project Biologist shall monitor the existing lily locations every two weeks to determine when the seeds are ready for collection. When the seeds are ripe, a qualified Seed Collector shall collect all the seeds from the plants to be impacted. The seeds shall be cleaned and stored by a qualified nursery or another institution with appropriate storage facilities. Seed or bulbs that are collected but not utilized for this mitigation program shall be donated to the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden or other similar educational/conservation organization to be approved by the LACDRP (Section 4.1).
 Mitigation shall consist of a combination of (1) enhancing existing mariposa lily populations via non-native vegetation control and (2) applying collected seed into dedicated open space areas on the project site that are suitable for mariposa lily establishment. Collected seed shall be installed in areas that do not currently contain mariposa lilies but are suitable for the establishment of the species. These areas generally consist of ridgelines or other areas of naturally low to moderate native plant cover, rocky soils, and low prevalence of non-native plants, especially non-native grasses. Seed will be applied so that the germination and maturation of the seeds can be documented. An experimental approach will be utilized so that seed is applied in at least ten areas that will be mapped using a GPS device and marked on the ground using flagging or staking for ongoing monitoring. The following information will be recorded at each seed application site in order to correlate seeding success with site conditions: (1) slope gradient; (2) slope aspect; (3) existing associated species; (4) percent coverage of grass and shrub species; and (5) percent coverage of leaf litter. Percent germination of seed at each location will be recorded along with percentage of germinated seed that develop into flowering plants (Section 4.3).
 The lily mitigation site shall be prepared for seeding (Section 4.3).  The HMMP shall include detailed descriptions of maintenance appropriate for the site, monitoring requirements, and annual report requirements. The Project Biologist shall have the full authority to suspend any operation in the mitigation site which is, in the Biologist’s opinion, not consistent with the HMMP (Sections 4 through 7).  Performance standards shall be developed in the HMMP and approved by the LACDRP based on percent cover of non-native plant species in enhancement areas. Seed germination rates will not be a performance criterion but will be studied to determine the efficacy of seed installation to inform future mariposa lily mitigation programs (Section 6.1).  Site enhancement and monitoring activities shall be performed for a minimum of five years.

If the project is not in compliance with the third-year success criteria associated with the Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 2 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan mitigation program, the monitoring and maintenance period will be extended for up to five additional years. The length of the additional monitoring period will be determined through consultation with the LACDRP Biologist and will be dependent on how close the project is to meeting the third-year success criteria and the type of remedial activities that are recommended by the Project Biologist. Results of the seed germination study will be included as part of annual reporting requirements associated with this mariposa lily enhancement program. Annual reports shall be provided to the LACDRP Biologist and the Special Ecological Area Technical Advisory Committee to inform future mitigation activities concerning the species (Section 6).
 If necessary, the HMMP shall include specifications on fencing to protect biological resources and restrict human access. Signage specifications shall also be developed to prevent trespassing into mariposa lily areas (Section 5.3).  The HMMP shall identify an appropriate entity to manage any open space areas utilized for mitigation purposes. A long-term management plan shall also be developed which will be implemented by the long-term management entity. Potential land management entities include the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority; the Tesoro del Valle Homeowners Association; the Nature Conservancy, the City of Santa Clarita, or the County of Los Angeles. Any other management entities that may be identified would be subject to approval by the LACDRP. The County of Los Angeles shall be named as an enforcing party on any conservation easement or land dedication agreement to ensure compliance with any restrictions or required land management actions associated with the open space areas (Section 8).

The goals of the mitigation plan are to (1) list the parties responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of the mitigation program; (2) describe various mitigation strategies to offset project impacts; (3) identify locations w here mitigation activities will occur; (4) describe site preparation and implementation activities; (5) determine a schedule of mitigation implementation and monitoring activities; (6) describe necessary maintenance responsibilities for the life of the project; (7) describe monitoring methods to be implemented by the Biological Monitor; (8) list appropriate performance standards that will determine project success; and (9) describe long-term preservation requirements for the sites described herein.

The approximate 1,275-acre project site is located directly south of the Angeles National Forest’s Saugus Ranger District, north of Copper Hill Drive and west of San Francisquito Canyon Road.

The northeastern corner of the project site covers a portion of San Francisquito Canyon, which has been designated as Significant Ecological Area (SEA) No. 20 by the County of Los Angeles.

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project involves the buildout of Phases B and C of the Tesoro del Valle Project site.

The project’s grading footprint impacts approximately 397 acres on which 820 homes would be created, consisting of 455 single-family detached homes and 365 age-qualified senior homes.

C as t ai c
La ke
D r in k w a te r
R es e r vo i r
La ke
C as t ai c
La g oo n
AvenueScott
CopperHillDr
LakeHughesRd
RyeCanyon Rd
San
Francisquito
Canyon
Rd
TheOld Rd
M
cBean
Pkwy
Six Flags Magic
Mountain
Newhall RanchRd
Com
m
erceCenter Dr
Bouquet Canyon Rd
Charles Helmers
Elem School
James Foster
Elementary School
Emblem
Elementary School
Santa Clarita
Elem School
Rosedale
Elementary
School
Live Oak
Elementary School
Mountain View
Elementary SCH
Arroyo Seco Junior
High School
Valencia
High
School
Saugus
High School
UV126
§¨5
Castaic Lake
State Rec Area
Northbridge
Park
Santa
Clarita
Park
Pamplico Park
Hasley Canyon
Park
Castaic
Sports
Complex
Bouquet
Canyon Park
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Miles²
Local Vicinity
Mariposa Lily Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Exhibit 1
(Rev: 12-11-2019 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Mariposa_Lily\ex_LV.pdf Project Boundary
Castaic
Lake

A N G E L E S

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 3 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

1.3 PROJECT IMPACTS
Special status botanical surveys that were conducted on the project site in 2016, 2011 and 2005 consistently identified four special status plant species on the project site: slender mariposa lily, club-haired mariposa lily, Palmer’s grapplinghook (Harpagonella palmeri), and Peirson's morning- glory ( Calystegia peirsoniiI ). Palmer’s grappinghook and Peirson’s morning-glory were never identified within the project development area and no mitigation is required with respect to these species.

Slender mariposa lilies and club-haired mariposa lilies were observed in each of the three botanical surveys. The quantity of lilies that were documented varied in these surveys, though the overall distribution of plants was consistent. During focused botanical surveys in 2016, a total of 93 occurrences (groups) of mariposa lilies were documented; several occurrences contained a single lily plant, while 150 lily plants was the largest number observed in a single location. Of the 93 total occurrences (groups) of slender mariposa lily observed in 2016, approximately 38 occurrences (about 41 percent) are within the project’s impact boundary. In terms of the total number of plants, 1,165 plants were observed to occur on the property with approximately 705 plants (60 percent) occurring within the project development footprint. Mariposa lilies occur throughout the portions of the property that will be preserved as natural open space. Therefore, suitable conditions for establishment of the subject species are present throughout these open space areas.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 4 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

2.0 TARGET PLANT SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS
Club-haired mariposa lily and slender mariposa lily are perennial herbs in the lily family (Liliaceae) and Calochortus genus, consisting of 50 species and/or subspecies that are native to California.

Both plants are varieties of the same species and are known to hybridize with each other. The club-haired mariposa lily is more widely distributed and more common within its range than the slender mariposa lily. Both species occur on dry, open slopes usually in heavy clay soils that are often serpentine derived, and generally bloom between April and July (Fiedler 1996).

The club-haired mariposa lily and slender mariposa li ly are very similar in their appearance and reproductive characteristics. Both species have flowers that consist of three petals and three petal-like sepals arranged in a tulip-shaped blossom (Baldwin et al. 2012). The petals are solid yellow and generally reddish-brown near the base. Club-shaped hairs typically cover the inner face of the petals near the nectary on the club-haired mariposa lily. Slender mariposa lilies produce one to six deep yellow blossoms on slender stems approximately eight to twelve inches long, while club-haired mariposa lily blossoms are found on stems that are approximately 20 to 40 inches long (Baldwin et al. 2012, Munz 1974).

A single linear, basal leaf, three to seven inches long, withers before these plants produce flowers.

Both plants have fibrous-coated bulb-like nutrient storage structures that are typically situated at a depth of four to eight inches below the soil surface. Mariposa lilies typically reproduce from seed and are not known to produce “bulblets,” or vegetative reproductive structures derived from the parent plant. The seeds are generally flat and yellow in color and are borne in long linear fruits (capsules), two to four inches long, held erect on the stems. The angled capsules may persist on the plant for several weeks following seed maturation before the capsules “dehisce,” or burst open and release their seed. Seed formation and dispersal occurs in mid- to late-summer, as the plant stems desiccate (dry out) and the plants enter dormancy until the fall.

Club-haired mariposa lilies are known to occur in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo counties. Sightings in Los Angeles County have been reported in several areas ranging from the West Fork of the San Gabriel River to various locations within the Santa Clara River watershed near Santa Clarita (CDFW 2019).

Slender mariposa lilies are restricted to Los A ngeles County and are known to occur in Evey Canyon, the west and north fork of the San Gabriel River, San Francisquito Canyon, Mint Canyon, Pico Canyon, and the confluence of Bee and Soledad Canyons in Los Angeles County (CDFW 2019).

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 5 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

3.0 MITIGATION SUMMARY
The primary strategy to mitigate the loss of mariposa lily habitat is to enhance habitat conditions for the remaining mariposa lily populations. These populations will be enhanced through the control of non-native grass and herbaceous species that are competing with the lilies for space and water. Secondarily, the mitigation program also seeks to investigate the efficacy of establishing mariposa lilies through directly sowing seed and testing variables that may affect the germination and establishment of these species.

Recent studies have shown that invasions of exotic plant species are correlated with diminished species richness in native species (Gaertner et al. 2009) and that removal of non-native grass species has resulted in improved germination and fertility of southern California herbaceous species (Gillespie and Allen 2004). Many of the locations where mariposa lilies have been documented in previous botanical surveys are associated with sage scrub communities that contain non-native annual grasses as a co-dominant component. These areas are described herein as the “enhancement area”. This enhancement strategy is expected to provide improved conditions for the long-term germination and fecundity of mariposa lily species on the Tesoro del Valle property.

Investigating seed application as a method of mariposa lily establishment was selected as an aspect of this mitigation program because previous communication with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife indicated that while other transplantation efforts for mariposa lilies have been undertaken, these efforts have been hampered by a lack of long-term monitoring so that scientific evidence of successful or establishment strategies is limited. The mitigation strategy proposed herein is designed to test the impact of different variables that are expected to influence mariposa lily germination and maturation. The monitoring and reporting requirements described in this plan will provide evidence of the benefits of various seeding strategies. Locations where seeding will take place are described herein as the “establishment area”. The enhancement and establishment areas are shown on Exhibit 3. Exhibit 3 also shows the various locations where mariposa lilies have been documented from previous focused botanical surveys on the project site. The numbers shown for these mariposa lily populations reference specific information on these areas that is included in Attachment A.

Impacts to mariposa lilies were considered significant under the California Environmental Quality Act through the preparation of the project’s FSEIR. Implementation of MM Bio-3, which requires preparation of this HMMP, is designed to mitigate project impacts to these special status plants.

3.1 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
The Project Applicant and Project Biologist responsible for implementing the mitigation and monitoring program, and key individuals responsible for its approval are listed below in Table 1.

Specific responsibilities and qualifications of each responsible party are described below.

3.1.1 Project Applicant
The Project Applicant (BLC Tesoro LLC) will be responsible for obtaining (1) a qualified Project Biologist to monitor initial implementation activities, long-term maintenance, and the status of enhanced areas and (2) a qualified Landscape Contractor to perform weed control activities and general site maintenance in the enhancement areas. The Project Applicant will ultimately be responsible for successfully implementing the program described herein.

Mariposa Lily Mitigation Areas
Mariposa Lily Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, Tesoro del Valle, Phases B and C Project Exhibit 3
(Rev: 10/26/2020 RMB) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Mariposa_Lily\ex_Mariposa_Mitigation.pdf Boxwood Ln
Low Ridge Pl
Via Vizcaya
Via Cresta
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Ln
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Las
Brisas
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Primavera
ViaEstancia
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BlackPineW
ay
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Startree LnAvenidaRanchoTesoro
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14 15
16 5556
92 17
18 57
58 59
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64 65
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68 69
70 7172
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93 82
2 20
3 4
21 22 5
23 24 6
25 26
27 728
29 948
9 1011
12 30
13 1
31 83
32 33
84 8586
34 35
36 3787 883839
4041
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45 46
8947 48
49 50 90
51 52
53 9154
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D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\MXD\HMMP\Mariposa_Lily\ex_Mariposa_Mitigation_20201026.mxd Aerial Source: LAR-IAC 2014
Mariposa lily
enhancement area
Mariposa lily
establishment area
Mariposa lily contingency
establishment area
Study Area
Grading Limits
Special Status Plant Species
Slender mariposa lily / club-haired mariposa lily (Individual plant occurrence) Slender mariposa lily / club-haired mariposa lily (Multiple plant occurrence) Please see Attachment A for additional information on each mariposa lily grouping, referenced by the number shown for each population.

City of
Santa Clarita
Open Space Area
City of
Santa Clarita
Open Space Area
Homeowners
Association
Open Space Area
Homeowners
Association
Open Space Area
City of
Santa Clarita
Open Space Area
Fuel Modification Impacts
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 6 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan TABLE 1

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

Task/Role
Responsible Parties
Entity/Company Contact Address Phone Number
Project Applicant BLC Tesoro LLC Michael Schlesinger
100 Bayview Circle,
Suite 240
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 945-2290
Project Biologist Psomas David Hughes
225 South Lake Avenue,
Suite 1000
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 351-2000
Landscape
Contractor TBD TBD TBD TBD
Long-Term
Management Entities
City of Santa Clarita Janine Prado
23920 Valencia Boulevard
Suite 300
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 255-4978
Tesoro del Valle
Master Homeowners
Association
Shauna Gatlin
25115 West Avenue
Stanford
Valencia, CA 91354
(661) 294-5270
CEQA Mitigation
Compliance
Los Angeles County
Department of
Regional Planning
Joe Decruyenaere
320 West Temple Street
13 th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-6461
TBD: To be determined

3.1.2 Project Biologist
The Project Applicant will retain a Project Biologist that is experienced in (1) native plant species identification and protection; (2) non-native plant species control and management; and (3) habitat restoration implementation. The Project Biologist will (1) monitor invasive weed species eradication, site-preparation activities, and native seed mix application; (2) coordinate with the Landscape Contractor and the Project Applicant r egarding implementation activities and site status; and (3) attend any meetings on the project site during all implementation procedures.

