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Home My WebLink AboutVOL_3_Appendix B Appendices Appendix B Biological Resources General Plan Update and AJJociated Specific Plam EIR The Planning Center ~ Appendices This page intentionally left blank. General Plan Update and AJJociated Specific Plam EIR The Planning Center B-1 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the statements furnished above and in the attached exhibits present data and information required for this biological evaluation, and that the facts, statements, and information presented are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. ~.~ 12 July 05 Karen Kirtland Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Date November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Spedfic Plan TPC04-101 B-2 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Table of Contents Page Executive Summary............. .......... .................. ............ .............. .............. ..... ..... .................. S-l 1.0 Introduction....................... .......... .................... ...................... ........................... ..... ............1 2.0 Site Location and Project Description.... ......... ...... ............ ....................... ........ ............ .... ....1 3.0 Methods........... ....... ................................ ....................... ................... ........ .............. ....... ...1 3.1 Data Review..... ....................................................................................................1 3.2 Field Surveys............... ..... ............... ......... ..... ..... ....................... ........................... 4 4.0 Results................... ..... ............................................................................... .......... .............4 4.1 Data Findings................ ................................................ ....................................... 4 4.2 Field Assessment... ..................... .............. ..... .............. ........ ........ ................. ......... 6 4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources.... ............. ......... ....... ........ ................ .................... 18 4.4 Raptors, Migratory Birds, and Habitat................................................................ 20 4.5 Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Movement.................................................. 20 4.6 Jurisdictional Drainages and Wetlands................................................................ 21 5.0 Discussion............................................................ .................... ................ .................... ....23 5.1 General Biological Impacts.. .............. ..... ................... .............................. ............ 24 5.2 Sensitive Biological Resources............ ...... ................. ................. ......................... 25 5.3 Drainages and Wetlands...................... ................... ................... ................. .........28 5.4 Mitigation Measures........ ........ .......... ......... ........................................................29 5.5 Other Issues........................................................................................................ .32 6.0 References .............................................. ..................................... ................ .................. ..34 Figures 1 Project Location... ......................... ........ ............ .......................... ................................ 2 2 Proposed Land Use............ ...... ................. .................. ........................................... ......3 3 Plant Communities........................................................ ...... ............ ........... ................ 9 4 Potential Jurisdictional Waters........... ......... ............ ....... .............. ........................ ....22 Tables 1 Acreage of Plant Communities Within the Property Boundaries.................................24 2 Impact Acreage to Plant Communities Within the Project Area.................................. 24 November 20, 2004 Revised July 12.2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-3 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Site Photographs 1 Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa. Historic hotel......................................................6 2 Metropolitan Water District operations site............................................................... 6 3 Spreading basins south of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa facility....................7 4 Partially improved residential development projecL................................................. 7 5 Disturbed and ruderal plant community.....................................................................l0 6 Mixed annual grassland and scrub. Steam Caves drainage.......................................... 10 7 Deerweed scrub. North of East Twin Creek.................................................................ll 8 Chamise chaparral. North side of the property, north of Lake Vonette......................12 9 Sycamore alder riparian woodland. Confluence of East Twin and Strawberry Creek....13 10 Sycamore willow woodland. Waterman Creek...........................................................13 11 Invasive palms along lower Waterman Creek............................................................15 12 Lake V onette................... .......... ............ ..................................................... ..............15 13 Hot spring vent...... ................. ...... ............. .............. ....................... ..........................17 14 Steam cave buildings.... ....................................... ............... ......................... ............. 17 Appendices A Flora and Fauna Compendia B Sensitive Resources Table November 20, 2004 Revised July 12. 2005 Arrowhead Springs Spedfic Plan TPC04-101 II B-4 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report ~ FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Executive Summary Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. (NRA, Inc.) conducted a biological resources assessment for the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan. The property is located in the northern San Bernardino, at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. The project is a proposed specific plan. Projected development includes residential, commercial, business, and recreational land use. Included in the proposed design may be a realignment of State Route Highway 18. The surveys were conducted by Ms. Karen Kirtland of NRA, Inc. and Mr. Michael Misenhelter on November 9 and 10,2004. The survey combined walking and driving surveys of the property, focusing on areas proposed for development. The surveys included the use of binoculars to aid in the identification of birds, as well as plant species on inaccessible hillsides. All species identified by sight, call or sign (burrows, scat, tracks, etc.) were recorded. Site photographs were taken with a digital camera. The purpose of the survey was to document the biological resources present onsite and to assess the potential for sensitive resources to occur on the property. Information drawn from the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) includes listings of sensitive rare, threatened and endangered species that have been found in the vicinity of the project. In addition to species listed by the CNDDB, NRA, Inc. reviewed other references and identified a number of sensitive plant and animal species that may be present in or near the site. There are at least nine listed species known or potentially present on site. Seven of these are aquatic or river species, potentially present along the drainages. In addition, the riparian habitat and adjacent scrub habitat may be used by raptors and migratory birds as foraging and nesting habitat. Potential wildlife corridors on the site occur within East Twin Creek, Waterman Canyon, Strawberry Creek, and their tributaries. Wildlife movement near the development area has been affected by residential development roads, and highway construction. The potential for access to undeveloped lands is limited to north and east, and slightly constrained to the west. The impacts of the specific plan can only be generally assessed, because the plan design is subject to change. However, since most of the proposed development will take place primarily in existing developed or disturbed areas, the majority of the impacts to native animals, plants, and their habitat will be in the perimeter of the project. The one major exception is the proposed golf course in Waterman Canyon. The perimeter impacts mostly result from the proposed vineyards, intended to function as fuel modification zones. These vineyards, or zones, will extend into native habitat. The current design will impact mostly grassland and scrub habitats, depending upon the final width and length of the various zones. November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 5-1 B-5 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Zones in the East Twin Creek and tributary areas may have additional impacts to riparian habitats, if they are extended down slope into the creek drainage. The potential impacts to listed species include the loss of individual Nevin's barberry and thread-leaved brodiaea plants, as well as habitat areas potentially occupied by riparian and aquatic species. There are two bridges that aTe proposed to access the various parts of the development. Depending upon bridge design, there may be additional impacts to the drainages crossed by the bridges. The golf course design appears to leave the central drainage of Waterman Creek relatively intact. However, the course will encroach substantially into the floodplain area of the creek. This impact is significant because of the wildlife value of the drainage. It is not known if any of the listed riparian species occur in this drainage, but if populations exist, the loss of habitat would be significant. With the exception of impacts to Waterman Creek and parts of East Twin Creek, impacts to raptor and migratory bird foraging habitat and habitat fragmentation are not expected to be substantiat because the proposed development is confined mostly to existing disturbed areas. The proposed golf course could substantially affect the use of the Waterman Canyon drainage by foraging raptors and migratory birds. Downstream at the confluence of East Twin Creek and Waterman Creek existing open space with grassland habitat would be replaced with residential development, further reducing the available foraging habitat. NRA, Inc. recommends that pre-construction surveys be conducted to determine if nesting migratory or raptor species are using riparian habitat and scrub areas. If nesting is taking place, mitigation from construction impacts may include setbacks or scheduling constraints. Impacts to north-south wildlife movement will be substantial due to the loss of the Waterman Canyon floodplain to the golf course. Farther downstream, increased human presence along the banks of the canyon from residential development will also negatively affect north-south wildlife movement. Impacts to east-west wildlife movement could also be substantial in the southern portion of the site due to proposed residential development of mostly open space. NRA, Inc. recommends focused surveys be conducted for the following listed species to determine their presence or absence on site. . Thread-leaved brodiaea . Nevin's barberry . Slender-horned spine flower . Santa Ana River woolly star · Santa Ana River sucker · Arroyo toad . California red-legged frog . Mountain yellow-legged frog . San Bernardino kangaroo rat November 20, 2004 Revised J ul y 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04~ 101 8-2 B-6 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. NRA, Inc. also recommends that surveys be conducted to evaluate the extent of sensitive species that may meet listing criteria, as well as sensitive habitats that may be lost as a result of project buildout. For those species found along drainages, the assessment of impacts will need to evaluate both the direct loss of habitat (especially along Waterman Canyon) as well as indirect impacts such as altered water flows or contamination of drainages. These impacts should be addressed along with any mitigation required for impacts to the drainages themselves. If listed plant species or sensitive species meeting listing criteria are found during the surveys, mitigation in the form of protection or habitat replacement will be required. East Twin Creek, Strawberry Creek, Waterman Creek, and their tributaries meet the U. S. Corps of Engineers (Corps) definition of jurisdictional waters because of the presence of water flow and the continuous connection to the Santa Ana River through the East Twin flood control channel. The riparian woodlands within these drainages very likely would come under the jurisdiction of the Corps as wetland habitat. East Twin Creek, Strawberry Creek, Waterman Canyon, and their tributaries would come tmder the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) jurisdiction due to the definable presence of bed and banks. The riparian woodlands would also come under the jurisdiction of the CDFG because of their value to wildlife and connection to a jurisdictional drainage. Additional drainages, such as an unnamed drainage along State Route 18, may also come under the jurisdiction of the CDFG. There are artificial ponds on the property that may come under CDFG jurisdiction because of their potential value to wildlife. All drainages that leave the property would come under the jurisdiction of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, which is concerned with waters of the State. Any proposed alteration of drainages, including drawing water tor irrigation use, will require consultation with the California Department of Fish and Game regarding 1602 requirements, the U. S. Anny Corps of Engineers regarding 404 permit requirements, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding 401 permit requirements. NRA, Inc. recommends that a formal wetland delineation and jurisdictional drainage determination be conducted to determine the extent of impacts resulting from the proposed golf course, fuel modification zones and any other proposed development. The appropriate 404 Permit, 1602 Streambed Agreement and 401 Certification will have to be obtained for Waterman Canyon, and may be required for the other drainages if they are impacted by project construction. If streambeds will be impacted, mitigation may be required and will have to developed in accordance with the various agency approvals. As a best management practice measure, NRA, Inc. recommends that landscape palettes be specified to prohibit the use of invasive or non-native plants, to minimize the degradation of native habitats. The California Invasive Plant Council (www.caleppc.org) provide substantial information en weed pests, along with recommendations regarding the use of non-native plants in landscaping. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 5-3 B.7 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 1.0 Introduction Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. (NRA, Inc.) conducted a biological resources assessment for the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan. The purpose of the survey was to document the biological resources present onsite and to assess the potential for sensitive resources to occur on the property. 2.0 Site Location and Project Description The proposed project is in the lower foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, north of the city of San Bernardino. The project alignment extends from the city limits north up Waterman Canyon. From Waterman Canyon it extends east and includes the junction of Waterman Creek (also known as West Twin Creek) and East Twin Creek, as well as the lower drainage of Strawberry Creek (Figure 1). The property extends from a small area in Section 3 south through Sections 2, 1t 12 and 14, Township 2 north, Range 5 west. It also extends east into Sections 12 and 17, TOI'\TIlship 2 north, Range 4 west. A very small piece extends north into Section 34, Township 3 north, Range 5 west San Bernardino base and meridian (Figure 1). The property totals L916 acres. Of this total, 505.8 acres are proposed for development under the current design, 10.2 acres are owned by the Metropolitan Water District, and the remaining 1400 acres will remain in open space. The proposed development is a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational development. Proposed projects include residential housing, commercial areas, a hotel, spa, health club, pool, restaurant and an eighteen hole golf course. Several vineyard plantings are proposed for the fuel modification zones around the development area (Figure 2). 