HomeMy WebLinkAboutC - Biological Resources Technical ReportAPPENDIX C
Biological Resources Technical Report
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project ESA / Project No. 130934
Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration February 2016
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This report has been prepared to document the results of biological resources surveys conducted
within the Big Canyon Creek and Water Quality Project (project) area, and to describe potential
direct or indirect impacts that could result from project implementation. The project has several
objectives, including creek and riparian habitat restoration, habitat creation and enhancement,
stormwater treatment wetland, dry-weather flow diversions, culvert improvements, and trail
planning in the upper portion of the Big Canyon Nature Park. This report describes the
environmental setting of the project site and immediate vicinity, including plant communities,
habitats, and sensitive biological resources that have been documented onsite or have the
potential to occur onsite. In addition, the report includes an analysis of project-related
construction and operational impacts to sensitive biological resources within the context of
applicable environmental regulations, and provides recommendations to mitigate these effects.
1.1 Project Location and Land Use
The project site is located within the city of Newport Beach, on a 10-acre site within the eastern
portion of the 60-acre Big Canyon Nature Park (Figure 1). This area is east of Upper Newport
Bay, adjacent to (east and west of) Jamboree Road, and includes a portion of Big Canyon Creek
(Figure 2). Land uses within the project vicinity include residential development, a large golf
course, a city maintenance facility, and commercial development. Onsite land uses include
passive recreation, such as hiking on the public trail and/or access road that run through the site,
and maintenance activities associated with the storm drain facilities.
1.2 Project Overview and Design
The City of Newport (City) has contemplated restoration efforts within Big Canyon for over a
decade. Currently, the City has funding for the restoration efforts that are part of Phases IA and
IB (proposed project). Potential future restoration efforts within the 60-acre Big Canyon Nature
Park could also be proposed as a separate project, if future funding is available. The proposed
project is currently being planned in coordination with a Resource Management and Maintenance
Plan (RMMP) that is being prepared by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy under contract with the
City of Newport Beach for the Big Canyon Nature Park. The RMMP provides a framework for
restoration and recreational improvements in the Nature Park that will be consistent with
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recreational improvements in the Nature Park that will be consistent with the requirements of the
Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP)/Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the central
and coastal subregion of Orange County (Orange County Central-Coastal NCCP/HCP) in the
event the City elects to incorporate the Nature Park into the NCCP. Potential future restoration
efforts within Big Canyon would also be coordinated with the RMMP.
The proposed project has several objectives, including:
Restore and Enhance Riparian Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Reduce Flood/Erosion/Sedimentation Damage
Encourage Public Participation and Provide Education
Provide Recreational Opportunities
To meet these objectives, the proposed project, as shown in Figure 3, includes the following
elements.
1. Creek Restoration. The project proposes to conduct creek restoration activities, which
will include floodplain restoration, streambank stabilization, and habitat restoration. The
main channel is currently incised and is confined to the incised narrow creek bed. The
channel will be realigned away from the eroding and undercut north bank into the center
of the floodplain, and a new floodplain will be created on both banks. The north creek
bank at the inlet will be stabilized using natural bioengineering techniques by adding
encapsulated vegetated soil lifts, which will be planted with willows and other native
vegetation to construct and protect the banks, and to provide erosion control. The existing
area to the south of the creek would be lowered by approximately 6 feet to create a
floodplain 2 to 3 feet above the low-flow channel to allow for frequent inundation during
high-flow events. Willow brush mats will be placed over the cut bank and secured with
biodegradable coir fabric, then secured with biodegradable rope and wooden stakes.
Floodplain restoration and streambank stabilization activities will result in increased
flood flow attenuation, stabilization of the north bank of the main channel, and creation
of an active braided riparian floodplain.
Riparian habitat will be restored directly downstream of the restored floodplain through
the removal of invasive trees, soil modification to reduce plant-limiting sodium levels,
and replacement with native riparian species. Under current conditions, invasive trees
(mostly Brazilian peppertree) and an extensive understory of non-native forbs and grasses
have been documented in the project area. In addition, soil testing results have indicated
extremely high levels of sodium, boron, and sulfur in the soils, which inhibit growth of
native plant species. The invasive plants are better able to compete under the poor soil
conditions that are found within Big Canyon. The trees, forbs, and grasses will be
aggressively removed as part of this project. Mature trees will be removed during mass
grading and isolated individuals will be killed in place without soil disturbance.
Following invasive plant removal, the soil will be amended to levels where native
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement ProjectBiological Technical Report. D130934Figure 3Project Components and Phasing
SOURCE: Burns & McDonnell; Dudek; ESA
Project Boundary
Parcel / APN #
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Project Components
Phase 1A: Riparian Habitat Restoration
Riparian Habitat Restoration Area
Phase 1B: Mitigation Areas
Riparian Habitat Creation Area
Riparian Habitat Enhancement Area
Phase 1B: Facilities/Roadways
Access Road and Infrastructure Improvement
Bioretention Cell
Dosing Station
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riparian vegetation can persist, and the areas will be actively planted, seeded, and
maintained, with topically applied soil treatments continuing throughout the plant
establishment period.
2. Riparian Habitat Creation and Enhancement Activities. Riparian habitat creation
activities will be conducted directly to the southwest of the proposed bioretention cell, in
an area adjacent to the riparian forest restoration area that currently supports non-native
grasses and forbs. This area will be graded down to allow the newly planted riparian trees
to access existing groundwater. The discharge of the stormwater treatment wetland will
also be routed to this area to provide for periodic inundation during storm events. In
addition, this area will be subject to flooding during larger storm events, but will not
pond water or create a habitat for mosquito larvae.
Riparian habitat enhancement will include removal of upstream and adjacent Brazilian
peppertrees (Schinus terebinthifolius) both east of Jamboree Road and north of the creek,
which will greatly reduce the seed source for this highly invasive species. The created
and enhanced habitat areas will provide the required mitigation for loss of riparian habitat
resulting from implementation of the water quality and infrastructure components of this
project.
3. Stormwater Water Quality Treatment Bioretention Cell. The purpose of the
stormwater treatment system, which consists of a primary treatment structure and a
bioretention cell, is to improve water quality by reducing transportation-related pollutants
currently discharged to Big Canyon Creek during storm events and to attenuate
stormwater peak-flow discharge rates from the contributing Jamboree Road drainage
area. A primary treatment structure would be constructed to receive runoff from existing
stormwater inlets serving Jamboree Road. The purpose of this underground structure is to
trap, contain, and pretreat trash, total suspended solids (TSS), and free oils prior to
conveyance to the bioretention cell. Located adjacent to Jamboree Road, the primary
stormwater treatment structure would be approximately 40 square feet in size and include
three chambers. The first chamber would be designed to collect dense solids and trash
(floatables); the second would collect sediment and finer solids; and the third would
provide storage and delivery of dissolved phase constituents to the bioretention cell.
Manhole access ports would be installed for periodic removal of trash and sediment from
the three chambers.
The bioretention cell will treat the stormwater flows that discharge from the primary
stormwater treatment structure, and reduce the storm drain-associated vector habitat
(i.e., ponded water that provides habitat for mosquito larvae) in Big Canyon Creek
(see Figure 3). The basin of the bioretention cell will consist of (from top to bottom)
layers of soil, sand, and gravel, underlain by an impermeable liner. The soil layer will be
approximately 2 to 3 feet thick and would be underlain by a 6-inch sand filter bed located
between the bioretention soil and drainage gravel layer situated in the bottom of the
bioretention cell. The bottom 12-inch gravel drainage layer will form the base layer of the
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bioretention cell and will be underlain by a geotextile cushion. The entire bioretention
cell will be underlain by a 60-MIL high-density polyethylene liner. The outer banks of
the bioretention cell will be vegetated with coastal sage scrub, and the inner basin will be
vegetated with native riparian forbs, grasses, and shrubs. These species will have the
ability to sequester toxins and tolerate flooded conditions for limited periods of time. The
basin will be periodically maintained per an approved Operation and Maintenance Plan.
Stormwater will flow via gravity from the primary stormwater treatment structure to the
top of the subcells through a series of perforated and solid inflow polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) pipes. Pollutants will be removed from stormwater as it flows down through the
treatment media. Treated water will flow from the bottom of the bioretention cell through
a series of PVC pipes into the newly created wetland habitat area located to the southwest
of the bioretention cell, and from there will infiltrate into the ground and/or flow into Big
Canyon Creek.
4. Dry-Weather Water Quality Selenium Reduction Measures. The purpose of the dry-
weather flow diversion is to limit the contact between dry-weather flows with low
selenium concentrations and the groundwater seepage flows that contain much higher
selenium concentrations. Monitoring investigations conducted by the City in 2015
determined that seepage flows with high selenium concentrations occur in the creek on
the east side of Jamboree Road between the proposed diversion and the entrance to the
existing culvert. High selenium seeps also occur on the west side of Jamboree Road just
downstream of the mouth of the existing culvert (City of Newport Beach 2015,
unpublished data). The project proposes to passively collect these high selenium
concentration seeps and direct them to the sanitary sewer. A dry-weather flow diversion
will re-route the flows of lower selenium concentration around identified sources of high
selenium and return these better quality flows back into the restored creek. The dry-
weather flows will be diverted from an underground culvert on the east side of Jamboree
Road and routed through an above-ground pipe along the south bank of the creek and
through the storm drain culvert under Jamboree Road. The pipe will discharge on the
west side of Jamboree Road into the floodplain that will be graded as part of this project.
The estimated seepage flows are anticipated to be less than 10% of the total current dry-
weather flows in Big Canyon Creek. Therefore, approximately 90% of the current dry-
weather flows will be returned to the creek. Diverting the high selenium seepage flows
into the sanitary sewer will substantially reduce in-stream selenium concentrations in the
downstream creek flowing through the restoration area.
5. Infrastructure Improvements. The project will also be constructed in coordination with
infrastructure improvements by the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). The
improvements are shown in Figure 3 and include the extension and improvement of the
existing access road along the toe of slope along the west side of Jamboree Road. The
access road improvements will be used to access and maintain the sanitary sewer
manhole located to the north of the existing culvert outfall. The construction of the access
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road to and over the existing culvert under Jamboree Road requires extension of the
culvert. A concrete stilling basin will be located at the end of the culvert extension to
dissipate hydraulic energy as the stormwater transitions from flow in the culvert and
discharges to the regraded floodplain. This stilling basin will be periodically maintained
to remove sediment and vegetation. Water from the stilling basin will exit via a rip-rap
energy dissipater. OCSD will also install a permanent automatic chemical-dosing station
and access area near the proposed habitat creation area. The dosing station consists of a
12-foot-high 8-foot-diameter tower that would be constructed on a 20-foot by 20-foot
pad, and a gravel access road as needed to access the station. Native plants will be
planted around the facility. The station would be maintained on a monthly basis.
6. Community Access Improvements and Educational Opportunities. The extended
access road will provide an official trail where the public can learn about and enjoy the
native habitats. In addition, an 8-foot-wide bicycle path connector will be installed to
provide access directly from Jamboree Road. The maintenance road at the top of the
bioretention cell will also be used as a side viewing trail with interpretive signs installed.
Visitors using this trail will cross from the south to the north side of the creek via the
OCSD-constructed turnaround area over the culvert and follow a footpath on the north
side of the creek. The footpath on the north side of the creek will continue within the
coastal sage scrub habitat, following existing ad hoc trails that will be expanded to
approximately 42-inches wide. Trails allow for educational opportunities regarding water
quality and creek restoration activities and, through the installation of signage and as-
needed fencing, will keep the public out of sensitive habitats. This plan is consistent with
ongoing efforts planned for the Big Canyon Watershed in consultation with the City,
environmental organizations including the Newport Bay Conservancy and Irvine Ranch
Conservancy, and the appropriate regulatory agencies.
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2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Literature and Database Review
Pertinent literature resources were reviewed by Environmental Science Associates (ESA) prior to
conducting field surveys to determine if special-status biological resources occur or are known to
occur within the vicinity of the project area. Literature sources included Big Canyon Creek
Historic Tidal Wetlands Conceptual Restoration Plan, Upper Newport Bay (CCI 2004), and Big
Canyon Creek Restoration Project Phase II Feasibility Study (WRA 2007). The following
biological resource databases were also queried: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC), California Department of Fish and
Wildlife (CDFW—formerly California Department of Fish and Game) California Natural
Diversity Database (CNDDB) (CDFW 2015), and California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (CNPS 2015). Database queries included all reported
occurrences within the Newport Beach U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle
map (quad) in which the project site is located, and all adjacent USGS quadrangles. In addition,
Biological Resources Inventory Report for the Big Canyon Nature Park Project, City of Newport
Beach, Orange County, California (Dudek 2015) was reviewed after all field surveys were
completed, as this report was not available until November of 2015.
A list of potentially occurring special-status species and sensitive natural communities was
developed for the project site based on the database search results and evaluated. Potentially
occurring special-status species were defined as having a geographic range and habitat
requirement similar to those found on, or within the vicinity of, the project site, and thus having
the potential to occur.
Available background information, including USGS topographic maps, U.S. Department of
Agriculture soil survey data (NRCS 2015), National Wetland Inventory maps, and current and
historical aerial photographs were used in conjunction with Geographic Information System
(GIS) data to characterize soils and to map vegetation communities, and to identify any USFWS-
designated critical habitat boundaries or CDFW Natural Community Conservation Planning
areas.
2.2 Biological Resource Surveys
General Biological Resources Survey and Constraints Assessment
A general biological resources survey was conducted within an area that included the area of
potential direct impacts plus a buffer to capture potential indirect impacts to biological resources.
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The survey was conducted on foot by ESA biologist Rosanne Humphrey on March 12, 2015, to
identify potential biological resources onsite and potential constraints associated with the
implementation of the proposed project. Special attention was paid to habitats having the
potential to support sensitive biological resources (e.g., special-status species and sensitive
natural communities). Aerial photography and global positioning system (GPS) technology was
used to accurately locate any sensitive biological resources encountered.
All plant and wildlife species observed during site surveys were identified and recorded into a
field notebook. Wildlife species were identified during the field reconnaissance by sight and call
or other evidence of presence such as tracks, nests, scat, and remains and with use of binoculars
and taxonomic keys where appropriate. Plant taxonomy followed Baldwin et al.
(2012).Vertebrate taxonomy followed Crother (2015) and CalHerps (2015) for amphibians and
reptiles, the American Ornithologists’ Union for birds (AOU 2015), and Wilson and Reeder
(2005) for mammals.
Vegetation Mapping
Vegetation mapping was conducted on March 12 and December 16, 2015, by ESA biologist
Rosanne Humphrey. Vegetation communities were characterized based on the presence of
dominant plant species and were delineated within the project area. In addition, during the
surveys, a habitat evaluation was conducted to determine the potential for each habitat area to
support sensitive native species. Vegetation communities were initially mapped directly on aerial
photographs and then digitized in ArcGIS. Vegetation community classification and descriptions
were determined according to the Orange County Habitat Classification System (Jones and
Stokes 1993, Gray and Bramlet 1992) to be consistent with the Orange County Central-Coastal
NCCP/HCP and previous vegetation mapping (CCI 2004, WRA 2007). Each vegetation
community was delineated based on the dominant plants observed onsite following CDFW’s
Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and
Natural Communities (CDFG 2009). In addition, vegetation alliances based on the CDFW
Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et al. 2009), a higher resolution classification system,
were delineated by Dudek in 2015. Vegetation alliances within each OCHCS vegetation
community are described in Section 3. Unique classifications were developed for those land cover
types not addressed by either classification system based on field observations of dominant
species.
The analysis of potential wildlife habitat linkages (i.e., wildlife migration corridors) on the project
site or immediate vicinity was based on the conditions documented during the field
reconnaissance surveys, as well as information compiled from literature and analysis of physical
barriers observed on aerial photographs. This information was used to identify whether the
project site and immediate vicinity could be used as an important wildlife movement corridor
connecting large open space areas located upstream and downstream from the project site. The
discussions in this report related to wildlife movement are intended to focus on areas within the
project boundaries, immediate vicinity, and general region (project area).