The Project Biologist will be responsible for directing the Landscape Contractor, and any resource specialists required during plan implementation to ensure compliance with project requirements and successful enhancement of mariposa lily resources. In all instances, the Project Biologist will consult with and obtain approval from the Pr oject Applicant and the LACDRP (as necessary) concerning implementation plan revisions and will notify the Project Applicant prior to the initiation of any and all stages of plan implementation.

3.1.3 Landscape Contractor
The Project Applicant will be responsible for retaining a licensed Landscape Contractor with demonstrated experience in the successful implementation and maintenance of native habitat restoration areas. The Landscape Contractor will be experienced in (1) identification of native and non-native plant species that are common to northern Los Angeles County and (2) non-native plant species control and management in natural habitat areas. The Landscape Contractor will be responsible for the performance of all invasive weed species eradication procedures and any other site maintenance activities deemed necessary by the Project Biologist.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 7 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

3.1.4 Long-Term Management Entities
The City of Santa Clarita (City) will be responsible for maintaining the open space areas that contain the mariposa lily establishment and enhancement areas as a Long-Term Management Entity (LTME). The fee title of the open space areas will be transferred to the City and the terms of the ongoing open space management will be described in an Open Space Management and Maintenance Agreement (OSMMA) between the City and BLC Tesoro LLC to ensure that the habitat qualities are maintained in perpetuity. Upon completion of the mitigation program (documented by LACDRP sign-off when the performance standards are achieved), the mariposa lily establishment and enhancement areas will be maintained in the same manner as the rest of the open space.

While the mariposa lily establishment and enhancement areas are within open space areas that will be transferred to the City, the Tesoro del Valle Master Homeowners Association (HOA) will be the LTME for three separate areas that are generally surrounded by developed areas. One of these open space areas contains two populations of mariposa lilies that were identified during botanical surveys in 2016 (populations 69 and 70 as shown in Exhibit 3), containing a total of 48 mariposa lily plants. The HOA will be responsible for managing the open space so that the habitat qualities, including the mariposa lily plants, are maintained in perpetuity per the terms of the OSMMA between the HOA and BLC Tesoro LLC.

3.1.5 CEQA Mitigation Compliance
The Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning (LACDRP) will be responsible for reviewing annual monitoring reports provided by the Project Biologist to confirm the mitigation program is on schedule to achieve required performance standards. Once the mitigation program has achieved the final performance standards, t he LACDRP will be responsible for coordinating with the Project Applicant and the Project Biologist to confirm the successful completion of the program and to provide written confirmation that will release the Project Applicant from further maintenance and monitoring responsibilities.

The County of Los Angeles will have regulatory authority over the Tesoro del Valle project area, including the open space areas that contain the mariposa lily establishment and enhancement areas, until the project area has been annexed to the City of Santa Clarita (expected November 2021). The County of Los Angeles will be a third-party beneficiary of the OSMMA until the project area is annexed to the City of Santa Clarita, at which point the County’s third-party beneficiary status will end, including the enforcement duties of open space management requirements of the OSMMA.

3.2 MITIGATION SITE LOCATION
The proposed enhancement area consists of an approximate 100-acre area in a designated open space area north of the project development footprint. This site was chosen because it represents an area that supports most of the mariposa lilies that occur on the project’s open space lots and because the lilies are found within sage scrub habitat that also contains significant coverage of non-native grasses. Control of these non-native grasses are expected to improve germination and fecundity of mariposa lilies in this area.

The proposed establishment area occurs on an east-facing slope in a designated open space area, north of the project development footprint. This area was selected because it is characterized by similar slope and vegetation conditions that support mariposa lilies on other portions of the property. It contains Saugus loam soils that are common throughout the property in areas that support mariposa lilies. The establishment area was also chosen because mariposa lilies were not observed in previous botanical surveys; therefore, proposed mitigation activities in Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 8 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan the establishment area will not negatively affect any naturally occurring lily populations.

Approximately 20 quadrats, each measuring 1 square meter, will be placed in the establishment area to monitor germination and maturation of lily species.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 9 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

4.0 INITIAL INSTALLATION ACTIVITIES
This section discusses the initial mitigation implementation activities in the mariposa lily enhancement and establishment areas. Specifications are provided for seed collection, initial weed control, seed application procedures, and documentation of the implementation activities.

4.1 SEED COLLECTION
Seed will be collected by the Project Biologist or another qualified Seed Collector from mariposa lily plants that occur within the project development area. The Project Biologist will survey areas within the development footprint to identify occurrences of mariposa lilies and mark these occurrences with colored pin flags so that these plants can be found after the blooming period.

The Project Biologist will monitor the status of seed production/maturation of flagged mariposa lilies so that seed collection activities take place when seeds are mature but before they dehisce and release their seeds. Collected seed will be stored in a dark, cool place and will not be allowed to become damp. It is envisioned that collected seeds will be installed in the establishment area within three months of collection. If seeds are to be stored for a longer period than three months, the seeds will be transferred to a qualified seed storage facility. Unused seed will be offered to the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden for use in plant propagation or research activities.

4.2 WEED CONTROL
Weed control will be performed in both the enhancement area and the establishment area. The objective of weed control in the enhancement area is to remove seed heads of non-native grasses before they mature to prevent ongoing seeding of the area with undesirable species. This will be accomplished by cutting above-ground growth of non-native grass species without disturbing the ground surface which would encourage additional weed establishment. Annual grass trimming will occur in the winter months while mariposa lily growth is restricted to a basal leaf that grows prostrate along the ground. Basal leaves that may be growing in an upward direction due to dense weed growth will be avoided per the methods described in Section 5.1. Additional trimming will occur in the late spring and early summer to remove seed heads before seeds mature to the height of 12 inches which is the approximate height of mature mariposa lilies.

Weed control in the establishment area will consist of removing non-native species from seed installation quadrats so that non-native species do not outcompete mariposa lily seedlings for environmental resources (e.g., water, light, and nutrients). Weed control will generally consist of cutting grasses with a weed whacker and hand-pulling any non-native herbaceous species.

Additional specifics on weed control methods are provided in Section 5.1.

4.3 SEED APPLICATION
Seed will be applied in various portions of the lily establishment area in one-square-meter quadrats. A total of 20 quadrats will be established and 100 seeds will be installed in each. The seeds will be installed under different conditions to determine which of these variables may affect seed germination and maturation. The variables to be investigated include depth of seed placement and the presence of a mulch layer. Seed will be installed according to the following methods:
 Seeds installed to a depth of 6 centimeters (cm) without a mulch layer (5 quadrats)  Seeds installed to a depth of 6 cm with a 2 cm mulch layer (5 quadrats)  Seeds applied just under the soil surface without a mulch layer (5 quadrats) Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 10 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan  Seeds applied just under the soil surface with a 2 cm mulch layer (5 quadrats) Seed will be applied at the beginning of the seasonal rainy period (November-December) to generally mimic the natural phenology of the species. Additional information to be collected for each seed installation quadrat include: (1) slope gradient; (2) slope aspect; (3) existing associated species; (4) percent coverage of surrounding native species; and (5) percent coverage of leaf litter.

4.4 AS-BUILT CONDITIONS
At the completion of the initial installation activities described above, the Project Biologist will submit documentation to the Project Applicant and the LACDRP that summarizes installation initiation and completion dates, and site preparation activities. Also included will be site map and photos of the various enhancement and establishment areas. All site photo locations will have a fixed location and bearing, so that photos can be compared each year to provide visual evidence of mitigation program progress.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 11 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

5.0 LONG-TERM SITE MA INTENANCE (FIVE YEARS)
Maintenance in the enhancement areas will begin after grading has been completed, while maintenance activities in the establishment area will begin immediately after seeds have been installed. The intent of the maintenance program is to control non-native grass and herbaceous species to improve the germination and fertility of mariposa lilies in the enhancement area and the germination and establishment of mariposa lilies in the establishment area.

Weed control, native plant protection, site protection, trash removal, and pest control measures will be conducted during the maintenance period.

5.1 WEED CONTROL
In the enhancement area, the Landscape Contractor personnel must be able to distinguish native plant materials from weedy or non-native plants. Before weeding begins, the Project Biologist will provide information to the Landscape Contractor regarding differences in desirable and undesirable plant materials and provide instruction in appropriate methods to control weeds.

Annual grass abatement will be accomplished by cutting above-ground growth of non-native grass species without disturbing the ground surface which would encourage additional weed establishment. Annual grass trimming will occur in the winter months (December through March) while mariposa lily growth is restricted to a basal leaf that grows prostrate along the ground. In areas that contain moderate to dense grass or shrub cover, the Biological Monitor will survey these areas prior to weed control activities to identify basal leaves that are growing in an upward direction from the presence of the dense weed cover. Any such basal leaves are to be marked with a pin flag so that Landscape Contractor personnel avoid using mechanized equipment such as string trimmers in these areas. Weeds would be controlled by hand removal around the areas marked with pin flags to avoid accidental damage to basal leaves, which would harm the ability for mariposa lilies to germinate and bloom.

Additional trimming will occur in the late spring and early summer to remove seed heads before seeds mature to the height of 12 inches which is the approximate height of mature mariposa lilies.

Herbicide use shall occur only in areas where native species (including mariposa lily) will not be affected and only after consulting with the Project Biologist.

In the establishment area, weed removal will focus on areas within and immediately around the various one-square-meter quadrats. The Project Biologist will be responsible for weed control in these areas as the maintenance area is much smaller and additional caution is needed to avoid impacts to individual seedlings.

5.2 NATIVE PLANT PROTECTION
The Landscape Contractor will be responsible for avoiding impacts to native shrubs and herbaceous species in the enhancement area. Tools such as hand shears should be used in areas where the use of weed whackers would damage adjacent native species. The Project Biologist will provide training and educational materials to the Landscape Contractor so that on- site personnel are able to distinguish between desirable and undesirable species.

5.3 SITE PROTECTION
Some mariposa lily populations occur in the i mmediate vicinity of a trail system that passes through the enhancement area. A fencing plan will be implemented as part of the overall landscape plan, the purpose of which is to keep recreationists on the designated trail system. The Project Biologist will be responsible for monitoring the condition of these populations and if the Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 12 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan installed fencing does not keep trail users and pets out of the sensitive resource areas, additional fencing and/or signage will be installed to discourage incursions to these areas. The seed installation sites in the establishment area will be located away from trails and public access areas; therefore, additional fencing is not anticipated to protect these areas.

5.4 TRASH REMOVAL
The enhancement and establishment areas will be kept clear of all trash and debris.

5.5 PEST CONTROL
Insects, plant disease, herbivores, and other pests will be closely monitored during the maintenance period. The Project Biologist will determine the appropriate actions to control any of these issues.

A schedule of maintenance work tasks is provided in Table 2.

TABLE 2

FIVE-YEAR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
*

Work Tasks Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Erosion Control
Weed Control X X X X X X X X
Protection
Trash Removal
Pest Control
Symbols:

Ongoing Task
X Task performed one or more times a month.
* Maintenance task schedule and frequency will be adjusted, as appr opriate, depending on site conditions and in coordination wi th the Project Biologist.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 13 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

6.0 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING GUIDELINES
The Project Biologist will be responsible for monitoring the enhancement and establishment areas. Monitoring will include (1) monitoring site preparation and long-term maintenance; (2) providing site status documentation; and (3) facilitating the protection of natural resources during initial installation and maintenance activities throughout the mitigation program. The Project Biologist will also be responsible for coordinating with the Project Applicant regarding mitigation site conditions and compliance with project performance standards.

6.1 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND DATA COLLECTION
The performance goals listed in Table 3 will be met within the enhancement area to determine project success. The goal of the mitigation program is to control non-native grasses and herbs to improve the germination and fertility of existing mariposa lily populations.

TABLE 3

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

MARIPOSA LILY ENHANCEMENT AREA

Year
Non-Native Grass and
Herbaceous Species Coverage
1 <15%
2 <10%
3 <5%
4 <5%
5 <5%

In addition to the control of non-native species, a principal goal of the mitigation program is to collect data on the performance of mariposa lilies in the enhancement and establishment areas.

To measure mariposa lily germination and flowering rates in the enhancement area, three 20-foot X 20-foot permanent quadrats will be marked within the largest mariposa lily populations that were identified during the 2016 botanical surveys (noted as populations 57, 78, and 93 on Exhibit 3).

The number of mariposa lily seedlings and flowering individuals will be noted each year in these quadrats to quantify plant activity and determine if increasing rates of germination and flowering will result from weed control activities.

In the establishment area, the number of germinating and flowering lily plants will be documented on an annual basis in the various square-meter quadrats where seed will be installed. Germination of plants (evidenced by the presence of a basal leaf) is generally observed in January while flowering occurs in May or June.

6.2 INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING
Meetings between the Project Applicant, the Project Biologist, and the Landscape Contractor will be conducted, as necessary, prior to and during implementation activities to identify appropriate methods and to resolve any issues that may occur during implementation. The Project Biologist will have the authority to halt or redirect all work in the event of unfavorable site conditions. Site inspections will be performed on an as needed basis during site preparation and seeding, and will include the tasks listed below:
 Performing photo-documentation of pre-existing site conditions.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 14 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan  Identifying non-native species.
 Flagging native species to be retained on an as-needed basis.  Monitoring weed-control measures.
 Conducting field inspections.
 Coordinating (verbally and in writing) with the Project Applicant.

6.3 FIVE-YEAR MONITORING PROGRAM
Monitoring will consist of the activities described below.  Monthly quantitative surveys will be conducted on an annual basis from January through June to (1) evaluate weed control effectiveness in the enhancement area; (2) count germination/flowering rates in the 20-foot X 20-foot quadrats in the enhancement area; and (3) count germination/flowering rates in the various square-meter quadrats in the establishment area.
 During the last monthly survey (June) four transects that are 100 feet long will be randomly located in the enhancement area to measure native and non-native plant coverage to determine compliance with the project performance standards.  Pre-determined photo-documentation stations will be established in the enhancement area so that photographs of site conditions can be obtained throughout the monitoring program.

The Project Biologist will monitor maintenance activities at the mitigation sites to facilitate successful enhancement of mariposa lily resources and will document recorded seasonal rainfall each year. The Project Biologist will meet with the Landscape Contractor, as necessary, during regularly scheduled monitoring visits as spec ified above to discuss site conditions and recommended remedial measures.

Table 4 provides a schedule of long-term site performance monitoring tasks.