3.0 Methods 3.1 Data Review A data review was conducted to provide information on plant and wildlife species known occurrences within the vicinity. This review included biological texts on general and specific biological resources, including those resources considered to be sensitive by various wildlife agencies, local governmental agencies and interest groups. · List of sensitive biological resources provided by the California Natural Diversity Data Base · Biological resources report for this site and adjacent properties · General texts and other documents identifying potential resources on the property NRA, Inc. also reviewed other available technical information on the biological resources of the site as well as our own experience with habitats and species of this area of San Bernardino County. We used the information to focus our survey efforts in the field. 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'E E: E '(J u..8 >4=1:"::: J:l~U cnc7r>:' "O(/)~ ~ b.O;j cu 5 0 sKU '.0 CJ'j 0 e "0 .S oCU"O ...J 1! ~ .......~c ~o 8 5:l '5'0-< ~ ~ V5 ,.-.i OJ ~ ::s 0.0 fE -5~ ....t:'> o~'" z~~ O~OJ) 5C;; ~.5 .; '" '" '" E'l:!;:l OJ ::l 0" r::o o.~ l::~-a ~.::: m @ co ~'E 8- ~"'o ""'::c;:; ~ 'Cl CJ e:l~~ ~ Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT ~~.... ~,,- Sliii!RllI.e 11 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. ~ S~Properly Maximum PROPOSED lAND USE Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Source: The Planning Center 2004 San Bernardino County, California Nuvember 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 3 oomucr ~ ___4) -cQ.1iofliS ~ _ cs.t..JV$ -AM PC~ fIl..MIIM JU,M\iHW (G.1.f!.1$ 1XJ.t CfM.'ftY , CG;.;,.wp ~. - .OSJW _ MWO TOiN.ACltES -, Bridge N t Feet I 1075 I o I 2150 B-10 lMDUSE ~.IWn:~QOIr .",i)I\N.,..A;Ial ~..... ~\Wc.:u. WGull~WCd\ Gd.~~.M ...... ~CIb~ \1lri;li'Mal (IWII ~ 'tIKf1l'Srt~'I'~ .r.<;REAGe 25 !Z {t i. 14 m to' U If !; 5W i.'Il 1~ 1lJ.cn.~ ~1iIir_ Illfll VINEYARDS _ Approximately 100 feet setback from building area boundaries. Primary function is to create an aesthetic fire barrier A = 293,626 sq. ft. B = 290;466 sq. it C = 184,601 sq. ft. o = 263,355 sq. ft. E = 158,858 sq. ft. Figure 2 Proposed Land Use Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Sensitive species potentially present include those listed, or candidates for listing by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and California Native Plant Society (CNPS). All sensitive species were considered as potentially present on the project site if its known geographical distribution encompassed all or part of the project area or if its distribution was near the site and its general habitat requirements were present. 3.2 Field Surveys The surveys were conducted by Ms. Karen Kirtland and Mr. Michael Misenhelter on November 9 and 10, 2004. The survey combined walking and driving surveys of the project site, and included the use of binoculars to aid in the identification of resources. All species identified by sight, call or sign (burrows, scat, tracks, etc.) were recorded. Site photographs were taken with a digital camera. The existing conditions within the site were recorded, paying specific attention to habitats that may potentially contain sensitive species. The field surveys were focused on sensitive biological resources, and included observations of potential habitat for sensitive species. Sign surveyed for included nests, tracks, scat, burrows, skeletal remains, and live animals. During the surveys, notes were made en the plant and animal species observed, the surface characteristics and topography of the project area, and the suitability of the habitat for the sensitive species. 4.0 Results 4.1 Data Results Appendix A contains a list of the plant and animal species observed during the field surveys. Appendix B contains a table of the sensitive resources identified for the project area, their habitat requirements, seasonal distribution, legal standing and the potential for their presence or absence on site. 4.2 Field Assessment 4.2.1 Weather Weather conditions on November 9 included cloudy skies, temperatures in the low sixties degrees Fahrenheit and winds at less than two miles per hour from the south. The skies became partly clear by the end of the survey, temperatures in the mid sixties, and winds reached two to five miles per hour from the west. On November 10, the skies were dear, with temperatures in the high sixties with no wind. By the end of the survey, the temperatures had reached the low seventies, with dear skies and a mild wind less than two miles per hour from the south. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-1 01 4 B-1l Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 4.2.2 Topography and Soils The property is generally in the foothill area of the San Bernardino Mountains. The terrain is a mix of large to small drainages, rolling hillsides and steep slopes. Most of the development is mostly on the gentle slopes of the lower foothill area. Several of the vineyardj fuel modification zones are the steeper hillsides, especially in the East Twin Creek drainage. The golf course is proposed along Waterman Canyon, which is a relatively broad, flat canyon. The soils on the property include Soboba stony loamy sandy soils in the drainages and a mix of Soboba stony loamy sandy soils and Hanford coarse sandy loams on the hillsides. 4.2.3 Land Uses The former land use included a spa, hotet and recreational center (Photo 1). Bungalows formed the majority of the residential units. Currently, use of the property is limited to the site office buildings, a village complex and conference room. Maintenance buildings and various support buildings form most of the remaining structures. Roads are limited, with the main road crossing west to east from Old Waterman Canyon Road. Most of the minor roads provide access to the site facilities, basins, existing powcrlines and underground pipelines, and do not connect to public roads. The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) is currently completing their Tunnel Project for water conveyance to southern Riverside and San Diego Counties. Their activities are confined to a moderately small area along Waterman Canyon near the main entrance to the property (Photo 2). The land uses on the south include percolation and spreading basins for the water from East Twin Creek and Waterman Creek, as well as the residential areas of northern San Bernardino (Photo 3). Streets and other infrastructure was development for a a proposed (now abandoned) residential development in the southern section of the property (Photo 4). Open space occurs on the east, west and north. 4.2.4 Disturbances Disturbances onsite mostly occurred in the past during the construction and use of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel and and Spa. Current disturbances include the loss of scrub on the south, east and west from wildfires, and the grading and drilling being conducted by MWD in Watemlan Canyon. 4.2.5 Plant Communities The site contains a number of plant communities. The classification of native plant communities is based mostly on Munz (1974). Non-native plant communities are classified according to human activity oruse of the site. Disturbed, ruderat and landscaped plant communities occupy most of the grounds of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa and the vacant residential development on the south. November 20,2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 5 B-12 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Photo 1. Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa. Historic hotel. Photo 2. Metropolitan Water District operations site. November 20,2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPCU4-101 6 B-13 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Photo 3. Spreading basins south of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa facility. Photo 4. Partially improved residential development project. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Phm TPC04-101 7 B-14 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natura 1 Resources Assessment, Inc. Mixed annual grasslands and scrub, chamise chaparral, chaparral, woody riparian, and lower montane coniferous forest are found mostly in the open spaces of the property (Figure 3). Riparian woodlands occur along East Twin Creek., Strawberry Creek, Waterman Creek, their tributaries, and an unnamed drainage along State Route 18. 4.2.5.1 Disturbed and Ruderal Plant species within this community consists of weedy grasses such as red brome (Bromus madritensis) and Mediterranean grass (Schismus barbatus), and weedy forbs such as short-podded mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), Russian thistle (Sa Isola tragus) and tocalote (Centaurea melitensis). Native plant species include doveweed (Eremocarpus setigerust telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora), and twiggy wreath plant ($tephanomeria virgata). Plant cover is very sparse (Photo 5). 4.2.5.2 Mixed Annual Grassland and Scrub Most of the lower slopes of the foothills are covered with a mix of annual grassland and scrub (Photo 6). The dominant annual species include various brome grasses (Bromus madritensis, Brornus diandrus, and Bromus tectorum), Mediterranean grass, and herbaceous species such as short-podded mustard and doveweed. The dominant scrub species in this plant community is California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and deerweed (Lotus scoparius). Herbaceous species include short-podded mustard, branching phacelia (Phacelia ramosissima) and cotton thorn (Tetradymia comosa). In SOfie areas (especially those subject to frequent burningt this community is dominated by grasses and deerweed. This plant community frequently intergrades with chamise chaparral. 4.2.5.3 DeerWeed Scrub This plant community is dominated by deerweed, weedy grasses and herbs (Photo 7), Almost no other scrub plant occurs in this community. It is found only in the central area north of the landscaped area of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa. Deerweed scrub is not a true native southern California plant community. Instead, it indicates that the native scrub habitat has been recently disturbed (usually burned), with the result that deerweed becomes the dominant shrub. 4.2.5.4 Chamise Chaparral The chamise chaparral on site is dominated by chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), but includes some coastal sage scrub species such as California buckwheat, deer weed and white sage (Salvia apiana). Other species found in chamise chaparral include buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), yerba santa (Eriodictyon trichocalyx), Whipple's yucca (Yucca whipp lei) and black sage (Salvia mellifera). Scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia) is also sometimes found in this plant community. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 8 B-15 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. ~ j ~ t Ii ~. -. ~ il .1,\- oz- .. i i t ~ ~ 1.1!f:i, I .~ & ",' I ': , !'" ~ "' , ;..~. ~:~~ '._ ~k~~ h....J1 ;'-.. m~ G;,'J .. .. ~ ~ ~ a ~ i i 1 I i ~ ~ <... ~ ~"':"1~-.' "i~~ ; i:gr: ~~ '~,~, JL__ ~:a r.;~>.~.u ~ d j;' ~ !i , .~ ~ ,~ : ~ II i ... li S,; l f~!; i " ~, ".;; .;g'1'!' "" ;It.'. ."t, t =.i!ii :~e i-:a ""c= e'I"",-1lI! a .u ~ ... u ~~. ... It. ill: l: = = ~.._ ",0 .:.. 5. u ~:l)Ji ~1! _.=: s 'We e ""~c. E~ <: II J JI" ,', Q ifi ~ ~ 'S - ;;I l!I: ~ ~'~4~r~ :~~. (2,- ~<"r.,,:: ,'~. ~' ~ ~. ~, "~ ., ,- ~ '" ! ~~ t~ .;1',:...,... .' f .'~ '~~1\ ;~{;~t?r< , "., . ),V . . ." IIi' ...' ..,.'( "i .' ,:~A ,_......1:.;..,,___ . . .'. ~,.",: r:.....;., i~.,.,,( J:"- .', --..J ~,_ ~,,-,_."-';";"":':':"~~__'t'I'IlI,~~'~~;"".J,. 1 ,;~~'~~ -'. """,,,,~,~-:------>>:-- .' ' t' ....::. ' ,:::' 'r,.'; - ". ,l :~) . ,..~';;'~;':'"fL,,)""t-: ~:~~~~~rr ''''~. , ~ :~. ~:;f ~ f" .....,.'1 -<~""q .,.,..K....."". r ..,. .1.' t Jr":". '. . ~ 1 , , .".rO:1?' ' .......~.~.. ......,,: ""',-,~.....i"l~ i ~. "..~t'(. I ..~ -,"#_~~' -j. . ~:;;~,4-~~'- '1 ;.~~: .~.'~ -' . './....: It' ,-;-:~:;/ .' .;:;'; . . ~ ' t . ~.r :ill1} . J! ,., '\ ."1._.-' r 'l .r { __ ~~_4a_~~__,____.-.-...,,_J. v ;/~ *-..... >' ... "- if ., .~. ,. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12. 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 9 B-16 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Photo 5. Disturbed and ruderal plant community. A graded pad on the north bank of East Twin Creek. ~, :f,11F,',,' Photo 6. Mixed annual grassland and scrub. Steam Caves drainage. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 10 B-17 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report ~ FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Photo 7. Deerweed scrub. North of East Twin Creek. Herbaceous species include wishbone bush (Mirabilis califarnica) and wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpa) on dry slopes. Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) occurs in more moist sites. On the Arrowhead Springs property, chamise chaparral is found on dry slopes} often intermixed with the mixed annual grassland and scrub plant community (Photo 8). Chamise chaparral also occurs along upper Waterman Canyon, and is particularly extensive along the western side of the canyon. 4.2.5.5 Chaparral Chaparral is found mainly on upper slopes and at higher elevations in the mountain ranges. Common species include hoaryleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus crassifolius), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), and coast live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). Within the project area, chaparral stands are scattered on upper mountainsides, particularly along the upper East Twin and Strawberry Creek canyon area, and in the upper reaches of Waterman Canyon. 4.2.5.6 Riparian Woodlands Riparian woodlands are found along East Twin Creek, Strawberry Creek, Waterman Creek and the unnamed drainage along State Route 18. Cover and plant species arc similar for East Twin Creek and Strawberry Creek, and different for Waterman Creek and the unnamed drainage. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 11 B-18 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Photo 8. Chamise chaparral. North side of the property, north of Lake Vonette. East Twin Creek and Strawberry Creek support stands of sycamore alder riparian woodland species, especially black willow (Salix goaddingii), sycamore (Platanus racemosa), and California walnut (JugZans califarnica). Alder (Alnus rhombifolia) also OCcursiIl these canyons (Photo 9). What appears to be cultivated fig (Ficus carica) was also found. Further downstream, near the junction with Waterman Creek, alders disappear and the stand becomes a sycamore willow woodland. Southern mixed riparian forest was not found during our surveys. The understory in East Twin Canyon is mostly made up of herbaceous species such as red monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis), California mugwort (Artemisia dauglasiana), white-flowered deadly nightshade (Solanum douglasiana), and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). Shrubs along the canyon sides include mountain mahogany, California brickellia (Brickellia califarnica), and hoaryleaf ceanothus. Riparian woodland in Waterman Canyon ranges from open to moderately dense cover (Photo 10). Tree species include red willow (Salix laevigata), arroyo willow (SaZix lasiolepis), sycamore, and California walnut. California bay (Umbellularia californica) and coast live oak trees are occasionally found on the upper hillsides of the Waterman Canyon. The wlderstory in Waterman Canyon is limited, fomled mostly by herbaceous species such as croton (Croton califarnica), poison oak, and non-native grasses. November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arr<..lwhead Sprint;s Specific Plan TPC04-101 12 B-19 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Photo 9. Sycamore alder riparian woodland. Confluence of East Twin and Strawberry Creeks. Photo 10. Sycamore willow woodland. Waterman Creek. November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Spring:s Specific Plan TPC04-101 13 B-20 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. The unnamed drainage is dominated by sycamore and red willow, with at least one tamarisk (Tamarix sp.). The herbaceous understory is dominated by non-native grasses and a dense stand of short-seeded ryegrass (Leymus condensatus). 