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Jurisdictional Assessment
ESA biologist Julie Fontaine conducted site visits on March 12 and 18, and December 15, 2015,
to evaluate potentially jurisdictional features within the project area, including waterways and
associated habitats potentially subject to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), CDFW,
Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and California Coastal Commission (CCC)
regulations. The purpose of the jurisdictional assessment was to identify regulated wetlands and
waters of the United States and the State of California within the project area.
Prior to field surveys, a desktop analysis was conducted to obtain contextual information relevant
to the project area. ESA conducted a review of available background information pertaining to
the project, geography, and topography prior to conducting the jurisdictional delineation in March
2015. A site map was generated with available aerial photographs, and potentially jurisdictional
features were identified and marked with lines and GPS coordinates to assist in field verification.
Soil types mapped within the project area were consulted prior to field efforts to target areas with
potentially hydric soils. In addition, the following published and grey literature were reviewed
and consulted:
1996 National List of Vascular Plant Species that occur in Wetlands (USFWS 1996).
2006 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Interim Regional Supplement to the Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region.
Field Guide for Wetland Delineation (1987 Corps Manual) prepared by the Wetland
Training Institute (WTI 1999).
A Field Guide to Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements (CDFG 1994).
USFWS Definition of Wetlands adopted by CCC. (Cowardin et al. 1979.)
The delineation was conducted in accordance with the Arid West Supplement to the 1987
Wetlands Delineation Manual, which reflects the required methods by the Corps as well as using
the CCC definition of wetlands since the project falls within the Coastal Zone. In addition, CDFW
riparian habitat was mapped as jurisdictional based upon the presence of hydrophytic vegetation to
the dripline of the riparian vegetation. The CCC definition was met if one or more wetland
parameters (soil, hydrology, and/or vegetation) were met.
Appendix A provides the full jurisdictional delineation report, including methodologies and
results.
California Rapid Assessment Method Survey
A Riverine California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) assessment was conducted by ESA
biologists Rosanne Humphrey (CRAM Practitioner) and Alanna Bennett on December 16, 2015,
following the Riverine Wetlands Field Book, Version 6.1 (CWMW, 2013). The purpose of the
assessment was to evaluate the pre-project condition of Big Canyon Creek within the project area.
One Assessment Area (AA) was delineated west of Jamboree Road. The AA extends from
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approximately 25 meters downstream of the outflow to 100 meters downstream, and encompasses
the associated riparian vegetation along Big Canyon Creek. The width of the AA varies from
approximately 12 to 30 meters.
The following wetland attributes were assessed: Buffer and Landscape Context, Hydrology,
Physical Structure, and Biotic Structure. Each attribute is based on the values of individual
metrics. A rating of A, B, C, or D was given for each metric pursuant to the Riverine Wetlands
Field Book, and then converted to a numeric value (A=12, B=9, C=6, and D=3). These numeric
values were then used to calculate attribute scores and overall CRAM scores.
Appendix B provides the full pre-project CRAM report, including methodologies and results.
Focused Species Surveys
Rare Plant Survey
A rare plant survey was performed by ESA biologist Rosanne Humphrey on March 12, 2015,
following the Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant
Populations and Natural Communities (CDFG 2009). The entire project area plus a buffer area
was assessed for the presence of rare plant species. The full rare plant survey report is included in
Appendix C.
Coastal California Gnatcatcher
Focused surveys were performed for the federally threatened California gnatcatcher (Polioptila
californica californica) on March 27, April 3, and April 17, 2015, by ESA biologists Dallas Pugh
(TE-79192A-1) and Alanna Bennett. The surveys were conducted pursuant to the most current
USFWS survey protocol (USFWS 1997). A total of three surveys were conducted between 6:00
AM and 12:00 PM at least 7 days apart within all suitable habitat in the project area. Recorded
vocalizations were played to elicit a response if birds were not readily detected. All observations
were recorded (including time, number of individuals, and sex), and the coordinates of the
observation were recorded with a hand-held GPS unit. The full protocol survey report for the
California gnatcatcher is included in Appendix D.
Least Bell’s Vireo
Focused surveys were performed for the state and federally endangered least Bell’s vireo (Vireo
bellii pusillus) on March 27, April 3, and April 17, 2015, by ESA biologists Dallas Pugh and
Alanna Bennett. The survey methods were consistent with the most current USFWS survey
protocol (USFWS 2001), except for the number of survey visits. A total of three surveys were
conducted between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM at least 10 days apart within all suitable riparian
habitat in the project area. Recorded vocalizations were played to elicit a response if birds were
not readily detected. All observations were recorded (including time and number of individuals),
and the coordinates of the observation were recorded with a hand-held GPS unit. Although the
protocol requires a total of eight survey visits between April and July, only three survey visits
were conducted as a result of the project timeline. It was anticipated that Dudek would be
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conducting the entire eight-visit protocol survey; therefore, the results of both ESA’s and Dudek’s
2015 least Bell vireo surveys are included in this biological technical report (see Section 3). ESA’s
protocol survey report for least Bell’s vireo is included in Appendix E.
2.3 Survey Limitations
Focused species surveys were done early in the spring to accommodate project scheduling
constraints. Because of the restrictive project timeline, many of the plants onsite were not yet in
bloom during rare plant surveys. In addition, as discussed previously, only three site visits for the
least Bell’s vireo surveys were conducted; however, Dudek performed rare plant surveys full
protocol surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher and least Bell’s vireo throughout the Big
Canyon Nature Park, and these results will be discussed in Section 3.
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3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
3.1 Regional Setting
The project site is located in Orange County near the coastline within a drainage that runs into
upper Newport Bay, and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. Significant regional geographic features
around the area include the peninsular ranges to the northeast and south, and the Pacific Ocean to
the southwest. Eleven major watersheds traverse the county, transporting water from the
surrounding mountains and deserts to the Pacific Ocean (OCPW 2014). Dense urban
development occurs within the general area surrounding the project site in all directions.
The project site is located within the Big Canyon Watershed, which consists of approximately
1,062 acres that drain to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve in the city of Newport
Beach (Figure 1). Big Canyon Creek, which drains the watershed, is one of the few perennial
streams that discharges to Upper Newport Bay, with a sustained dry-weather flow of
approximately 0.4 cubic feet per second. The creek flows from southeast to northwest through
Big Canyon Nature Park, ultimately draining into Upper Newport Bay (Figure 2). Big Canyon is
the only natural, undeveloped portion of the Big Canyon Creek Watershed, and the only
significant remaining natural canyon on the east side of Newport Bay.
The climate in the region is Mediterranean, with dry summers and moderately wet winters;
however, the region has experienced severe drought conditions over the past few years. The
region lies in the semi-permanent high-pressure zone off the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in a
mild climate tempered by moderate onshore winds, but is occasionally interrupted by periods of
hot weather, winter storms, or Santa Ana winds; however, these interruptions are seasonal and do
not generally affect the region for extended periods of time.
Plant communities typically found within the coastal plains of the region include a mosaic of
xeric habitats including sage scrub, grassland, and chaparral, with occasional riparian or
woodland habitat associated with riverine or other aquatic features. Some creeks in the region are
perennial; however, many are intermittent or ephemeral. Estuarine areas are influenced by tidal
flows and may also be affected by dry season flows due to urban runoff. These habitats are
known to support a wide variety of common plant and wildlife species, as well as many special-
status species protected by federal, state, and local regulations.
3.2 Topography
The project area is characterized topographically by steeply sloping bluffs and a narrow,
moderately sloped floodplain; slopes range in elevation from 20 to 75 feet above mean sea level,
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and the canyon creek ranges in elevation from below mean sea level to 25 feet above mean sea
level. A perennial stream identified as Big Canyon Creek traverses the project area and supports
degraded riparian habitat.
3.3 Soils
The U.S Department of Agriculture NRCS maps Upper Big Canyon Creek and the surrounding
area as Sorrento Loam and Tidal Flats (SSURGO online database) (Figure 4). Tidal flats are
remnant map units from before the time that the hydrology of the system was altered. The habitat
is no longer tidally influenced but does retain the high salt content within the soil. Despite being
altered, the soil exhibited hydric characteristics in the emergent marsh habitat. Areas containing
predominantly Brazilian Peppertree did not exhibit hydric soil characteristics either in the Tidal
Flats soils or the Sorrento loam soils. The Sorrento loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, thermic
Calcic Haploxerolls) occurs on alluvial fans and floodplains, originating from sedimentary rocks.
It is not a hydric soil.
The project area is generally quite disturbed. The area has been degraded as the result of decades
of dredging spoils from the bay and dumping onsite; the quality of soils throughout the site is
generally very poor as a result. There are six soils classes within the project area according to the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) (2015). Each soil type in the project vicinity is
described below and shown in Figure 4.
Balcom Clay Loam
Balcom clay loam 30 to 50 percent slopes soils are located in a small portion along the eastern
side of the northern border of the site. This soil class is well-drained with moderate to moderately
slow permeability and a range of low to high runoff. Most commonly found vegetation on this
soil series is annual grasses and mustard. Balcom clay loam soils have the potential to support
clay specialist sensitive plant species.
Anaheim Clay Loam
Anaheim clay loam 30 to 50 percent slopes soils are located throughout most of the southern
portion of the site. The soil ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline and is well-drained.
Runoff is rapid to very rapid and permeability is moderate to moderately slow. The vegetation
found on this soil series is most often brush, annual grasses, and forbs. Anaheim clay loam soils
have the potential to support clay specialist sensitive plant species.
Sorrento Loam
Sorrento loam 2 to 9 percent slopes soils are located throughout the central and northern portion
of the site. Sorrento soils are found in alluvial fans and consist of very deep, well-drained soils
with negligible to medium runoff and moderate to moderately slow permeability. Vegetation
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri,DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community
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Soil Types
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2, Anaheim clay loam 30 to 50 percentslopes
3, Sorrento loam 2 to 9 percent slopes
4, Myford sandy loam thick surface 2 to 9percent slopes
5, Tidal flats
6, Cieneba sandy loam 30 to 75 percentslopes eroded
7, San Emigdio fine sandy loammoderately fine substratum 0 to 2percent slopes
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement ProjectBiological Technical Report. D130934Figure 4Soils
Biological Resources Technical Report 20 ESA / 130934
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commonly found on this soil consists mostly of annual grasses and forbs, and sycamores
(Platanus sp.) along drainageways.
Myford Sandy Loam
Myford sandy loam thick-surface 2 to 9 percent slopes soils are located just outside of the project
boundary to the north, southwest and southeast. Myford soils are deep, well-drained soils, runoff
is moderate to rapid, and permeability is very slow. Annual grasses, forbs, and low-growing brush
are the best suited vegetation to grow in soils within the Myford series.
Tidal Flats
Saline coastal tidal flats are located on a small portion of the site in the northwest corner. Tidal
flats occur on the border of a saline body of water with fluctuating water levels. These soils are
important as they support transitional vegetation between terrestrial and marine habitats,
providing fodder, shelter, and protection for local wildlife. Forbs, grasses, and vines are
commonly found associated with tidal flats. Tidal flats are remnant map soil units from before the
time that the hydrology of the system was altered. The habitat is no longer tidally influenced but
does retain the high salt content within the soil.
Cieneba Sandy Loam
Cieneba sandy loam 30 to 75 percent slopes eroded soils are located in a small area of the
northwest portion of the site. Cieneba soils are very shallow, fast-draining soils, with low to high
runoff and rapid permeability. Chaparral, oak trees, and annual grasses are most commonly
associated with this soil series.
San Emigdio Fine Sandy Loam
San Emigdio fine sandy loam moderately fine substratum 0 to 2 percent slopes soils are located in
a small portion of the northwestern corner of the site. This soil series consists of deep, well-
drained soils occurring within floodplains and fans; runoff is very low and permeability is
moderately rapid. Annual grasses and forbs are commonly associated with this series.
3.4 Vegetation Communities
Throughout much of the project area, the vegetation is highly disturbed; non-native plant species
intermixed with native plant species is characteristic of the project area. Even within coastal sage
scrub vegetation communities, non-native annuals cover the ground space between native shrubs,
and within the southern riparian forest, Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) and other
invasive tree species are dispersed throughout much of the forest. As a result, much of the site is a
mosaic of different types, levels of disturbance, and status of succession, rather than distinct,
Biological Resources Technical Report 21 ESA / 130934
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well-defined habitat types. Vegetation communities are mapped in Figure 5. The vegetation
communities are described below according to the Orange County Habitat Classification System
(Jones and Stokes 1993, Gray and Bramlet 1992). Each description includes a list of the
California vegetation alliances (Sawyer et al. 2009) that are found within that vegetation type.
Acreages of each vegetation community in the project area are summarized in Table 1.
TABLE 1
ACREAGES OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
Vegetation Community Acres State Rank1
Southern Riparian Forest (SRF) 4.00 S.3.2
Alkali Meadow (AM) 0.10 S2.1
Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) 1.53 S3.1
Non-Native Grassland (NNG) 2.83 S4
Disturbed (Existing Access Roads and Trails) 0.40 None
Ornamental (ORN) 0.78 None
Developed (DEV) 0.04 None
Grand Total 9.67
1 CDFW state rank denotes the rarity and endangerment of an vegetation type within the state as follows:
S2 = 2,000-10,000 acres; S2.1 = very threatened
S3 = 10,000-50,000 acres; S3.1 = very threatened; S 3.2 = threatened
S4 = Apparently secure within California; this rank is clearly lower than S3 but factors exist to cause some concern; i.e. there
is some threat, or somewhat narrow habitat. No threat rank.
Southern Riparian Forest
Southern riparian forest occurs along streams and rivers, and is characterized by a dense canopy
cover of western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), cottonwood (Populus spp.), mature willows
(Salix spp.), and an understory of mulefat and small willows. Typically, trees in this community
are mature and have closed, or nearly closed, canopies.
A total of 4.00 acres of southern riparian forest were mapped within the project area, which is the
most abundant community onsite. This vegetation community occurs throughout most of the
central and north-central region of the project area, following the streambed, as well as in a small,
isolated patch near the east-central region of the project area. It is a closed canopy forest
dominated by Brazilian peppertree and arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis). For the most part, there is
little undergrowth near the center; however, non-native forbs are abundant along the edges where
the sun is able to penetrate to the ground. The peppertrees occur throughout the southern riparian
forest community (see Figure 5). These trees are most likely volunteers from the peppertrees
planted as ornamentals on the hills above the project area and upstream, east of Jamboree Road.
Other tree species in this community include blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea),
Shamel ash (Fraxinus udehi), Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta), and Canary Island date
palm (Phoenix canariensis). Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) and garden nasturtium
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri,DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement ProjectBiological Technical Report. D130934Figure 5Biological Resources
SOURCE: ESA, ESRI; Dudek
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Project Boundary
Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
Alkali Meadow
Coastal Sage Scrub
Developed
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(Tropaeoleum majus) show prevalence throughout the understory, and pride of Madera (Echium
candicans) is common on the northern and eastern edge of the forest.
One California vegetation alliance was mapped by Dudek (2015) within the southern riparian
forest. Peppertree or Myoporum Groves Semi-Natural Stands is typically dominated or co-
dominated by Brazilian peppertree, Peruvian peppertree (Schinus molle), or myoporum
(Myoporum laetum), which are all highly invasive non-native tree species. The rest of this area
was mapped as Arroyo Willow Disturbed Mapping Unit, which is not recognized by the CDFW
Natural Communities List (CDFG 2010), but was used to differentiate areas dominated by arroyo
willow, but characterized by areas of disturbance.
Alkali Meadow
Alkali meadow is characterized by a dense to somewhat open distribution of perennial grasses
and shrubs in alluvial slopes, salty grasslands, and alkali seeps. Soil within the community is
moist, fine-textured, and alkaline. Plant species are typically low-growing and few in number,
blooming from late spring to early fall. Species commonly associated with alkali meadow include
yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica), sedge species (Carex spp.), rush species (Juncus spp.),
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), and alkali cord grass (Spartina
gracilis).
A total of 0.10 acre of alkali meadow was mapped within the northwest region of the project area.