TABLE 4

FIVE-YEAR SITE MONITORING SCHEDULE

Work Tasks Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Site Monitoring
Measure Lily Germination/Blooming X X X X X X
Measure Native and
Non-Native Plant Coverage X
Photo-documentationa X X X X X X
On-site Meetings (as needed) b X X X X X X
Site Status Documentation
Annual Status Reports X
a Photo-documentation may also occur at any time to record issues or events requiri ng attention or action needed. b Meetings on the project site will in clude, as needed, the Project Biologist and any other appropriate parties, and will occur, as necessary, during regularly scheduled site monitoring visits.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 15 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

6.4 SITE STATUS DOCUMENTATION

6.4.1 Installation Summary
The Project Biologist will submit a Letter Report summarizing initial activities to the Project Applicant which will mark the beginning of the five-year maintenance and monitoring period. The report will document the locations of the square-meter quadrats in the establishment area and the 20-foot X 20-foot quadrats in the enhancement area. Photos that document site conditions will be included.

6.4.2 Annual Status Reports
Annual reports that summarize the progress of the enhancement and establishment areas will be forwarded by the Project Biologist to the Proj ect Applicant and the LACDRP at the end of each year following implementation. Each annual report will document (1) compliance/non-compliance with required performance standards; and (2) data on the germination and flowering rates that were observed during the year. In the event of substantial non-compliance with the required performance standards (see Table 3), recommended remedial measures will be provided to help the mitigation site comply with project performance standards. Photo documentation of site conditions will be included with each report.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 16 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

7.0 COMPLETION OF MITIGATION PROGRAM

7.1 NOTIFICATION OF COMPLETION
When the performance standards described in Section 6.1 have been achieved, the Project Biologist will submit a Final Annual Monitoring Report to the Project Applicant, the LACDRP, and the Landscape Contractor. Included with the Final Annual Monitoring Report will be written notification that the mitigation program is complete and ready for sign-off by the LACDRP.

7.2 AGENCY CONFIRMATION
If desired by the LACDRP, the Project Biologist and the Project Applicant will meet at the mitigation areas to verify successful compliance with the mitigation program’s performance standards. Based on the verification of successful compliance with these performance standards, the LACDRP will issue a letter confirming successful mitigation completion, which will serve as an official mitigation program sign-off.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 17 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

8.1 MITIGATION SITE OWNERSHIP
Mitigation sites will be transferred in fee to the City of Santa Clarita and the HOA under the terms of the OSMMAs. The LACDRP will be named as an enforcing party in the OSMMAs, until the open space areas are annexed by the City of Santa Clarita.

The open space areas to the west, north, and east of the development area that contain the mariposa lily enhancement and establishment sites will be transferred in fee to the City of Santa Clarita.

The terms of each OSMMA will allow right-of-entry to the Project Applicant to perform mitigation activities associated with the Project.

8.2 LONG-TERM SITE MANAGEMENT
The City of Santa Clarita will serve as the LTME for most of the open space areas utilized for mitigation purposes. The HOA will serve as the LTME for the open space area transferred to it as described above.

As the LTMEs, the City of Santa Clarita and the HOA will be responsible for preparing Long-Term Management Plans (LTMPs) for all areas to be preserved. A separate LTMP will be prepared by each LTME. The LTMPs will describe activities such as non-native plant control, supplemental native seed mix application, trash removal, repair and maintenance of any protective fencing or signage that is erected, and public outreach to ensure compliance with the rules of the open space areas. Land management activities will be performed on a permanent basis.

All proposed LTMPs, together with a description of proposed endowment and other funding arrangements, shall be submitted to the LACDRP fo r review and comment prior to the recording of the first final map. The LTMPs must be approved by the LACDRP Biologist.

8.3 FUNDING FOR SITE MANAGEMENT
A funding mechanism is required to ensure that sufficient funds are available to the LTMEs for the ongoing management and protection of the mitigation site.

Funding for the HOA-owned mitigation sites will be provided by monthly dues paid by the members of the HOA.

Funding for the City Open Space Areas will be provided by one or more of the following sources, which may include: (1) parcel taxes paid to the City of Santa Clarita’s Open Space Preservation District (after the project area is annexed to the City); (2) a new Community Facilities District for Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 18 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan maintenance purposes to be formed in the project area; or (3) establishment of a Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District (after the project area is annexed to the City of Santa Clarita).

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx 19 Mariposa Lily Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

9.0 REFERENCES
Baldwin, B.G., D.J. Keil, R. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilken (Eds.). 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California (Second ed.). Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

Boyd, S. 1999. Vascular Flora of the Liebre Mountains, Western Transverse Ranges, California.

Aliso 18:93–139. Claremont, California: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2019 . California Natural Diversity (Rarefind) Database. California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Heritage Division, Sacramento, California.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2016 (July 1, last updated). Taxonomic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (online edition, v8-02. Sacramento, CA:

CNPS. http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2003. Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California.

Http://www.cnps.org
Fiedler, Peggy Lee. 1996. Rare Lilies of California. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California.

Gaertner, M; A. D. Breeyen; C. Hui; and D. M. Richardson. 2009. Impacts of alien plant invasions on species richness in Mediterranean-type ecosystems: a meta-analysis. Progress in Physical Geography 33(3):319-338
Gillespie Ian G. and Edith B. Allen. 2004. Fire and competition in a southern California grassland:

Impacts on the rare forb Erodium macrophyllum. Journal of Applied Ecology. 41: 643-652.

Jepson Flora Project. 2015 (December 18, Revision 3). Jepson eFlora. Berkeley, CA: Jepson Herbarium. http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html.

Munz, Philip A. 1974. A Flora of Southern California . University of California Press, Berkeley, California.

Psomas. 2016 (November 22). Results of Special Status Plant Surveys for the Tesoro del Valle Phases B and C Project, Los Angeles County, California. Pasadena, CA: Psomas.

Psomas. 2018. Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report, Tesoro del Valle (Phases A, B, C) Project. State Clearinghouse No. 2016101032. CEQA report provided to the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning.

ATTACHMENT A

SLENDER/CLUB-HAIRED MARIPOSA LILY

OCCURRENCE INFORMATION
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx A-1 Attachment A

SLENDER/CLUB-HAIRED MARIPOSA LILY OCCURRENCE INFORMATION

Occurrence
#
GPS
Coordinates
(Northing,
Easting)*
#
Vegetative
#
Flowering
#
Fruiting # Total Slope, Aspect, and Habitat Associated Species 1 356042,
3817298 0 1 0 1 Steep, northwest-facing.

Chamise chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Poa secunda, Salvia mellifera, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
2 355442,
3815526 1 0 0 1 Steep, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub transition.

Artemisia californica, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia apiana, transition to non-native annual grasses
3 355825,
3815930 0 1 0 1 Steep, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Salvia mellifera, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Artemisia
californica, Acmispon glaber
4 355792,
3816002 0 1 0 1 Moderate, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea
5 357024,
3816322 0 1 0 1 Ridgeline, flat. Chaparral.

Artemisia californica, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Acmispon glaber, Chaenactis glabriuscula, Hirschfeldia incana, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
6 356676,
3816573 0 1 0 1
Bowl at bottom of slope, east-
northeast-facing. Mixed sage
scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Artemisia
californica, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Bromus diandrus, Acmispon glaber
7 356142,
3816963 0 1 0 1
Gentle, south-southwest-
facing. Coastal sage scrub on
ridgeline.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia californica, Hesperoyucca whipplei, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Chorizanthe xanti var. xanti, Deinandra fasciculatum, Avena fatua
8 356865,
3817007 0 1 0 1 Moderate, north-facing.

Chamise chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Acmispon glaber, Bromus
madritensis var. rubens
9 356607,
3817020 0 1 0 1
Slope at top of ridgeline,
northeast-facing. Buckwheat
scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Chaenactis glabriuscula, Avena sp., Erodium cicutarium, Lepidospartum squamatum, Heterotheca grandiflora, Salvia columbariae
10 356945,
3817030 0 1 0 1 Gentle, north-facing. Ridgeline
in chamise chaparral.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea, Adenostoma fasciculatum,
Salvia mellifera
11 356490,
3817061 0 3 0 3 Moderate, northeast-facing.

Coastal sage scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Dichelostemma capitata, Salvia columbarae, Bromus diandrus
12 356407,
3817117 0 4 0 4 Moderate, north-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Dichelostemma capitata,
Eriogonum fasciculatum, Avena sp.
13 356504,
3817270 0 3 0 3 Moderate, north-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Stipa lepida, Bromus diandrus, Acmispon glaber, Hirschfeldia incana
14 356517,
3817300 0 10 0 10 Moderate, north-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Stipa lepida, Bromus diandrus, Acmispon glaber
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx A-2 Attachment A

SLENDER/CLUB-HAIRED MARIPOSA LILY OCCURRENCE INFORMATION

Occurrence
#
GPS
Coordinates
(Northing,
Easting)*
#
Vegetative
#
Flowering
#
Fruiting # Total Slope, Aspect, and Habitat Associated Species 15 356712,
3817017 10 28 0 38
Steep slope + ridgeline with flat
slope. Coastal sage scrub at
edge of chamise.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Trichostema
lanatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Avena sp.,
Chaenactis glabriuscula
16 356844,
3816987 0 8 0 8 Flat. Chaparral. Salvia mellifera, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Chaenactis glabriuscula, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
17 355851,
3815882 0 3 0 3 Moderate, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub transition.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Acmispon glaber, non-native annual grasses
interspersed
18 355698,
3815617 7 32 0 39 Steep, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub transition.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia californica, Salvia
mellifera, transition to non-native annual grasses
19 355532,
3815500 0 4 0 4 Moderate, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub transition.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia californica, Salvia
mellifera, Acmispon glaber, transition to non-native annual grasses (growing in Artemisia californica)
20 355244,
3815720 1 15 0 16
Steep, northwest-facing.

Chamise - coastal sage scrub
transition.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Adenostoma fasciculatum,
Hirschfeldia incana, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
21 355850,
3816256 0 6 0 6 Moderate, northwest-facing.

Non-native grasses.

Chamise edge - Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus
madritensis var. rubens, Hirschfeldia incana, Avena fatua, Cercocarpus betuloides, Opuntia basilaris var. basilaris 22 355793,
3816310 0 1 0 1
Very steep, northwest-facing.

Chamise - coastal sage scrub
transition.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Stipa lepida, Artemisia californica 23 355695,
3816462 0 4 0 4 Steep, north-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Avena fatua, Hesperoyucca whipplei
24 355785,
3816553 0 3 0 3 Very steep, northeast-facing.

Coastal sage scrub.

Salvia mellifera, Stipa lepida, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Hirschfeldia incana, Acourtia microcephala
25 356072,
3816622 2 16 0 18
Steep, northwest-facing.

Chamise - coastal sage scrub
transition.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Stipa lepida
26 355768,
3816811 0 1 0 1 Moderate, northwest-facing.

Coastal sage scrub.

Artemisia californica, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Avena fatua, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea, Adenostoma fasciculatum
27 355583,
3816929 0 3 0 3
Steep, northwest-facing.

Coastal sage scrub- non-native
grass transition.

Avena fatua, Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea, Salvia mellifera, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
28 355831,
3816990 1 1 0 2 Steep, northwest-facing.

Coastal sage scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Avena fatua, Hesperoyucca whipplei
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx A-3 Attachment A

SLENDER/CLUB-HAIRED MARIPOSA LILY OCCURRENCE INFORMATION

Occurrence
#
GPS
Coordinates
(Northing,
Easting)*
#
Vegetative
#
Flowering
#
Fruiting # Total Slope, Aspect, and Habitat Associated Species 29 355794,
3817009 0 1 0 1 Steep, northwest-facing.

Coastal sage scrub.

Artemisia californica, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Avena fatua, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea, Adenostoma fasciculatum
30 356713,
3817135 0 6 0 6 Flat. Chaparral/coastal sage
scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Galium sp., Salvia mellifera, Avena sp., Bromus diandrus
31 356820,
3817293 0 119 0 119 Gentle, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Logfia gallica, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Bromus diandrus,
Chlorogallum pomeridian, Dichelostemma capitata, Stipa
pulchra
32 356957,
3817491 0 2 0 2 Gentle, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Dichelostemma capitata, Logfia
gallica, Avena sp., Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus
madritensis var. rubens, Salvia mellifera, Hesperoyucca whipplei
33 356950,
3817525 0 2 0 2 Gentle, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Chamise - coastal sage scrub
transition.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Artemisia californica, Salvia
apiana, Hesperoyucca whipplei, Sambucus nigra ssp.
caerulea, Avena sp.
35 357080,
3817893 0 1 0 1
Moderate, west-facing.

Chamise - coastal sage scrub
transition.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus diandrus, Salvia apiana, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea
36 357108,
3817950 0 3 0 3
Moderate, west-facing.

Chamise - coastal sage scrub
transition.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus diandrus, Salvia apiana, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea
37 357951,
3817985 0 24 0 24 Moderate, northeast-facing.

Chaparral/coastal sage scrub.

Salvia leucotheca, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Artemisia
californica, Elymus condensatus, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
38 357139,
3818001 0 4 0 4
Moderate, east-facing. Coastal
sage scrub openings in
drainage bottom.

Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Bromus tectorum,
Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. fasciculatus, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Hirschfeldia incana, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea
39 357111,
3818004 0 1 0 1 Flat. Chamise - coastal sage
scrub transition.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Chlorogallum pomeridian,
Hesperoyucca whipplei, Bromus diandrus, Sambucus nigra
var. caerulea
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx A-4 Attachment A

SLENDER/CLUB-HAIRED MARIPOSA LILY OCCURRENCE INFORMATION

Occurrence
#
GPS
Coordinates
(Northing,
Easting)*
#
Vegetative
#
Flowering
#
Fruiting # Total Slope, Aspect, and Habitat Associated Species 40 357183,
3818031 0 10 0 10 Moderate, west-facing. Coastal
sage scrub openings.

Avena fatua, Acourtia microcephala, Artemisia californica, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus diandrus, Sambucus nigra var. caerulea
41 356812,
3818066 0 6 0 6 Gentle, west-facing. Chamise
chaparral. Adenostoma fasciculatum, non-native grasses
42 357364,
3818109 0 1 0 1 Steep, west-facing. Coastal
sage scrub openings.

Artemisia californica, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Salvia
leucophylla, Avena fatua
43 357770,
3818106 0 3 0 3
Very steep, north-facing.

Coastal sage scrub openings
on cliff-face.

Artemisia californica, Mimulus aurantiacus, Salvia leucophylla, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
45 356942,
3818141 0 9 0 9 Gentle, northwest-facing. Open
chaparral/coastal sage scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Artemisia californica,
Hesperoyucca whipplei, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea, and Salvia leucophylla
46 357081,
3818174 0 10 2 12
Gentle, southweast-facing.

Semi-open chaparral/coastal
sage scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Salvia leucophylla, Avena barbata, Hesperoyucca whipplei
47 357063,
3818185 0 3 0 3
Gentle, southweast-facing.