4.2.5.7 Lower Montane Coniferous Forest Lower montane coniferous forest is dominated by Coulter pine (Pinus coulteri), manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.), coast live oak, and occasional stands of scrub oak. Understory in unburned stands is relatively nonexistent, consisting mostly of grasses (Bromus ssp.). This plant commlUlity is confined to the upper reaches of Waterman Canyon, on the western slopes of the canyon. 4.2.5.8 Non-native Landscaping Non-native landscaping is mostly found in the non-native areas of the property, around buildings and development areas. Plant species in this community include includes five species of palms (species unknownt eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus ssp.), Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus malIe), apricots, non- native oak (Quercus ssp.), and pines (Pinus ssp.) citrus trees (lemon, orange, apple, peach, grapefruit), apricot, and olive other landscape trees and shrubs. Most of the individual plants found on site are plantings on the former Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa (Photo 1). Some species have invaded the native habitats around the grounds (Photo 11). The vacated partially improved residential area in the southern section of the Specific Plan is apparently occupied by non-native grasses and plantings of non-native trees such as pines and eucalyptus. The pines may be Torrey pines, because it appears the development proposed for this area may once have been called Torrey Pines. The field team was unable to access the area and properly evaluate the site. On the grounds of the former Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa are at least two artificial ponds. Both were filled with water at the time of the survey. The first one is in the extreme southern part of the property. No native vegetation exists within the pond, which is surrounded by mixed annual grassland and buckwheat scrub. The second pond is Lake Vonette, along the main access road into the facility (Photo 12). This water is surrounded by plantings of Scotch broom (Spartium junceum), pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) and a ring of palm trees. Just downstream of the second pond is a low area, made even lower by grading. At the time of the survey, this area supported a dense stand of cattail (Typha latifolia) and weedy grasses. It appears this area receives sufficient water to maintain this (apparently) artificial herbaceous wetland. November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Sprinli)s Specific Plan TPC04-101 14 B-21 Arro.whead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Photo 11. Invasive palms along lower Waterman Creek. Photo 12. Lake Vonette. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 15 B-22 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 4.2.5.9 Hot Springs The Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan includes natural hot springs, such as the steam cave area (Photo 13). Natural hot springs normally provide specialized environments for wildlife and plant species; however, the springs on the property have been altered from their native state as part of the spa facility (Photo 14). As a result, the only drainage with a semi-natural habitat is the Steam Caves drainage. This drainage is known to support thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia), and may support other sensitive plant species. 4.2.6. Wildlife This section provides a discussion of those wildlife species observed or expected to occur onsite. A list of wildlife species observed during the survey is included in Appendix A. 4.2.6.1 Invertebrates Insect activity was expected to be low because the survey was not conducted during the peak flight season for most insect species. Non sensitive insect species observed during the survey include cabbage butterfly (Artogeia rapae), honeybee (Apis mellifera) and darkling beetle (Eleodes sp.). 4.2.6.2 Amphibians The alignment has limited potential to support some amphibian species along the drainages and in moister areas, however, no amphibian species were observed during the surveys. Amphibian species expected to occur include California tree frog (Hyla regilla) and western toad (Hufo boreas). 4.2.6.3 Reptiles The property has several habitats used by reptiles and has the potential to support a wide variety of species, however, only two reptile species was observed during the survey, side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) and western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis). 4.2.6.4 Birds The habitats on the property provide foraging, cover, and nesting habitat for year-round residents, seasonal residents, migrating songbirds, and some waterbirds. More C'OIIlffiOO birds seen in open areas include house finch (Carpodacus neomexicanus), common raven (Corvus corax) and northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottas). Species observed in annual grassland and scrub habitats include blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), California towhee (Pipilo crissalis) and western scrub jay (Aphelocoma califarnica). In the riparian woodland habitat, Nuttall's woodpecker {Picoides nuttalliit ruby~crowned kinglet (Regulus calendulat and yellow-rumped warbler (Dendraica coronata) were either seen or heard. November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 16 B-23 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Photo 13. Hot spring vent. Photo 14. Steam cave buildings. Note steam escaping from underground. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springoo Specific Plan TPC04-LOl 17 B-24 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) was observed in the lower montane conifer forest, along with California towhee and western scrub jay. Seen in flight was great egret (Ardea alba), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), and red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). 4.2.6.5 Mammals The habitats on the property is anticipated to support a variety of mammals. However, most mammal species are nocturnal and were difficult to observe during the diurnal field surveys. Sign of mammals included burrows belonging to Botta's gopher (Thomomys bottae), Beechey ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) and kangaroo fat (Dipodomys sp.). Scat belonging to coyote (Canis latrans) was also observed. 4.3 Sensitive Biological Resources Appendix B contains a table of the sensitive fesources identified for the project area, their habitat requirements, seasonal distribution, legal standing and the potential for their presence or absence on site. Following is a brief summary of the more detailed information provided in the table. 4.3.1 Plants The grasslands and scrub plant communities may contain the following species: · Nevin's barberry (Berberis nevinii) · Plummer's mariposa lily (Calochortus plummerae) · Intermediate mariposa lily (Calochortus weedii var. intermedius) · Parry's spine flower (Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi) · Long-spined spine flower (Chorizanthe polygon aides var. longispina) · Summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia) · Many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis) · Robinson's pepper-grass (Lepidium virginicum ssp. robinsonii) · Parish's desert-thorn (Lycium parishii) · Hall's monardella (Monardella macrantha ssp. hallii) The drainages and moist areas (especially around the Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa area) may support the following species: · Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) · Orcutt's brodiaea (Brodiaea orcutti) · Palmer's mariposa lily (Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri) · Bristly sedge (Carex comosa) · Smooth tarplant (Centromadia pungens ssp. laevis) · San Bernardino Mountains monkeyflower (Mimulus exiguous) · California muhly (Muhlenbergia califarnica) November 20, 2004 Revised July 12. 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 18 B-25 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - PINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. · Parish's gooseberry (Ribes divaricatum var. parishii) · Cambel's water cress (Rorippa gambelii) · Sonoran maiden fern (TheIypteris puberufa var. sonorensis) 4.3.2 Wildlife The drainages and surrounding upland habitat may provide suitable breeding areas for the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), arroyo toad (Bufa californicus), California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytoni), mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana museosa) and southwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmarata pallida), speckled dace (Rhiniehthys oBeulus), and Santa Ana River sucker (Catostomus san taanae). Potential breeding and foraging habitat for the western spadefoot, arroyo toad, California red-legged frog, southwestern pond turtle and two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii) is also provided by the one or both of the artificial ponds on the grounds of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa. The mixed grassland-scrub and chamise chaparral habitat provide suitable habitat with varying quality for the following species: · San Gabriel slender salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli) · Coronado skink (Eumeees skiltonianus interparietalis) · San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma eoronatum blainvilIei) · Orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus) · Coastal western whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus) · Rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata) · Two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii) · Northern red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus exsul) · Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax) · San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia) · San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus ealifornieus benneftii) · Grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona) The white-tailed kite (Elanus leueurus) and loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), may use both the drainages and scrub habitat as foraging habitat. The riparian woodlands and drainages may provide foraging, roosting and possibly nesting habitat for the sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooped) and black swift (Cypseloides niger). All of the habitats may provide foraging for the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus). Riparian woodlands are considered to be sensitive habitats by the CDFG. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12. 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04c-lOl 19 B-26 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 4.4 Raptors, Migratory Birds and Habitat Most of the raptor species (eagles, hawks, falcons and owls) are experiencing population declines as a result of habitat loss. Some, such as the peregrine falcon, have also experienced population losses as a result of environmental toxins affecting reproductive success, animals destroyed as pests or collected for falconry, and other direct impacts on individuals. Only a few species, such as the red-tailed hawk and barn owl, have expanded their range in spite of or a result of htunan modifications to the enviromnent As a group, raptors are of concern to state and federal agencies. In addition, raptors and all migratory bird species, whether listed or not, also receive protection nnder the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. The MBTA prohibits individuals to kill, take, possess or sell any migratory bird, bird parts (including nests and eggs) except in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior Department (16 U. S. Code 703). Protection is provided to all bald and golden eagles under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, as amended. State protection is extended to all birds of prey by the CDFG Code, Section 2503.5. No take is allowed under these provision except through the approval of the agencies or their designated representatives. The riparian woodland habitat along East Twin Creek, Strawberry Creek, and portions of Waterman Creek may provide potential nesting and roosting habitats for raptors and migratory bird species. Suitable scrub habitat adjacent to the drainages may also provide roosting areas for raptors and migratory bird species, as well as nesting habitat for some migratory species. The riparian woodland along the tmnarned drainage along State Route 18 is probably not dense enough to provide suitable nesting habitat for raptors and migratory bird species, although it may be sufficiently dense to provide roosting habitat The landscaping contains pine and large oak trees that may provide suitable roosting and nesting habitat for a variety of raptor and migratory bird species. The grassland and scrub habitats may provide foraging habitat for raptor and migratory species. 4.5 Habitat Fragmentation and Wildlife Movement Wildlife movement and the fragmentation of wildlife habitat have come to be recognized as important wildlife issues that must be considered in assessing impacts to wildlife. In summary, habitat fragmentation is the division or breaking up of larger habitat areas into smaller areas that mayor may not be capable of independently sustaining wildlife and plant populations. Wildlife movement (more properly recognized as species movement) is the temporal movement of species along various types of corridors. Wildlife corridors are especially important for connecting fragmented wildlife habitat areas. Major wildlife corridors 00 the property probably existed along Waterman Canyon and East Twin Creek, prior to the residential development of northern San Bernardino and the construction of flood November 20, 2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 20 B-27 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. control basins downstream from the confluence of Waterman Creek and East Twin Creek. Although wildlife movement very likely still occurs up and down Waterman Canyon and East Twin Creek, the abrupt termination of these drainages in the flood control basins, and the presence of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa has somewhat constrained north-south wildlife movement along drainages and mountain slopes down to the valley bottom. North-south movement probably still occurs north up into the San Bernardino Mountains by way of the drainages and mountain slopes. Water is a limited resource in southern California, and the presence of pools and drainages attracts numerous wildlife species for foraging and nesting. Any movement along east-west corridors is probably still occurring up East Twin Creek and Strawberry Creek, although it may be somewhat affected by the presence of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel and Spa and State Route 18 to the west. Habitat loss has already occurred in the main portion of the property. The undeveloped open space area around the existing hotel grounds is a large contiguous, somewhat natural habitat that ultimately connects with the chaparral and conifer habitats of the San Bernardino Mountains. 4.6 Jurisdictional Drainages and Wetlands East Twin Creek, Strawberry Cree~ Waterman Creek, their tributaries and some additional drainages occur on the property (Figure 4). The various riparian habitats along some of these drainages may also be wetlands, depending upon soils, hydrology, and plant species present. 4.6.1 U. S. Army Corps of Engineers The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulates discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Corps regulatory jurisdiction pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act is founded CI[l a connection or nexus between the water body in question and interstate commerce. This connection may be direct, through a tributary system linking a stream channel with traditional navigable waters used in interstate or foreign corrunercel or may be indirect, through a nexus identified in the Corps regulations. These watershed include wetlands and non-wetland bodies of water that meet specific criteria. The lateral limit of Corps jurisdiction extends to the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) and to any wetland areas extending beyond the OHWM; thus, the maximum jurisdictional area is represented by the OHWM or wetland limit, whichever is greater. As with any federal action, the Corps will also have to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) as part of the approval process for the 404 application. East Twin Creek, Strawberry Creek, Waterman Creek, and their tributaries meet the U. S. Corps of Engineers (Corps) definition of jurisdictional waters because of the presence of water flow and a continuous connection to the Santa Ana River through the East Twin flood control channel. The riparian November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 21 B-28 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. .. .rJ{T~'-"~~_. I.. (. ......... , .1''1?