The dominant plant species onsite is Alkali heath (Frankenia salina) dominates this community
in the project area. Other species include pickleweed (Salicornia subterminalis) and saltgrass
(Distichlis spicata), as well as an abundance of wild radish (Raphanus sativus) and non-native
grasses.
The majority of this habitat type in the project area, which occurs in an opening within the
riparian forest, was mapped as part of the Arroyo Willow Disturbed Mapping Unit by Dudek
(2015). The rest was mapped as Alkali Heath Marsh Alliance.
Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
Diegan coastal sage scrub is characterized by a variety of low, aromatic shrubs and soft-woody
subshrubs, many of which are drought-deciduous. These species are typically most active in the
winter and early spring, going dormant during the dry summer months. Although the species
composition of the vegetation community varies substantially depending abiotic factors (slope,
aspect, distance to the coast, soils, etc.) and successional stage, this community is often
characterized by California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), flattop buckwheat (Eriogonum
fasciculatum), California encelia (Encelia californica), black sage (Salvia mellifera), and white
sage (Salvia apiana). Other common species include lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), laurel
sumac (Malosma laurina), and deerweed (Acmispon glaber). Diegan coastal sage scrub generally
occurs in dry areas on steep, south-facing slopes. The shrub canopy is typically more open than in
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chaparral habitat, resulting in patches of bare ground, with native grasses or herbaceous species
interspersed between shrubs.
A total of 1.53 acres of highly disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub were mapped in small isolated
patches in the project area. One area consists of a row of tall lemonadeberry shrubs along
Jamboree Road, presumably planted as ornamentals to provide a screen between the road and the
habitat. The area between Jamboree Road and the riparian scrub habitat occurs in a mosaic within
the non-native grassland and other habitat types and consists of scattered individual sagebrush
and coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) shrubs with a dense understory of non-native forbs and
grasses, such as mustards (Brassica spp. and Hirschfeldia incana), and brome grasses (Bromus
spp.). Larger patches occur on the south-facing slopes below residential development on the north
side. These areas are also highly disturbed, consisting of isolated sagebrush shrubs with patches
of bare ground and slender leaf ice plant (Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum) and crystalline ice
plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), as well as a variety of non-native grasses and forbs,
such as mustards, bromes, and sweet clovers (Melilotus spp). At the bottom of the slope, there is a
small patch that consists of a monoculture of California sagebrush.
Three California vegetation alliances were mapped within the coastal sage scrub areas by Dudek
(2015). Lemonadeberry Alliance was mapped along the western side of Jamboree Road; Coyote
Brush Scrub-California Sagebrush Alliance was mapped in the low-lying areas between Jamboree
Road and the riparian scrub habitat; and California Sagebrush Alliance was mapped along the
south-facing slopes on the northern portion of the project area.
Non-Native Grassland
Non-native grasslands are characterized by a dense to sparse cover of annual non-native grasses,
which can reach up to one meter in height. Often, native annual forbs are dispersed among the
non-native grasses, and are sometimes more abundant that the grasses. Germination occurs in the
late fall and flowering and seed-set occurs in the spring; plants dry out and die-off in the dry
summer months. Non-native grasslands typically support wild oat (Avena spp.), brome (Bromus
spp.), filaree (Erodium spp.), and other non-native annual species. This community usually occurs
in areas of previous disturbance, sometimes associated with grazing and fallow agricultural fields,
located on fine-textured, well-drained soils that are moist in winter but very dry during summer
months.
A total of 2.83 acres of non-native grassland were mapped within the project area on the north-
facing slopes along the southwestern border of the project area, in the low-lying areas between
Jamboree Road and the riparian forest habitat, and in a few small areas on the south-facing slopes
in the southern portion of the project area. The dominant species within the project area are black
mustard (Brassica nigra), field mustard (Brassica rapa), shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana),
and wild radish.
Non-native grassland was mapped as Upland Mustards Semi-Natural Stands by Dudek (2015).
These areas are characterized by weedy, upland mustard species.
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Disturbed
Disturbed areas include lands that have been significantly disturbed as the result of human
activity. These lands provide little to no habitat value for wildlife; the vegetation present in these
areas is negligible. Onsite, disturbed areas consist of an unpaved access road, which runs for 800
feet north to south near the western region of the site, and connects with Jamboree Road on the
southern end. A short, off-shoot road about 300 feet long leads to the center of the southern
riparian bluff. On the northern border of the site, a small trail along the bottom of the slope. This
trail is for public access and is approximately 900 feet long within the project area. A total of 0.40
acre of disturbed land cover was mapped. These areas were mapped as Developed – Disturbed or
Barren Mapping Unit. This land cover type is not recognized by the CDFW Natural Communities
List (CDFG 2010) because it is unvegetated.
Ornamental
Ornamental is a land cover type characterized by parks and ornamental plantings, consisting of
introduced species of trees and other landscaping that is actively managed. This land cover type
was also used by Dudek (2015). A total of 0.78 acre of ornamental land cover is present within
the project area along the northern and southwestern borders; both areas are atop manufactured
slopes, the result of adjacent landscaping to residential developments. The small area east of
Jamboree Road is also composed almost entirely of ornamental trees, mostly Brazilian
peppertrees. This is likely one of the seed sources for the peppertrees in the native riparian habitat
downstream. Other species within this land cover type include Sydney golden wattle (Acacia
longifolia), myoporum, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.), ash, and pride of Madera.
Developed
Developed areas contain commercial or residential buildings, paved roads, and landscaped
surfaces and generally do not support natural plant or wildlife species. Only one small area (0.04
acre) was mapped as developed. This area is east of Jamboree road in a portion of the project
boundary that overlaps with the golf course.
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3.5 CRAM Assessment Results
Figure 6 shows the location of the AA within the project area. The overall CRAM score for the
AA within the project area was fairly low (42). In addition, each individual attribute scored fairly
low as well, ranging from 38 for the Buffer and Landscape Context and Physical Structure, to 50
for the Hydrology attribute (Table 2). The fourth attribute, Biotic Structure, scored 44. Some of
these scores are reflective of the highly urbanized environment of the project area, which affects
the volume and velocity of dry-season and wet-season flows, and the high levels of disturbance,
which affect the physical and biological structure of Big Canyon Creek. Many of these
environmental conditions, such as dense development, cannot be changed; however, the project
proposes a number of components, including habitat restoration and water quality improvement,
that are expected to greatly improve the function and habitat value of the stream channel, riparian
habitat, and surrounding upland habitat. It is recommended that a CRAM assessment be
conducted after the project is complete, especially after the restoration has become self-
sustaining, to measure the functional improvement of the habitat within the project area. The full
CRAM report is included in Appendix B.
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF CRAM SCORES
Attributes and Metrics Numeric Values
Buffer and Landscape Context 38
Stream Corridor Continuity 3
Buffer Submetrics
% of AA with Buffer 12
Average Buffer Width 3
Buffer Condition 6
Hydrology 50
Water Source 6
Channel Stability 6
Hydrologic Connectivity 6
Physical Structure 38
Structural Patch Richness 3
Topographic Complexity 6
Biotic Structure 44
Plant Community Submetrics 4
No. of Plant Layers 6
No. of Co-dominants 3
Percent Invasion 3
Horizontal Interspersion 3
Vertical Biotic Structure 9
Overall AA Score 42
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement ProjectBiological Technical Report. D130934Figure 6California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) Assessment Area
SOURCE: City of Newport Beach, ESRI
Project Boundary
Parcel Boundary
CRAM Assessment Area
Riparian Habitat Restoration Area
Water Quality/Infrastructure Components
Existing Sewer Features
Proposed Trails
3.5-foot wide Trail
8-foot wide Trail
15-foot wide Trail
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3.6 Jurisdictional Resources
Table 3 and Figure 7 quantify the area regulated by the CCC, Corps, RWQCB, and California
Department of Fish and Game within the project area. A more detailed description of the plant
communities and their dominant species can be found in the ESA Jurisdictional Delineation
Report (ESA 2015).
TABLE 3
JURISDICTIONAL AREAS WITHIN THE PROJECT SITE
Habitat Types Jurisdictional Acres
Corps/RWQCB Wetlands 0.65
Corps/RWQCB Non-Wetlands 4.00
CDFW Riparian 4.82
CCC Wetland 4.95
SOURCE: ESA, 2015
California Coastal Commission Jurisdiction
Wetlands defined under the Coastal Act (Section 30121 of California Coastal Act as of January 1,
2005) were delineated based upon the USFWS definition (Cowardin et al. 1979) of wetlands. Big
Canyon contains 4.95 acres of jurisdictional wetlands, including riparian and marsh habitat, as
depicted in Figure 8.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Regional Water Quality Control Board Jurisdiction
The Big Canyon project area contains both Wetland Waters and Non-Wetland Waters of the
United States/State of California, subject to jurisdiction by the Corps and RWQCB, pursuant to
Section 404 and 401 of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), respectively. Big Canyon flows
directly to the Pacific Ocean, which is a Traditionally Navigable Water (TNW).
Based upon the ESA jurisdictional mapping within the defined limits of the Corps and RWQCB
jurisdiction, the project area contains 4.65 acres of jurisdictional Waters of the United States/State
(Table 3 and Figure 8), which includes 0.65 acre of wetlands. Information about the jurisdictional
determinations and quantifications are detailed in the Jurisdictional Delineation Report (ESA
2015, the Corps’ Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination form and associated site photos.
California Department of Fish and Game Jurisdiction
The Big Canyon project area contains streambed habitat classified as riparian that is subject to
jurisdiction under Section 1600 of the California Fish and Game Code (see Table 3 and Figure 8).
Approximately 4.82 acres of riparian and wetland habitat area exist within the project area.
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri,DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community
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SOURCE: City of Newport Beach, ESA, ESRI
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement ProjectBiological Technical Report. D130934Figure 7Jurisdictional Areas
Biological Resources Technical Report 30 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
3.7 Flora
A total of 90 plant species were observed within the project area during the 2015 rare plant
surveys and other site visits. Of these species, 33 were (37%) native and 57 species (63%) were
non-native. Although the project area includes a large amount of highly disturbed areas that are
invaded with non-native and invasive species, some moderate quality riparian habitat is also
present, which can provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species, such as riparian birds and
raptoras. A full plant species compendium is included in Appendix F. Special-status plant
species are discussed in Section 3.11.
3.8 Wildlife Species
Although much of the project area is composed of disturbed riparian forest, non-native grassland,
and low-quality coastal sage scrub, a variety of wildlife species were nevertheless observed
within the project area. Most of the species observed are highly adapted to urban environments,
such as mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), house
finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter
cooperi), and Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna). It is likely that the area also supports urban-
adapted mammals, such as raccoon (Procyon lotor), opossum (Didelphis sp.), and coyote (Canis
latrans).Other species observed are adapted to riparian habitats, including common yellowthroat
(Geothlypis trichas), pacific-slope flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis), and yellow warbler
(Setophaga petechia). A full plant species compendium is included in Appendix F. Special-status
plant species are discussed in Section 3.11.
3.9 Special-Status Biological Resources
3.9.1 Special-Status Vegetation Communities
Sensitive natural communities are designated as such by various resource agencies, such as the
CDFW, or in local policies and regulations. These communities are generally considered to have
important functions or values for wildlife and/or are recognized as declining in extent or
distribution, and are considered threatened enough to warrant some level of protection. Sensitive
natural communities include those that are identified in the CDFW List of California Natural
Communities (CDFW, 2010). The CDFW state rank denotes the rarity and endangerment of a
vegetation type within the state as described on the next page. In addition, riparian habitats and
coastal sage scrub are considered sensitive habitats and are protected by the CCC through the
Local Coastal Plan (LCP).
Biological Resources Technical Report 31 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
State Rank
S1 = less than 1,000 individuals OR less than 2,000 acres
S2 = 2,000-10,000 acres
S3 = 10,000-50,000 acres
S4 = Apparently secure within California; this rank is clearly lower than S3 but factors exist to cause
some concern; i.e. there is some threat, or somewhat narrow habitat. NO THREAT RANK.
S5 = Demonstrably secure to ineradicable in California. NO THREAT RANK.
Threat Rank
.1 = very threatened
.2 = threatened
.3 = no current threats known
Based on the state and threat ranks, three sensitive communities occur within the project area:
southern riparian forest, alkali meadow, and coastal sage scrub.
3.9.2 Potentially Occurring Special-Status Species
“Special-status” species are plants and animals that are listed under the California Endangered
Species Act (CESA) or Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), as well as species protected
under other regulations and species that are considered sufficiently rare or sensitive by the
scientific community to be considered rare. Special-status species are categorized as follows:
Species listed or proposed for listing as threatened or endangered, or are candidates for
possible future listing as threatened or endangered, under CESA or FESA.
Species protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Species that meet the definitions of rare or endangered under CEQA (State CEQA
Guidelines § 15380).
Plants listed as rare under the California Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA; Fish and
Game Code § 1900 et seq.).
Plants considered by the CNPS to be rare, threatened, or endangered in California.
Species covered under an adopted Natural Community Conservation Plan
(NCCP)/Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).
CDFW Special Animals and wildlife species of special concern.
Wildlife fully protected in California (Fish and Game Code § 3511, 4700, and 5050).
Avian species protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
Biological Resources Technical Report 32 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
Based on the literature/database review and field reconnaissance, 133 special-status species were
evaluated for their potential to occur in the project site or immediate vicinity, based on the
following definitions:
Unlikely: The project site or immediate vicinity do not support suitable habitat for a particular
species, and therefore the species is unlikely to occur within the area.
Low Potential: The project site or immediate vicinity only provide low-quality or very limited
habitat for a particular species. In addition, the known range for a particular species may be
outside of the project site or immediate vicinity.
Moderate Potential: The project site or immediate vicinity provide suitable habitat for a
particular species. However, the habitat or substrate may be limited or the desired vegetation
assemblage or density is less than ideal.
High Potential: The project site or immediate vicinity provides high-quality suitable habitat
conditions for a particular species. Additionally, known populations of the species may occur in
the project site or immediate vicinity.
Present: The species was observed within the project site during relevant biological surveys or
other project visits.
A total of 69 special-status plant species were assessed for their potential to occur within the
study area. Eight species have a moderate potential to occur and three have a high potential to
occur. The remaining 59 species were assessed as having either an unlikely or low potential to
occur. A total of 64 special-status wildlife species were assessed for their potential to occur in the
area; 12 species have a moderate potential to occur, 6 species have a high potential to occur, and
2 species were observed during various biological surveys. The remaining 44 wildlife species
were determined to have an unlikely to low potential to occur.
Tables 4 and 5 include the species that were considered to have a moderate to high potential to
occur, as well as those that were observed onsite during the 2015 surveys. Appendix G provides
a complete list of the 133 species that were evaluated, and includes the sensitivity status, habitat
preferences, potential to occur onsite, and justification. Sensitive species occurrences from the
CDNNB database within 2 km of the site are shown in Figure 8 (note that the assessment of
potentially occurring species included documented occurrences within the Newport Beach
topographic quadrangle and all surrounding quadrangle maps; however, the map in Figure 8 is
zoomed in to focus on coastal habitats).
Biological Resources Technical Report 33 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
TABLE 4
SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ONSITE
Species
Status1
Federal/State/
County Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Coulter’s saltbush
(Atriplex coulteri)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Found on alkaline or clay substrate within
coastal bluff scrub, coastal dune, coastal
scrub and valley and foothill grassland
habitats. Blooming period is March–October.
Occurs at elevations from 3–460 m.
High. Suitable habitat is present
onsite or within the immediate
vicinity.
South Coast saltscale
(Atriplex pacifica)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Found within chenopod scrub, coastal bluff
and coastal scrub habitats. Blooming period
is March–October. Occurs at elevations up to
140 m.
High. Suitable habitat is present
onsite or within the immediate
vicinity.
Parish’s brittescale
(Atriplex parishii)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Found in alkali meadows, vernal pools,
playas and chenopod scrub. Associated with
alkaline soils. Blooming period is June–
October. Occurs at 25–1,900 m elevation.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present onsite or within
the immediate vicinity.