Semi-open chaparral/coastal
sage scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Salvia leucophylla, Avena barbata, Hesperoyucca whipplei
48 357238,
3818205 0 6 0 6 Moderate, west-facing. Coastal
sage scrub openings.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia leucophylla, Salvia mellifera, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
49 357440,
3818278 0 1 0 1 Moderate, east-facing.

Chaparral/coastal sage scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Bromus
madritensis var. rubens, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea,
Sambucus nigra var. caerulea, Artemisia californica, Opuntia sp.
50 357369,
3818346 0 1 0 1 Flat. Coastal sage scrub on
ridgeline.

Hirschfeldia incana, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Logfia gallica, Bromus madritensis, Cryptantha sp., Eriodium cicutarium, Emmenanthe penduliflora, Salvia mellifera
51 357518,
3818453 0 1 0 1 Steep, west-facing. Coastal
sage scrub openings.

Artemisia californica, Avena fatua, Salvia leucophylla, Adenostoma fasciculatum
52 357020,
3818478 0 2 0 2 Gentle, west-facing. Disturbed
chamise-chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Eriogonum fasciculatum,
Hesperoyucca whipplei, Avena barbata
53 357059,
3818538 1 10 0 11 Gentle, north-facing. Disturbed
chamise-chaparral.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Hesperoyucca whipplei, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Avena barbata, Salvia leucophylla
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx A-5 Attachment A

SLENDER/CLUB-HAIRED MARIPOSA LILY OCCURRENCE INFORMATION

Occurrence
#
GPS
Coordinates
(Northing,
Easting)*
#
Vegetative
#
Flowering
#
Fruiting # Total Slope, Aspect, and Habitat Associated Species 54 357483,
3818634 0 1 0 1 Steep, west-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Malacothamnus fasciculatus var. fasciculatus, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea, Acourtia microcephala, Avena fatua, Salvia mellifera, Hirschfeldia incana
55 356847,
3818120 0 22 0 22 Gentle, north-facing. Chamise
chaparral.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Salvia leucophylla, Artemisia californica, non-native grasses
56 356817,
3818127 0 19 0 19 Flat. Purple sage-buckweat
scrub.

Salvia leucophylla, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia
californica, Hirschfeldia incana, non-native grasses
57 356861,
3817512 0 23 0 23
Moderate, northwest-facing.

Chamise - coastal sage scrub
transition.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Avena sp., Bromus diandrus,
Salvia mellifera, Hirschfeldia incana, Hesperoyucca whipplei 58 356480,
3817337 0 41 0 41 Steep, north-facing. Coastal
sage scrub openings.

Acourtia microcephala, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Acmispon glaber, Melica imperfecta, Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia,
Psilocarpus tenellus, Claytonia sp., Bloomeria corcea var. crocea
59 356454,
3817198 25 70 0 95
Moderate, northern trending
ridgeline. Chamise - coastal
sage scrub transition.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Stipa lepida, Bromus diandrus, Acmispon glaber, Hirschfeldia incana
60 356603,
3817144 0 10 0 10 Flat. Chamise - coastal sage
scrub transition. Adenostoma fasciculatum
61 356570,
3817053 0 20 2 22 Steep, southweast-facing.

Coastal sage scrub.

Bloomeria crocea var. crocea, Eriogonum fasciculatum,
Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Bromus tectorum,
Thysanocarpus sp., Dichelostemma capitata, Salvia mellifera, Avena fatua, Emmenanthe penduliflora, Artemisia californica, Hirschfeldia incana
62 356361,
3817119 0 15 0 15 Gentle, north-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Avena sp., Bromus diandrus,
Salvia mellifera, Hirschfeldia incanan
63 356369,
3817258 0 13 0 13
Steep slope + ridgeline with
gentle slope, northwest-facing.

Chamise chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Eriogonum fasciculatum,
Dichelostemma capitata, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea,
Hirschfeldia incana, Logfia gallica, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Marah sp.
64 356293,
3817202 0 8 0 8
Very steep, northwest-facing.

Chamise - coastal sage scrub
transition.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Marah sp., Acortia microcephala, Dichelostemma capitata, Salvia mellifera, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea
65 356738,
3817045 0 10 0 10
Moderate, west-facing.

Chamise - coastal sage scrub
transition.

Adenostoma fasciculatum
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx A-6 Attachment A

SLENDER/CLUB-HAIRED MARIPOSA LILY OCCURRENCE INFORMATION

Occurrence
#
GPS
Coordinates
(Northing,
Easting)*
#
Vegetative
#
Flowering
#
Fruiting # Total Slope, Aspect, and Habitat Associated Species 66 357439,
3818527 0 10 0 10 Steep, west-facing. Coastal
sage scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Stipa lepida Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Avena fatua, Artemisia californica, Salvia leucophylla, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea
67 357754,
3818469 0 5 0 5 Moderate, northeast-facing.

Coastal sage scrub openings.

Artemisia californica, Salvia leucophylla, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Emmenanthe pendulflora, Erodium cicutarium 68 355973,
3816283 0 11 0 11
Steep, northwest-facing.

Chamise chapparel & non-
native grasses.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Bromus tectorum
69 356004,
3816371 6 29 0 35 Steep, northwest-facing.

Coastal sage scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Hesperoyucca
whipplei, Dichelostemma capitatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
70 356019,
3816305 0 13 0 13 Steep, northwest-facing.

Coastal sage scrub.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia californica, Salvia
mellifera, Hirschfeldia incana
71 355768,
3816545 0 5 0 5 Steep, northeast-facing.

Chamise chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Dichelostemma capitata, Hirschfeldia incana, Eriogonum
fasciculatum
72 355717,
3816514 0 5 0 5 Steep, northeast-facing.

Chamise chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Dichelostemma capitata, Hirschfeldia incana, Eriogonum
fasciculatum
73 355524,
3816858 1 44 0 45
Very steep, northwest-facing.

Coastal sage scrub - chamise
transition.

Salvia mellifera, Artemisia californica, Adenostoma
fasciculatum, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Avena fatua
74 355658,
3816976 0 3 0 3
Steep, northwest-facing.

Coastal sage scrub - non-
native grass transition.

Avena fatua, Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea, Salvia mellifera, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
75 357403,
3818680 0 3 0 3 Flat. Chamise chaparral. Eriogonum fasciculatum, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Avena barbata
76 356854,
3818323 0 11 0 11 Gentle, north-facing. Chamise
chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus diandrus, Eriogonum
fasciculatum, Stipa lepida, Salvia leucophylla
77 357017,
3818383 0 58 0 58 Gentle, north-facing. Chamise
chaparral.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Salvia leucophylla, Bromus diandrus, Bromus madritensis var.
rubens, Hesperoyucca whipplei
78 356861,
3817963 0 19 0 19
Top of ridgeline, east- and
west-facing. Chaparral/coastal
sage scrub.

Acmispon glaber, Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Hirschfelda incana, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx A-7 Attachment A

SLENDER/CLUB-HAIRED MARIPOSA LILY OCCURRENCE INFORMATION

Occurrence
#
GPS
Coordinates
(Northing,
Easting)*
#
Vegetative
#
Flowering
#
Fruiting # Total Slope, Aspect, and Habitat Associated Species 79 356945,
3817728 0 2 0 2 Moderate, east-facing.

Chamise chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Avena
sp., Bromus diandrus
80 356900,
3817812 0 2 0 2 Flat, top of ridgeline. Chamise
chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia californica, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea, Avena sp.
81 356750,
3817250 0 150 0 150 Moderate, west-facing. Coastal
sage scrub on gentle ridgeline.

Chlorogallum pomeridian, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Salvia mellifera, Opuntia basilaris var. basilaris, Artemisia californica, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Centaurea melitensis, Logfia gallica, Hirschfeldia incana
82 357106,
3817978 0 10 0 10 Gentle, west-facing. Chamise
chaparral.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus diandrus, Salvia apiana, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea
83 356888,
3817310 0 1 0 1 Moderate, northwest-facing.

Loose chamise chaparral.

Avena fatua, Artemisia californica, Acourtia microcephala, Bromis diandrus, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Adenostoma
fasciculatum
84 358142,
3817758 0 6 0 6 Steep, east-facing. Purple
sage-buckweat scrub.

Salvia leucophylla, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia
californica, Eriodictyon crassifolium, non-native grasses 85 358000,
3817835 0 1 0 1 Steep, north-facing. Purple
sage-buckweat scrub.

Salvia leucophylla, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia
californica, Eriodictyon crassifolium, non-native grasses 86 357942,
3817840 0 3 0 3 Steep, north-facing. Purple
sage-buckweat scrub.

Salvia leucophylla, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia
californica, Eriodictyon crassifolium, non-native grasses 87 357287,
3817992 0 14 0 14 Steep, northeast-facing.

Chaparral openings.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Salvia leucophylla, Logfia gallica, Eriophylla confertiflora, Chlorogallum pomeridian
88 358061,
3817991 0 2 0 2 Flat. Purple sage-buckweat
scrub.

Salvia leucophylla, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Artemisia
californica, Hirschfeldia incana, non-native grasses
89 358078,
3818169 0 2 0 2 Steep, north-facing. Coastal
sage scrub. Artemisia californica, Salvia leucophylla, non-native grasses 90 357553,
3818402 0 2 0 2 Very steep, west-facing. Road
cut.

Eriogonum fasciculatum, Acmispon glaber, Artemisia
californica, Hesperoyucca whipplei, Avena fatua
91 357676,
3818562 0 2 0 2 Moderate, northeast-facing.

Coastal sage scrub openings.

Artemisia californica, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Trichostema lanatum, Emmenanthe penduliflora, Bloomeria crocea var. crocea, Hesperoyucca whipplei, Chlorogallum pomeridian, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Logfia gallica
92 358110,
3817810 4 16 0 20 Steep, east-facing. Purple
sage-buckweat scrub.

Salvia leucophylla, Artemisia californica, Eriogonum
fasciculatum, non-native grasses
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\HMMP\Mariposa Lilies\HMMP_Mariposa Lilies-110920.docx A-8 Attachment A

SLENDER/CLUB-HAIRED MARIPOSA LILY OCCURRENCE INFORMATION

Occurrence
#
GPS
Coordinates
(Northing,
Easting)*
#
Vegetative
#
Flowering
#
Fruiting # Total Slope, Aspect, and Habitat Associated Species 93 356996,
3818203 0 33 5 38
Gentle, north-facing. Semi-
open chaparral/coastal sage
scrub.

Adenostoma fasciculatum, Salvia leucophylla, Avena barbata, Hesperoyucca whipplei, Bromus madritensis var. rubens
94 357254,
3816996 0 1 0 1 Very steep, north-facing.

Coastal sage scrub.

Artemisia californica, Salvia mellifera, Bromus madritensis var. rubens, Malacothamnus fasciculatus, Emmenanthe
penduliflora
Total N/A 59 1,097 9 1,165 N/A N/A
#: number; GPS: global positioning system; N/A: not applicable * Coordinates recorded in the Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 11 North coordinate system, horizontal datum North American Datum 1983.

Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan

Tesoro del Valle Phases B and C
Revised VTTM 51644-1
Los Angeles County, California

EIR Mitigation Measure BIO-4

Prepared for BLC TESORO LLC
100 Bayview Circle, Suite 240
Newport Beach, California 92660
Contact: Michael Schlesinger
T: (949) 945-2290

Prepared by Psomas
225 South Lake Avenue, Suite 1000
Pasadena, California 91101
Contact: David Hughes
Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner #243
T: (626) 351-2000
November 2020
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx i Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project Location ..................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Project Description ................................................................................................ 3

1.3 Responsible Parties .............................................................................................. 3

1.4 Species Background ............................................................................................. 4

1.5 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................ 5

1.6 Required Mitigation ............................................................................................... 5

2.0 Western Spadefoot Translocation Program Goals ...................................................... 6

2.1 General Strategy Overview ................................................................................... 6

2.2 Responsible Parties .............................................................................................. 7

2.2.1 Project Applicant ........................................................................................ 7

2.2.2 Biological Monitor ...................................................................................... 7

2.2.3 Landscape Contractor ............................................................................... 8

2.2.4 Long-Term Management Entity ................................................................. 8

2.2.5 Resource Agencies.................................................................................... 8

3.0 Mitigation Pond Site Selection ....................................................................................... 9

4.0 Design and Construction of Mitigation Ponds ........................................................... 10

5.0 Innoculation of Created Mitigation Ponds .................................................................. 12

6.0 Amphibian Salvage and Translocation ....................................................................... 13

6.1 Translocation Methods ........................................................................................ 13

6.2 Implementation Schedule .................................................................................... 14

7.0 Adaptive Management and Remedial Measures ........................................................ 15

7.1 Mitigation Pond Inoculation ................................................................................. 15

7.2 Drought Year Provisions ..................................................................................... 15

7.3 Hydroperiod Monitoring of Created Mitigation Ponds .......................................... 15

7.4 Temporary Captivity of Western Spadefoot......................................................... 16

8.0 Long-Term Monitoring .................................................................................................. 17

8.1 Monitoring of Created Ponds ............................................................................... 17

8.2 Western Spadefoot Monitoring ............................................................................ 17

8.2.1 Monitoring Larvae .................................................................................... 17

8.2.2 Monitoring Adults ..................................................................................... 18

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx ii Table of Contents

9.0 Site Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 19

9.1 Non-Native Plant Species Control ....................................................................... 19

9.2 Mitigation Pond Repair ........................................................................................ 19

9.3 Trash Removal .................................................................................................... 19

10.0 Success Criteria ............................................................................................................ 20

11.0 Long-Term Site Management ....................................................................................... 21

11.1 Mitigation Site Ownership .................................................................................... 21

11.2 Long-Term Site Management .............................................................................. 21

11.3 Funding For Site Management ............................................................................ 21

11.4 Coordination with CDFW and Other Permitting Agencies ................................... 21

12.0 References ..................................................................................................................... 22

TABLES

Table Page

1 Responsible Parties ......................................................................................................... . 3 2 Implementation Schedule ................................................................................................ 14

EXHIBITS

Exhibit Follows Page

1 Local Vicinity ..................................................................................................................... 3 2 Project Location ................................................................................................................ 3 3 U.S. Geological Survey 7.5–Minute Quadrangle .............................................................. 3 4 Previously Documented Spadefoot Ponds ........................................................................ 5 5 Proposed Mitigation Pond Locations ................................................................................. 9

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment

A 2005 Western Spadefoot Focused Survey Report for the Tesoro del Valle Project Site

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 1 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan (WSMP) described herein provides guidelines for the translocation of the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) and creation of suitable breeding habitat to mitigate for impacts to several debris basins on the Tesoro del Valle Phases B and C project site (hereinafter referred to as the project site) that are assumed to serve as breeding ponds for the species. The western spadefoot is a small native toad that is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the State of California (CDFW 2018); impacts on this species and its habitat were determined to be significant under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Mitigation actions described in this plan are designed to reduce this impact to a level that is less than significant.