~~~~~ ~ ' ~'.' f~: ''\......1 .' , ''jL c=..! :t ~ e .- '" :;,; "'.' t: "'c= -"'-- .. itu .z; :; c.:. - - ~..c: '\l:t ~::s .:l ...' ~ ."'i~ ~:.r.:S: -"=:- J!-"E ....""# If: A, G ! ~ ~ ~tcl ...<1 Ie Z: :: ~ '"" '. ,~~rJ", ",~,~J:;" . Ht.,'.' ~..~':;;~: ,~~:,',~;~:;';~~i:;:0:/ .j . '"- . '-...., 'I.. ... .~' ,~ . )' J -" I ""'-:.-r,""-.__~..~;.. '1f" . ~.~.~:l~~~,;'i,,"~_..f -. ....,.../ ll'd ,::'"'l!~ 'L I l.;r ,,'~' $ 'it~ .:..:..,:.~f '. ,. . . ,., ~ x' . ~ .. ** "l:~:'< ,1.... .' 11.1, .?_' i". .. . -"',"1 \ --:.; /,/. : ,\ \:", .. '\ ~..:.Jo-p. H~ ;.U/ ..~ :."'~~ ; . ..,..~,J, .t: ~-"."__"i'lIIl ~!"t.":---,;:r"""""""'''''''''.A -,' . ;f ,,~,':!-""i-r~_,,~,,~ rz,a......_ t ~~ -::: 1 _...... i;Ck ,"<' _ 'I :; ~ ~ , ~f),-r ;' .s. . ~ 'ti. '\tI .~ .!:: ~ .--l- ~.:-} -,. ~[l , . co>,: /t' .1'. ,. t... :.... .- ,('~ November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPCQ4..101 22 B-29 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. woodlands within these drainages very likely would come under the jurisdiction of the Corps as wetland habitat. The unnamed drainage along State Route 18 probably does not come under the jurisdiction of the Corps because it lacks a connection to a jurisdictional drainage. Flow from the drainage apparently terminates in a spreading basin area just south of State Route 18. The field team was unable to trace a connection from the spreading basin downstream to the Santa Ana River. 4.6.2. California Department of Fish and Game The California Department of Fish and Game (CDPG) regulates any alteration of streambeds or lakes through their Code 1600 et seq. program. Any channel area displaying bed and banks falls within CDFG's jurisdiction. Lateral limits of jurisdiction are not dearly defined, but generally include any riparian resources associated with a stream or lake. East Twin Creek, Strawberry Creek, Waterman Canyon, and their tributaries would come under the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) jurisdiction due to the definable presence of bed and banks. The riparian woodlands would also come under the jurisdiction of the CDFG because of their value to wildlife and cOlU1ection to a jurisdictional drainage. Additional drainages, such as the unnamed drainage along State Route 18, may also come under the jurisdiction of the CDFG. The artificial ponds may come under CDPG jurisdiction because of their potential value to wildlife. 4.6.3 Regional Water Quality Control Board While the Corps retains the authority to issue 404 permits within each state, the use of such permits is regulated by each state within their boundaries. The use of a 404 permit in California is regulated by the State Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) under Section 401 of the state regulations. The Board has authority to issue a 401 permit that allows the use of a 404 permit in the state, with the authority in the state being vested in regional offices. If a 404 permit is required for the project, the 401 permit application will need to address the impact analysis and mitigation requirements for the drainage. In addition, the Board has the responsibility under its own regulations to require that projects address ground water and water quality issues, which would be evaluated as part of the geotechnical and hydrology studies. All drainages that leave the property would come under the jurisdiction urtder the Regional Water Quality Control Board, which is concerned with waters of the State. 5.0 Discussion The impacts of the specific plan can only be generally assessed, because the plan design is subject to change. However, since most of the proposed development will take place primarily in existing developed or disturbed areas, the majority of the impacts to native animals, plants, and their habitat November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 23 B-30 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. will be in the perimeter of the project. The one major exception is the proposed golf course in Waterman Canyon. Table 1 provides a breakdown of plant communities on site. Table 2 provides an estimate of the impacts to plant communities from the current project development. Table 1. Acreage of Plant Communities Within the Property Boundaries Plant Community AG/S BASIN CHA CHP DIST OS LS MARSH MON POND SAW SWR SWW Unclassified non native Table 2. Impact Acreage to Plant Communities Within the Project Area Acreage of Impact 109.4 39,1 43.2 13.6 34.4 16.4 108.6 2.3 2.2 0.2 19.3 31.5 420.2 Acreage 258.7 39.2 263.5 914.3 35.5 82.3 133.9 2.3 38.8 2.2 40 20 48.4 21.1 ]900.2 Total Acres Plant Commu~ ACIS BASIN CHA CHP DIST DS LS MARSH POND SAW SWR SWW Total Acres There is a total of approximately 128.0 acres of potential jurisdictional drainages. The project will impact approximately 58.1 acres. However, a formal delineation will need to be conducted to precisely determine the jurisdictional limits and accurately measure impacts from the development of the project. 5.1 General Biological Impacts 5.1.1 Plant Communities The vineyards, or fuel modification zones, and golf course will impact scrub and grassland habitats to varying degrees. Except for the golf course, the total area of impact is small and generally only impacts plant communities that are relatively common in the San Bernardino Mountains. The proposed golf course may require the removal of significant stands of riparian woodlands. The impacts to these plant communities are considered to be significant. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 200S Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-31 24 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 5.1.2 Wildlife Reduction of native plant commtmities through project development will result in the reduction of numbers of wildlife individuals in this area of the San Bernardino Mountains. Smaller and less mobile species, such as small mammals, reptiles and most invertebrates, will experience a direct reduction in population munbers through the loss of individuals resulting from destruction of habitat and direct individual mortality. Larger and! or more mobile species, such as large mammals and birds, could experience some loss of individuals as a result of the loss of habitat. Loss of individuals from direct mortality is less than for smaller species, since most mobile animals will leave an area with high levels of human disturbance. The property is located in a fairly open area. With the exception of the golf course (see below), most of the proposed development area has been already impacted by the existing facility. New areas of disturbance are expected to be small, confined mostly to the vineyard! fuel modification zone area or small areas of habitat adjacent to existing development. The proposed golf course will disrupt a large area of native habitat. Therefore, the long term impacts of the overall project on wildlife species are expected to be significant, primarily because of the golf course. Short term impacts during construction might lead to temporary changes in foraging and land use patterns by resident and nearby species. 5.2 Sensitive Biological Resources The California Environmental Quality Act addresses the determination of significant impacts. For listed species, any impact will result in mandatory findings of significance. The same is true for any species that meets the criteria for a listed species. For determination of the level of significance to sensitive butnoo listed resources, CEQA requires that the impact be such that the habitat of the protected resource will be substantially degraded or reduced, cause a wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, or that the plant or animal community will be eliminated. CEQA also finds that the impacts are significant if there are cumulative effects from future probable projects. Of the species listed in Table 3, Appendix B, we have identified the following species for which impacts would result in a mandatory finding of significance. 5.2.1. Thread-leaved Brodiaea The thread-leaved brodiaea is known to be present on site. Populations have been found in the Steam Cave drainage area on up to probably two acres (no accurate estimates are availableL and may occur elsewhere within the property induding along Waterman Canyon. The thread-leaved brodiaea is listed as endangered by the CDFG and as threatened by the USFWS. November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04--101 25 B-32 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 5.2.2 Nevin's Barberry Nevin's barberry has been found on State Route 18 between the property and Rimforest, however, this population is somewhat suspect in its location. Nevertheless, Nevin's barberry is known to oaur on steep north-facing slopes and in in low grade sandy washes, and could potentially occur in or along the main drainages on site, including Waterman Canyon. Nevin's barberry is listed as endangered by both the CDFG and the USFWS. 5.2.3 Slender~horned Spineflower Slender-horned spineflower is not likely to be present except possibly in the lowest reaches of Waterman and East Twin Creeks. No direct impact to this species are expected; however, indirect impacts in the form of polluted water or dumping of excess material could potentially degrade or destroy habitat. Actual loss of plants would be direct impact, while loss of habitat would be an indirect impact. The spineflower is listed as endangered by both the CDFG and the USFWS. 5.2.4 Santa Ana River Woolly Star Santa Ana River woolly star is notknown from this area, however, potential habitat exists along the lower reaches of the main drainages. No direct impact to these drainages is expected as a result of project construction. Any alteration or polluting of the drainages that destroy plants or their habitat would impact this species. Actual loss of plants would be direct impact, while loss of habitat would be an indirect impact. The Santa Ana River woolly star is listed as endangered by both the USFWS and the CDFG. 5.2.5 Santa Ana River Sucker The Santa Ana River sucker is known from swift flowing to sluggish streams with gravelly or rocky beds. It can tolerate shallow water only a few centimeters deep, and is also tolerant of flooding. However, this species is known only from the main rivers in southern California. The downstream flood control basins cut off any opportunity for downstream populations in the Santa Ana River to repopulate these streams, and any resident populations may not have been able to persist over time. The Santa Ana River sucker is listed as threatened by the USFWS and as a species of special concern by the CDFG. If this species is present, any alteration of water quality would be a significant impact if it results in pollution or increased water turbidity. 5.2.6 Arroyo Toad The arroyo toad is not known from this area and is not likely to be present over much of the site. There is a low potential for this species to be present in the broader, flatter areas of Waterman Canyon and East Twin Creek. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 26 B-33 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. The arroyo toad is listed as endangered by the USFWS and as a species of special concern by the COFG. If this species is present, any alteration of flow or contamination of the water would be a significant impact to this species. If this species is present, upland habitat around the drainage would also require protection. During the dry season of the year, the arroyo toad is know to disperse up to 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from a drainage in search of food. 5.2.7 Red~legged Frog Red-legged frog is known only from the City Creek area and is not likely to be present on site; however, it occurs in habitat similar to the mountain yellow-legged frog. This species may be present in the shallower and slower waters of the lower reaches of the property. Impacts to this species include alteration of flow in to the drainages and contamination by polluted water. The red-legged frog is listed as threatened by the USFWS and as a species of special concern by the COFG. Any loss of individuals or degradation of habitat would be considered significant. 5.2.8 Mountain Yellow-legged Frog Mormtain yellow-legged frog has been collected in the Arrowhead Springs area, at various locations (not specified) in Waterman Canyon between the Waterman Canyon Station and the junction with State Route 18. The information was not specific with regard to which jrmdion, north or south. This animal has also been found in Strawberry Creek approximately one mile east of Watennan Canyon. These populations were identified more than 30 years ago, and may no longer persist along these drainages. The mountain yellow-legged frog is listed as endangered by the USFWS and as a species of special concern by the CDFG. If this species is present, the loss, alteration, or contamination of the drainages would potentially impact this species. 5.2.9 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat San Bernardino kangaroo fat is notknown from the Waterman Canyon area. This species prefers broad terraces and sandy to sandy loam soils with minimal to moderately dense vegetation. The lower reaches of Waterman Canyon and East Twin Creek may provide habitat for this species. The San Bernardino kangaroo rat is listed as endangered by the USFWS and as a species of special concem by the CDFC. If this species is present, any alteration in the stream bed or pollution of the soil that resulted in the loss of individuals or the degradation of its habitat would be considered significant. The project is not located in a Critical Habitat area for this species. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Spring:; Specific Plan TPC04-101 27 B-34 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 5.2.10 Other Sensitive Species Impacts to the remaining sensitive species potentially present on the Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan project are minimal due to the limited amount of habitat directly and permanently affected by the proposed development. These impacts are not expected to be significant due to one or more of the following factors: 1) No suitable habitat exists on site; or, 2) The use of the site is limited to occasional or seasonal visits and the site does not encompass a substantial portion of their range. 5.3 Drainages and Wetlands The overall proposed project design avoids most impacts to the large drainages on the property. However, there still remain a number of potential impacts, direct and indirect, to the drainages and wetlands on site. 5.3.1. Vineyards and Bridges The perimeter impacts mostly result from the proposed vineyards, intended to function as fuel modification zones. These vineyards, or zones, will extend into native habitat. The current design will impact mostly grassland and scrub habitats, depending upon the final width and length of the various zones. There are a nwnber of sensitive plant species in this area that may be impacted by the proposed zones. Zones C and D in the East Twin Creek and tributary areas (Figure 2) may have additional impacts to riparian habitats, if they are extended down slope into the creek drainages. If no drainages are impacted, no mitigation is required. Zone B (Figure 2) crosses a potential jurisdictional drainage on the north side of the property. Based on the available information, Zone E (Figure 2) will require substantial alteration to the unnamed drainage along State Route 18. In addition, there are two bridges that cross potential jurisdictional drainages (Figure 2). The bridge above Lake V onette will cross a potential CDFG jurisdictional drainage. The second bridge just below the stearn caves will cross a CDFG and Corps jurisdictional drainage. Depending upon the design and construction requirements of these bridges, there may be temporary and permanent impacts to these drainages. 