San Diego sagewort
(Artemisia palmeri)
--/4.2/Not
covered
Perennial deciduous herb found in chaparral,
coastal scrub, riparian forest, riparian scrub,
and riparian woodland; sandy, mesic soils at
15–915 m elevation. Blooming period is
February–September.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present onsite or within
the immediate vicinity.
Brewer’s calandrinia
(Calandrinia breweri)
--/4.2/Not
covered
Annual herb occurs in chaparral and coastal
scrub; often found in disturbed or burned
areas in sandy or loamy soils. Blooming
period is March–June and occurs at
elevations from 10–1,220 m.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present onsite or within
the immediate vicinity.
Southern tarplant
(Centromadia parryi ssp.
australis)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Found in the margins of marshes and
swamps, vernally mesic valley and foothill
grasslands, and vernal pool habitats. This
species is commonly found in disturbed
areas, in relatively close proximity to a
seasonal or perennial water source.
Blooming period is May–November; occurs
at elevations up to 425 m.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present onsite or within
the immediate vicinity.
Small spikerush
(Eleocharis parvula)
--/4.3/Not
covered
Perennial herb found in marshes and
swamps at 1–3,020 m. Blooming period is
April–September.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present onsite or within
the immediate vicinity.
Southwestern spiny rush
(Juncus acutus ssp.
leopoldii)
--/4.2/Not
covered
Perennial rhizomatous herb found in coastal
dunes (mesic), meadows and seeps (alkaline
seeps), and marshes and swamps (coastal
salt). Occurs from 3–900 m elevation;
blooming period is March–June.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present onsite or within
the immediate vicinity. This species
has been observed downstream of
the project.
Oscillated Humboldt lily
(Lilium humboldtii ssp.
ocellatum)
--/4.2/Not
covered
Occurs in openings in chaparral, cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub, lower montane
coniferous forest, riparian woodland at 30–
1,800 m in elevation. Blooming period is
March–August.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present onsite or within
the immediate vicinity.
Biological Resources Technical Report 34 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
Species
Status1
Federal/State/
County Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
California box-thorn
(Lycium californicum)
--/4.2/Not
covered
Perennial shrub found in coastal bluff scrub
and coastal scrub at 5–150 m elevation.
Blooming period is December–August.
High. Suitable habitat is present
onsite or within the immediate
vicinity. This species has been
observed in the immediate vicinity
of the project.
White rabbit-tobacco
(Pseudognaphalium
leucocephalum)
--/2B.2/Not
covered
Found within riparian woodland, coastal
scrub and chaparral habitats. Blooming
period is August–November and occurs at
elevations up to 1400 m.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present onsite or within
the immediate vicinity.
1 Description of status codes:
FE = Listed as endangered under the FESA
FT = Listed as threatened under the FESA
ST= Listed as threatened under the CESA
SE = Listed as endangered under the CESA
CRPR = California Rare Plant Rank (CNPS, 2014)
CRPR 1B.1 = Seriously threatened in California and elsewhere
CRPR 1B.2 = Fairly threatened in California and elsewhere
CRPR 1B.3 = Not very threatened in California and elsewhere
CRPR 2B.2 = Fairly threatened in California, but more common elsewhere
CRPR 4.2 = Fairly threatened in California, placed on a watch-list due to limited distribution throughout its range
CRPR 4.3 = Plant of limited distribution, not very threatened in California
Covered = Covered under the County of Orange NCCP/HCP
Not covered = Not covered under the County of Orange NCCP/HCP
Biological Resources Technical Report 35 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
TABLE 5
SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ONSITE
Species
Status1
Federal/State Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Amphibians
Northern leopard frog
(Lithobates pipiens)
--/SC/Not
covered
Near permanent or semi-permanent
water in a variety of habitats. Highly
aquatic species. Shoreline cover,
submerged and emergent aquatic
vegetation are important habitat
characteristics.
Moderate. Suitable but
limited habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
Reptiles
Two-striped garter snake
(Thamnophis hammondii)
--/SC/Not
covered
Habitat includes marsh and swamp,
riparian scrub, riparian woodland,
and wetland. Highly aquatic, found
in or near permanent fresh water.
Often along streams with rocky beds
and riparian growth.
Moderate. Suitable but low-
quality habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
Western pond turtle
(Emys marmorata)
--/SC/Not
covered
Known to occur in slow-moving
permanent or intermittent streams,
ponds, small lakes, reservoirs with
emergent basking sites; adjacent
uplands used during winter.
Moderate. Suitable but low-
quality habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
Birds
Cooper’s hawk
(Accipiter cooperii)
--/WL/Not
covered
Found in riparian areas, and open
woodlands, chiefly of open,
interrupted or marginal type. Nests
in riparian growths of deciduous
trees and live oak woodlands.
Present. This species was
observed onsite during 2015
biological surveys.
Sharp-shinned hawk
(Accipiter striatus)
--/WL/Not
covered
Ponderosa pine, black oak, riparian
deciduous, mixed conifer & Jeffrey
pine habitats. Prefers riparian areas.
This species does not nest in
coastal California.
High. Suitable foraging
habitat is present onsite or
within the immediate vicinity.
Observed within project
vicinity during 2003 surveys.
Great blue heron
(Ardea herodias)
--/--/Not covered Colonial nester in tall trees,
cliffsides, and sequestered spots on
marshes. Rookery sites in close
proximity to foraging areas:
marshes, lake margins, tide-flats,
rivers and streams, wet meadows.
Moderate. Suitable but
limited habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity. However,
nesting habitat is very limited;
not expected to nest in
project vicinity.
Biological Resources Technical Report 36 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
Species
Status1
Federal/State Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Swainson’s hawk
(Buteo swainsoni)
BCC/ST/Not
covered
Breeds in desert, shrub steppe,
agricultural, and grassland habitats.
Nests in a variety of tree species in
existing riparian forests, remnant
riparian trees, shade trees at
residences and alongside roads,
planted windbreaks, and solitary
upland oaks. Typically does not nest
in large continuous patches of
woodland other than along edges
next to open habitats. This species
does not nest in coastal California.
Moderate. Suitable but
limited habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
Northern harrier
(Circus cyaneus)
--/SC/Not
covered
Coastal salt and fresh-water marsh.
Nests and forages in grasslands,
from salt grass in desert sink to
mountain cienagas. Nests on ground
in shrubby vegetation, usually at
marsh edge; nest built of a large
mound of sticks in wet areas.
Moderate. Suitable but
limited habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity. Observed
within project vicinity during
2003 surveys. However,
nesting habitat is very limited
and low quality; not expected
to nest in project vicinity.
White-tailed kite
(Elanus leucurus)
--/FP/Not
covered
Rolling foothills and valley margins
with scattered oaks and river
bottomlands or marshes next to
deciduous woodland. Open
grasslands, meadows, or marshes
for foraging close to isolated, dense-
topped trees for nesting and
perching.
Moderate. Suitable but
limited habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity. Observed
in vicinity of project during
2003 and 2015 (Dudek)
surveys.
Merlin
(Falco columbarius)
--/WL/Not
covered
Seacoast, tidal estuaries, open
woodlands, savannahs, edges of
grasslands & deserts, farms &
ranches. Clumps of trees or
windbreaks are required for roosting
in open country.
Moderate. Suitable but
limited habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity. Observed
within project vicinity during
2003 surveys. However,
nesting habitat is very limited;
not expected to nest in
project vicinity.
Yellow-breasted chat
(Icteria virens)
--/SC/Not
covered
Known to occur within riparian
forest, scrub and woodland habitats.
Present. Observed within
project area by Dudek
(2015).
Least bittern
(Ixobrychus exilis)
BCC/SC/Not
covered
Colonial nester in marshlands and
borders of ponds and reservoirs
which provide ample cover. Nests
usually placed low in tules, over
water.
Moderate. Suitable but
limited habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
Loggerhead shrike
(Lanius ludovicianus)
BCC/SC/Not
covered
Broken woodlands, savannah,
pinyon-juniper, Joshua tree, &
riparian woodlands, and desert
oases, scrub & washes. Prefers
open country for hunting, with
perches for scanning, and fairly
dense shrubs and brush for nesting.
Moderate. Suitable but
limited habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
Biological Resources Technical Report 37 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
Species
Status1
Federal/State Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Osprey
(Pandio haliaetus)
--/WL/Not
covered
Ocean shore, bays, fresh-water
lakes, and larger streams. Large
nests built in tree-tops within 15
miles of a good fish-producing body
of water.
High. Suitable habitat is
present onsite or within the
immediate vicinity. Observed
in vicinity of Project during
2003 and 2015 (Dudek)
surveys. Nesting could occur
in the area.
Yellow warbler
(Setophaga petechia)
BCC/SC/Not
covered
Riparian plant associations in close
proximity to water. Frequently found
nesting and foraging in willow
shrubs and thickets, and in other
riparian plants including
cottonwoods, sycamores, ash, and
alders.
Present. This species was
observed onsite during 2015
(ESA and Dudek) biological
surveys.
Least Bell’s vireo
(Vireo bellii pusillus)
FE/SE/Not
covered
Known to occur in riparian forest,
scrub, and woodland habitats. Nests
primarily in willow, baccharis, or
mesquite habitats.
High. Suitable habitat is
present onsite or within the
immediate vicinity. Not
observed in 2003 or 2015
surveys.
Mammals
Southern California
saltmarsh shrew
(Sorex ornatus
salicornicus)
--/SC/Not
covered
Known to occur in salt marsh habitat
within Southern California. Requires
dense vegetation and woody debris
for cover.
Moderate. Suitable but
limited habitat is present
onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
Pallid bat
(Antrozous pallidus)
--/SC/Not
covered
Known to occur in a wide variety of
habitats including deserts,
grasslands, shrublands, woodlands
& forests. Most common in open, dry
habitats with rocky areas for
roosting; particularly associated with
buildings and bridges.
High. Suitable habitat is
present onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
Hoary bat
(Lasiurus cinerus)
--/--/Not covered Prefers open habitats or habitat
mosaics, with access to trees for
cover & open areas or habitat edges
for feeding. Roosts in dense foliage
of medium to large trees. Feeds
primarily on moths. Requires water.
High. Suitable habitat is
present onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
Yuma myotis
(Myotis yumanensis)
--/--/Not covered This species is typically associated
with a nearby water source.
Maternity colonies are found in
buildings, under bridges, and in
mines and caves.
High. Suitable habitat is
present onsite or within the
immediate vicinity.
1 Description of status codes:
FE = Listed as endangered under the FESA
DE = Delisted under the FESA
FT = Listed as threatened under the FESA
BCC = Bird of Conservation Concern
WL= Watch listed
SE = Listed as endangered under the CESA
SC = Species of Special Concern
FP = Listed as fully protected under CDFW code
Covered = Covered under the County of Orange NCCP/HCP
Not covered = Not covered under the County of Orange NCCP/HCP
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri,DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community Project Location
SOURCE:City of Newport Beach, CDFW, ESRI
Project BoundaryMammals
!(1 big free-tailed bat
!(2 hoary bat
!(3 Pacific pocket mouse
!(4 Southern California saltmarsh shrew
!(5 western mastiff batBirds
!(1 bank swallow
!(2 Belding's savannah sparrow
!(3 burrowing owl
!(4 California black rail
!(5 California horned lark
!(6 California least tern
!(7 coastal cactus wren
!(8 coastal California gnatcatcher
!(9 grasshopper sparrow
!(10 least Bell's vireo
!(11 light-footed clapper rail
!(12 osprey
!(13 white-tailed kite
!(14 yellow-breasted chat
Reptiles
!(1 coast horned lizard
!(2 orangethroat whiptail
!(3 western pond turtlePlants
!(1 aphanisma
!(2 chaparral ragwort
!(3 cliff spurge
!(4 coast woolly-heads
!(5 Coulter's goldfields
!(6 Coulter's saltbush
!(7 Davidson's saltscale
!(8 decumbent goldenbush
!(9 estuary seablite
!(10 Los Angeles sunflower
!(11 many-stemmed dudleya
!(12 mesa horkelia
!(13 Nuttall's scrub oak
!(14 Robinson's pepper-grass
!(15 salt marsh bird's-beak
!(16 San Bernardino aster
!(17 south coast saltscale
!(18 southern tarplantInvertebrates
!(1 California brackishwater snail
!(2 sandy beach tiger beetle
0 5,000
Feet
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement ProjectBiological Technical Report. D130934Figure 8CNDDB Occurrences
Biological Resources Technical Report 39 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
3.9.3 Special-Status Species Observed Onsite
Special-Status Plant Species
No special-status plants were observed in the project area during surveys conducted by ESA
(2015), Dudek (2015), or CCI (2003). This is not surprising considering the highly disturbed
nature of the site.
Special-Status Wildlife Species
Cooper’s hawk and yellow warbler were detected in the riparian habitat within the project area by
ESA during the 2015 biological surveys. Yellow warbler and yellow-breasted chat were also
observed in this area by Dudek during their 2015 surveys (Figure 5). Cooper’s hawk is on
CDFW’s Watch List and yellow warbler is listed as both a Bird of Conservation Concern by
USFWS and a Species of Special Concern by CDFW.
3.10 Critical Habitat
Under the FESA, to the extent feasible, the USFWS is required to designate critical habitat for
endangered and threatened species. Critical habitat is defined as areas of land, water, and air
space containing the physical and biological features essential for the survival and recovery of
endangered and threatened species. This federally designated habitat includes sites for breeding
and rearing, movement or migration, feeding, roosting, cover, and shelter. These habitat areas
require special management and protection of existing resources, including water quality and
quantity, host animals and plants, food availability, pollinators, sunlight, and specific soil types.
Critical habitat designation includes all suitable habitat, occupied or not, essential to the survival
and recovery of the species. The project area does not occur within any USFWS-designated
critical habitat areas (USFWS 2015).
3.11 Wildlife Movement
Wildlife movement corridors or habitat linkages are linear habitat features that connect two large
blocks of habitat that might otherwise be disconnected from one another. Effective wildlife
movement is essential for dispersal, genetic exchange, migration, foraging, and breeding.
Functional wildlife movement corridors are especially important in highly fragmented habitat,
such as developed or agricultural areas. Wildlife movement corridors are generally used by
terrestrial animals, although they may also be important for bird dispersal and an avenue for
genetic exchange in plants. On a regional scale, movement corridors can include bird flyways,
Biological Resources Technical Report 40 ESA / 130934
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such as wetland areas that provide essential habitat to be used as a stopover for several days
during migration.
The project site lies within a densely urbanized area of Orange County. The project area may
provide limited movement opportunities on a localized scale between open space lands to the east
of Jamboree Road (golf course, parks, and natural open space), and natural open space lands to
the west (i.e., Upper Newport Bay). This area is fairly constrained and does not function as a
regional wildlife movement corridor or habitat linkage. However, the project site is located near
the Upper Newport Bay, which is a recognized stopover location for migratory birds travelling
along the Pacific Flyway, a significant avian migration route. Therefore, the project site could
provide habitat for migrating birds.
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4.0 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The following provides a general description of the applicable regulatory requirements for the
project, including federal, state, and local policies and guidelines.
4.1 Federal
Endangered Species Act (USC, Title 16, § 1531 through 1543)
The FESA and subsequent amendments provide guidance for the conservation of endangered and
threatened species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. In addition, the FESA defines
species as threatened or endangered and provides regulatory protection for listed species. The
FESA also provides a program for the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered
species as well as the conservation of designated critical habitat that USFWS determines is
required for the survival and recovery of these listed species.
Section 7 of the FESA requires federal agencies, in consultation with and assistance from the
Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as appropriate, to ensure that actions they
authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of threatened or
endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat for these
species. The USFWS and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) share responsibilities for
administering the FESA. Regulations governing interagency cooperation under Section 7 are
found in CCR Title 50, Part 402. The opinion issued at the conclusion of consultation will include
a statement authorizing “take” (to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, wound, kill, etc.) that may occur
incidental to an otherwise legal activity.
Section 9 lists those actions that are prohibited under the FESA. Although take of a listed species
is prohibited, it is allowed when it is incidental to an otherwise legal activity. Section 9 prohibits
take of listed species of fish, wildlife, and plants without special exemption. The definition of
“harm” includes significant habitat modification or degradation that results in death or injury to
listed species by significantly impairing behavioral patterns related to breeding, feeding, or
shelter. “Harass” is defined as actions that create the likelihood of injury to listed species by
disrupting normal behavioral patterns related to breeding, feeding, and shelter significantly.