The goals of this document are to: (1) describe the existing status of western spadefoot habitat within the project boundaries; (2) identify appropriate locations on the project site to create western spadefoot breeding ponds; (3) describe specifications for breeding pond construction; (4) describe methods for the collection and translocation of adult and tadpole western spadefoot; and (5) document the success of pond creation and spadefoot establishment through the implementation of a maintenance and monitoring program.

The proposed mitigation activities are intended to compensate for impacts to western spadefoot breeding ponds as discussed in Mitigation Meas ure (MM) Bio-4 in the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Psomas 2018) for the Tesoro del Valle Phase B and C Residential Development Project. The WSMP is provided for review by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning (LACDRP) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

Please note that if any discrepancies occur between the requirements of MM Bio-4 and this WSMP regarding impact and mitigation quantities then what is described in the WSMP will supersede the MM upon approval of this document.

Specifically, MM Bio-4 requires the following items to be addressed in the WSMP:
• Responsibilities and Qualifications of the Personnel to Implement and Supervise the Plan. The responsibilities of the Landowner, Specialists, and Maintenance Personnel that will supervise and implement the WSMP shall be specified (See Section 2.2). • Site Selection. The site(s) for replacement ponds shall be determined in coordination with the Project Applicant, the LACDRP, and the CDFW. The site(s) shall be located in a dedicated open space area, will be surrounded by native upland habitat areas that are suitable for adult spadefoot to create burrows during the summer months. The site(s) shall be connected to each other and shall provide for potential dispersal to the San Francisquito Creek area to prevent genetic isolation within the watershed ( See Section 3.0).
• Pond Construction. The mitigation plan will describe methods for constructing replacement ponds that will not allow infiltration into the soil so that water can be retained for periods long enough to allow spadefoot breeding to occur (See Section 4.0). • Site Preparation. Site preparation shall include (1) protection of existing native species; (2) trash and weed removal; (3) soil treatments (i.e., compaction, placement of a restrictive layer to prevent soil infiltration) (See Section 3.0).
• Inspection of Materials. Any plant material and other landscaping materials (including clay soil or organic mulches) shall be inspected to ensure they do not contain pests or pathogens, including Argentine ants. Diseased or infested plant, seed, or landscape materials shall be removed from the site and transported to an appropriate off-site green Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 2 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan waste facility (not applicable as no plants or landscaping materials are utilized as part of this plan).
• Schedule. Relocation of western spadefoot eggs and tadpoles will be performed during the breeding season which generally occurs between February and May. The replacement ponds shall be monitored for a period of approximately five years during years when sufficient rainfall occurs that create appropriate breeding conditions ( See Sections 6.2 and 8.2).
• Maintenance Plan/Guidelines. The maintenance plan shall include (1) weed control; (2) as-needed repair to replacement ponds; and (3) trash removal (See Section 9.0). • Monitoring Plan. The WSMP shall include specifications for qualitative monitoring (i.e., photographs and general observations) during the western spadefoot breeding period. The condition of the ponds shall be inspected prior to the seasonal rainy period to determine if conditions exist that would prevent appropriate water retention (e.g., gopher activity) and to recommend any needed repairs. Monitoring activities will be summarized on an annual basis and reports will be subm itted to the LACDRP and CDFW each year (See Section 8.0).
• Performance Standards. The WSMP shall include a discussion of appropriate performance standards to determine program su ccess which will include the following:
(1) documentation that the replacement ponds can retain surface water for an approximate five-week period that would allow eggs to hatch and develop into mature toads and (2) at least two documented seasons of at least 100 tadpoles developing in the replacement ponds (See Section 10.0).
• Signage and Fencing. If the replacement ponds are located in an area that are in the vicinity of a public-access area and visible to the public, the WSMP shall include specifications on fencing to protect western spadefoot areas and restrict human access.

Signage specifications shall also be developed to indicate the site is a preservation site to prevent trespassing ( signage not applicable to the sites identified in this WSMP as they are located in an area where human visitation is minimal). • Long-Term Site Management. The mitigation plan shall identify an appropriate entity to manage any open space areas utilized for mitigation purposes. A long-term management plan shall also be developed which will be implemented by the long-term management entity. Potential land management entities include the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority; the Tesoro del Valle Homeowners Association; the Nature Conservancy, the City of Santa Clarita, or the County of Los Angeles. Any other management entities that may be identified would be subject to approval by the LACDRP.

The County of Los Angeles shall be named as an enforcing party on any conservation easement or land dedication agreement to ensure compliance with any restrictions or required land management actions associated with the open space areas ( See Section 11.0).
• Proof of Funding for Site Management. The WSMP shall provide a funding mechanism to ensure that sufficient funds are available to the long-term management entity for the ongoing management and protection of the mitigation sites. Possible funding mechanisms may include an endowment, payments from the HOA, or establishing a special financing district (See Section 11.0).

1.1 PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed project is located in an unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County, just north of the City of Santa Clarita (Exhibit 1). The 1,271.4-acre project site is located directly south of the Angeles National Forest’s Saugus Ranger District, north of Copper Hill Drive, and west of San Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 3 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan Francisquito Canyon Road. The northeastern corner of the project site covers a portion of San Francisquito Canyon, which has been designated as Significant Ecological Area (SEA) No. 19 by the County of Los Angeles. The project site is also located immediately north of the Phase A development portion of the Tesoro del Valle project (Exhibit 2). The Angeles National Forest lies north of the project site and Castaic Lake is located approximately 2 miles to the northwest.

The project site is located on the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS’) Newhall 7.5-minute quadrangle of the San Bernardino Meridian at Township 5 North, Range 16 West, Sections 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 32, and 33 (Exhibit 3). The topography on the project site consists of rugged hills and canyons with native vegetation types dominating the landscape. Elevations in the study area range from approximately 1,325 to 1,830 feet above mean sea level (msl).

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project involves the buildout of Phases B and C of the Tesoro del Valle project site.

The project’s grading footprint impacts approximately 397 acres on which 820 homes would be created, consisting of 455 single-family detached homes and 365 age-qualified senior homes.

Additionally, the project consists of the development of private parks and recreation areas; public and private trails; public and private open space; public and private roadways; and utility infrastructure. Project construction will involve mass grading of approximately 9.2 million cubic yards of soil, which will be balanced on site.

1.3 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
The project applicant and biological consultant responsible for implementing the long-term maintenance and monitoring program, and key individuals responsible for its approval are listed below in Table 1.

TABLE 1

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

Task/Role
Responsible Parties
Entity/Company Contact Address Phone Number
Project Applicant BLC TESORO LLC Michael Schlesinger
100 Bayview Circle,
Suite 240
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 945-2290
Mitigation planning,
biological monitoring Psomas David Hughes
225 South Lake Avenue,
Suite 1000
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 351-2000
Long-Term
Management Entity City of Santa Clarita Janine Prado
23920 Valencia Boulevard
Suite 300
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 255-4978
CEQA Mitigation
Compliance
County of Los Angeles
Department of
Regional Planning
Joe Decruyenaere
320 West Temple Street
13 th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-6461
Section 1600
Permitting
California Department
of Fish and Wildlife Victoria Tang 4665 Lampson Avenue
Los Alamitos, CA 90720 (562) 430-5082
Landscape
Contractor
Landscape
Development Inc. Johnny Escobedo 28447 Witherspoon Parkway Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 295-1970

Ca s t a i c
La k e
Dr in k w a t e r
Re s e r v o i r
La k e
Ca s t a i c
La g o o n
AvenueScott
CopperHillDr
LakeHughesRd
RyeCanyon Rd
San
Francisquito
CanyonRd
TheOld Rd
M
cBean
Pkwy
Six Flags Magic
Mountain
Newhall RanchRd
Com
m
erce
CenterDr
Bouquet CanyonRd
James Foster
Elementary School
Emblem Elementary
School
Santa Clarita
Elem
School
Rosedale
Elementary
School
Mountain View
Elementary SCH
Arroyo
Seco
Junior High School
Valencia
High
School
Saugus High
School
UV126
§¨5
Ca staic La ke
Sta te Rec Area
Northbridge
Park
Santa
Clarita
Park
Pamplico Park
Hasley
Canyon
Park
Castaic
Sports
Complex
Bouquet
Canyon
Park
D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\MXD\HMMP\Spadefoot\ex_LV_20181008.mxd 1 0 10.5
Miles²
Local Vicinity
Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan for Phases B and C of the Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project Exhibit 1
(Rev: 10-08-2018 MMD) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Spadefoot\ex_LV.pdf Project Boundary
Castaic
Lake

A N G E L E S

WARM SPRINGS MOUNTAIN QUADRANGLE

NEWHALL QUADRANGLE
PhaseC
PhaseB
PhaseA
D:\Projects\3BLC\J0001\MXD\HMMP\Spadefoot\ex_USGS_20181008.mxd 2,000 0 2,0001,000
Feet²
Source: USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle
Newhall
Warm Springs Mountain
Phase B & C Boundaries
Phase A Boundary (Off-site)
Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan for Phases B and C of the Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 4 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan Applicable regulatory agency permits for this project include:
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Streambed Alteration Agreement (No. 1600-1999-0126-R5)
• Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for Tesoro del Valle (Phases A, B, C) Project, County of Los Angeles Project No. 92074-(5), VTTM 51644-1 (Psomas 2018)

1.4 SPECIES BACKGROUND
The western spadefoot is a moderate-sized toad (snout to vent lengths generally not exceeding

2.5 inches) with loose skin, irregular dark markings, and tubercles tipped with orange or red. The overall dorsal coloration is dusky green, gray, or brown, with a white to gray and unmarked underside. The main distinguishing features are the presence of wedge-shaped, glossy-black “spades” on each hind foot, and vertical pupils.

The western spadefoot is restricted to California and northwestern Baja California, Mexico, below 4,500 feet elevation. Adult toads forage and burrow in open areas with sandy or gravelly soils in a variety of habitats including mixed woodlands, grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, sandy washes, lowlands, river floodplains, alluvial fans, playas, alkali flats, and foothills and mountains.

They feed primarily on insects, worms, and other invertebrates. Western spadefoots are rarely seen, spending most of their life underground in earth-filled burrows up to 3 feet deep.

Adults emerge from dry season refuges during late winter or spring rains, typically in February and March, and proceed to nearby breeding ponds. Additional breeding may occur after March, particularly during years with late season or above average rainfall. Little is known about the home range of spadefoot toads; however, Great Basin spadefoot (Spea intermontana) are estimated to travel up to 0.5 mile from seasonal burrows to breeding habitat. Breeding habitat primarily consists of shallow, temporary rain pools that should persist for a minimum of 30 days following egg-laying.

The temporary nature of the breeding habitat ensures a lack of predators such as fish, American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana ), and red-swamp crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) that would otherwise reduce the likelihood of metamorphosis and recruitment.

Spadefoot males arrive at breeding ponds first to establish breeding territories and vocalize to attract females. The breeding call is hoarse and snore-like. Females select males and perform external fertilization (amplexus) in the water, attaching fertilized eggs to submerged plant stems or other objects. Females lay 300 to 500 eggs in small clusters of 10 to 42 eggs per cluster. Eggs hatch within three to four days; and metamorphosis of tadpoles is dependent on the carrying capacity of the breeding pond, typically occurring within 30 to 79 days. Tadpoles eat plankton, algae, and dead aquatic larvae. Larval predators include California tiger salamanders, garter snakes, great blue herons, and raccoons. Juveniles will migrate from their natal pond a few days after metamorphosis, but little is known about how far they travel or how they survive the dry conditions typical in April through June when these movements take place.

In southern California, over 80 percent of habitat once known to be occupied by western spadefoot has been converted to uses incompatible with sustaining viable populations as a result of direct impacts to breeding habitat and/or fragmentation of breeding and foraging/burrowing habitat by urban development. Direct loss of habitat and possibly mosquito abatement programs (resulting in the release of mosquito fish in spadefoot breeding ponds) have been implicated in severe population declines. Other non-native species such as bullfrog may also pose a threat to some populations.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 5 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan

1.5 EXISTING CONDITIONS
Psomas (then BonTerra Consulting) Senior Sci entist Mike Robson and Biologist Sam Stewart visited the project site in April and May 2005 to determine the presence or absence of the western spadefoot on the project site (BonTerra 2005a, Attachment A). The western spadefoot was observed in several debris basins that are located in the southeastern portion of the Phase B and C development area (Exhibit 4). These basins are adjacent to native upland habitat areas that are dominated by chamise chaparral vegetation. These basins are hereinafter referred to as “salvage ponds,” as western spadefoot eggs and tadpoles will be salvaged from these locations and placed in the mitigation ponds. These surveys were performed at the end of an “El Nino” rainfall year in which approximately 40 inches of rain fell in the 2004-2005 water year. At the time of the surveys, these basins contained ponded water for a sufficient period to allow for successful spadefoot breeding, however ponded water has been observed only rarely in subsequent years following these surveys.

Concurrent surveys for western spadefoot on the adjacent project site (Tract 53189) were performed by Mr. Robson and Mr. Stewart (BonTerra 2005b). Two breeding locations that are near the Tesoro del Valle property were documented in that report and are shown on Exhibit 4.

1.6 REQUIRED MITIGATION
Mitigation Measure (MM) Bio-4 in the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (Psomas 2018) requires the preparation of a Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan to reduce the loss of western spadefoot breeding ponds to a less than significant level. The MM states the following:
“…a Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan (WSMP) shall be developed by a qualified Biologist and submitted for review and approv al by the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, in consultation with the CDFW. The WSMP will consist of (1) monitoring the presence and development of eggs and tadpoles within the project development area; (2) constructing ponds to replace the breeding habitat to be impacted; (3) relocating eggs and tadpoles from the project development area to the replacement ponds; and (4) monitoring and maintaining the replacement ponds to maintain conditions appropriate for western spadefoot breeding. Specifically, the WSMP shall include the following:
• Responsibilities and Qualifications of the Personnel to Implement and Supervise the Plan
• Site Selection
• Pond Construction
• Site Preparation
• Inspection of Materials
• Schedule
• Maintenance Plan/Guidelines
• Monitoring Plan Performance Standards
• Signage and Fencing
• Long-Term Site Management
• Proof of Funding for Site Management
Previously Documented Spadefoot Ponds Exhibit 4
(Rev: 10/30/2018 MMD) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Spadefoot\ex_Prev_Spadefoot.pdf Phase A
Phase C
Phase B
Sa
n
FrancisquitoCanyonRd
Quail Haven
Mission Puebla
Via Vizcaya
Via Cresta Rio RanchWay
Via Milagro
Via Vista
MissionTrailLn
Bernardo Way
Palo Verdo Dr
ViaEstancia
La
sTer
ren
o
Ln
StoneyCreekRd
DukeDr
Farmer John Lat
Reyes Adobe Way
W
DakotaDr
Las Brisas
Rd
Tesoro del Valle Dr
AvenidaRanchoTeso
ro
SanFrancisquito Mtrwy
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Feet²
Aerial Source: LAR-IAC 2014
Phases B & C Boundaries
Phase A Boundary
Spadefoot Pond Location
Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan for Phases B and C of the Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project Map Extent
Phase C
Phase B
Phase A
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 6 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan

2.0 WESTERN SPADEFOOT TRAN SLOCATION PROGRAM GOALS
The overall goal of this translocation program is to create several suitable breeding ponds that provide breeding habitat for translocated western spadefoot, for the purpose of compensating for the loss of breeding habitat on the project site. This translocation program has been developed under and is consistent with the operational guide lines for improving the ecological success of artificially created wetlands intended as mitigation for wetland losses (Zedler and Shabman 2001) and conforms to applicable principles of ethical use of plant and animal salvage in ecological restoration projects (Bowler 2000).