5.3.2 Golf Course The golf course design appears to leave the main drainage channel of Waterman Creek intact, but will impact several side drainages (Figures 2 and 4) and encroach substantially into the drainage floodplain area of the creek. This impact is potentially highly significant because of the wildlife value of the drainage. It is not known if the arroyo toad, red-legged frog, mountain yellow-legged frog, or Santa Ana River sucker ocrur in this drainage, but if populations exist, the loss of habitat would be significant under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). November 20, 2004 Revised J ul y 12, ZOOS Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-1 01 28 B-35 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessmentl Inc. The loss of potential arroyo toad habitat extends outside of the creek and the surrounding drainage area. Arroyo toads have been documented to disperse up to 0.6 mile from available water sources during the non-breeding season. Development of the sUITmmding area for residential use would impact this area. Red-legged frogs also require more than the main drainage area of the creek in their habitat requirements. They will use riparian habitat cover out to 300 feet from the water. Indirect impacts to Water man Creek include fertilizer and pesticide runoff from the golf course, which could seriously alter the water quality of the creek as well as downstream waters. If the speckled dace or the Santa Ana River sucker exists in these waters, these species will also be impacted. Mitigation for impacts to Waters of the U. S. and Waters of the State, as well as wetland habitat will require that polluted runoff from the golf course be cleaned before it leaves the golf course. There may also be direct impacts to Waterman Creek from the design of two proposed ponds along the golf course. Depending upon final pond design, the work may require dredging or filling of the creek, an action regulated by the Corps, CDFG, and RWQCB. 5.4 Mitigation Measures 5.4.1 Listed Species Focused surveys will need to be conducted for the following listed species to determine their presence or absence on site. · Thread-leaved brodiaea · Nevin's barberry · Slender-horned spineflower · Santa Ana River woolly star · Santa Ana River sucker · Arroyo toad · California red-legged frog · Mountain yellow-legged frog · San Bernardino kangaroo rat NRA, Inc. also recommends that surveys be conducted to evaluate the extent of sensitive habitats that will be lost as a result of project buildout. Surveys for the various species shall be conducted per the standard protocols for that species. If the surveys identify any listed species or sensitive species meeting listed standards, appropriate mitigation measures will be required. For thread-leaved brodiaea, Nevin's barberry, and the other sensitive plant species for which impacts would be significant, the surveys will need to fucus on the location of the plants with regard to proposed construction. If plants will be impacted, then one or more of the following measures will need to be implemented: November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 29 B-36 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 1. Redesign or relocation of the proposed structure to avoid take. 2. Protection and enhancement of remaining habitat on site. 3. Purchase or contribution toward purchase of occupied habitat off-site at a minimum 2:1 ratio. The mitigation requirements for the various species could potentially be combined, but this will require the approval of the responsible agencies. All mitigation measures will require the approval of the CDFG and the USFWS, and should be done in conjunction with mitigation measures for potential impacts elsewhere on the property. For those speCies found along drainages, the assessment of impacts will need to evaluate both the direct loss of habitat (especially along Waterman Canyon) as well as indirect impacts such as altered water flows or contamination of drainages. These impacts should be addressed along with any mitigation required for impacts to the drainages themselves. Mitigation should include one or more of the following: 1. Avoidance of impacts (redesign or relocation of the proposed development). 2. Elimination of indirect impacts (catch basins, filters, and other control measures). 3. Minimization of impacts to drainages (redirect runoff to flow directly into the flood control channels, maintain connection of water flows down the drainages, and other measures). 4. Enhancement of suitable areas at a 1:1 ratio to increase available habitats for species found on site. 5. Replacement of habitat off-site at a minimum 2:1 ratio. 5.4.2 Drainages and Wetlands NRA, Inc. recommends that a formal wetland delineation and jurisdictional drainage determination be conducted to determine the extent of impact resulting from the proposed golf course, fuel modification zones and any other proposed development If jurisdiction by the agencies is upheld and if drainages are impacted by the proposed project or project construction, the project proponent will need to acquire the appropriate 404 Permit, 1602 Streambed Agreement and 401 Certification. CDPG will not accept or review a 1602 Notification application until after adoption of the environmental documents for the project; therefore, the exact acreages and location of the project mitigation cannot be addressed at this time. They should be addressed during the 1602 Notification application and required as part of the 1602 Agreement for the project, with such measures as determined appropriate by the CDPe. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowh~ad Springs Spedfic Plan TPC04-101 30 B-37 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. The need for and details of the mitigation measures requires the involvement of the Corps in the 404 permit application, the RWQCB in the 401 certification application, and the CDFG in the 1602 process. NRA, Inc. recommends the Corps be contacted regarding jurisdiction and potential mitigation prior to formal permit application. If a 404 will be required, NRA, Inc. recommends the project proponent also contact the RWQCB. If the CDFG and Corps claim jurisdiction, and, along with the RWQCB, require mitigation, one or more of the following measures may be required: 1. Avoidance of impacts to the drainage addressed to the extent possible through project design 2. Minimization of impacts addressed to the extent possible through project design 3. Mitigation through replacement of the drainage on site, if possible 4. Mitigation off-site through one or more of the following measures: 1. Replacement of drainage off-site at a minimum 2:1 ratio. 2. Contribution to an existing drainage replacement or enhancement program at a minimum 2:1 ratio. 3. Contribution to a comparable drainage enhancement program such as the giant reed removal program developed by Riverside County for the Santa Ana River at a minimum 2:1 ratio. At a minimum, a replacement program should contain the following: L Purpose and goals 2. Plant species list 3. Planting layout 4. Irrigation systems (passive or active) 5. Maintenance requirements 6. Monitoring requirements 7. Financial support 8. Responsible parties 5.4.3 Raptors, Migratory Birds and Habitats With the exception of impacts to Waterman Creek and parts of East Twin Creek, impacts to rapter and migratory bird foraging habitat and habitat fragmentation are not expected to be substantial, because the proposed development is confined mostly to existing disturbed areas. The proposed golf course could substantially alter the use of the creek drainage by foraging rapters and migratory birds. Downstream near the confluence of East Twin Creek and Waterman Creek existing November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 31 B-38 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. open space with grassland habitat would be replaced with residential development, further reducing the available foraging habitat. NRA, Inc. recommends that a breeding bird survey be conducted prior to project construction to determine if birds are nesting in the trees or scrub habitats affected by the project. If birds are present, construction should avoid disturbance either by designated setback distances from active nests, or by rescheduling construction to avoid working during the breeding season from February 1 through August 31. 5.4.4 Wildlife Movement and Habitat Fragmentation Impacts to north-south wildlife movement will be substantial due to the loss of Waterman Canyon to the golf course, and farther downstream, increased human presence along the banks of the canyon from residential development. Impacts to wildlife movement east to west could also be substantial in the southern portion of the site due to proposed residential development of mostly open space at the confluence of Waterm3n and East Twin Creeks. Maintaining East Twin Creek and Strawberry Creek drainages in their current condition (subject to natural events such as wildfires and storms) will act to partially offset the impacts to wildlife movement. However, a reduction in the wildlife use of the area will be unavoidable. The conversion of Waterman Canyon will have a substantial effect on wildlife movement and use that cannot be fully offset by the preservation of the main drainage channel of the creek. Habitat fragmentation will not be substantial for most of the project, since most of the development will take place in areas already in use. The conversion of Waterman Canyon to golf course and residential development will substantially divide the habitat and wildlife use of this area of the property in the Canyon, making it difficult for wildlife on one side of State Route 18 to move freely to the other side. Although the proposed development will increase human activity and presence in the area, most of the impact will be in areas that have been occupied in the past. However, the density of the development will be greater with the proposed project than with past use, in that year round occupancy, rather than occasional use of the site, will increase. This will result in wildlife moving farther from the project area, especially with the introduction of exotic pets and plants that typically corne with residential development. The impact is somewhat partially offset by the preservation of Strawberry and East Twin Creek, however the (relatively) high increase in human activity will inevitably reduce the available habitat for wildlife sensitive to the presence of humans. 5.5 Other Issues 5.5.1 Water Drawdown The project proponent is currently proposing to use surface water from Waterman Canyon and East Twin Creek as a source of irrigation water for the project. Estimates of current flow in the creek is reported as November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 32 B-39 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. varying from 192 acre feet to 10,700 acre feet (over the 77 years that it has been measured). On average, the draw down would be approximately 600 acre feet. However, no minimum sustainable level was identified in the discussion which would allow persistence of the water flow and maintenance of the riparian habitat along these drainages in dry years. Any removal of the water that alters the streambed or affects habitat and wildlife along the drainage would be considered a significant impact. Any mitigation for the loss of riparian areas would have to address the physical changes required to draw water from the drainages. 5.5.2 Best Management Practices As a best management practice measure, NRA, Inc. recommends that landscape palettes be specified to prohibit the use of invasive or non-native plants, to minimize the degradation of native habitats. The California Invasive Plant Council (www.caleppc.org) provide substantial information en weed pests, along with recommendations regarding the use of non-native plants in landscaping. November 20,2004 Revi,;ed July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 33 B-40 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 6.0 References Atwood, J. L. 1990. Status Review of the California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). Unpublished technical report, Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA. 79 pp. Ball, D. A., D. Cudney, S. A. Dewey, C.L. Elmore, R. G. Lym, D. W. Morishita, R. Parker, D. G. Swan, T. D. Whitson, and R. K Zollinger, eds., 2000. Weeds of the West, University of Wyoming. Borror, D. J. and R. E. White, 1970. A Field Guide to the Insects. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. Burt, W. H., 1986. A Field Guide to the Mammals in North American North of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. California Department of Fish and Game, 1988. California's Wildlife, Volume 1, Amphibians and Reptiles. The Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. California Department of Fish and Game, 1990. California's Wildlife, Volume 2, Birds. The Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. California Department of Fish and Game, 1990. California's Wildlife, Volume 3, Mammals. The Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. California Natural Diversity Data Base, 2002. Data Base report on threatened, endangered, rare or otherwise sensitive species and communities in the vicinity of the Arrowhead Springs Roadway project site. California Department of Fish and Game, 2002. Special Animals List. California Natural Diversity Data Base, The Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. California Department of Fish and Game, 2001. Special Vascular Plants., Bryophytes, and Lichens List, California Natural Diversity Data Base, The Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. Garrett, K and J. Dunn, 1981. Birds of Southern California. Los Angeles Audubon Society. The Artisan Press, Los Angeles, California. Grenfell, W. E., M. D. Parisi, and D. McGriff, 2003. "A Check-list of the Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals of California". California Wildlife Habitat Relationship System, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. Hall, E. R, 1981. The Mammals of North America, Volumes I and II. John Wiley and Sons, New York, New York. Hickman, J. c., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of Califomia. University of California Press. November 20,2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 34 B-41 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Ingles, L. G., 1965. Mammals of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. McKernan, R. L., 1997. The Status and Known Distribution of the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus): Field surveys conducted between 1987 and 1996. Report prepared for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Field Office. Munz, P.A., 1974. A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. Remsen, Jr., J. V., 1978. Bird Species of Special Concern in California. Non-game Wildlife Investigations. Wildlife Management Branch Administrative Report No 78-1. Report prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game. Stebbins, R. c., 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. Tibor, D. P., 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Spec. Pub. No.1 (6th edition), Sacramento, California. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1996. Review of plant and animal taxa for listing as endangered or threatened species; notice of review. Federal Register Vol. 61, No. 40. Williams, D. F., 1986. Mammalian Species of Special Concern in California. Wildlife Management Division Administrative Report 86-1. Prepared for The Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game. November 20, 20Q4 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-1 01 35 B-42 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Appendix A - Flora and Fauna Compendia Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. This list does not include all of the landscape plant species found on site. Flora * denotes non-native species GYMNOSPERMAE Pteridaceae Pellaea an dromedaefolia Pentagramma triangularis ANGIOSPERMAE: DICOTYLEDONES Anacardiaceae Rhus trilobata * Schinus molle Toxicodendron diversilobum Amaranthaceae Amaranthus albus Apocynaceae Nerium oleander Asteraceae Ambrosia acanthicarpa Artemisia californica Artemisia douglasiana Artemisia draeunculus Baccharis salieifolia Brickellia califarnica Encelia farinosa *Centaurea melitensis *Conyza bonariensis "Chrysanthemum sp. * Filago galliea Gnaphalium callfornieum RelianthuB annuus Heterotheca grandiflora Lessingia filaginifolia Stephanomeria virgata Tetradymia comasa NAKED SEED PLANTS Brake family Coffee fern Goldenback fern DICOT FLOWERING PLANTS Sumac family Squaw bush Peruvian pepper tree Poison oak Amaranthus family Tumbleweed Dogbane family Oleander Sunflower family Annual bursage California sagebrush Mugwort Tarragon Mulefat California bricklebush California brittlebush Tocalotc Mare's tails Chrysanthemum Brown filago California everlasting Annual sunflower Telegraph weed Cudweed aster Twiggy wreathplant Cotton-thorn November 20,2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-43 A-1 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Betulaceae Alnus rhombifolia Brassicaceae * Hirschfeldia zncana Sisymbrium sp. Caprifoliaceae Sambucus mexicana Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album * Salsola tragus Convolvulaceae * Convolvulus arvensis Cucurbitaceae Marah macrocarpa Euphorbiaceae Croton californica *Ricinus communis Fabaceae Lotus sp. Lotus scoparius Melilotus albus Mimulus cardinalis Mimulus guttatus *Spartium junceum Fagaceae Quercus berberidifolia Quercus chrysolepis Geraniaceae *Erodium cicutarium Hydrophyllaceae Eriodictyon trichocalyx Phacelia ramosissima J uglandaceae Juglans californica Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Birch family White alder Mustard family Short-podded mustard Twnble mustard Honeysuckle family Mexican elderberry Saltbush family Lamb's quarters Russian thistle Morning glory family Bindweed Gourd family Wild cucumber Spurge family Croton Castor bean Pea family Lotus Deer weed White sweetclover Red monkeyflower Yellow monkeyflower Spanish broom Oak family Scrub oak Canyon live oak Geranium family Red-stemmed filaree Waterleaf family Yerba santa Branching phacelia Walnut family California walnut B-44 November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 A-2 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Lamiaceae * Marrubium vulgare Salvia apiana Salvia mellifera Trichostemma lanatum Mint family Horehound White sage Black sage Woolly blue curIs Lauraceae Umbellularia californica Laurel family California bay Moraceae Ficus carica Ficus family Common fig Myrtaceae *Eucalyptus sp. *Eucalyptus globulus Myrtle family Eucalyptus Blue gum Nydaginaceae Mirabilis calilornica Four o'clock family Wishbone bush Oleaceae *Olea europea Olive family Oli ve Platanaceae Platanus racemosa Sycamore family Sycamore Polygonaceae Eriogonum fasdculatum Eriogonum sp. Rumex crisp us Buckwheat family California buckwheat Buckwheat Curly dock Rhamnaceae Ceanothus crassifolius Ceanothus cuneatus Rhamnus sp. Buckthorn family Hoaryleaf ceanothus Buckbrush Buckthorn Rosaceae Adenostoma lasciculaturn Cercocarpus betuloides Rose family Chamise Mountain mahogany Salicaceae Populus fremontii Salix goodingii Salix [aevigata Salix Lasiolepis Willow family Fremont's cottonwood Black willow Red willow Arroyo willow November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 A3 B-45 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Saxifragaceae Ribes cereum Scrophulariaceae Mimulus guttatus Penstemon centranthifolius Verbascum thapsis* Solanaceae Datura wrightii Nicotiana glauca Solanum douglasiana * Verbascum thapsis Sterculiaceae Fremontodendron californicum Tamaricaeae *Tamarix aphylla Vitaceae Vitis girdiana ANGIOSPERMAE; MONOCOTYLEDONAE Arecaceae *species name unknown *Phoenix canariensis Cyperaceae Schoenus nigricans Liliaceae Calochortus sp. Yucca whipp lei Poaceae *Arundo donax * Avena barbata * Bromus diandrus * Bromus madritensis *Cortaderia selloana *Cynodon dacfylon Leymus condensatus Nassella lepida Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Saxifrage family Squaw currant Snapdragon family YeHow monkeyflower Scarlet bugler Common mullein Nightshade family Jimson weed Indian tree tobacco White-flowered deadly nightshade Common mullein Cacao fa mil y Flannel bush Tamarisk family Athel Grape family Wild grape MONOCOT FLOWERING PLANTS Palm family Mexican fan palm Canary palm Sedge family Black sedge Lily family Calochortus Whipple's yucca Grass family Giant reed Slender wild oats Ripgut brome Red bromc Pampas grass Bermuda grass Short-seeded ryegrass Foothill needlegrass B-46 November 20,2004 Revised)uly 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-10l A4 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT *Pennisetum setaceum * Schismus barbatus Typhaceae Typha latifalia Natural Resources Assessment Inc. Fountain grass Mediterranean grass Cattail family Broad-leaved cattail Taxonomy and nomenclature follow Hickman 1993 and Munz 1974. Fauna ARTHROPODA Apidae Apis mellifera Pieridae Artogeia rapae T enebrionidae Eleodes sp. REPTILIA Phryonosomatidae Scleporus occidentalis Uta stansburiana AVES Ardeidae Ardea alba Accipitridae Circus cyaneus Buteo lineatus Buteo jamaicensis FaIconidae Falco sparverius Odontophoridae Callipepla califarnica ARTHROPODS Bee family Honey bee White and sulfur butterfly family Cabbage butterfly Darkling beetle family Darkling beetle REPTILES Spiny lizards and their allies Western fence lizard Side-blotched lizard BIRDS Herons and bitterns Great egret Kites, hawks and eagles Northern harrier Red-shouldered hawk Red-tailed hawk Caracaras and falcons American kestrel New World Quail California quail B-47 November 20,2004 Revi5ed July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Sp~cific Plan TPC04-101 A-5 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Columbidae Columba jasciata Zenaida macraura Picidae Melanerpes formicivorus Picoides nuttallii Colaptes auratus Tyrannidae Sayornis nigricans Sayornis saya Corvidae Cyanocitta stelleri Aphelocoma californica Corvus brachyrhynchos Aegithalidae Psaltriparus minimus Troglodytidae Catherpes mexican us Regulidae Regulus calendula Sylviidae Polioptila caerulea Parulidae Dendroica coranata Emberizidae Pipilo crissalis Melospiza melodia Zonotrichia leucophrys Fringillidae Carpodacus neomexicanus Carduelis psaltria Carduelis mexican us Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Pigeons and doves Band-tailed pigeon Mourning dove Woodpeckers and relatives Acorn woodpecker Nuttall's woodpecker Northern flicker Tyrant flycatchers Black phoebe Say's phoebe Crows and ravens Steller's jay Western scrub jay American crow Bushtits Bushtit Wrens Canyon wren Kinglets Ruby-crowned kinglet Old World warblers and relatives Blue-gray gnatcatcher Wood warblers and relatives YeUow-rumped warbler Sparrows, blackbirds, and relatives California towhee Song sparrow White-crowned sparrow Finches House finch Lesser goldfinch Lawrence's goldfinch November 20,2004 Revised July 12. 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPCQ4..101 B-48 A-6 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. MAMMALIA MAMMALS Leporidae Sylvilagus audubonii Rabbits aud hares Audubon's cottontail Sciuridae Spermophilus beecheyi Squirrels, chipmunks and mannots California ground squirrel Geomyidae Thomomys bottae Pocket gophers Botta's pocket gopher Heteromyidae Dipodomys sp. Pocket mice and kangaroo rats Kangaroo rat species unknown Canidae Canis latrans Foxes, wolves and relatives Coyote Nomenclature follows Borror and White 1970, Hall 1981, Laudenslayer et aI. 1991, and Stebbins 1966. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 A-7 B-49 Arrowhead Springs Roadway General Biological Assessment Report - FINAL DRAFT Appendix B Sensitive Biological Resources Table Nuvember 20, 2004 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-50 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan GeneralBio logiea:t Resources Assessmenl-,-FINAL OR.A.FI: Resource Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Plants Marsh sandwort Arenaria p:al.wii.cn1a Nevin's barberry Berbej~is. TUJ.vinii Thread~leaved brodiaea Brodiile/l .fiJifolia Orcutt's brodiaea . Brodiaea ot:l:uui Palmer's .mariposa lily Calochortus palmeri var. pulmeri Habitat And Distribution Perennial plant. Occasionally in boggy :mead.ow..s,.8W..a.trl.p&.anrl freshwater marshes. Less than 900 feet elevation. San Bci:miclino,.LQ.1i. Aag~les.. Santa Barbara counties. To Washington State. In San Be1!uar.dmo..~ ,ntbst1y"along Santa Ana RiVer. Perennial Sandy and gravelly pla~.es' ~l()w 2000 feet. Coastal sage scrub and chaparral Hills south of Lo;maLin.da;. San Bernardino. Co. and in the area around Vail Lake, Riverside Co. Clay soils; open grasslands at edges of vernal pools or floodpluins. . Sea leveLlo 2500 ft. elevation. Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardmo, Riverside, and' San Diego Counties. Near streams, in vernal poo.]s,and seeps, up to 5500 feet elevation. Chaparral, yellow pine forest primarily San, Diego Co. Meadows and moist places in .early sprm.g. 3500 to. 6500 feet. Chaparral and yellow pine forest. San Bernardino Mts.. t.o: Tehach.'lpi Mts. East San Luis Obispo. Activity Period May - Aug flowering . period Year round April - June April - July May- July November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Pian TPC04-101 B-51 Status Designation FED: END STATE: END CNPS~lB FED: END STATE: END CNPS: 1 B FED: THR STATE: END CNPS: 1B FED: C2* STATE: ND CNPS: 1B FED: C2* STATE; ND CNPS; List IB Occunence Probability None. Although there may be boggy places in anrt:aroundthe Arrowhead Springs Hotel, the area is pto:bahlt' to'O': high in elevation and too steep to provide suitable habitat. Low. This species seems.to prefcJ;'drier slopes; however, it could potentially occur :on thehillsidelil mOLlg the upper drainages. High. Species has been found in the vicinity .of Jhe Arrowhead Springs Hotel on clay soils p:t:Ubably inundated by. warm water. Low. This species is not known ttomSan Bernardino County; however, suitable habitat exists an the hills within the project area around the Arrowhead Springs Hotel. Low. The project area does not support true meadows or moist places, however tllereumay be moist places in and around the Arrowhead Springs Hotel. B-1 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan . . Ge:aeml:Bio.logical Reoou.r~,Asses.sment. -FINALl.)RAH Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Resource Habitat AndOisttibution Activity Period May ~ July Plummer's: mad posa lily Calochortus plummerae lntwnediat~ mariposa IiIy Calochortus .'l.lwwi V;aT- in termedius Bristly sedge Carex comosa San Bernardino Mountains.nwtrs. clover Castilleja tasi.oJ'.hynchn . Smooth. tarplant Centromadia pungens ssp. wC1Ji:s Parry's . spllw:flow~t Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi Dry, rocky areas in coastal sage scrub, chaparral and yellow pine forest. Below 1700mm-ers (SOOO feet) elevation. Santa Monica Mtns. to San Jacinto Mtns. Dry~ ro.cky, open slopes, often in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, valley & foothill ,gr.as.s4!,nd heIDW2000f1. elevation. Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Cc.u.mties. Perennial. Swampy places, San Bernardino Valley. Cen:tr..alCal.i.f.o.rn-i.ato Washington. AnnuaL Meadows from 4600 to 7400 feet. Yellow pin~ forest. San Bernardino Mountains to Cuyamaca Mountains. Often. in disturbed si.tes near- the coast. Also found on alkaline soils at the edges of ma.rshes,sw.;un,p$,play.as and chenopod scrub. Found in riparian areas, valley and foothilL gra.sslands, and sometimes vernal pools margins. Southern CaHforrna attdB<J.ja California. Sandy openings in coastal s..ge scrub and chaparral, 900 to 3500 ft. Elevation, east Los Angeles Co. to San Corgon1o'Pass and west Riverside Co. Ju.ne.~Iuly Year round June - July April - September April- June flo.wering period November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-52 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc, Status Oesi~nation FED: C2* STATE: NO CNPS: 16 FED: C2* STATE: ND CNPS: 1B FED: ND STATE: NO CNPS: 2 FED: C2* STATE~ NO CNPS: 16 FED: C2* STATE: NO CNPS: 16 FED: C2* STATE:c ND CNPS: 3 Occurrence Probability Moderate. Site supports suitable habitat in the hiHs.j.dea:r~as. Lmv;.S:p-e.cies.is Rot known from San Bernardino County, .bJ;Lt .the-site .supports suitable habitat in the hillside areas of the p;~op.eI:ty; Low. There may be habitat in and around :the Attow.lwad Springs Hotel. None. No meadows exist within the. project areas; the development portions . .ofthesl.te..ar-e .toO low and lack pine forest meadow habitat. M~der.a.te. Site contains suitable alkaline soils around .the Arr..owh.:e.ad Springs Hotel. In addition, there are ripatiiln areas. for this' species within the drainages. Moderate. Suitable habitat exists: {orlb-is . species. B-2 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Gene.ralBiological. Resources Assessment -fINAL DRAFf Resource Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Long':Spined spine flower Chorizan the polygonoides vaT. longispina Summer hoJiy Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. ,diver$ifxdia Salt marsh bird's beak. Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimu:s Slender-horned . spineflower Dodecahema leptoceras Many-stemmed dudleya Dudleya multi.caulis Habitat And Dh;tribution Dry.. places. below 5000 feet; chaparral, coastal sage scrub, meadows, valley and foothiHgrassland, Wt'!st Riverside and San Diego counties. Shrub. Mixed chaparral,. often following a bum. Coastal salt marsh below 10 1'1'W~'r$: (3.0 feet) elevation. Southern California coast. Sandy and gravelly soils on ailuvlai fans and. .old floodplains; 500 to 2000 ft. elevation. Los Angeles, Ri",erside, <md. S.an Bernardino Counties. . Annual In heavy! .often clayey soils or grassy slopes in chaparral, coastal sage scrubl valley and foothill grassland. Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange counties. Below 2000. fqe.t. Activity Period Not. documented May - June. May - Oct Apr - Jun Ma,y - June November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 200S Arrowhead SpringsSp~ific Plan TPC04-101 B-53 Status Desi~nation FED: .ND STATE: ND CNPS: 1B FED:.ND: STATE: ND CNP$:1B FED: END SfA'JE;. END CNPS: IB FED: END SIATE:END CNPS: IB FED: C2* STATE: NO CNPS: 1B Occurrence Probability Low, Suitable habitat exists on site, however, this species is notl"ecordedfro,ni San Bernardino County . High. Chaparral . and chamise chaparral is extensive in the hills aJ:Ci'l.'l;ndthe development. None. No suitable habitat exists .oJ\. sHe, Although historical records exist for this sl~, th.:eroc.cu;.Gb;are questionable since this area is atypical for this sfH~'cie's: and:' the only locality description provided is "San Bernar.d.ino V aUey" . Low. Suitable sandy .;md gr.avcl~y sails have been significantly impaded:by flood control measures! however, it may be pr.esenl in theJDwer reaches of Waterman and East Twin creeks. Mooer.at.e.. This species may be present on the hillsides within the pro.ject area. B-3 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Genetal.Biologieal Resow:c!$ Assessm~nt...,.FIN~ DR:AFr R~ Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Natural.Resources Assessment, Inc. Santa Ana River woofIy star Eriastrum densifoliumv3r.. sanetorum . flotsptmgs fimbristylis Fimbristylis thermal-is Robinson's pepper-grass Lepidium vrigitticum$sp, Robinsonii Parish's desert- thom Lycium parishii San ~dino Mountains monkeyflower Mimx:dus. exiguaWi Hall's monardella Monardella rf1;rlCrantha spp. ha II i i Habitat And Distribution Pe'r'e1mful subshrub found in alluvial fan sage scrub, coastal sage scrub on alluvial -deposits along the Santa Ana River, San Bernardino Co. Perennial b:erbwith rhizomes. Alkaline meadows near hot springs. Annual. Chaparr~l,c.oastal sage scrub habitats, primarily on dry soils. From Los;Angel~ CO:unty south, to Baja California. Perennial shrub. Sandy to rodys1<:pes .and..c~y-Ons below 2000 feet. Possibly coastal sage scrub, def. In cxe'OS()((!"btr.shstf.ti:h. san. Bernardino V alley and western Colorado Desert. A1muaLM.Ois1.di:sttLtbed places, as in Holcomb VaHey. San Bernardino M(.).Untm.ns:,. northern Baja. Perennial iromslender woody rootstocks. Dry slopes and ridges, 2500 - 6000 feel. Chaparl'll'l. yellow pine forest. San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mtns. to Cuyarnactt.a1l:dSnn:ta Ana Mtns. Activity Period June - August flowering -period Year .round J.<ul--April March - Ap~ll flower period Junc-, July June o,Aug flowering period November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-54 Slatus Designation FEfr. END Sf ATE: END CNPS: 1B .P.ED:ND STATE: NO CNPS: 1B FED: ND STATE: NO CNPS: IB FED: NO STATR: ND CNPS: 2 , F:ED~C2* Sf ATE: NO CNPS: IB FED: C2* STATE: ND CNPS: IE Occurrence Probability Low. There isuo alluvial fan scrub on site; however, the .10werreachesof Waterman and Eat Twin creeks may pro.vide:s.ufficie.nt alluvial soils for this species. None,QnJyknown locality within the project area is at the Arrttwhead HOt Springs. This area was checked in 1993 and . .thepoplliatiO-n apparently had been extirpated. . Moderat.e. Suitable habitat on site. Low. Recent data su;ggesl..tha:toknown populations from the lower slopes of the ~. Be'.n~d.ht0 Mountains are probably extirpated. Low. Litt1e.is kn.own about this species. It could occur in the moislareas. 