Section 10 provides a means whereby a nonfederal action with the potential to result in take of a
listed species can be allowed under an incidental take permit. Application procedures are found at
50 CFR 13 and 17 for species under the jurisdiction of USFWS and 50 CFR 217, 220, and 222
for species under the jurisdiction of NMFS.
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Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 703 through 711)
The MBTA is the domestic law that affirms, or implements, a commitment by the U.S. to four
international conventions (with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia) for the protection of a shared
migratory bird resource. The MBTA makes it unlawful at any time, by any means, or in any
manner to pursue, hunt, take, capture, or kill migratory birds. The law also applies to the removal
of nests occupied by migratory birds during the breeding season. The MBTA makes it unlawful to
take, pursue, molest, or disturb these species, their nests, or their eggs anywhere in the United
States.
Federal Clean Water Act (33 USC 1251 through 1376)
The Corps regulates “discharge of dredged or fill material” into “waters” of the United States,
which includes tidal waters, interstate waters, and "all other waters, interstate lakes, rivers,
streams (including intermittent streams), mud flats, sand flats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes,
wet meadows, playa lakes or natural ponds, the use, degradation, or destruction of which could
affect interstate or foreign commerce or which are tributaries to waters subject to the ebb and
flow of the tide" (33 C.F.R. 328.3(a)), pursuant to provisions of Section 404 of the CWA.
The Corps takes jurisdiction within rivers and streams to the “ordinary high water mark
(OHWM),” determined by erosion, the deposition of vegetation or debris, and changes in
vegetation or soil characteristics. However, if there is no federal nexus to navigable waters, these
waters are considered “isolated” and thus not subject to their jurisdiction.
The Corps and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued a set of guidance
documents detailing the process for determining CWA jurisdiction over waters of the United
States following the Rapanos decision. The EPA and Corps issued a summary memorandum of
the guidance for implementing the Supreme Court’s decision in Rapanos that addresses the
jurisdiction over waters of the United States under the CWA. The complete set of guidance
documents, summarized as key points below, were used to collect relevant data for evaluation by
the EPA and Corps to determine CWA Jurisdiction over the project and to complete the
“significant nexus test” as detailed in the guidelines.
The significant nexus test includes consideration of hydrologic and ecologic factors. For
circumstances such as those described in point (B) on the next page, the significant nexus test
would take into account physical indicators of flow (evidence of an OHWM), if a hydrologic
connection to a TNW exists, and if the aquatic functions of the water body have a significant
effect (more than speculative or insubstantial) on the chemical, physical, and biological integrity
of a TNW. The Corps and EPA will apply the significant nexus standard to assess the flow
characteristics and functions of the tributary drainage to determine if it significantly affects the
chemical, physical and biological integrity of the downstream TNW.
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Rapanos Key Points Summary
(A) The Corps and EPA will assert jurisdiction over the following waters:
TNWs.
Wetlands adjacent to TNW.
Non-navigable tributaries of TNWs that are relatively permanent.
Where the tributaries typically flow year-round or have continuous flow at least
seasonally (e.g., typically three months).
Wetlands that directly abut such tributaries.
(B) The Corps and EPA will decide jurisdiction over the following waters based on a fact-
specific analysis to determine whether they have a significant nexus with a TNW:
Non-navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent.
Wetlands adjacent to non-navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent.
Wetlands adjacent to but that do not directly abut a relatively permanent non-
navigable tributary.
(C) The Corps and EPA generally will not assert jurisdiction over the following features:
Swales or erosion features (e.g., gullies, small washes characterized by low volume,
infrequent, or short duration flow).
Ditches (including roadside ditches) excavated wholly in and draining only uplands
and that do not carry a relatively permanent flow of water.
4.2 State
California Endangered Species Act
(California Fish and Game Code § 2050 et seq.)
The CESA establishes the policy of the state to conserve, protect, restore, and enhance threatened
or endangered species and their habitats. The CESA mandates that state agencies should not
approve projects that would jeopardize the continued existence of threatened or endangered
species if reasonable and prudent alternatives are available that would avoid jeopardy. There are
no state agency consultation procedures under the CESA. For projects that would affect a listed
species under both the CESA and the FESA, compliance with the FESA would satisfy the CESA
if CDFW determines that the federal incidental take authorization is “consistent” with the CESA
under California Fish and Game Code Section 2080.1. For projects that would result in take of a
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species listed under the CESA only, the project operator would have to apply for a take permit
under Section 2081(b).
California State Fish and Game Code § 1600 et seq.
Under these sections of the California Fish and Game Code, the project operator is required to
notify CDFW prior to any project that would divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow, bed,
channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake. Pursuant to the code, a “stream” is defined as a
body of water that flows at least periodically, or intermittently, through a bed or channel having
banks and supporting fish or other aquatic life. Based on this definition, a watercourse with
surface or subsurface flows that supports or has supported riparian vegetation is a stream and is
subject to CDFW jurisdiction. Altered or artificial watercourses valuable to fish and wildlife are
subject to CDFW jurisdiction. CDFW also has jurisdiction over dry washes that carry water
during storm events.
Preliminary notification and project review generally occur during the environmental process.
When an existing fish or wildlife resource may be substantially adversely affected, CDFW is
required to propose reasonable project changes to protect the resource. These modifications are
formalized in a Streambed Alteration Agreement, which becomes part of the plans, specifications,
and bid documents for the project.
California State Fish and Game Code §§ 2080 and 2081
Section 2080 of the California Fish and Game Code states that “No person shall import into this
state [California], export out of this state, or take, possess, purchase, or sell within this state, any
species, or any part or product thereof, that the Commission [State Fish and Game Commission]
determines to be an endangered species or threatened species, or attempt any of those acts, except
as otherwise provided in this chapter, or the Native Plant Protection Act, or the California Desert
Native Plants Act.” Pursuant to Section 2081 of the code, CDFW may authorize individuals or
public agencies to import, export, take, or possess state-listed endangered, threatened, or
candidate species. These otherwise prohibited acts may be authorized through permits or
Memoranda of Understanding if the take is incidental to an otherwise lawful activity, impacts of
the authorized take are minimized and fully mitigated, the permit is consistent with any
regulations adopted pursuant to any recovery plan for the species, and the project operator
ensures adequate funding to implement the measures required by CDFW, which makes this
determination based on available scientific information and considers the ability of the species to
survive and reproduce.
California State Fish and Game Code §§ 3503 and 3503.5
Under these sections of the California Fish and Game Code, the project operator is not allowed to
conduct activities that would result in the taking, possessing, or destroying of any birds of prey;
the taking or possessing of any migratory nongame bird as designated in the MBTA; the taking,
possessing, or needlessly destroying of the nest or eggs of any raptors or nongame birds protected
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by the MBTA; or the taking of any nongame bird pursuant to California Fish and Game Code
Section 3800.
California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, § 15380
Although threatened and endangered species are protected by specific federal and state statutes,
State CEQA Guidelines § 15380(b) provides that a species not listed on the federal or state list of
protected species may be considered rare or endangered if the species can be shown to meet
certain specified criteria. These criteria have been modeled after the definition in FESA and the
section of the California Fish and Game Code dealing with rare or endangered plants or animals.
This section was included in CEQA primarily to deal with situations in which a public agency is
reviewing a project that may have a significant effect on, for example, a candidate species that
has not been listed by either USFWS or CDFW. Thus, CEQA provides an agency with the ability
to protect a species from the potential impacts of a project until the respective government
agencies have an opportunity to designate the species as protected, if warranted. CEQA also calls
for the protection of other locally or regionally significant resources, including natural
communities. Although natural communities do not at present have legal protection of any kind,
CEQA calls for an assessment of whether any such resources would be affected, and requires
findings of significance if there would be substantial losses. Natural communities listed by
CNDDB as sensitive are considered by CDFW to be significant resources and fall under the State
CEQA Guidelines for addressing impacts. Local planning documents such as General Plans often
identify these resources as well.
Native Plant Protection Act
(California Fish and Game Code §§ 1900 through 1913)
California’s NPPA requires all state agencies to use their authority to carry out programs to
conserve endangered and rare native plants. Provisions of the NPPA prohibit the taking of listed
plants from the wild and require notification of CDFW at least 10 days in advance of any change
in land use. This allows CDFW to salvage listed plant species that would otherwise be destroyed.
The project operator is required to conduct botanical inventories and consult with CDFW during
project planning to comply with the provisions of this act and sections of CEQA that apply to rare
or endangered plants.
California Coastal Commission
The CCC regulates activities found within wetlands in the coastal zone. The Coastal Act Section
30121 (California Coastal Act as of January 1, 2005) defines wetlands as “lands within the
coastal zone which may be covered periodically or permanently with shallow water and include
saltwater marshes, freshwater marshes, open or closed brackish water marshes, swamps,
mudflats, and fens.” Subsequent Statewide Interpretive guidelines has refined the definition based
upon the USFWS definition (Cowardin et al. 1979), which is as follows: “Wetlands are lands
transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the
surface or the land is covered by shallow water. For the purposes of this classification wetlands
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must have one or more of the following three attributes: (1) at least periodically, the land supports
predominantly hydrophytes, (2) the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil, and (3) the
substrate is nonsoil and is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during
the growing season of each year.” This definition is used as a guide for defining wetlands. The
CCC can also rely on other information, advice, and judgment of other experts in determining
jurisdiction.
State and Regional Water Quality Control Board
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the RWQCB (together “Boards”) are
the principal State agencies with primary responsibility for the coordination and control of water
quality. The Boards regulate activities pursuant to Section 401(a)(1) of the federal CWA as well
as the Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Porter-Cologne) (Water Code Section 13260).
Section 401 of the CWA specifies that certification from the State is required for any applicant
requesting a federal license or permit to conduct any activity including but not limited to the
construction or operation of facilities that may result in any discharge into navigable waters. The
certification shall originate from the State in which the discharge originates or will originate, or,
if appropriate, from the interstate water pollution control agency having jurisdiction over the
navigable water at the point where the discharge originates or will originate. Any such discharge
will comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307 of the CWA.
In the Porter-Cologne, the Legislature declared that the “State must be prepared to exercise its full
power and jurisdiction to protect the quality of the waters in the State from degradation...”
(California Water Code Section 13000). Porter-Cologne grants the Boards the authority to
implement and enforce the water quality laws, regulations, policies and plans to protect the
groundwater and surface waters of the State. It is important to note that enforcement of the State's
water quality requirements is not solely the purview of the Boards and their staff. Other agencies
[e.g., CDFW] have the ability to enforce certain water quality provisions in state law.
4.3 Local
City of Newport General Plan
The City of Newport General Plan, in part, includes provisions to control environmental impacts
and enhance natural resources within the city. Specific goals include protecting water resources,
maintaining water quality standards, and restoring and enhancing wetlands and wildlife habitats.
Surveys and analyses with the delineation of all wetlands areas are required when the initial site
survey indicates the presence for potential wetland indicators. Undeveloped areas supporting
natural habitats that may be capable of supporting sensitive biological resources within the city
are referred to as Environmental Study Areas. The project site is located within the Big Canyon
Environmental Study Area. Environmental Study Areas, or portions of them, within the Coastal
Zone that are shown, after more detailed study, to contain sensitive or rare species are referred to
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as Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs), as defined by the California Coastal Act.
ESHAs are areas in which “plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or are especially
valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem that could easily be disturbed or
degraded by human activities and developments.” The Coastal Act requires that ESHAs be
protected against any significant disruption of habitat values. Only uses dependent on those
resources are allowed within ESHAs and adjacent development must be sited and designed to
prevent impacts that would significantly degrade the ESHA and must be compatible with the
continuance of the ESHA.
In addition, the General Plan calls out eelgrass (Zostera marina) as a species in which impacts
should be avoided. Special-status species identified by CNDDB and CNPS, such as south western
willow flycatcher and coastal California gnatcatcher, are also included in the plan, but no
additional locally important species are suggested.
Orange County Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat
Conservation Plan
The preparation of a comprehensive natural resources management conservation plan for Central
Coastal Orange County was completed in 1996. The Orange County Central-Coastal NCCP/HCP
and the associated Implementation Agreement covers thirteen cities. The purpose of the
NCCP/HCP is to create a multi-species multi-habitat reserve system and implementation of a
long-term management program that will protect primarily coastal sage scrub and the species that
use this habitat. At the same time that it protects this habitat and species, the NCCP/HCP is also
intended to allow for economical use of the lands that meet the people’s needs. In July of 1996,
the City became a signatory agency in the NCCP/HCP. As a signatory agency, the City is
responsible for enforcing mitigation measures and other policies identified in the NCCP/HCP
Implementation Agreement for properties located within the city limit that are part of the NCCP
Subregional Plan. Currently, Big Canyon Nature Park, including the project site, is not included
in the Orange County NCCP/HCP Plan; however, the City may petition to include this area in the
future.
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5.0 POTENTIAL IMPACTS
This section describes the potential impacts of the project on biological resources that may occur
as a result of project implementation. Impacts to biological resources may include temporary,
permanent, direct, and/or indirect affects, as defined below:
Direct impacts are those that affect the biological resources such that those resources are
not expected to recover to their pre-impacted state (e.g., permanent development of a site
through grading and building of structures). Direct impacts may be considered temporary
or permanent (e.g., the installation of a pipeline is considered a direct and temporary
impact, whereas the construction of a building is considered a direct and permanent
impact).
Indirect impacts occur secondary to the project’s direct impacts, such as changes in
general plant composition due to loss of substrate or other factors that may affect
resources, such as noise, dust, lighting, etc. Indirect impacts may be considered
temporary or permanent, depending upon the situation. For example, the dust or noise
levels associated with the construction of a new building is considered an indirect and
temporary impact, whereas the support functions of a structure, such as the parking lot,
would have indirect and permanent impacts such as lighting and stormwater runoff.
Permanent impacts are impacts that result from a permanent loss of biological resources
due to the persisting conversion of existing biological resources to another condition,
such as paved road or permanent structure.
Temporary impacts are affects that occur during a finite period of time, such as
temporary nighttime construction noise, or that can be restored to original conditions,
such as restoration of habitat within a construction staging area.
A project is generally considered to have a significant effect if it proposes or results in any of the
conditions described in the significance thresholds discussed below (in italics), absent specific
evidence to the contrary. Conversely, if a project does not propose or result in any of the
following conditions, it would generally not be considered to have a significant effect on
biological resources, absent specific evidence of such an effect. These significance thresholds are
based on Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines.
5.1 Special-Status Species
5.1.1 Significance Thresholds
The project would have an adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any
species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans,
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policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service?
5.1.2 Analysis of Project Effects
No plant or wildlife species listed as state or federally threatened, endangered, or candidate
species was observed within the project area, and no USFWS-designated Critical Habitat occurs
onsite. Therefore, the project would not affect state or federally listed species or USFWS
Critical Habitat.
No species covered by the Orange County Central-Coastal NCCP/HCP were identified in the
project area; therefore, the project would not affect species covered by the Orange County
Central-Coastal NCCP/HCP.
Three California Species of Special Concern were observed within the riparian forest habitat
onsite, including yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat, and Cooper’s hawk. These species, as
well as other bird species nesting in the riparian or adjacent upland habitat or in the ornamental
trees just outside of the project boundary could be negatively affected by the project through
temporary loss of habitat during invasive species removal, floodplain grading, replanting, and
construction of water quality, infrastructure and recreational facilities. Indirect impacts from
construction (e.g., noise and increased activity), could also affect nesting bird species during the
breeding season by disrupting breeding behavior, resulting in nest abandonment and loss of
productivity. Impacts to special-status species would be less than significant with
implementation of Mitigation Measures MM-BIO1 and MM-BIO2.