Specifically, the objectives of this program are to:

1. Identify suitable locations for replacement spadefoot ponds on the project site

2. Construct a series of replacement ponds and demonstrate that these ponds are capable of holding water to facilitate spadefoot toad breeding

3. Monitor spadefoot breeding status in existing ponds that occur within the development footprint. Western spadefoot eggs and/or tadpoles will be collected from ponds that will be impacted by project construction activities and transferred to the replacement ponds

4. Monitor the condition of the replacement ponds and perform maintenance on an as- needed basis to ensure the replacement ponds are capable of functioning as breeding habitat for western spadefoot

5. Document breeding activity for a period of at least five years after their construction to determine if the mitigation program is in compliance with performance criteria The purpose of this document is to describe proposed methods for implementing the translocation program. Although the term “translocation” may be used as a general term that includes any intentional movement of an organism in the wild into an area where it is already present (Griffith et al. 1989), it is defined herein as the movement of animals from an area where they are immediately threatened (i.e., by development) to an area where they would not be subject to habitat loss (i.e., a conservation area) (Dodd and Seigel 1991).

2.1 GENERAL STRATEGY OVERVIEW
While specific aspects of the mitigation program are described in subsequent sections of this mitigation plan, this section provides a summary of the framework of the proposed mitigation activities and a general time frame for implementation.

The first step in program implementation will consist of replacement pond construction at locations described in Section 3.0. Pond construction will be accomplished in late fall 2018 or early winter 2019. Ponds will be filled and monitored to confirm that they are capable of holding surface water and that pond substrates do not allow water to percolate through the pond bottoms.

The existing locations within the development footprint where western spadefoot breeding activity has been documented (BonTerra Consulting 2005a, Attachment A) will be monitored during the spring of 2019. The existing breeding locations consist of several debris basins constructed in the southeastern portion of the Phase B development area, west of the terminus of Avenida Rancho Tesoro. Monitoring will be performed to identify locations where western spadefoot eggs and/or tadpoles are present so that they can be collected for translocation. Because these debris basins fill up only during years of high rainfall, temporary smaller ponds may be installed and artificially filled to provide western spadefoot with suitable breeding locations.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 7 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan If western spadefoot eggs/tadpoles are identified in the existing ponds, they will be collected and translocated immediately (i.e., same day as collection) according to the procedures described in Section 6.0. Any opportunistically observed adult western spadefoot individuals will be collected and moved to appropriate habitat areas in the vicinity of the replacement pond locations.

Project development will leave an island of natural open space habitat between Phase A and B development areas. This area will be surrounded by development on all sides and will not allow for any migration of small terrestrial fauna. Temporary ponds will be installed in this habitat island to collect western spadefoot eggs, tadpoles, and adults that would otherwise be trapped in this area and provide an additional source of western spadefoot for replacement pond translocation.

These temporary ponds will be installed in this location during or shortly after project grading activities.

Biological monitors will be present during initial grading activities. Ground vibrations caused by grading equipment may provoke western spadefoot adults to leave their below-ground burrows.

Biological monitors will collect any observed adult spadefoot individuals and translocate them to appropriate habitat in the vicinity of replacement pond locations as described in Section 6.0.

Ongoing monitoring and as-needed maintenance will occur for a period of at least five years to document achievement of the program’s perfo rmance standards. Maintenance will consist of activities such as: (1) treating and/or removing invasive non-native plant species that are growing in or immediately adjacent to replacement ponds that have the potential to reduce pond functioning or discourage spadefoot utilization of the ponds; (2) repairing any holes or fissures in the replacement ponds that develop due to settling or animal activity to ensure ponds can maintain ponded water; and (3) providing supplemental water in the replacement ponds to maintain appropriate conditions for spadefoot breeding and tadpole development.

2.2 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
Successful mitigation program implementation will depend upon the cooperative efforts of the Project Applicant, the Landscape Contractor, and the Biological Monitor. The following section outlines the various functions and responsibilities of these entities and individuals.

2.2.1 Project Applicant
BLC TESORO LLC is responsible for retaining (1) a qualified Biological Monitor to perform monitoring activities and oversee mitigation pond construction as described in this translocation program and (2) a qualified Landscape Contractor to build and maintain mitigation ponds. BLC TESORO LLC will ultimately be responsible for the successful implementation of the program described herein and for compliance with required performance standards.

2.2.2 Biological Monitor
BLC TESORO LLC will retain a Biological Monitor knowledgeable of western spadefoot biology and habitat requirements that is also experienced in monitoring the implementation and maintenance of long-term mitigation programs. All m onitoring activities described herein will be performed by qualified Biologists approved by the CDFW to handle western spadefoot or by qualified Biologists working under the supervi sion of a CDFW-approved Biologist. Qualified Biologists are defined herein as personnel with at least three years of experience in wildlife biology and that hold a valid CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit.

The Biological Monitor will be responsible for directing the Landscape Contractor and any resource specialists required during program implementation to ensure compliance with specified performance standards. In all instances, the Biol ogical Monitor will consult with and obtain Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 8 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan approval for any implementation plan revisions from BLC TESORO LLC, the LACDRP, and the CDFW prior to the initiation of any and all stages of plan implementation.

2.2.3 Landscape Contractor
BLC TESORO LLC will be responsible for retaining a licensed Landscape Contractor experienced in (1) non-native plant species control and management in natural habitat areas and (2) the installation and maintenance of habitat mitigation programs. The Landscape Contractor will be responsible for mitigation pond construction and any necessary control of invasive weed species.

The Landscape Contractor will also be responsible for coordinating with the Biological Monitor regarding all site installation and maintenance activities.

2.2.4 Long-Term Management Entity
The City of Santa Clarita (City) will be responsible for maintaining the open space areas that contain the western spadefoot mitigation ponds as the Long-Term Management Entity (LTME).

The fee title of the open space areas will be transferred to the City and the terms of the ongoing open space management will be described in an Open Space Management and Maintenance Agreement (OSMMA) between the City and BLC Tesoro LLC to ensure that the habitat qualities are maintained in perpetuity. Upon completion of the mitigation program (documented by written sign-off letters from the LACDRP and CDFW when the performance standards are achieved), the mitigation ponds will be maintained in the same manner as the rest of the open space.

2.2.5 Resource Agencies
The LACDRP and the CDFW (collectively referred to as the “resource agencies”) will be responsible for reviewing annual monitoring reports provided by the Project Biologist to confirm the mitigation program is on schedule to achieve required performance standards. Once the mitigation program has achieved the final performance standards, the resource agencies will be responsible for coordinating with the Project Applicant and the Project Biologist to confirm the successful completion of the program and to provide written confirmation that will release the Project Applicant from further maintenance and monitoring responsibilities.

The County of Los Angeles will have regulatory authority over the Tesoro del Valle project area, including the open space areas that contain the western spadefoot mitigation ponds, until the project area has been annexed to the City (expected November 2021). The County of Los Angeles will be a third-party beneficiary of the OSMMA until the project area is annexed to the City, at which point the County’s third-party beneficiary status will end, including the enforcement duties of open space management requirements of the OSMMA.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 9 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan

3.0 MITIGATION POND SITE SELECTION
Psomas Restoration Ecologist David Hughes per formed a site review within the property boundary and outside project disturbance limits to identify suitable sites for construction of replacement ponds. These replacement ponds will serve as translocation sites for western spadefoot eggs and tadpoles that are salvaged from areas inside the project disturbance limits.

Sites were selected based on physiography and habitat requirements of the western spadefoot life cycle. The following requirements were considered during site selection:

1. Physiography (i.e., suitable on-site and adjacent upland habitat with topography, hydrology, and geology resulting in sufficient drainage into subject sites to maximize the potential for a hydroperiod exceeding a five-week minimum during the breeding period required for spadefoot mating, larval development, and metamorphosis)

2. Access to adjacent upland habitat (i.e., suitable upland habitat for western spadefoot foraging and brumation/aestivation)

3. Access to San Francisquito Creek to allow for connectivity to and gene flow with other sub-populations of western spadefoot that occur in the immediate region

4. Avoidance of incompatible uses (e.g., existing or future disturbance, presence of sensitive biological or jurisdictional resources, areas subject to fuel modification activities)

5. Proximity to existing basins within the development footprint that have supported western spadefoot breeding. This will allow western spadefoot that inhabit upland areas outside the project disturbance limits to potentially reach the replacement ponds on their own.

Exhibit 5 shows the proposed locations for the creation of replacement ponds. In addition to several proposed locations, additional alternative locations were identified as a contingency in case the proposed locations prove unsuitable for unforeseen reasons.

Exhibit 5 also shows the locations of temporary ponds that will be maintained in on-site open space in the vicinity of the existing ponds. Project development will result in creation of an island of natural open space surrounded to the north and west by construction of Phase B development and surrounded to the south and east by the existing Phase A development. Therefore, any western spadefoot that inhabit this area will be isolated. To maximize the number of western spadefoot eggs and tadpoles that are recovered, temporary ponds will be created that will remain in place for at least two years after the initiation of project construction.

Because pond locations are located away from any areas of expected human visitation, no protective fencing or signage is necessary.

Proposed Mitigation Pond Locations Exhibit 5a
(Rev: 03/07/2019 MMD) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Spadefoot\ex_Proposed_Mit_Ponds.pdf Phase A
Phase C
Phase B
MedeiraLn
CallePrimavera
Palo Verdo Dr Avenida
RanchoTesoro
Reyes Adobe Way
Farmer John Lat
Tesoro del Valle Dr
San Francisquito Mtrwy
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Feet²
Aerial Source: LAR-IAC 2014
Phases B & C Boundaries
Phase A Boundary
Existing Pond Locations
Proposed Pond Locations
Temporary Pond Locations
Alternate Pond Locations
Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan for Phases B and C of the Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project Map
Extent
Phase C
Phase B
Phase A
Proposed Mitigation Pond Locations Exhibit 5b
(Rev: 03/07/2019 MMD) R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Graphics\HMMP\Spadefoot\ex_Proposed_Mit_Ponds.pdf Phase C
Lady Linda Ln
LasTunas Trl
Quail Haven
San
Fran
cisquitoMtrwy
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Aerial Source: LAR-IAC 2014
Phases B & C Boundaries
Significant Ecological Area No. 20
Alternate Pond Locations
Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan for Phases B and C of the Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project Map
Extent
Phase C
Phase B
Phase A
Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 10 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan

4.0 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF MITIGATION PONDS
Proposed mitigation pond design is based on habitat requirements determined from the known life history of western spadefoot. Breeding habitat prim arily consists of shallow, temporary rain pools that should persist for a minimum of 30 da ys following egg-laying. Shallow pools allow for suitable areas in which males establish territories and allow egg masses to attach to emergent vegetation and woody or other debris. Furthermore, shallow pools are more likely to dry out at the end of the season, ensuring that introduced predators of spadefoot eggs, larvae, and adults that require permanent water will not become established (e.g., African clawed frogs, bullfrogs, and crayfish).

Hydroperiod, defined here as the length of time the ponds hold water, is dependent on at least three factors: (1) initial depth (a function of the amount of rainfall), (2) evaporation rate, and (3) percolation rate. De Weese (1998) recommends that ponds be constructed to mimic the diameter and depth of the existing ponds that will be impacted in an effort to duplicate the hydroperiod of the existing ponds. Therefore, replacement ponds are proposed to be approximately 2 to 3 feet deep with gradual sides. The replacement ponds will be smaller in overall surface area than the existing ponds, as constructing ponds as large as the existing debris/detention basins is not practical.

Once the sites for the mitigation ponds are confirmed, the perimeter of each of the ponds shall be clearly marked in the field with survey lathe prior to pond construction and/or enhancement. Pond construction will occur as soon as is practicable given the necessary review and approval period by the CDFW, upcoming breeding season (based on observations in the 2005 survey reports), and project timeline. A qualified Biologist will be present during excavation to observe pond creation and to ensure that native vegetation within preserved open space is not incidentally impacted during grading activities.

Creation of the replacement ponds will involve excavation of soils at the downhill portion of the site to form a berm that will allow for the breeding pond to be at least 2 feet deep. The upstream perimeter should remain unobstructed to allow sheet flow to enter the proposed pond. Upon completion of excavation, each pond will first be compacted with hand tools and a minimum 1-inch layer of imported clay soils will be placed on top of the compacted soils. For sandy soils that do not provide sufficient compaction, a gravel base may be added and compacted into the sandy material to provide a hard base to the ponds. The banks of the ponds should have an approximate 1:1 grade to allow small terrestrial wildlife to climb out and not become trapped. Woody debris (e.g., branches and twigs) will be placed within the pond to serve as substrate for oviposition.

Upon completion of mitigation pond construction, these ponds will be filled to confirm that they are able to hold surface water for the necessary time period to facilitate spadefoot breeding. The created mitigation ponds will either be allowed to fill naturally (if a storm is predicted following their construction) or, if feasible, filled artificially using a water truck or other acceptable means so ponds will be ready for translocating spadefoot. Deionized and non-chlorinated water should be used (if available) in the amount necessary to fill the pond. If tap water is used, it should be allowed to sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate or should be treated with de-chlor or another similar product to remove chlorine and chloromines. A hose will be used to transfer water to the bottom of the ponds to avoid erosion of the pond margins.

Once the ponds have filled with water, the ability of the mitigation ponds to hold water will be monitored. If the created ponds are unable to hold water for a sufficient length of time, one of three strategies will be utilized: (1) additional soil compaction, (2) application of additional clay pond liner, or (3) installation of a subsurface plastic liner.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 11 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan Temporary ponds may be created in the areas of the existing ponds/debris basins where western spadefoot have been observed in the event that rainfall is insufficient to fill existing ponds (see Section 7.2).