3roond tl'lie Arrowhead Springs Hotel. Low. Thissp.eci.es.is generally found only at higher elevations, and may 00 present o.n the higher slopes of the property. B-4 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Genet.q{. JkQl.Qg.ic:;al ResQurces AssessU1.ent -FINAL DRAFl' Resource Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Natural Resources Assessment, Ine. California mullly Muhlenbergia califarnica Parish's yampah Peri.d:eridia parishii ssp. parishii Parish's gooseberry Rib.es .di7Ja:riDat.um var. parishii Gambel's.water cress Rorippa gambelii Bla~k~e Schoenus nigricans &moran maiden fern Thelypteris puberula var. sonoreml1S Habitat And Ois'tribution PerenniaL Occasional in wet places up to 7000 feet. Coastal sage scrub, .chaparratyeUowpine forest. Cismontane especially around the San Ber~.rdino: VaHey. tnthe: edge of the desert. Damp meadows, etc. From .4:0.0010 7SOOJeet.:La:rge montane coniferous forest. San Bernardino Mountains. PerenniaL Willow thickets, swamps, similar moist and .da~s.it.es.Coastal:sage scrub. San Bernardino region and Los Angeles County. Perennial. Marshe,s, streambanks and lake margins. Ventura to San .Dieg<o.coun.Ues"in.dud.ing Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Marshes;and.swamps;OOen. in alkaline meadows. 150 - 2000 meters (450 to 6000 feet) elevation. Occasional in meadows, seeps,. wet shaded canyons below 3000 feet; chaparral, creosote bush scrub. Lower slQpeso.f .Pe:ninsular and Transverse mountains to Baja California. Activity Period July ~.. Sept flowering period June - July March - April ;flowering period Unknown August- September Year round November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04.1 01 B-55 Status Designation FED: NO Sf ATE: ND CNPS~ 1B FED: ND .SeT.A. TE~.ND CNPS: 2 FED: C2* STATE: NO .cNPS:lB FED: ND STATE: NO CNPS: 1B FED: ND STATE: ND CNPS: 2 FED: ND STATE: NO CNPS: 2 'O<xurrence Probability Moderate. Suitable habitat exists within the project area along the .dtaiullg.es. None. The project area d:oesnot.$11:ppQrt:the damp meadows and is below the known e:l~at.kjft .rang;e, Low. Site does not have true thickets or ..s~ps. Moderate. Suitable: streambanks are present within the prqje('t:area. Hi~h,At: l~ast one population identified from the Arrowhead Springs -area. Moderate. Suitable habitat may.. be present in the upper reaches of Waterman Canyon -within the project area. B-S Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan G~.aLBiologi:CAlResource$ A$e$st\)~nt~PINAL DR.AFr Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Resouree "Habitat And Distribution Activity Period Fisb: Speckled dace Rhinichthys osc#lus.ssp3 Santa Ana sucker Catostomus :sa:tdtUUUl:e At.tmhil.ilimS San Gabriel slender .Sa1a$~r Batrachoseps gabrieli Found only:in streams with permanent flower water, and summer temperatures rallgmg from 17 to 20 degrees Centigrade (60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). It prefers shanoW' co:&ble and" gravel found along steep rocky canyons in chaparral. Ov~tha1lging . plants, mairHy alders and sedges, provide cover. San Gabriel and Santa Al)a-,rivers.. Generally lives in small, shallow streams. Stream . ,cuxr~.nt.can;ta.nge..fromswi~ to sluggish. They are found only in permanent streams, with water depths from a. few centimeters to more than one meter. Prefer coarse substrates of gravel, rubble, and 'oofilders,usuaHy with filamentous algae. Occasionally found in sandy ormudn)r'subsfta:tes.Pterers cool, clean, and dear, water, but can tolerate seasonally furbid.water.SantaAata. Santa Clara, San Gabriel and Los Angeles rivers. Year round Year round -- . ~.~. Known only from the San Gabriel Mountains. Prefers ,rocks"won:d,..;fern..:a.n.dether material for cover. Found on soils at the base of talus s!Upl?fh ? November 20,2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-56 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Status Designation FED: ND STATE: CSC FS: 'Sensitive FED: THR STATE: CSC FED: ND STATE: ND Occurrence Probability Present. This species is known from Strawbeny .creek and may be present in East Twin Creek and Wa;h~l1{rtart: Canyon. Unknown. depth may be to shallow to 'so:pportthis :S'peries, Moderate. Suitable habitat may be present.in .the..upper reaches of Waterman Canyon within the pl'ojet)t area. B.6 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Ge.ootaL:BialogicalReso,urces,Assessment-FINALDRAFT Resource Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Natural Resources Assessnunt, Inc. Western spaclefoot Scaphiopus hawmQndii Arroyo toad B:uf<J microscaphus California red" legged frog Rtula: /U.i;r;l1r.fL.. draytonii Mountai.nyellow:" legged frog RaM muscosa Habitat And Distribution Grasslandsa:nd, o<roasionally hardwood woodlands; largely terrestrial but for breeding.. requ.ires;r~in pools or other ponded water for 3+ weeks; burrows in loose soils during dty season; Central Valley and foothills, coast ranges, inland valleys, to :BajaCoalii. Washes and arroyos with open'water; sand, Of' gravel. beds; for breeding, pools with sparse overstory vegetation. 'Coastal and a4ew.desert streams from Santa Barbara Co. to Baja Calif. Streams with slow-moving water and deep pools; dense, shru,hby.riparian. v~getaoon at pool edges. Coastal streams from Marin Co. to V~n:turaC.o.;be'~woon Ventura Co. and Mexican border, known from only four sandI populatip.ns;induding Santa Rosa Plateau (Riverside Co.). Alw.aysencounter.ed within.a few feet of water. Rocky stream courses in southern ('.~alif~j"nia, Tadpoles.,may. require up to two years to complete aquatic .develDpment. Acti vity Period October -. April (following ...onset of winter rains) Mar - Jul Dee - ApI' . Mar May breeding period November 20,2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-57 Status Desi~nation FELr. ND Sf ATE: CSC FED: END STA'fE:CSG FED: THR STATE: CSC -FED:HND STATE: CSC Occurrence Probability Low. Suitable.ponde4 water habitat may exist along Waterman Canyon.and.East Tw.jn Creek. Suitable habitat also may exists ittthe.isolateq pond on the former grounds of the Anowh~d Springs Hotel. Low. Suitable water hahitatttlay exist along Waterman Canyon and East Twin Cteek.Suitable habitat also may exists in the isolated pend::ontheful"met. grounds of the Arrowhead Springs Hotel. Moderate. Suitable water habitat may exist. along W aternlan Canyon and East Twin Creek. . High. :Suitable water habitat may exist along Waterman Canyon; and ,.E.a:st Twin Creek. B-7 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Gen-etral.Bw-logical Reso~Asges8ment ,...FINAL DR.AJIT . Resource Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Reptiles Southw1!stem pond turtle .C1iHJUll!lS rnarmorata pal/Ida San Diego horned lizard Pkry.fUJ,SfJl1Ul coronatum blainvillei Cotollatb skink Eumeces skilto nianus interparietalis Orange-throated whiptail Aspida.sceli.s hyperythrus Coastal wesre.ru - whiptail Aspidoscelis tigris mu.ltiscutatus Habitat And Distribution Permanent or nearly permanent water in a wide v.arietyof -habitats; requires basking sites such as partially submerged legs, ~ks,_or o:pen.-mud bankS. Central California to. narthwestern Baja CaUf;{Jl'ma. Wide variety af habitats including caastal sage scrub, grassland, riparian woadland; typically Dn ar near 10Dse sandy soils; ma.stallli1d ,Hiland areas fram Ventura Co. to. Baja Ca Ii f. Early _s-u~ce~.nal stages- or open areas in grassland, chaparral, pinyon-juniper -aFldjunipei sage woodland, pine oak and pine forests in the caastal ranges af SGt-1thern California. Also faund in rocky areas dose to streams, and an dry "b-illsides. Floodplains and terraces with perennial plants and QPl?n. areas nearby; sea level to 3000 feet elevation; inland and coastal valleys of Riverside,Orang,e, and San Diego Counties. to. Baja Calif. Firmj.s3Rdy or .rocky soosin deserts and semiarid areas with sparse vegetation and .a-pen.ar-eas,..A!s{}.round in woodland and riparian areas. Activity Period y ear~round with reduced activity Nev. ~ Mar. April - July (with reduced .- activi ty Aug. - Oct.) Active year round March - July (with reduced activity Aug. - Feb.) Ye-a>.f.f(,ntnd. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-58 Status Desi~nation FED: NO STATE: CSC FED: ND STATE: CSC FED; ND SfATE:CSC FED: ND STATE: CSC FED: NO, STATE: ND <kcurrence Probability Low. Basking sites may be absent except in ,the..upper Waterman Canyon area. High. Suitable habitat exists throughout the ptGje.ct are a. High... Suitable habitat exists thraughout the project :;ar'ea. High. Suitable habitat exists through@ut.theproject area. High; Suit-able habitat exists throughout the project a.r:ea. B-8 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan GeneralBiologicalR.es(}u.rces:Assessment~F1NAL.PRAFT Resource Table 2 Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Habitat And ~istribution Acti vi ty Period A<'tive year roood - some winter activ.it;y Natural Rl!BOUrCl!S Assessment~ Inc. FQundpredominantly in the Coast Ranges, Transverse Mountains, and Peninsular R.angesandJnnorlhwest .Baja California. Also found in scattered occurrences on the floor of the San Joaquin Valley, in the southern Sierra, Walker Basin and in the Plute; Seoo,ie.Mld Tehachapi Mountains. Desert-edge localities are recd'rded at:the easlet.n:'cndof ' Walker Pass in Kern County, Morongo Pass, in San Bel1uarai1m-CoutUy, in -the Little San Bernardino. Mountains at Whitewater, Riverside County,.amt.Ofl the eastern slopes af the Peninsular Ranges. Prefers ar.e-as with sandy ur loose organic soils or with abundant leaf . litter. Usna1ly.OCcurs:in:moisl. woodlands and coniferous forests. Mixed conifer-oak forest and woodlands~lit elevatians 5000 to. 8000 feet Prefers old large logsl rock piles as: hibernacula,,,ls wen as dense leaf litter, High soil moisture seems important, alHmughhas been found on dry slopes. Active during evening or beavily o.vercast days with high humidity and temperatures af 60 - 70 degre-es Fahrenheit. Probably hibernates November to March. Records frem San Bernardhlo, San. Jacinto Mauntains and Mt. Pinas. N,,\~ 20. 2004Rffi'Sed JUly 12, 2005 Amowhead springs-Bpecifoc PtanTPC04--.nJl Silveq".leg,I~ss- lizard Anniella pulchra pulchr:'[J Soothernmbber: boa (Charina bottae umbratica) Ap.ril - October B-59 Status Designation FED; ND STATE:CSC FEll: C1" STATE: THR US Forest Service Species of Concern Ocntttence Probability Low. Although sandy soils occur on site, abundant leaf utJer (p.mlljding ..a humid microclimate) is limitedc None. The develapment portion of the site does not eontain<!onnec woodland habitat. 6-9 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan Gene:ral BiQlogicalResout'ces Ass.ess.ment-FlNALDRAFf Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Resouree Habitat And Distribution Activity Period Year round RosY' boa, Lichanura trivirga ta Coi16t patth-nesed snake Salvadora hexalepi;; 'lJir,gultea Two-striped garter snake Thamnophis hammondii Northern~ted- diamond rattlesnake Creta/us. exs'ul Mix brushy cover and rocky soils. Desert and chaparral, found from the coast to the Mojave and CoJol',adodes.erl.$. Prefers moderate to dense vegetation. Wjdely distributed from the lowlands up to 7000 feet. Found in grasslands, coastal sage scrub I'Jnd (:h~p,'Jrlaf.On both rocky and sandy substrate. Highly aquatic. Only in Of near permanent sources of water. Streams with rocky beds supporting willows or other riparian vegetation. FromMQ:nt~'Co..tQ northwest Baja Calif. Has been in dry washes. Occurs in rocky areas & dense vegetation. Needs rodent burrows cracks in rocks or othero surface tnateriaL Chaparral, woodland, grassland and desert areas. Coastal San Diego Qn.tnty to the eastern slopes of the mountains. Yeat: rQund Year round Year round Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Status Designation FED: NO STATE: ND FED: NO STATE: CSC FED: ND STATE:CSC .FED:C2* STATE: CSC Occurrence Probability High. Suitabl~ habitat exists throughout the project area. High~ Suitable habitat exists throughout the project .area. Low. Suitable habitat exists along. in the urper reaches ofaf the main drainages. . Suitable habitat also may exists in the isolated pond on the former gr.ounds ofthe Arrowhead Springs Hotel. High. Suitable habitat exists throughout the project 3,t:ea., Bitds. White-tailed kite EJantls .Jeucl'l1'us Bald eagle Hatitueh~s leucocepitaI us Open country in South America and southern North America. Winters locally at deep lakes and reoo:rvoirsfeedmg on fish and waterfowl. Locally rare throughout Nor-th Am€'l:.ica. Year-rormd Nov - Feb November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-60 FED: NO STATE: ND (nesting) FED: END STATE: END Moderat€. Property terrain may be too urtev~Rfornlisspec..i:es to forage. Low. Speci€s is kno-wn to winter at Big B€ar Lake; during winter, could Jlyover &ite.or ;perch in riparian woodland. B-l0 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan G.eneral.BicOlogicat Resou:t'ce:; Assessment ~FlNALDRAFf Resource Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Northern harrier Circus cyaneus Sharp-shinned . f-ufwk Accipiter striatus Cooper'shawK Accipiter cooperi GGtdeaeagle Aquila chrysaetos Habitat And Distribution Grassland and marshy habitats in Southern California. Uncommonly in o.pen..desert and .bntshiands. Nests in woodland, ~,erO'u.s deci400-us'tm;est. Winter visitor and migrant to coastal Southern Ca1if~ Fo.ragli$- over a variety of habitats. . Woodland andsemi...,apen habitats, riparian groves and mountain canyons. UJlOOIDm0R~. resident in coastal, mountains, and deserts of SolRhemCaUf.ornia. Transients fairly common on coast in fall. Crasslands, brushla.nds, deserts, oak savannas, open coniferous forests and -montane valleys. Nc&ting primarily in rugged mountainous country. UR€I.mlffiOn resident in Southern California. Adi vity Period Year. round Fall & wInter; scarce in summers YOO[!X)Und; predominan t in summer Yearrou.nd diurnal N;:)vetnbet ;W, 2004 :Revised Julylz, 2GOS Arrowhead SpriftgS Specifie Plan Tfl.COHm. B-61 Status Designation FED; ND STATE:CSC FED: ND STATE: CSC FED: ND STATE: CSC FED: NO STATE: CSC (nesting and wint~rjJlg} Occurrence Probabilitr Present. Observed during the surveys. Forages over a wide r;mg.eof .upen habitat and can be expected to occur throughout most of Southern California. . A.lthough .mh'~esnng habitat was found, some foraging habitat exi&ts c.n site. Low. Not observed du.ring :th~ guw~ys, but are expected to forage infrequently over the property during migration and in winter. Moderate. Suitabl;e nesting and foraging habitat exists within the.. p.rojee:t area. Low. Not observed during the surveys. Foraging habitat for :,tbis species -G(~ts over the entire property. No suitable n~stmg habitat occurs within the proposed d..evel{)pme-n~a:r-ea_ Some nesting habitat may be pi>esen.t along the broader canyon sides. a-u Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General. ~~ Resources Assessment -FINAL DRA.ET nesource Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Nattlral Resources Assessment, Inc. M~n Falco co[umbarius .~~ peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus anatum Prairie falcon Falco meXlCa/lUS ~&Wl Athwe cunicularia Jryp.ugen Long~eared owl Asia otus Habitat And Distribution Frequents several habitats mduding coastal sage scrub and annual grassland. Forage$- .al~ng .tbecD..ast .and in montane valleys and open deserts with scattered clumps of. trees.- Rare fall migrant and winter visitor to Southern California. Wetlands near high cliffs; few known to nest in urban settings on tall buildings. . &att~ted locations. ill North America; in California coastal areas and inland mountains. Nest in cliffs or rocky outcrops; forage in open arid valleys, agrieu.ltuJ:al fields. Throughout the desert and arid interior portions of -coastal cctifi:.ties.. Un.-colnmOO resident in Southern California. Gfaookm4sand l'angelands, usually occupying ground squirrel burrows. Resident gver:mosl-ef Southern California. Found in agricultural areas. Activity Period Fall & winter Fall <<- Winter (in migration and a& winter visitor) Year round di umal YMt' tUUM Rare resident in coastal Southern California and 'U1'liOOOllUOUi'esident .in.