5.2 Riparian Habitat or Sensitive Natural
Community
5.2.1 Significance Thresholds
The project would have a substantial adverse effect on riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
communities identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
5.2.2 Analysis of Project Effects
The proposed project will permanently impact a total of 1.42 acres from water quality and
infrastructure components and proposed trails. A total of 2.03 acres will be temporarily impacted
from the riparian habitat restoration component of the project. An additional 0.90 acres will be
temporarily impacted from construction-related activities (Figure 9).
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri,DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community
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Biological Resources Technical Report 52 ESA / 130934
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
The permanent impacts to sensitive vegetation consist of 0.43 acre of southern riparian forest and
0.26 acre of coastal sage scrub (Table 6). Additional permanent impacts include 0.63 acre of non-
native grassland, 0.08 acre of disturbed habitat, and 0.03 acre of ornamental land cover. The
temporary impacts associated with the riparian habitat restoration component consist of primarily
(1.77 acres) low-quality southern riparian forest, but also include 0.14 acre of non-native
grassland, 0.06 acre of low-quality coastal sage scrub, 0.02 acre of disturbed habitat, and 0.03
acre of ornamental land cover (Figure 10). Restoration of this area will result in much higher
quality native willow forest habitat. Note that some areas of the existing southern riparian forest
are not considered jurisdictional by the Corps/RWQB and/or CDFW; therefore, refer to Table 7
for detailed impact acreages of jurisdictional resources. The temporary impacts associated with
construction consist of 0.43 acre of non-native grassland, 0.26 acre of low-quality southern
riparian forest, 0.18 acre of low-quality coastal sage scrub, and 0.03 are of disturbed habitat.
These construction-related temporary impacts include the staging area adjacent to the existing
access road on the southwestern portion of the project area, the staging area adjacent to Jamboree
road (the 8-foot centerline of this area will become a permanent trail after infrastructure
construction has been completed, but the surrounding slopes will be revegetated), and the slopes
surrounding the bioretention cell. All of these areas will be restored to high-quality coastal sage
scrub upon completion of construction. Therefore, within implementation of Mitigation
Measure MM-BIO2, impacts to sensitive vegetation communities will be less than significant.
TABLE 6
SUMMARY OF IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
Plant Communities/Land Cover Types
Impacts (Acres)
Permanent
Temporary
(Restoration)
Temporary
(Construction) Total Impacts
Southern Riparian Forest (SRF)1 0.43 1.77 0.26 2.46
Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) 0.26 0.06 0.18 0.50
Non-Native Grassland (NNG) 0.63 0.14 0.43 1.20
Disturbed (Existing Access Roads and Trails) 0.08 0.02 0.03 0.13
Ornamental (ORN) 0.03 0.03 0.00 0.06
Total Acreage of Impacts 1.42 2.03 0.90 4.35
1 Corps/RWQCB/ and/or CDFW and/or CCC jurisdictional habitat
SOURCE: ESA, 2016
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri,DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community
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Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
Alkali Meadow
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project January 2016
5.3 Federal Wetlands
5.3.1 Significance Thresholds
The project would have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal,
etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means.
5.3.2 Analysis of Project Effects
Avoidance
Based upon previous project planning and input from the resource agencies, infrastructure design
measures have been implemented to avoid sensitive habitat and species to the extent practicable.
Limitations to avoidance include the presence of two sewer lines that run across the existing
riparian habitat and parallel to Jamboree Road. The location of the bioretention cell was placed to
not impact future maintenance of either lines. The proposed maintenance road/hiking trail has
been place outside the jurisdictional wetland limits and crossing of the creek will now occur over
the proposed culvert extension, rather than through the middle of the creek, which was the
original trail location identified in the previous planning effort.
Because of creek degradation, both the mainflow creek bed incision and the invasion of exotic
species, temporary impacts to the habitat as a result of restoration implementation are
unavoidable. The resulting restored habitat, however, will provide superior ecological benefits.
Permanent Impacts to Jurisdictional Waters & Wetlands
As a result of the water quality improvement and infrastructure components, the project would
permanently impact Waters of the United States/State which are characterized as southern
riparian forest habitat. Impacts to Waters of the Waters of the United States/State would result
from the extension of the culvert into Big Canyon, installation of the stilling basin and rip-rap
energy dissipater, the maintenance road and turnaround, and construction of the bioretention cell.
Table 7 and Figure 11, Permanent Impacts to Jurisdictional Areas, defines impact acreages per
the regulating resource area. Note, CDFW riparian includes Corps/RWQCB acreage, and CCC
wetlands include CDFW and Corps/RWQCB jurisdiction. Thus, maximum permanent
jurisdictional impacts do not exceed 0.57 acre.
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri,DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community
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CCC Wetlands (0.57 acre total)
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Non-Wetland Waters of the US/State (RWQCB, ACOE) (0.24 acre total)
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TABLE 7
PERMANENT IMPACTS TO JURISDICTIONAL AREAS
Habitat Types Jurisdictional Area Impacts (acres)
Corps/RWQCB Wetlands --
Corps/RWQCB Non-Wetlands 0.24
CDFW Riparian 0.44
CCC Wetland 0.57
SOURCE: ESA, 2015
Temporary Impacts to Jurisdictional Waters & Wetlands
Temporary impacts to jurisdictional areas will occur from implementation of the riparian habitat
restoration component of the project (see Figure 9). This includes the floodplain restoration
grading, construction of the vegetated soil lifts and willow brush matts, and exotic removal
activities. Because of the extensive invasive species presence in both the understory and overstory
vegetation, the majority of impacts are considered beneficial, in that they will result in improved
riparian health. Note that if additional exotic species are found in areas during implementation,
temporary disturbances areas may be slightly higher.
With implementation of Mitigation Measure MM BIO3, impacts to jurisdictional wetlands will
be less than significant.
5.4 Wildlife Movement and Nursery Sites
5.4.1 Significance Thresholds
The project would interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory
fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites.
5.4.2 Analysis of Project Effects
The project could temporarily disrupt wildlife movement during construction of the infrastructure
and water quality components as well as invasive species removal, floodplain grading, and
planting in the riparian habitat restoration area. However, once the project is complete, the
riparian habitat will provide higher functioning habitat that can provide cover and forage for
migrating wildlife. The project is not expected to affect native wildlife nursery sites. With
implementation of Mitigation Measure MM-BIO2, impacts to wildlife movement and nursery
sites would be less than significant.
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5.5 Local Policies, Ordinances, and Adopted
Plans
5.5.1 Significance Thresholds
The project would conflict with one or more local policies or ordinances protecting biological
resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance, and/or would conflict with the
provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or
other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.
5.5.2 Analysis of Project Effects
The project would not conflict with the protection of biological resources under the City of
Newport Beach Municipal Code, or the City’s proposed LCP Coastal Land Use Plan (2015
revised submittal). The proposed project, while not currently included in the Orange County
Central-Coastal NCCP/HCP, will be designated to meet Plan standards. The highly degraded
riparian channel, floodplain, and native vegetation will be restored to better functioning riparian
habitat; restoration of adjacent coastal sage scrub areas will provide higher-quality upland habitat
for wildlife and wetland buffer function; and the water quality facilities will greatly improve the
hydrology and water quality of the creek. Therefore, the project will not conflict with the
provisions of any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources or any
NCCP/HCPs.
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6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES
To ensure that the project does not significantly affect sensitive biological resources, the
following mitigation measures are recommended.
MM-BIO1: Nesting Birds
Impacts to nesting birds will be avoided by conducting all grading and construction activities
outside of the bird breeding season (February 15–August 31). If breeding season cannot be
avoided, the following measures will be followed.
a. During the avian breeding season, a qualified Project Biologist shall conduct a
preconstruction avian nesting survey no more than 10 days prior to vegetation
disturbance or site clearing. If grading or other construction activity begins in the non-
breeding season and proceeds continuously into the breeding season, no surveys shall be
required. However, if there is a break of 10 days or more in grading or construction
activities during the breeding season, a new nesting bird survey shall be conducted before
these activities begin again.
b. The nest survey shall cover all reasonably potential nesting locations on and within 300
feet of the proposed construction activities areas.
c. If an active nest is found during an avian nest survey, a qualified Project Biologist shall
implement a 300-foot minimum avoidance buffer for coastal California gnatcatcher, least
Bell’s vireo, and other passerine birds and a 500-foot minimum avoidance buffer for all
raptor species. Buffer distances for other species will be determined by the Project
Biologist based on the species and its breeding or nesting requirements. The nest site area
shall not be disturbed until the nest becomes inactive or the young have fledged.
No other impacts to special-status species are anticipated, and therefore no additional mitigation
is required.
MM-BIO2: Vegetation Communities
As described in Section 5, the project will impact a total of 2.46 acres of southern riparian forest,
and 0.50 acre of coastal sage scrub. These vegetation communities are both highly disturbed from
a heavy infestation of non-native plants and compacted, saline soils. These low-quality habitats
will be restored to provide habitats with much greater ecological function than the current
conditions. A total of 2.46 acres of southern riparian forest will be mitigated onsite through
substantial habitat restoration (2.03 acres), willow riparian forest habitat creation (0.25 acre), and
riparian habitat enhancement (0.64 acre), as shown in Figure 12. Impacts to coastal sage scrub
will be mitigated onsite through restoration of 1.85 acres, which is 1.35 acres in excess of the
required 1:1 ratio. Impacts to non-native grassland, disturbed areas, and ornamental vegetation do
not require mitigation (Table 8).
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TABLE 8
MITIGATION FOR IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
Plant Communities and Land Cover Types
Impacts
(Acres)1
Required
Mitigation
(1:1 ratio)
Actual
Mitigation
(Acres)
Excess
(Acres)
Southern Riparian Forest (SRF)2 2.46 2.46 2.923 +0.46
Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS) 0.50 0.50 1.85 +1.35
Non-Native Grassland (NNG) 1.20 0.00 0.00 0.00
Disturbed (Existing Roads & Trails) 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00
Ornamental (ORN) 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total Acreage of Impacts 4.35 2.96 4.53 +1.81
1 Includes permanent impacts, temporary impacts associated with habitat restoration component, and temporary impacts
associated with construction of water quality facilities and infrastructure.
2 Note that some portions of the existing southern riparian forest habitat are not considered jurisdictional by the Corps/RWQB
and/or CDFW; therefore, refer to Table 5 for detailed impact acreages of jurisdictional resources.
3 Includes 2.03 acres of substantial restoration, 0.25 acre of habitat creation, and 0.64 acre of habitat enhancement.
SOURCE: ESA, 2016
MM-BIO3 Jurisdictional Wetlands
As stated previously, the project has been designed to avoid and minimize impacts to jurisdictional
resources and high-quality habitat to the extent practicable. To mitigate for unavoidable permanent
impacts to Waters of the United States/State, both habitat creation and enhancement activities will
be conducted onsite, as summarized in Table 9 and shown in Figure 13.
TABLE 9
MITIGATION FOR PERMANENT IMPACTS TO JURISDICTIONAL AREAS
Habitat Types
Permanent
Impacts
(acres) Mitigation for Jurisdictional Impacts
Corps/RWQCB Non-Wetlands/CDFW
Riparian/CCC Wetland
0.24 0.25 acre of riparian forest habitat
creation (1:1 mitigation ratio)1
CDFW Riparian only 0.19 0.64 acre of habitat enhancement
(extensive invasive species removal) CCC Wetland only 0.33
1 Fullfills Corps “no net loss” requirement.
SOURCE: ESA, 2015
To offset for permanent losses to 0.24 acre of non-wetland waters of the United States
(Corps/RWQCB), 0.44 acre of CDFW and 0.57 acre of CCC jurisdictional wetlands, the creation
of 0.25 acre of new habitat is proposed directly to the southwest of the proposed bioretention cell.
This would satisfy the federal mandate for no net loss of wetlands by the Corps. The deficit
acreage (0.19 acre for CDFW and 0.33 acre for CCC) would be satisfied through the removal of
non-native vegetation in adjacent riparian and seed source areas (i.e., riparian habitat
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri,DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community
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enhancement). This would include removal of the Brazilian peppertrees both east of Jamboree
Road and on the north slopes of the canyon west of Jamboree Road that are the primary source of
invasive seeds for Big Canyon. In addition, understory invasives not mapped by Dudek, including
pampas grass, periwinkle, and English ivy, are prevalent throughout the project area. These
species will be removed as part of the enhancement activities (Figure 7). Approximately 0.64 acre
of invasive removal of the 1.07 acres available would be considered mitigation for unavoidable
permanent impacts. Enhancement activities are distinguished from the restoration activities
proposed (not mitigation) in that restoration will require grading and extensive soil remediation to
achieve full habitat functioning, and enhancement areas will not.
Jurisdictional areas temporarily impacted as a result of construction of the water quality or
infrastructure-related components of the project will be restored to native habitat at a 1:1 ratio. A
full Habitat Restoration Plan describing the Big Canyon restoration as well as habitat mitigation
activities will be submitted for review and approval as part of the environmental permitting
process.
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7.0 REFERENCES
American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU). 2015. Checklist of North American and Middle
American Birds. AOU website http://checklist.aou.org/taxa/.
Baldwin, et al. 2012. Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California; Second Edition. University of
California Press.
California Herps (CalHerps). 2015. A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California.
Accessed online at http://www.californiaherps.com/turtles/pages/a.marmorata.html/.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2015. California Natural Diversity
Database (CNDDB) Rarefind 5. Electronic database, Sacramento, California. Accessed at:
https://www.dfg .ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/mapsanddata.asp.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2010. List of Vegetation Alliances and
Associations. Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program. September 2009.
CDFG. 2009. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant
Populations and Natural Communities. Sacramento, California. November 2009.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2015. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online
edition, v8-01a). Sacramento, CA. http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/.
City of Newport Beach. 2009. Local Coastal Program Coastal Land Use Plan. Adopted December
13, 2005; Amended by the California Coastal Commission February 5, 2009; adopted July
14, 2009.
Community Conservation International (CCI). 2004. Big Canyon Creek Historic Tidal Wetlands
Conceptual Restoration Plan, Upper Newport Bay, Orange County, California.
County of Orange. 1996. Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan.
County of Orange, Central & Coastal Subregion. Parts I & II, III, IV: Implementing Agreement,
and V: Map Section (Figures 1 through 73). December 7.
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter V., F.C. Golet, E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and
Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Report No.
FWS/OBS/-79/31.Washington, D.C.
Crother, B. 2015. Checklist of the Standard English and Scientific Names of Amphibians and
Reptiles. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Accessed at
https://ssarherps.org/publications/north-american-checklist/.
Dudek. 2015. Biological Resources Inventory Report for the Big Canyon Nature Park Project,
City of Newport Beach, Orange County, California. Prepared for the Irvine Ranch
Conservancy.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual.
Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Biological Resources Technical Report 66 ESA / 130934
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Gray, J. and D. Bramlet. 1992. Habitat Classification System: Natural Resources Geographic
Information System (GIS) Project. Unpublished report prepared for the Orange County
Environmental Management Agency, Santa Ana California.
Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. 1993. Methods used to survey the vegetation of Orange County
parks and open space areas and The Irvine Company property. February 10, 1993.
Sacramento, California. Prepared for County of Orange, Environmental Management
Agency, Environmental Planning Division, Santa Ana, California.
Orange County Public Works (OCPW). 2014. OC Watersheds. Accessed March 10, 2014, at
http://ocwatersheds.com/.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2015. Web Soil Survey. U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Accessible online at: http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm/.
Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens. 2009. A manual of California vegetation, 2nd
edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.
SSURGO online database. 2015.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2008a. Arid West Supplement to the 1987 Wetlands
Delineation Manual.
USACE 2008b. Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) in
the Arid West Region of the Western United States.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1997. Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila
californica californica) Presence/Absence Survey Protocol. Carlsbad, California. July 28,
1997.
USFWS. 2001. Least Bell’s Vireo Survey Guidelines. Carlsbad, California. January 19, 2001.
USFWS. 2015a. Critical Habitat Portal. Accessible online at: http://ecos.fws.gov/crithab/.
USFWS. 2015b. Information for Planning and Conservation database. Accessible online at:
https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/.
Wilson, D.E., and D.M. Reeder. 2005. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and
Geographic Reference. 3rd ed. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press.