All mitigation pond locations shown in Exhibit 5 are found in designated open space areas that will be dedicated to an appropriate land management entity, as required by MM Bio-4 in the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (see Section 1.6).

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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5.0 INNOCULATION OF CREAT ED MITIGATION PONDS
Use of donor soils and woody debris from an existing wetland or seasonal pools to inoculate a newly created or restored system of ponds has been widely shown to “jump-start” and enhance the ultimate biological resource values of the created ponds (Brown and Bedford 1997; Wolters et al. 2000; Bartoszek and Schneider 2002), in some cases creating ponds with comparable or greater species richness and plant cover than source pools (Northen and Holve-Hensill 2000).

Donor soils and woody debris will inoculate the newly created ponds with a seed bank of wetlands vegetation; aquatic invertebrates; and native algal, fungal, and bacterial communities. Placement of woody debris in the created ponds will result in a variety of microhabitat features available to breeding toads and developing larvae, as well as aquatic invertebrates and vegetation inoculated into the mitigation ponds through transfer of soil, seed bank, and water. Inoculation of the created mitigation ponds on the project site is intended to provide an ample and suitable food base for developing western spadefoot larvae. Inoculum from the existing seasonal ponds to be impacted, depending on availability, will therefore be salvaged and translocated to the created mitigation ponds after they have been constructed. Finally, leaf litter and detritus from adjacent upland scrub habitat may also be added to the created mitigation ponds to supply additional cover, nutrients, and organic material, which may be beneficial to breeding amphibians by duplicating conditions of the natural ponds (Pechmann et al. 2001).

If the existing ponds are completely dry, a flat shovel will be used to dislodge and transfer intact sections of soil, to a depth of at least 2 to 3 inches, and move them to the created mitigation ponds. Each section will be approximately 1 foot by 1 foot across and 3 inches thick. The sections will be placed individually in a suitable container and translocated to the mitigation ponds. Each section will then be carefully broken up and spread across the bottom of the mitigation ponds with a hard rake. Small amounts of plant stems, leaf li tter, and detritus will also be added to provide refugia, nutrients, and organic material to the pond ecosystem.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

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6.0 AMPHIBIAN SALVAGE AND TRANSLOCATION

6.1 TRANSLOCATION METHODS
Translocation of western spadefoot to replacement ponds is proposed to establish new permanent breeding locations. Translocating toads during the egg, larval (tadpole), or early metamorphic stages gives them an opportunity to imprint the conditions of the created ponds, thus increasing the chances that they will return there to breed (Weyrauch and Amon 2002; Stebbins and Cohen 1995). Translocation efforts proposed in the translocation program will preferentially focus on the larval stage because tadpoles are easier to move than egg masses and easier to collect than metamorphs. All tadpoles will be moved to the created mitigation ponds as they are encountered throughout the breeding season by a qualified Biologist holding the necessary permits. To encourage breeding activity prior to project construction, ponds inside the grading boundary may be filled artificially if natural rainfall is unable to adequately fill the existing ponds. While ponds are filled, adult spadefoot will be captured and translocated during a series of surveys conducted during the breeding season. Although toads may be active anytime between October and April following substantial rains, oviposition (egg laying) typically occurs between February and late May (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Translocation of larval spadefoot is proposed to begin once the breeding season has started and the mitigation ponds are created, filled, and adequately inoculated as determined by the Project Biologist. Translocation will follow husbandry guidelines developed by the Southwestern Working Group of the Declining Amphibian Populations Task Force (DAPTF 2004) and guidelines for use of live amphibians (and reptiles) in the field developed in a joint effort by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, The Herpetologist’s League, and the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (1987). In addition, the translocation program will follow standard guidelines for minimizing disease transmission among amphibian populations (DAPTF 1998).

Spadefoot translocation will proceed as long as suitable conditions exist, up until the onset of construction. Multiple translocation events are planned and will be spaced approximately two weeks apart to capture tadpoles that form in the early and late spring. Translocation efforts will continue until no further tadpoles are observed in the salvage ponds. Tadpoles will be the focus of the translocation effort as described in detail below. However, if egg masses are still present in the ponds when it is time to move the tadpoles, they will be collected first to avoid disturbing them during the more vigorous process of tadpole collection. Locations of egg masses will be noted with pin flags, data on the water depth, distance from pond edge, and direction from the center of the pond; these notations will be made for each mass and recorded in field notes. The corresponding number will be written on each zip-lock bag. Egg masses will be moved by carefully drawing them into zip-lock bags (with the vegetation to which they are attached) and storing for less than eight hours in a temperature-controlled cooler until translocated to the mitigation ponds.

One egg mass will be stored per bag. Egg masses will be “released” by placing the zip-lock bag into the mitigation pond, allowing temperature equilibration for five minutes, and transferring the egg mass from the bag to a mat or raft of vegetation in the mitigation pond. To the extent possible, each egg mass will be placed at the same distance from the pond edge, at the same depth, and the same direction from the center of the pond from which it was collected at the donor pond.

Tadpoles will be collected using hand-held nets, dip nets, and seines, as site conditions permit.

Tadpoles will be stored in 5-gallon buckets filled with water from the breeding pond until transferred to the mitigation ponds. Depending on their size, 50 to 100 tadpoles will be stored in each bucket. Tadpoles will be released by placing the bucket along the edge of the mitigation pond, allowing temperature equilibration for five minutes, and slowly tilting the bucket to allow escape.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 14 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan Spadefoot metamorphs and adults will be captured and translocated opportunistically during the tadpole translocation effort and during initial grading activities. Adult spadefoot will be captured by hand or using dip nets and seines, as conditions permit. Spadefoot will be held in 5-gallon buckets for less than eight hours for translocation. Adults and metamorphs will be released by placing them at the edge of the mitigation pond and allowing escape into the pond. Adults in amplexus would not be disturbed, but their location would be recorded and revisited to determine if an egg mass has been deposited.

If the existing ponds are still inundated when grading is scheduled and they are to be mechanically drained before construction to facilitate grading, a qualified Biologist shall be present to capture and relocate larvae (and adults if present) as the water recedes and individuals are concentrated.

During mechanical draining, quarter-inch hardware cloth (screen) shall be used on the end of the siphon hose to avoid the accidental suction of larvae.

6.2 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
Table 2 provide a summary timeline of the proposed schedule for implementation of and subsequent monitoring for the mitigation program.

TABLE 2

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Work Tasks Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Monitor surface water
in salvage areas X X X X X X
Monitor spadefoot larval
developmenta X X X X X
Construct mitigation ponds X
Capture and relocate eggs or
tadpoles from salvage ponds X X X X
Monitor surface water levels in
mitigation pondsb X X X X
Monitor spadefoot development in
mitigation pondsb X X X X
Prepare and submit as-built program
implementation report X
Annual monitoring of western
spadefoot usage of mitigation ponds X X X X X
Prepare and submit annual
monitoring reports X
a Monitoring of spadefoot development will continue until no further specimens are observed in the salvage ponds. b Monitoring of surface water levels and spadefoot development in mitigation ponds will continue until all tadpoles have metamorphosized and left the mitigation ponds.

Note that there may be variability in the timing of these tasks based on environmental conditions.

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7.0 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIAL MEASURES
The following adaptive management strategies and remedial measures may be critical to the success of the translocation program. Ideally, a translocation program like this would be implemented over several seasons to: (1) collect baseline data and estimate the size of the existing toad population, (2) verify that the hydroperiod of mitigation ponds is adequate for larval development, (3) collect inoculum from existing ponds during the dry season, and (4) ensure that the majority of the population is translocated. Because this entire translocation program likely will be implemented over the course of one season, this section outlines procedures and measures to be implemented if it appears that certain aspects of the translocation program, as described above, may not be feasible or possible given the existing site conditions and project schedule.

7.1 MITIGATION POND INOCULATION
Use of donor soils in created ponds is the preferred method of inoculating alga, bacteria, soil microbes, and seeds for facilitating their establishment. However, if the ponds to be impacted are already filled with water by the time mitigation ponds are created, eliminating the possibility of collecting soil inoculum, other measures will have to be employed. Wet season transplant of wetland plant species directly into newly created and restored ponds has been shown to be successful, in some instances resulting in plant diversities in the created ponds similar to the donor ponds (Dodero and Hanson 2000). Transfer of leaf litter and detritus from adjacent upland scrub habitat to the created mitigation ponds to supply additional cover, nutrients, and organic material (Pechmann et al. 2001) will be implemented whether the donor ponds are filled or not.

7.2 DROUGHT YEAR PROVISIONS
If the project site does not receive sufficient rainfall, western spadefoot may not form the large breeding congregations necessary to create a larval population that could be translocated. The presence of surface water in the salvage area will be monitored in January, prior to the expected beginning of western spadefoot egg laying. If insufficient rain occurs to provide enough surface water (at least six inches deep) to support egg laying and subsequent western spadefoot development, smaller temporary ponds may be creat ed within or adjacent to existing ponds, as described in Sections 3.0 and 4.0, and artificially filled to facilitate development of eggs and tadpoles for translocation. If ponded water exists in the salvage area that supports western spadefoot oviposition and larval development, surface water conditions shall be maintained by providing supplemental water as necessary until tadpoles are translocated.

7.3 HYDROPERIOD MONITORING OF CREATED MITIGATION PONDS
When water levels recede in western spadefoot ponds, the density of larval amphibians increases and available food resources decrease, possibly compromising larval development and survivorship (these conditions may lead to cannibalism in larval western spadefoot [Duellman and Trueb 1994]). Therefore, prior to the beginning of the translocation program, hydrological monitoring of the replacement ponds is necessary to ensure that the hydroperiod of mitigation ponds is sufficient for successful larval development (at least five weeks). Following the natural or artificial filling of the replacement ponds, water depth will be recorded on a weekly basis to document hydrological conditions. Spadefoot larval development generally occurs during periods of relatively high and sustained rainfall (i.e., replacement ponds are not expected to hold water for five weeks based on a single filling event, due to evaporation or minor soil infiltration). If ponds are able to maintain surface water for at least one week after a filling event, then a sufficient hydroperiod shall be assumed.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 16 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan Once translocation of western spadefoot has occurred, if water levels in the created mitigation ponds fall below 1 foot, using water trucks or a similar means to transfer water to the mitigation ponds may be necessary to sustain larval development. Water transfer to the mitigation ponds shall occur before water levels reach 6 inches. Imported water quality shall follow provisions described in Section 4.0.

7.4 TEMPORARY CAPTIVITY OF WESTERN SPADEFOOT
If the breeding season commences and the mitigation ponds are not completed, tadpoles that are ready to metamorphose may be held in temporary ponds. Temporary ponds will consist of plastic wading pools that are located in the vicinity of the mitigation site and will be installed so that the top of the pool is at grade with the surrounding land and sand bags will be placed inside the pools to act as a ramp so that juvenile spadefoot can escape to surrounding upland areas. Topsoil from either the existing upland pools or nearby drainages would be used to cover the bottom of the wading pools. Tadpoles would be transferred following the methods described above for translocation to created pools. Tadpoles would be fed using algal mats obtained from San Francisquito Creek and supplements from the pet trade, if necessary.

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8.0 LONG-TERM MONITORING

8.1 MONITORING OF CREATED PONDS
Documentation of conditions in the mitigation ponds will consist of photographs that will be taken from permanent photo locations. Photographs will be taken of each mitigation pond area prior to pond creation, after pond creation, during each site visit for western spadefoot translocation in the breeding season, and annually for each of the five years of monitoring. To the extent possible, photographs will be taken under similar weather conditions and, for annual photos, during the same time of year. Comparison of photographs through the first breeding season and during each site visit over the following years will provide a basis for qualitative evaluation of replacement pond hydrology, opportunistic vegetation establishment, and wetlands function.

8.2 WESTERN SPADEFOOT MONITORING
Standardized sampling design and analysis of data is critical for annual comparison of the status of the western spadefoot (Heyer et al. 1994). Larvae are often present at the breeding site for longer periods than adults; however, adults are more conspicuous and easier to identify than larvae, so sampling both adults and larvae is often the best approach for monitoring amphibians (Scott and Woodward 1994). Therefore, the presence of egg masses, tadpoles, and adults in the created mitigation ponds will be documented as part of the long-term monitoring effort to evaluate the success of the translocation program. Presence of egg masses and tadpoles are important to document breeding, but larval numbers are poor predictors of adult population size (Scott and Woodward 1994) because most young do not reach adulthood (Heyer et al. 1994).

Monitoring of larvae and adult western spadefoot toad relative abundance will be conducted three times per year for the five monitoring years when suitable conditions exist for spadefoot breeding.

For the adults, one survey conducted each month in the months of February, March, and April, all within one week of a storm or series of storms that produces at least 1 inch of rainfall, are proposed. The surveys should be spaced at least three weeks apart. For the larvae, one survey conducted each month in the months of March, April, and June are proposed. The one-month lag time for the larvae surveys is to allow adult breeding, egg deposition, egg development, and larval development to occur prior to surveys. Monitoring surveys for adults and larvae in overlapping months can be conducted on the same day. Therefore, approximately four visits per year would be conducted (fewer visits would be conducted if suitable conditions do not occur for successful breeding).

8.2.1 Monitoring Larvae
There are numerous ways to sample larval amphibians. Dip nets and seines are considered the most effective sampling techniques for small seasonal ponds like the ones proposed for this translocation program (Shaffer et al. 1994). However, because larval amphibians are relatively fragile, counting of larvae is proposed as an alternate sampling method (i.e. instead of dip nets and seines) to avoid potential trauma to spadefoot larvae and to minimize the potentially negative effects of the sampling activity on the created mitigation pond environment.

Amphibian larvae can survive within a broad range of temperatures, although many have thermal preferences that they maintain by moving around in their environment. By seeking the higher temperatures within its preferred range, larval development and growth can be accelerated (Stebbins and Cohen 1995). Larval amphibians, including western spadefoot, often form aggregations along the shallow margins of ponds where the water is warmer, thereby increasing the rate of development. This aggregation behavior facilitates the sampling methods described below.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 18 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan Surveys for larvae will consist of diurnal visual encounter surveys (Crump and Scott 2000) using counts of larvae along the edge of each mitigation pond where larval aggregations form. All larvae will be counted along the shore of each pond within 2 feet of the water’s edge. During each survey, all mitigation ponds will be sampled twice (i.e., larvae will be counted two times). Each sample will be obtained by a different Biologist (when two are available) and spaced at least 15 minutes apart. All counts will start five minutes after approaching the edge of the pond (to allow disturbed larvae time to settle). The average number of larvae will be used as the estimated relative abundance for each pond. An estimate of the total population size in each pond will not be possible because samples are not taken at representative depths, and tadpoles are not evenly distributed within the ponds.