~ areas. Dense willow~ riparian woodland and oak w-ocdlaAd.. Bf~ds from valley foothill hardwood up to ponderosa pine habitat. NC'Veml,er 2V, 2004 Revisedjuiy 1.2,206'5 Mro~~ Springs $pecilic flan 'fP<XJ4-i/Hl Nocturnal year round B-62 Status Designation FED:. ND STA'IE: CSC RW;ND STATE: END FED: NO STATE: CSC FED. ND STATE: CSC FED: ND STATE:CSC <kcunence Probability Low. Not observe.d . during the surveys. Can be expected to fo:rageo.verlbesire during migration and in winter. They are ~pected to use. the area very infrequently. Low_S~p.asses through region during migration anQ.Wly wii\t~r in. region; during migration or winter, <'Quid fly over s.i;h.', perch in riparian woodland, and/ or furn,ge; m surrounding habitats including . site.. Low. Not observed during the surveys. Foragmg habitat exists for this species over the pCi)perly,llut there is no suitable nesting habitat. N~. N()o suitable. burrowing habitat exists within the pc.ojed area. This species may forage on site and in adjaeent afeas. Low. Foraging habitat exists on lhe pr-operty, bttt no nesting habitat. iH.2 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General BiologicalReso~~~ AssesslIlent -FINAL DRAFr Resource Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Black swift Cypseloides mger -Calif-ot.aia gnatcatcher Polioptila cal-ifa-rn,.ieli Loggerhead oS'hrike Lanius ludovicianus Southern California rufous- <:rowned~&w Aimophila ruficeps canescens Mammals Western yellow bat- Lasiuru8 xanthinus Habitat And Distribution Rare and very local summer resident in the foothill canyons of mountains. Most hirds M1'ive lifter May. Rare and irregular transient (mainly in spring) away from breeding areas, principally west of the deserts. Breeding localities include Santa Amta ,QlnyPJa, SomGaooeJ Mtns., Fallsvale in Mill Creek Canyon, San Ber~Mms,.And. Tahquitz Creek, San Jacinto Mtns. Coastal sage scrub; .occurs only in cismontane Southern California and northwestern Baja CalifurnHl i.a-l-0-w-Iying foothills and valleys. Open fields with scattered trees,-openwood1and., >scrub. Fairly common resident throughout Southern Cali<f.ern.i-a'. Fairly common resident along the coast of California; .bJ:oods 'Ve-lo/,locally .0n.aesert mountain ranges. Preferred habitat is slopes with sparse sQFUOO" and- o.pen grassyar~& intermixed. Coastal sage scrub is the most common .~.oo.m.,munity .used. Found in valley foothill J;iparia:n" desert rip'a~ianr desert wash, and palm oasis habitats. Roosts in tree~>particulady palms. Forages over water and among trees. ; Activity Period Spring - Fall Y~at-r0mul Year round Year round ? November 20, 2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-63 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Status Desi~tion FED: NO STATE: CSC ,J~BD: 'FHR STATE: NO FED: ND STA'I'E; CSC FED: ND STATE: CSC FED: ND STATE: ND Occurrence Probability Moderate. . Thi& species may be in the upper reaches of Wa$'Cmian andE-ilst Twin Creek. None. Noauitable habitat occurs on site. Moderate. This -spoo.ies may 'Rest within the and may forage in this area in. WiR{-et'~ Moderate. Suitable grassland! scrub , .J;luhoot .m-ix-exists within the project area. Low. This is a low elevatio-ft species that m.ay occasionally use the 'palm trees on site. B-13 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Resources-Assessment -FINA.l DRAFT Resource Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Townsend's western big-eared bat PleaJiu.s townsendii, two ssp. Pallid bat Antrozous pallidus Spotted bat Euderma m!lcu!.nt,um Habitat And Distribution Requires caves, mines, tunnels, buildings or other similar structures for roosting. M.ayuse separate sites for night, day, hibernation or maternity roosts~ Found in all but subalpine and alpine habitats throughout Ca.l.ii4rnia. Day' .roE).St. ifIIea:ves, CFevkes, mines and occasionally hollow trees and buildings. Nigkt.nmsts :maybe mac..e open sites, such as porches and open buildings. HiOOrnation sites are, probably rock crevices. Grasslands, shrublands, woodlands:tl!ld (.ores! from sea level through to mixed conifer. Throughout Southern Cnlifornia_ Found in the western North America from southern BrJtishColumbmto :the Mexican border, at a small number of widely scattered 1m:a11ties. Habitals range from arid deserts and grasslands through mixed eollifer f:w.est up;to 1O,600 f{}Ol elevation. Prefers rock crevices in cliffs, also uses cavesaooo buiktings. Activity Period Year round Nocturnal Spring, Summer, Fall Nocturnal Hibernates in Winters Spring, Summer, ,Fall Nocturnal Hibernates in WiRt....rs November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPC04-101 B-64 Status Designation FED: ND STATE:CSC FJt.D:ND- STATE:CSC FED: ND STATE:CSC Occuttence Probability Moderate. Because there are a few suitable roost sites Jntbepmjfct area, this species may roost on the property. It may also forage over the property if there -itre r.oosti.ngsites such as caves in the nearby mountains. Mooernt-e~ :B&~ there are a few suitable roost sites . ,iltthepr~area, this species may roost on the ~*rty.. It .may also forage over the property if there .areraostingsae5 such as caves in the nearby mountains. Moderate. Because there are a few SUltab1~roost 'Sues in the project area, this species may roost: QQ;. tha property. It may also forage over the 'r:r~,r.ty if tb.ere are roosting sites such as caves in the ne~ mOOAtains... B-14 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Resollli"e5 Assl!ssment -FINAL DRAFl' Resourf..'e Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources. ~ Arrowhead Springs Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. California mastiff bat Eumops perotis .cillif.otnicus Big free~tailed bat Nfjdi!1t(m,taps macro tis San Diego black~ tailed jackrabbit Lepus califonrictJ$ bennettii Habitat And Distribution Historically from north- central California south to northern Baja California, .easlwar.d ..aa.oss the southwestern United States, and northwestern Mexico to west Texas and Coahuila (Hall, 1981; Williams, 1986). In California, most .l't'lC&.Fds,are.'&omrocky aT~ at low elevations where roosting occurs primarily in crevices. Found from northern South America and the Caribbean Islandsnorthwar,d to the western United States (Williams, 1986). In the S()uthwestel'n- U.s.., populations appear to b~ scattered. Known breeding localioos are in .-parls ,@f Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Prefers rocky, rugged lerrain~ Roosts in crevices in high cliffs or rocky outcrops. Ranges up to 8000 foot 'eleJ.~tWn. Variety of habitats including herbaceous and deoo.rt scrub areas., early stages of open forest and chaparral. Most common in i'elatively . open habita.t.,,>. Restricted to the dsmontane areas of Southern California, extending-from the coast to the Santa Monica, San Gabriel, San Bernardino and Santa JWsa mountain ranges. Activity Period Nocturnal spring - faU ~tes in Winters Year round, diurnal and crepuscular activity November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPCQ4-101 B-65 Status Oesi~nation FED:. ND STATE:CSC FED: ND STATE: CSC FED: ND STATE: CSC Occurrence Probability Moderate. Because there are a few suitable roost sites in J.he .prDjecl..area, this species may roost on the property. It may also forage over the property if there ar.e :J'oosoog sites such as caves in the nearby mountains. Moderate. Because there are a few .suitable;r-oost sit.es in the project area, this species may roost Oft tlle property. It may also forage over the 'pl'.&pcriyMihere are roosting sites sitch as caves in the nearby mou~. Low. Scrub cover on this site may be too densein R0FmaI. years for this species to persist. B-15 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Bicl~.ResourcesAsseS&ment -FINAL.DRAET Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources - Arrowhead Springs Resource Habitat And Distribution Activity Period Los Angeles. pocket mouse Perognathus IlJ.ngi.membr.is brevinasus San Bemantino flying squirrel Glaucomy sabrinus calffornicus White-eared pocket mo-use Perognathus alticola alticola Northwestern San Diego'pocket mouse Chaetodipus fallax IaLJax San Bernardino kangaroo rat Dipodomys merrtll#ttpar'mtB Prefers sandy soil for burrowing, but has been found on gravel washes and stony roils.. F,O,und itl.mas,WJ>aU.b. Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. SanBernardinQ Mountains; historically in the San Jacinto Mountains. Mid to upper.elevatkm ,c-omfer.Qas forest plant communities. Mature, dense conifer forest, typically with white fir dose to riparian areas. 5200 to 8500 feet in elevation. Dry, open pine forest with bracken fern. Sagebrush, and other shrubs in ponderosa and Jeffrey pine forests. Uncommonly in mixed chaparral and sagebrush habitats. Scrub or open scrub habitats on sandy soils. Sandy herbaceous areas, usually with rocks or coarse gravel. Arid coastal areas in grassland, coastal scrub and dtaparral. San DiegQ, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties. Primary and secondary alluvial fan scrub habitats, with sandy soils deposited by Huvial {waTer} rather than aeolian (wind) processes. The preferred su~a~peam to> }}e'sandy' and sandy loam soils and very little herbaceous ground -rover. In ':isat<Ned populations along the Santa Ana and San Jacinto drainage sysrems:. Nocturnal; active late spring to Mrly .falt Year round Nocturnal; active late spring to early fall. Nocturnal; active year rollnd. NOd-umal; active year round November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPCQ4..101 B-66 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Status Desi~nation FED~ NO Sf ATE: CSC FED; ND STATE: CSC Forest Service Sensitive Species FED: ND STATE:CSC FED: ND STATE: CSC FED: .END STATE: CSC Occurrence Probability Moderate. Suitable sandy soil habitat exists throughout the :proje,ctan~a .along the drainages. None. Cano-pycover not suitable for this species. Species is cknOWRto.occur nearby at higher elevations. None. Site does not contain suitable open areas within the pine forest habitat. High. Suitable habitat exists throughout the project area in the grassland and scrubhahitats. Low. Suitable alluvial scrub habitat exists throughout the project area akmg the lower sections of the drainages. 5-16 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Bio-Iogical Resources Assessment -FINAL DRAFT Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resourccs - Arrowhead Springs Resource Habitat And Distribution Activity Status Occurrence Period Designation Probability San Diego desert Moderate to dense canopies, Nocturnal; FED: ND High. Suitable woodrat particularly in rocky areas. active year SfATE:CSC habitat exists Neotoma lepida Coastal sage scrub and round throughout the scrub intumedia cllaparral. Coastal southern habitats of the project California. area. Grasshopper In the more arid regions of Year round FED; ND Low. Suitable habitat mouse southern California. STATE: CSC exists, but based on the Onychomys Especially prefers sandy preferred habitat, torridus ramona areas of the Mojave and this species may be Sonoran deserts, and parts of further -east. the San Joaquin Valley. O.t. ramona does not have a precise habitat description. Nelson's bighorn Prefers rugged terrain, and Year round, FED: END, Low. Sheep probably sheep can be found from near the seasonal DP5" are present in the Ovisctll1odensis 'VaHey floor to the tops of e}e.vation STATE: THR vicinity of the nelsoni desert mountain ranges. This movement. property, hut it is particular race is found in "A Distinct unlikely they would desert ranges from the White Population be present or use the Mountains south to Mexico. Segment in developed areas of This species is also in the the Santa the site. They may San Bernardino Mtns., and 'Rosa Mtns. '{)Ccurinthe upper there is an isolated reaches of Strawberry population in the San and East Twin Creek. Gabriel M~ountains. American badger Most abundant in drier open Year round. FED: NO Low. May be present in Taxidea taxus stages of most shrub, forest, Seasonal STATE: CSC higher reaches of .and herbaceous habitats, appearance Strawberry :and East with friable soils. Needs depending Twin Creek. Sighting sufficient food, friable soils up:m from Running Springs. & open, uncultivated ground. Preys on burrowing rodents. weather Digs burrows. Invertebrates No sensitive invertebrates are expected to be present. Scnsitive Habitats Riversidian Creeks, rivers, canyons and Year round Declining Marginally preset in alluvial fan sage drainages in Peninsular and plant the lower reaches of scrub Transverse Ranges. community Waterman Creek and Riv,erside, San B.ernardino East Twin Creek. Counties. Southern mixed Steep canyons and drainages Year round Declining Not present. riparian f.orest in the foothills of local plant mountain ranges. community November 20,2004 Revised July 12,2005 Arwwhead Springs Specifk Plan TPC04-101 B-17 B-67 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Resources Assessment -FINAL DRAFt Table 2. Sensitive Biological Resources- Arrowhead Springs Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Resaun:e Habitat And Distribution Southern cottonwood willow ri parian fill'est Southern sycamore alder riparian woodland Steep, narrow and shallow, broad canyons and drainages in the foothills of local mountain rnng~. Steep, narrow and shallow, broad canyons and drainages in the foothills of local mountain ranges. Acti vity Period Yea.r.round Year round November 20,2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan TPCU4-101 B-68 Status Desiqnation Declining plant community Declining plant community Occurrence Probability Not pr.esenl Present. B-18 Arrowhead Springs Specific Plan General Biological Resources Assessment -FINAL DRAFT legend FED: END THR PE PI C2* C ND STATE: END THR CE cr CFP csc SA ND CNPS: 1A IB 2 3 4 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Federal Classifications Taxa listed as endangered Taxa listed as threatened Taxa proposed to be listed as endangered Taxa proposed to be listed as threatened The USf'WS will continue to assess the need for protection of these taxa and may, i.n the future, desi.gnate such taxa as Candidates. NRA, Inc. has noted the change in species status by marking with an asterisk (*) those C2 candidates that were removed from the list. Candidate for listing. Refers to taxa for which the USFWS has sufficient information to support a proposal to list as Endangered or Threatened and issuance of the proposal is anticipated but precluded at this time. Not designated as a sensitive species State Classifications Taxa listed as endangered Taxa listed as threatened Candidate for endangered listing Candidate for threatened listing California Fully Protected. Fully Protected species may not be taken or possessed at any time and no licenses or permits may be issued for their take except for collecting these species for necessary scientmc research and relocation of the bird species for the protection of livestock. California Species of Special Concern. Taxa with populations de dining seriously or that are otherwise highly vulnerable to human development. Special Animal. Taxa of concern to the California Natural Diversity Data Base regardless of their current legal or protected status. Not designated as a sensitive species California Native Plant Society Classifications Plants presumed by CNPS to be extinct in California Plants considered by CNPS to be rare or endangered in California and elsewhere Plants considered by CNPS to be rare, threatened or endangered in California.. but which are more common elsewhere Review list of plants suggested by CNPS for consideration as endangered but about which more information is needed. Watch list of plants of limited distribution whose status should be monitored. Occurrence Probabilities Occurs Expected High Moderate Low None Unknown Observed on the site during this study or recorded on site by other qualified biologists. Not observed or recorded on site, but likely to be present at least during a portion of the year. Known to occur in the vicinity of the project site. Suitable habitat exists on site. Known to occur in the vicinity of the project site. Small areas of or marginally suitable habitat exists on site. No reported sightings within the vicinity of the project. A vailabJe habitat limited and rarely used. Focused surveys did not locate the species, or suitable habitat does not exist on site. No data is available on whether species is on or in the vicinity oJ the site, and information about the species is insufficient to make an accurate assessment of probability occurrence. distribution whose status should be monitored. November 20, 2004 Revised July 12, 2005 Arrowhead Sprin~s Specific Plan TPC04--101 B-19 B-69