WRA. 2007. Big Canyon Creek Restoration Project Phase II Feasibility Study, Final Report.
Prepared for the City of Newport Beach. June.
APPENDIX A
Jurisdictional Delineation Report
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BIG CANYON HABITAT RESTORATION & WATER
QUALITY TREATMENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Jurisdictional Delineation Report
Prepared for December 2015
City of Newport Beach
BIG CANYON HABITAT RESTORATION & WATER
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Jurisdictional Delineation Report
Prepared for December 2015
City of Newport Beach
550 West C Street
Suite 750
San Diego, CA 92101
619.719.4200
www.esassoc.com
Irvine
Los Angeles
Oakland
Orlando
Palm Springs
Petaluma
Portland
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle
Tampa
Woodland Hills
120083
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project I ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration & Water
Quality Improvement Project
Jurisdictional Delineation Report
Page
1. Introduction and Purpose ......................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project Location ...................................................................................................... 1
2. Jurisdictional Authority ............................................................................................. 1 2.1 Waters of the U.S. .................................................................................................. 1 2.2 Waters of the State ................................................................................................. 3
3. Methods ..................................................................................................................... 4 3.1 Literature Review .................................................................................................... 4 3.2 Field Surveys .......................................................................................................... 4
4. Results and Conclusions .......................................................................................... 5 4.1 Literature Review and Field Survey Results ........................................................... 5 4.2 Results and Conclusions ........................................................................................ 8
5. Supplemental Information ......................................................................................... 8 5.1 Directions to the Project .......................................................................................... 8 5.2 Field Delineator Contact Information ...................................................................... 9
6. References ................................................................................................................. 9
Figures Figure 1 Regional Location Map Figure 2 Project Vicinity Map Figure 3 Project Aerial Figure 4 Soils Map Figure 5 NWI Map Figure 6 Vegetation Communities Map Figure 7 ACOE/RWQCB/CDFW/CCC Jurisdiction
Appendices Appendix A Site Photographs Appendix B ACOE Data Forms
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project 1 ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
1. Introduction and Purpose
Environmental Science Associates (ESA) conducted a jurisdictional delineation for the City of
Newport Beach for the Upper Big Canyon Treatment Wetland and Restoration Project (Project).
During wet weather, transportation-related pollutants (e.g., metals, nutrients, indicator bacteria,
and organics) enter Big Canyon Creek from thoroughfares such as Jamboree Road. These
pollutants impair water quality in the creek and contribute to other regulatory issues for the City,
such as TMDLs for metals, toxins, nutrients, and indicator bacteria. In addition to the degraded
water quality, the upper portion of the channel is modestly incised, and throughout the Project the
riparian habitat is infested with invasive species that has degraded habitat values and functions.
The purpose of the Project is to improve water quality, stabilize the streambed and provide habitat
improvement measures through the removal of non-native vegetation in the upper part of this
riparian habitat.
The purpose of this jurisdictional delineation report is to identify regulated wetlands and waters
of the United States and the State of California within the project boundaries.
1.1 Project Location
The Project is located in the in the City of Newport Beach, Orange County, California (Figure 1
and 2). The project encompasses sites both to the east and west of Jamboree Road, south of the
intersection of Jamboree and Ford Roads in the City of Newport Beach, California. The
floodplain restoration and habitat improvement measures occur within the upper portions of the
Big Canyon Nature Park in Phase I of the project (Figure 3). Representative photographs of the
Project site are provided in Appendix A.
2. Jurisdictional Authority
2.1 Waters of the U.S.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates "discharge of dredged or fill material"
into "waters" of the United States, which includes tidal waters, interstate waters, and "all other
waters, interstate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mud flats, sand flats,
wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes or natural ponds, the use,
degradation, or destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce or which are
tributaries to waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide" (33 C.F.R. 328.3(a)), pursuant to
provisions of Section 404 of the CWA.
The ACOE takes jurisdiction within rivers and streams to the "ordinary high water mark
(OHWM)," determined by erosion, the deposition of vegetation or debris, and changes in
vegetation or soil characteristics. However, if there is no federal nexus to navigable waters, these
waters are considered "isolated" and thus not subject to their jurisdiction.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued
a set of guidance documents detailing the process for determining Clean Water Act (CWA)
jurisdiction over waters of the U.S. following the Rapanos decision. The EPA and ACOE issued a
summary memorandum of the guidance for implementing the Supreme Court’s decision in
Rapanos that addresses the jurisdiction over waters of the United States under the CWA. The
complete set of guidance documents, summarized as key points below, were used to collect
relevant data for evaluation by the EPA and the ACOE to determine CWA Jurisdiction over the
Project and to complete the “significant nexus test” as detailed in the guidelines.
The significant nexus test includes consideration of hydrologic and ecologic factors. For
circumstances such as those described in point (B) below, the significant nexus test would take
into account physical indicators of flow (evidence of an ordinary high water mark [OHWM]), if a
hydrologic connection to a Traditionally Navigable Water (TNW) exists, and if the aquatic
functions of the water body have a significant effect (more than speculative or insubstantial) on
the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of a TNW. The ACOE and EPA will apply the
significant nexus standard to assess the flow characteristics and functions of the tributary
drainage to determine if it significantly affects the chemical, physical and biological integrity of
the downstream TNW.
Rapanos Key Points Summary
(A) The ACOE and EPA will assert jurisdiction over the following waters:
TNWs.
Wetlands adjacent to TNW.
Non-navigable tributaries of TNWs that are relatively permanent.
Where the tributaries typically flow year-round or have continuous flow at least
seasonally (e.g., typically three months).
Wetlands that directly abut such tributaries.
(B) The ACOE and EPA will decide jurisdiction over the following waters based on a fact-specific
analysis to determine whether they have a significant nexus with a TNW:
Non-navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent.
Wetlands adjacent to non-navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent.
Wetlands adjacent to but that do not directly abut a relatively permanent non-
navigable tributary.
(C) The ACOE and EPA generally will not assert jurisdiction over the following features:
Swales or erosion features (e.g., gullies, small washes characterized by low volume,
infrequent, or short duration flow).
Ditches (including roadside ditches) excavated wholly in and draining only uplands
and that do not carry a relatively permanent flow of water.
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2.2 Waters of the State
State Boards (SWRCB and RWQCB)
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the Regional Water Quality Control
Board (RWQCB) (together “Boards”) are the principal State agencies with primary responsibility
for the coordination and control of water quality. The Boards regulate activities pursuant to
Section 401(a)(1) of the federal CWA as well as the Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act
(Porter-Cologne) (Water Code Section 13260). Section 401 of the CWA specifies that
certification from the State is required for any applicant requesting a federal license or permit to
conduct any activity including but not limited to the construction or operation of facilities that
may result in any discharge into navigable waters. The certification shall originate from the State
in which the discharge originates or will originate, or, if appropriate, from the interstate water
pollution control agency having jurisdiction over the navigable water at the point where the
discharge originates or will originate. Any such discharge will comply with the applicable
provisions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307 of the CWA.
In the Porter-Cologne, the Legislature declared that the “State must be prepared to exercise its full
power and jurisdiction to protect the quality of the waters in the State from degradation...”
(California Water Code Section 13000). Porter-Cologne grants the Boards the authority to
implement and enforce the water quality laws, regulations, policies and plans to protect the
groundwater and surface waters of the State. It is important to note that enforcement of the State's
water quality requirements is not solely the purview of the Boards and their staff. Other agencies
[e.g., California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)] have the ability to enforce certain
water quality provisions in state law.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Pursuant to Division 2, Chapter 6, Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code, the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulates all diversions, obstructions, or changes to the
natural flow or bed, channel or bank of any river, stream, or lake which supports fish or wildlife.
A notification of a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement must be submitted to CDFW for
“any activity” that may substantially change the bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream or
lake.” In addition, CDFW has jurisdiction over riparian habitats and wetlands associated with
watercourses. As defined by the California Fish and Game Code, "wetlands" means lands which
may be covered periodically or permanently with shallow water and which include saltwater
marshes, freshwater marshes, open or closed brackish water marshes, swamps, mudflats, fens,
and vernal pools (FGC Section 2785). Jurisdictional waters are delineated by the outer edge of
riparian vegetation or at the top of the bank of a stream or lake, whichever is wider. CDFW
jurisdiction does not include tidal areas or isolated resources. The CDFW reviews proposed
actions, and if necessary, submits to the applicant a proposal that includes measures to protect
affected fish and wildlife resources. The final proposal that is mutually agreed upon by CDFW
and the applicant is the Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project 4 ESA / D130503.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
California Coastal Commission
The California Coastal Commission (CCC) regulates activities found within wetlands in the
coastal zone. The Coastal Act Section 30121 (California Coastal Act as of January 1, 2005)
defines wetlands as “lands within the coastal zone which may be covered periodically or
permanently with shallow water and include saltwater marshes, freshwater marshes, open or
closed brackish water marshes, swamps, mudflats, and fens”. Subsequent Statewide Interpretive
guidelines has refined the definition based upon the US Fish and Wildlife Service definition
(Cowardin et al. 1979), which is as follows: “Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial
and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered
by shallow water. For the purposes of this classification wetlands must have one or more of the
following three attributes: (1) at least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes,
(2) the substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil, and (3) the substrate is nonsoil and is
saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each
year.” This definition is used as a guide for defining wetlands. The Coastal Commission can also
rely on other information, advice and judgment of other experts in determining jurisdiction.
3. Methods
3.1 Literature Review
Prior to field surveys, a desk top analysis was conducted to obtain contextual information relevant
to the Project site plus a 100-foot buffer around the Project. ESA conducted a review of available
background information pertaining to the Project, geography, and topography prior to conducting
the jurisdictional delineation in March 2015. A site map was generated with available aerial
photographs and potentially jurisdictional features were identified and marked with lines and
global positioning system (GPS) coordinates to assist in field verification. Soil types mapped
within the Project were consulted prior to field efforts to target areas with potentially hydric soils.
3.2 Field Surveys
ESA biologist Julie Fontaine conducted site visits on March 12 and 18, and December 18 of
2015, to evaluate potentially jurisdictional features within the Project. The limits of potential
jurisdictional features were recorded in the field using aerial maps.
Federal Wetlands
The presence/absence of federal wetlands was determined through implementation of the
methods described in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual
(Environmental Laboratory, 1987). The definition of growing season and the basis of determining
and recording indicators for hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology was
based on the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: Arid
West Region (Version 2.0), as well as the Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary High
Water Mark (OHWM) in the Arid West Region of the Western United States (ACOE, 2008a;
ACOE, 2008b). The 1987 ACOE Manual, Arid West Supplement, and Field Guide to the OHWM
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project 5 ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
were used for the analysis and evaluation of any normal circumstances, atypical situations, and
problem areas, as needed.
Non-Wetland Waters of the U.S.
The ACOE-jurisdictional status of the Project was determined by in-field verification of the
hydrological connection between the watercourse and downstream TNW (i.e. significant nexus
test). Non-wetland waters of the U.S. were identified if the OHWM was clearly visible and
passed the significant nexus test (to the Pacific Ocean), but one or more of the remaining ACOE
wetland parameters were absent (i.e., hydrophytic vegetation or hydric soils). The OHWM of
channels was determined based on observations of physical evidence that included direct
observations of flow, scour marks, and drift lines of debris. The limits of non-wetland waters
were confined to the ordinary limits of flow and excluded adjacent hillside areas that have eroded
away due to failure of the culverts.
Waters of the State
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CDFW-jurisdictional waters included riparian habitats associated with watercourses and were
delineated by the dripline of riparian vegetation.
State Boards (SWRCB and RWQCB)
It is assumed for the purpose of this report that ACOE -jurisdictional areas are also under the
jurisdiction of the Boards, and are subject to the CWA.
California Coastal Commission
It is assumed for the purpose of this report that CDFW-jurisdictional areas are also under the
jurisdiction of the CCC.
4. Results and Conclusions
4.1 Literature Review and Field Survey Results
Upper Big Canyon Creek contains wetland and non-wetland waters of the US, and areas
regulated by the State of California and the CCC. A total of nine data points were collected
during the site investigation. Data sheets are included in Appendix B.
Soils
The U.S Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) maps
Upper Big Canyon Creek and the surrounding area as Sorrento Loam and Tidal Flats (SSURGO
online data base) (Figure 4). Tidal flats are a remnant map soil unit from prior to the time that the
hydrology of the system was altered. The habitat is no longer tidally influenced but does retain
the high salt content within the soil. Despite being altered, the soil exhibited hydric characteristics
in the emergent marsh habitat. Areas containing predominantly Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project 6 ESA / D130503.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
terebinthifolius) did not exhibit hydric soil characteristics either in the Tidal Flats soils or the
Sorrento loam soils. The Sorrento loam (Fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, thermic Calcic
Haploxerolls) occurs on alluvial fans and floodplains, originating from sedimentary rocks. It is
not a hydric soil.
Vegetation
The National Wetland Inventory (NWI) identifies two classes of wetlands to occur within the
project boundaries: Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland and Freshwater Emergent Wetland
(Figure 5).
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland
System: PALUSTRINE - The Palustrine System includes all non-tidal wetlands dominated by
trees, shrubs, emergents, mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where
salinity due to ocean derived salts is below 0.5 ppt. Wetlands lacking such vegetation are also
included if they exhibit all of the following characteristics: 1. are less than 8 hectares ( 20 acres );
2. do not have an active wave-formed or bedrock shoreline feature; 3. have at low water a depth
less than 2 meters (6.6 feet) in the deepest part of the basin; 4. have a salinity due to ocean-
derived salts of less than 0.5 ppt.
Subsystem Class: SCRUB-SHRUB: Includes areas dominated by woody vegetation less than 6 m
(20 feet) tall. The species include true shrubs, young trees (saplings), and trees or shrubs that are
small or stunted because of environmental conditions.
Subclass C:WATER REGIME Seasonally Flooded: Surface water is present for extended periods
especially early in the growing season, but is absent by the end of the growing season in most
years. The water table after flooding ceases is variable, extending from saturated to the surface to
a water table well below the ground surface.
Freshwater Emergent Wetland
System: PALUSTRINE - The Palustrine System includes all nontidal wetlands dominated by
trees, shrubs, emergents, mosses or lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where
salinity due to ocean derived salts is below 0.5 ppt. Wetlands lacking such vegetation are also
included if they exhibit all of the following characteristics: 1. are less than 8 hectares ( 20 acres );
2. do not have an active wave-formed or bedrock shoreline feature; 3. have at low water a depth
less than 2 meters (6.6 feet) in the deepest part of the basin; 4. have a salinity due to ocean-
derived salts of less than 0.5 ppt.
Subsystem Class: EMERGENT - Characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes,
excluding mosses and lichens. This vegetation is present for most of the growing season in most
years. These wetlands are usually dominated by perennial plants.
Subclass C :WATER REGIME -Seasonally Flooded: Surface water is present for extended
periods especially early in the growing season, but is absent by the end of the growing season in
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project 7 ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
most years. The water table after flooding ceases is variable, extending from saturated to the
surface to a water table well below the ground surface.
Based on the jurisdictional field delineation, Upper Big Canyon Creek supports hydrophytic
vegetation including riparian forest and freshwater marsh habitat (Figure 6). The following plant
communities and hydrophytic plants occur within jurisdictional areas:
Southern Riparian Forest
Southern riparian habitat occurs throughout the survey area. This habitat contains a mix of native
and invasive species, with invasive species occupying as much as 70% of the habitat. Dominant
native species include arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) [FACW] species, red willow (Salix
laevigata) [FACW], black willow (Salix goodingii) [FACW] and mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia)
[FACW]. The invasive Brazilian pepper tree [FAC] is found in thick groves throughout the
habitat. Other invasive species noted include pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) [FACU],
English ivy (Hedera helix) [FACU] and periwinkle (Vinca major). This community meets the
ACOE dominance test for hydrophytic vegetation. Areas east of Jamboree, although situated
within waters of the US/State of California contain little or no native habitat, thus this area could
classified as “Ornamental”.