8.2.2 Monitoring Adults
Western spadefoot are prolific breeders adapted to reproducing in temporary ponds. The methods of sampling the adult population therefore must take into account the conditions that induce breeding, which in this case is rainfall. The dates of the surveys in each of the five monitoring years should be as consistent as possible but must be flexible, based on the rainfall patterns for each survey year.

Visual encounter surveys (Crump and Scott 2000) along a transect will be conducted at night by walking the perimeter of each created mitigation pond and counting all adult western spadefoot toads encountered. Data on the number of calling males and adults in amplexus will be recorded as subsets of the total number of adults. During each survey, all mitigation ponds will be sampled twice (i.e., two times per night). Each sample will be obtained by a different Biologist (when two are available) and spaced at least 15 minutes apart. The average number of adults will be used as the estimated relative abundance. Counts will be made for each pond and for the site as a whole.

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9.0 SITE MAINTENANCE
Maintenance of the western spadefoot mitigation ponds will be performed by the Landscape Contractor on an as-needed basis as determined by the Biological Monitor. Expected maintenance tasks would involve: (1) removal of non-native vegetation; (2) mitigation pond repair; and (3) trash removal.

9.1 NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES CONTROL
Exotic and invasive weed species control will be performed at the direction of the Biological Monitor. Construction of the mitigation ponds requires soil disturbance that tends to encourage the proliferation of non-native weedy species. Due to the compacted soil conditions that comprises the bottom of the mitigation ponds, veget ation is not expected to become established within the basins. However, non-native vegetation may germinate on the periphery of the basins where ancillary soil disturbance would occur. Before weed control is initiated, the Biological Monitor will brief the Landscape Contractor and crew regarding the identification of desirable and undesirable plant species.

To avoid impacting the water quality in the mitigation ponds that is critical to the success of western spadefoot breeding, the use of herbicides will be avoided to the greatest extent possible.

All weed control will be performed through hand-removal of non-native species and through the use of hand tools, such as a string trimmer.

Before weed control is initiated, the Biological Monitor will brief the Landscape Contractor and crew regarding the identification of desirable and undesirable plant materials.

9.2 MITIGATION POND REPAIR
In case the mitigation ponds are damaged and are not able to hold water for successful spadefoot breeding, the Biological Monitor will direct the Landscape Contractor to perform necessary repairs to restore the ponds functionality. Possible sources of damage may result from human vandalism or from subterranean wildlife such as gophers. Repairs may consist of adding additional clay for increased water retention or repairing/replacing the impermeable pond liner.

9.3 TRASH REMOVAL
Minor trash removal will be performed on an as -needed basis by the Biological Monitor during regular monitoring visits. If large amounts of trash/debris are observed in the vicinity of the mitigation ponds, the Biological Monitor will contact the Landscape Contractor to haul all such material off the site.

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10.0 SUCCESS CRITERIA
Success of this translocation program will be based on (1) the ability of the replacement ponds to hold water for sufficient periods to support western spadefoot breeding and (2) observed evidence of successful western spadefoot breeding activity in the replacement ponds (and temporary ponds, if applicable). Once it has been establ ished that the replacement ponds are capable of holding water for a suitable period of time to support breeding activity, the mitigation program shall be considered partially successful. Final success will be based on documentation of at least two seasons of successful breeding by the spadefoot in numbers that are similar to previously documented levels (at least 100 tadpoles per replacement pond). A total of at least five permanent replacement ponds shall support successful breeding for the project to be considered fully successful.

The methods used to monitor the larvae and adult western spadefoot at the created mitigation ponds provide an estimate of relative abundance. Conducting the annual monitoring surveys for larvae and adults using standardized methods (the same time of year, same transects, same Biologists, etc.) allows for comparisons of relative abundance between successive years and among all years.

Evaluating the success of this translocation program or restoration programs in general is difficult without baseline data for comparison (De Weese 1998). Evaluation of the success of the translocation program for the western spadefoot will be quantitative and based on comparisons with observations recorded in the 2005 focused survey report and the relative abundance of larvae and adults in subsequent years.

However, annual weather patterns, the amount of rainfall in particular, will have an effect on the emergence and breeding patterns of the adults. If rainfall and subsequent ponding of water are not sufficient, western spadefoot may not breed at a particular location in drought years.

Comparison of relative abundance between years, and ultimately the success of the program, will have to take into account the weather patterns that occurred over the course of the monitoring period. Alternatively, replacement ponds may be artificially filled to encourage spadefoot breeding if sufficient natural rainfall does not occur to fill the replacement ponds, so that the mitigation program can be evaluated in a reasonable timeframe.

A drop in the number of breeding adults (and, therefore, the relative abundance) is anticipated for the first and possibly second year of monitoring. This is because western spadefoot that are translocated as adults (if any) may either (1) not survive to the next breeding season (for a variety of reasons), or (2) emigrate from the mitigation pond area in search of their natal ponds. In addition, western spadefoot translocated as larvae may not reach sexual maturity until two years of age (Jennings and Hayes 1994) and therefore may not return to the created mitigation ponds until they are reproductively active. The combined effects of the loss of adults and the lag time associated with the maturity of the translocated young is likely to result in lower counts for the first two years of monitoring and therefore a lower relative abundance. The final three years of monitoring therefore will likely provide the best es timate of population size for comparisons with the baseline number moved and therefore is the optimal time period for evaluating translocation program success.

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11.0 LONG-TERM SITE MANAGEMENT
As a part of the mitigation program, long-term management of the mitigation site will be transferred to the LTME. This section describes the ownership and long-term management of the mitigation site.

11.1 MITIGATION SITE OWNERSHIP
The mitigation site will be transferred in fee to the City of Santa Clarita under the terms of an OSMMA (see Section 2.2.4). The LACDRP will be named as an enforcing party in the OSMMA until the open space areas are annexed by the City of Santa Clarita.

The terms of the OSMMA will allow right-of-entry to the Project Applicant to perform the mitigation activities described herein.

11.2 LONG-TERM SITE MANAGEMENT
The City of Santa Clarita will serve as the LTME for the open space areas utilized for mitigation purposes.

As the LTME, the City of Santa Clarita will be responsible for preparing a Long-Term Management Plan (LTMP) for all areas to be preserved. The LTMP will describe activities such as non-native plant control, supplemental native seed mix application, trash removal, repair and maintenance of any protective fencing or signage that is erected, and public outreach to ensure compliance with the rules of the open space areas. Land management activities will be performed on a permanent basis. The LTMP must be approved by the LACDRP Biologist.

11.3 FUNDING FOR SITE MANAGEMENT
A funding mechanism is required to ensure that sufficient funds are available to the LTME for the ongoing management and protection of the mitigation site.

Funding will be provided by one or more of the following sources, which may include: (1) parcel taxes paid to the City of Santa Clarita’s Open Space Preservation District (after the project area is annexed to the City); (2) a new Community Facilities District for maintenance purposes to be formed in the project area; or (3) establishment of a Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District (after the project area is annexed to the City of Santa Clarita).

11.4 COORDINATION WITH CDFW AND OTHER PERMITTING AGENCIES The LTMP, together with a description of propos ed funding arrangement, shall be submitted to the LACDRP for review and comment prior to the recording of the first final map. The LACDRP acknowledges that the final form of these documents is subject to the review and approval of the CDFW and/or other permitting agencies, and that the documents and proposed funding arrangements are therefore subject to change. The Project Applicant shall keep the LACDRP informed of any modifications requested by the permitting agencies.

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12.0 REFERENCES
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH). 1987. The Herpetologists’s League (HL), and Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR). Guidelines for use of live amphibians and reptiles in field research.

Bartoszek, J., and T. Schneider. 2002. Donor soils jumpstart revegetation of created wetlands.

Ecological Restoration 20:52-53.

BonTerra Consulting. 2005a. Results of Focused Surveys for the Western Spadefoot for the Tesoro del Valle Phase II Project Site, Los Angeles County, California. Letter report prepared for Evans Collins Community Builders, Newport Beach, California. ———. 2005b. Results of Focused Presence/Absence Surveys for the Western Spadefoot on the Approximate 181-Acre Burnam Project Site. Prepared for SunCal Companies, Woodland Hills, California.

Bowler, P. 2000. The ethics of plant and animal salvage in ecological restoration projects.

Ecological Restoration 18:262-263.

Brown, S., and B. Bedford. 1997. Restoration of wetland vegetation with transplanted wetland soil. Wetlands 17:424-437.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2018 (August). State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. Sacramento, CA : CDFW, Natural Heritage Division. https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109405&inline.

Crump, M.L., and N.J Scott Jr. 2000. Visual Encounter Surveys. In Heyer, W.R., M.A Donnelly, R.W. McDiarmid, L.C. Hayek, and M.S. Forster (eds.) Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C.

Declining Amphibian Population Task Force (DAPTF). 2004. The DAPTF Frog Husbandry Guidelines. Available on DAPTF website at www.fws-nmcfwru.nmsu.edu. ———. 1998. The DAPTF fieldwork code of practice. Froglog 27.

De Weese, J. 1998. Vernal pool construction monitoring methods and habitat replacement evaluation. In Witham et al. (eds.) Ecology, conservation, and management of vernal pool ecosystems – Proceedings from a 1996 conference. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. pp. 217-223.

Dodd, C.K., and R.A. Seigel. 1991. Relocation, repatriation, and translocation of amphibians and reptiles: Are they conservation strategies that work? Herpetologica 47:336-350.

Dodero, M., and B. Hanson. 2000. Wet-season relocation of vernal pool species improves results (California). Ecological Restoration 18:197-198.

Duellman, W., and L. Trueb. 1994. Biology of Amphibians. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland.

Tesoro del Valle Residential Development Project, Phases B and C

R:\Projects\BLC\3BLC000101\Spadefoot\Tesoro Spadefoot Plan-110420.docx 23 Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan Griffith, B., J.M. Scott, J.W. Carpenter, C. Reed. 1989. Translocation as a Species Conservation Tool: Status and Strategy. Science 245 (4917): pp. 477 - 480 doi:10.1126/science.245.4917.477.

Heyer, W.R., M.A. Donnelly, R.W. McDiarmid, L.C. Hayek, and M.S. Forster (eds.) 1994.

Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods for Amphibians.

Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C.

Jennings, M., and M. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Contract No. 8023. 255 pp.

Northen, P., and S. Holve-Hensill. 2000. Comparison of techniques for inoculating artificial vernal pools in California. Ecological Restoration 18: 124-125.

Pechmann, J., R. Estes, D. Scott, and J. Gibbons. 2001. Amphibian colonization and use of ponds created for trial mitigation of wetland loss. Wetlands 23: 93-111.

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Ecological Restoration 19:209-211.

ATTACHMENT A

WESTERN SPADEFOOT FOCUSED SURVEY REPORT (2005)

National
Angeles
Forest
Castaic
Lake
Ventura
Orange
[_
Project
Location
§¨405
§¨
5 §¨
210
§¨
105
§¨
10 §¨
710
§¨
110
§¨
605
§¨
5 §¨
10 ST138
ST14
ST1
ST118
ST22
ST27
ST2
ST19
ST23
ST73
ST170
ST126
ST39
ST107
ST72
ST134
ST110
ST60
ST91
ST213
ST55
ST57
ST187
ST710ST2
ST138
ST1
ST23
tu101
tu
101
Anaheim
Palmdale
Pasadena
Long Beach
Los Angeles
Santa Monica
Santa
Beach
Downey
Carson
Clarita
Whittier
Lakewood
Glendale
Lancaster
Santa Ana
Hawthorne
Calabasas
Huntington Costa Mesa
Buena Park
Seal Beach
Simi Valley
Westminster
West Covina
Palos Verdes
West Hollywood

PACIFIC

OCEAN
Regional Location
Tesoro del Valle Phase II
Exhibit 1
²
10 0 105
Miles
R:\Projects\Evans\J006\Graphics\ex1_RL_041305.pdf
D:\Projects\Evans\J006\regional.mxd
Local Vicinity
Tesoro del Valle Phase II
Exhibit 2
R:/Projects/Evans/J006/Ex2_LV_quad_062405.pdf
D:/Projects/Evans/J006/Ex_LV_quad_062405.mxd
2,000 0 2,0001,000
Feet²
Source: USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle
Newhall, CA
Western Spadefoot Pools
Tesoro del Valle Phase II
Exhibit 3
R:/Projects/Evans/J006/Ex3_spadefoot_102405.pdf
D:/Projects/Evans/J006/Ex3_spadefoot_ponds.mxd

0.300 .30.15
Miles²
Spadefoot Locations
Project Boundaries
Photos
Tesoro del Valle Phase II
Exhibit 4
R:\Projects\Evans\J006\Graphics\Ex4toad_SP_102105.pdf
D:\Projects\Evans\J006\Graphics\Ex4toad_102105.ai
Pond where western spadefoot toads were observed.

Pond where western spadefoot toads were observed.

Western spadefoot tadpole.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
South Coast Region
3883 Ruffin Road
San Diego, OA 92123
Streambed Alteration Agreement
Notification No. 1600-2020-0101-R5, Revision 3
Cajon Creek/Santa Clara River
Blaine Peterson and Barry Villines
BLC TESORO LLC.

Tesoro Phases B and C Project
This Streambed Alteration Agreement (Agreement) is entered into between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and BLC Tesoro LLC. (Permittee) as represented by Blaine Peterson and Barry Villines.

RECITALS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 1602, Permittee notified CDFW on April 30, 2020, that Permittee intends to complete the project described herein.

WHEREAS, pursuant to FGC section 1603, CDFW has determined that the project could substantially adversely affect existing fish or wildlife resources and has included measures in the Agreement necessary to protect those resources.

WHEREAS, Permittee has reviewed the Agreement and accepts its terms and conditions, including the measures to protect fish and wildlife resources.

NOW THEREFORE, Permittee agrees to complete the project in accordance with the Agreement.

PROJECT LOCATION
The Tesoro Phase B and C project (Project) is located in an unincorporated portion of Los Angeles County, immediately north of the City of Santa Clarita. The current Project is a build-out of a previous residential development project, the Tesoro del Valle residential project, and is located immediately north of it. The Project site can be located using the following information; Latitude 34.477049° N, Longitude -118.557861° W; USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Map Name Newhall, Township 5 North, Range 16 West, Section 21- 22, Assessor's Parcel Numbers 3244-160-017, 3244-160-018, 3244-160- 019, and 3244-160-020.

DocuSign Envelope ID: B298EF62-059B-4CE7-9593-E0C87BB28DAE Notification #1600-2020-0101-R5, Revision 3
Streambed Alteration Agreement

Page 2 of 33 ends

Santa Clarita City CouncilMay 24, 2022

Santa Clarita City Council
May 24, 2022