Freshwater Marsh
The survey area contains freshwater marsh habitat dominated by open water and emergent
monocots approximately four to five feet tall. Mostly cattail (Typha latifolia) [OBL] and stinging
nettle (Urtica dioica) [FACW] occupy this habitat type. Note that very small pockets of this
habitat type occur along the low-flow drainages that meander throughout the canopy. Due to the
miniscule size of these pockets they have not been called out separately from the Southern
Willow Scrub habitat. This community meets the ACOE dominance test for hydrophytic
vegetation.
Alkali Meadow
Small patches of alkali heath (Frankenia salina) [FACW] dominated meadow occur adjacent to
the main freshwater marsh habitat on the northwest side of the survey area. Interspersed within
the alkali heath are scattered pickleweed (Salicornia spp.) [OBL] individuals.
Hydrology
The reach of Upper Big Canyon Creek within the Project area receives hydrologic input from a
combination of natural rainfall and urban runoff. The site contains slow moving water more than
14 days per year, and connects with the Pacific Ocean, a TNW, rendering it subject to the ACOE
jurisdiction. A series of meandering, braided channels wander throughout the habitat area.
Evidence of overbank flow was prevalent throughout the Project, thus extending the ACOE
jurisdiction to the outer edges of habitat, and not confined to just the active low flow channel.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project 8 ESA / D130503.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
4.2 Results and Conclusions
Wetland & Non-Wetland Waters of the U.S.
Jurisdictional wetland and non-wetland waters of the US regulated by the ACOE are found within
the survey area (Figure 7). Wetland Waters of the US occur in the emergent marsh, situated in the
northwestern corner of the project. A total of 0.65 acre of wetlands occur in this area. Areas
exhibiting an OHWM but do not meet all three wetland parameters are considered Non-Wetland
Waters of the US, and total 4.0 acres within the survey area. Data forms are found in Appendix B.
Waters of the State
CDFW
Areas within CDFW jurisdiction refer to streambeds and associated riparian vegetation and
wetlands. All areas under ACOE jurisdiction were also determined to be under the jurisdiction of
the CDFW. In addition, riparian habitat that extends beyond the OHWM and contain riparian
vegetation are also regulated by the CDFW (Figure 7). A total of 4.82 acres of CDFW
jurisdictional areas occur within the survey area, which includes those subject to ACOE
jurisdiction.
State Boards
All areas mapped as ACOE-jurisdictional areas fall within the Section 401 authority of the
Boards. Approximately 4.65 acres of the wetland and non-wetland waters of the State are found
within the survey area. See Figure 7.
CCC Wetlands
All areas mapped as CDFW jurisdictional areas are also mapped as CCC wetlands, according to
their respective wetland definitions. In addition, a small area in the southeastern portion of the
Project that contains isolated riparian habitat patch (0.13 acre) is also regulated by the CCC. A
total of 4.95 acres of CCC regulated wetlands occur in the survey area. See Figure 7.
5. Supplemental Information
5.1 Directions to the Project
From Interstate 5 North, take the Jamboree exit and continue west on Jamboree. Turn right on
San Joaquin Hills Road, then a right on Back Bay Drive. Park at the designated Big Canyon
parking lot on left. The trail to access Big Canyon is across the street from the parking area.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project 9 ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
5.2 Field Delineator Contact Information
Julie Fontaine
Environmental Science Associates
Biological Resources
550 West C Street, Suite 750
San Diego, CA 92101
(949) 246-3117
jfontaine@esassoc.com
6. References
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual.
Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Google, Inc. (Google Earth). 2014. Available at http://www.google.com/earth/index.html.
Hickman, James C. ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual. University of California Press, Berkeley and
Los Angeles, California.
Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of
California, Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento.
National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2012. About Hydric Soils. Accessed March
2012. http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/mlra02/abouthyd.html
NRCS, 1992. Hydric Soils list of California.
Reed, P.B., Jr. National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands, California (Region 0). U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Report 88(26.10). 1988. 135pp.
SSURGO online data base. 2015.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). 2008a. Arid West Supplement to the 1987 Wetlands
Delineation Manual.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). 2008b. Field Guide to the Identification of the Ordinary
High Water Mark (OHWM) in the Arid West Region of the Western United States.
Upper Big Canyon Treatment Wetland and Restoration Project ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
FIGURES
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project
Jurisdictional Delineation Report. D130934Figure 1Regional Location
SOURCE: City of Newport Beach, ESRI
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Jurisdictional Delineation Report. D130934Figure 2Project Vicinity Map
SOURCE: USGS 7.5' Topo Quad Newport Beach, 1977
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Soil Types
1, Balcom clay loam 30 to 50 percentslopes
2, Anaheim clay loam 30 to 50 percentslopes
3, Sorrento loam 2 to 9 percent slopes
4, Myford sandy loam thick surface 2 to 9percent slopes
5, Tidal flats
6, Cieneba sandy loam 30 to 75 percentslopes eroded
7, San Emigdio fine sandy loammoderately fine substratum 0 to 2percent slopes
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Jurisdictional Delineation Report. D130934Figure 4Soils
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement ProjectJurisdictional Delineation Report. D130934Figure 5National Wetlands Inventory Map
SOURCE: City of Newport Beach; USFWS; ESRI
Project Boundary
NWI Wetland Type
Estuarine and Marine Deepwater
Estuarine and Marine Wetland
Freshwater Emergent Wetland
Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetland
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Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement ProjectJurisdictional Delineation Report. D130934Figure 7ACOE/RWQCB/CDFW/CCC Jurisdiction Map
SOURCE: City of Newport Beach, ESA, ESRI
Survey Area
Project Boundary
Parcel Boundary
Existing Sewer Features
Water Quality/InfrastructureComponents
Data Points
_Photo Points
Jurisdictional Areas
CCC Wetlands (4.95 acres)
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Upper Big Canyon Treatment Wetland and Restoration Project ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
APPENDIX A
Site Photographs
Photo 1. Upper Big Canyon Creek as it enters the Project area.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
Photo 2. View of Upper Big Canyon Creek just downstream of culvert under Jamboree.
Photo 3. CCC wetlands - riparian area on southern part of Project.
Photo 4. Edge of riparian habitat on south side of Project.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
Photo 5. Brazilian pepper tree dominated area near Data Point 5.
Photo 6. Typical interior shot of riparian habitat, with low-flow channel
and frequent inundation over bank.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
Photo 7. Habitat where Data Point 4 was taken
Photo 8. View of emergent marsh and riparian habitat
and downstream terminus of Project, looking upstream.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
Photo 9. Edge of riparian habitat.
Photo 10. View of Brazilian pepper tree infestation.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project ESA / D130934.00 Jurisdictional Delineation Report December 2015
APPENDIX B
ACOE Data Sheets
APPENDIX B
Pre-Project Riverine CRAM Report
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project i ESA / 130934
Pre-construction Riverine CRAM Report December 2015
BIG CANYON HABITAT RESTORATION & WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Pre-Construction Riverine California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) Report
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project ii ESA / 130934
Pre-construction Riverine CRAM Report December 2015
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project 3 ESA / 130934
Pre-construction Riverine CRAM Report December 2015
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Project Overview
The Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project (Project) is located in the
City of Newport Beach, east of Newport Bay, adjacent to Jamboree Road (Figure 1). The Project
is part of a larger proposed multi-phased Big Canyon Watershed Restoration and Coastal
Adaption Project (Phases I and II) that has been planned for over a decade. This planned effort
provides integrated-benefits that include water quality improvements in Big Canyon Creek,
restoration of natural creek channels impacted by hydromodifcation, restoration of riparian and
inland alkaline non-tidal marsh habitat, removal of non-native vegetation and replacement with
native plantings, remediation of selenium-laden sediment within former fresh-water ponds,
creation of new transitional habitat to allow for future adaption of coastal estuarine habitat due
to sea level rise, reduction of favorable mosquito breeding habitat, and improvements and
protection of public access within the natural areas of the Big Canyon Preserve, including coastal
areas that will be subject to future inundation due to sea level rise.
These benefits will be realized through implementation of a phased program. Phase I, the
current Project, includes the implementation of a creek and riparian habitat restoration,
stormwater treatment wetland, dry weather flow diversions, culvert improvements, and trail
planning in the upper portion of the Big Canyon Nature Preserve. Phase IIA is also part of the
current Project and continues to build on the benefits to be achieved through Phase I. Phase IIA
includes finalizing the riparian restoration to the west of the creek restoration.
Phase I and Phase IIA improvements are being planned in coordination with a Resource
Management and Maintenance Plan (RRMP) being prepared by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy
under contract with the City of Newport Beach for the Nature Park. The RRMP provides a
framework for restoration and recreational improvements in the Nature Park that will be
consistent with the requirements of the Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat
Conservation Plan (NCCP) for the Central and Coastal sub-region of Orange County in the event
the City elects to incorporate the Nature Park into the NCCP.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this report is to document the results of a riverine California Rapid Assessment
Method (CRAM) assessment that was conducted to evaluate the pre-construction condition of
Big Canyon Creek in the Project area. Comparing these results to post-construction CRAM data
will illustrate the functional improvements of the riparian area resulting from the habitat
restoration and water quality improvements onsite.
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement ProjectBiological Technical Report. D130934Figure 2Project Vicinity Map
SOURCE: USGS 7.5' Topo Quad Newport Beach, 1977
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Project Location
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project 5 ESA / 130934
Pre-construction Riverine CRAM Report December 2015
1.3 CRAM Analysis Description
CRAM was developed by a consortium of local, state and federal agencies, wetland scientists,
land managers and regulators as a means to monitor the conditions of wetlands in California. As
described in the California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands and Riparian Areas User’s
Manual, Version 6.1 (CWMW, 2013), the overall goal of CRAM is to “provide rapid, scientifically
defensible, standardized, cost-effective assessments of the status and trends in the condition of
wetlands and the performance of related policies, programs and projects throughout
California.”
2.0 Methods
The CRAM assessment was conducted by ESA biologists Rosanne Humphrey (CRAM Practitioner)
and Alanna Bennett on December 16, 2015 following the Riverine Wetlands Field Book, Version
6.1 (CWMW, 2013). One Assessment Area (AA) was delineated west of Jamboree Road (Figure
2). The AA extends from approximately 25 meters downstream of the outflow, to 100 meters
downstream, and encompasses the associated riparian vegetation along the Big Canyon Creek.
The width of the AA varies from approximately 12 to 30 meters. Big Canyon Creek is a non-
confined riverine wetland.
The following wetland attributes were assessed: Buffer and Landscape Context, Hydrology,
Physical Structure and Biotic Structure. Each attribute is based on the values of individual
metrics. A rating of A, B, C, or D was given for each metric pursuant to the Riverine Wetlands
Field Book, and then converted to a numeric value (A=12, B=9, C=6, and D=3). These numeric
values were then used to calculate attribute scores and overall CRAM scores.
3.0 Results and Discussion
As shown in Table 2, the overall CRAM score for the pre-construction AA was low (40). It is not
uncommon to have low CRAM scores for riverine systems in southern California because CRAM
has been calibrated for the entire state, including northern California, which has much higher
rainfall, resulting in more developed riverine systems (e.g., more robust and diverse riparian
vegetation, and greater landscape connectivity). When assessing CRAM scores, it is most
informative to assess the attribute scores and metrics individually, as discussed below, as it
allows for an examination of individual parameters that affect the overall condition of the
wetland. Photographs of the AAs are included in Appendix A, and datasheets are included in
Appendix B.
JAM
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project
Figure 2 California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) Assessment Area
SOURCE: City of Newport Beach, ESRI
Project Boundary
Parcel Boundary
CRAM Assessment Area
Riparian Habitat Restoration Area
Water Quality/Infrastructure Components
Existing Sewer Features
Proposed Trails
3.5-foot wide Trail
8-foot wide Trail
15-foot wide Trail
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Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project 7 ESA / 130934
Pre-construction Riverine CRAM Report December 2015
TABLE 1. SUMMARY OF CRAM SCORES
Attributes and Metrics Numeric Values
Buffer and Landscape Context 38
Stream Corridor Continuity 3
Buffer Submetrics
% of AA with Buffer 12
Average Buffer Width 3
Buffer Condition 6
Hydrology 50
6
6
Water Source
Channel Stability
Hydrologic Connectivity 6
Physical Structure 38
Structural Patch Richness 3
Topographic Complexity 6
Biotic Structure 44
Plant Community Submetrics 4
No. of Plant Layers 6
No. of Co-dominants 3
Percent Invasion 3
Horizontal Interspersion 3
Vertical Biotic Structure 9
Overall AA Score 42
1.Buffer and Landscape Context. The Buffer and Landscape Context attribute scored quite
low at 38. This attribute consists of stream corridor continuity, percent of AA with
buffer, average buffer width, and buffer condition. Stream corridor continuity is a
measure of the continuity of the stream corridor over a distance of 500 meters
upstream and downstream of the AA. In addition to measuring the spatial association
with other areas of aquatic resources and overall health of the riverine system, this
metric takes into account the ability of wildlife to move into, out of, and along the
stream corridor along the upstream and downstream portions. This metric scored quite
low (3 points) because almost the entire extent of the area 500 meters upstream of the
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project 8 ESA / 130934
Pre-construction Riverine CRAM Report December 2015
AA consists of roadway or golf course, which are land covers that are excluded from
buffers.
The percent of AA with buffer, average buffer width, and buffer condition metrics
measure extent and function of the buffer, which consists of the areas adjoining the AA
that are in a relatively undisturbed condition. The buffer provides an important
protective function by trapping contaminants, holding the soil in place, providing habitat
values, and enhancing water quality. The entire perimeter of the AA is protected by a
buffer, as reflected in the high score for percent of AA with buffer (12 points); however,
the width and condition of the buffer are limited, which reduces its protective function,
as illustrated by the average buffer width and buffer condition scores (3 and 6 points,
respectively).
2. Hydrology. The score for the Hydrology attribute was 50. Water source, channel
stability, and hydrologic connectivity all scored a 6, which is the second lowest score
possible. Water source evaluates the sources of water into and diverted out of the AA
within 2 km of the upstream watershed, which affects the extent, duration, and
frequency of the hydrological dynamics of a stream channel. Freshwater sources that
affect the dry season conditions of the AA are primarily urban runoff, as the entire area
upstream is developed. Channel stability is a measure of the level of equilibrium (i.e.,
the absence of aggradation or degradation) in the stream channel. Within the AA, the
creek shows moderate signs of scour and undercutting. Hydrologic connectivity
describes the ability of water to flow into or out of the wetland, or the wetland’s ability
of accommodate rising floodwaters without persistent changes in water level that can
result in stress to wetland plants and animals. The metric is based on the entrenchment
ratio, which was calculated to be 1.6.
3. Physical Structure. The score for the Physical Structure attribute was fairly low, at 38.
This attribute is based on structural patch richness and topographic complexity.
Structural patch richness evaluates the level of heterogeneity in the habitat by assessing
the number of different patch types. Not surprisingly, this submetric scored quite low,
which illustrates the affect of high disturbance within the project area. Topographic
complexity evaluates the micro- and macro-topographic relief and variety of elevations
due to physical and abiotic features and elevation gradients that affect moisture
gradients or than influence the path of flowing water. Cross sections along Big Canyon
Creek show a moderately low level of topographic complexity.
4. Biotic Structure. The score for the Biotic Structure attribute was 44. This attribute is
based on plant community metrics (number of plant layers, number of co-dominants,
and percent invasion by non-native species), horizontal interspersion, and vertical biotic
Big Canyon Restoration and Water Quality Project 9 ESA / 130934
Pre-construction Riverine CRAM Report December 2015
structure. Like physical structure, this attribute evaluates the heterogeneity of the
habitat but rather than physical structure, it assesses the biological heterogeneity by
looking at plant diversity, levels of interspersion of patch types (more edges along
different patch types results in a more diverse habitat), and levels of vertical overlap
between plant layers. The moderately low score of this attribute is due to the highly
disturbed nature of the site and heavy infestation by non-native species.
4.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
The AA within the project area scored fairly low overall, and within each attribute. Some of
these scores are reflective of the highly urbanized environment of the project area, which
affects the volume and velocity of dry season and wet season flows, and the high levels of
disturbance, which affect the physical and biological (i.e., level of infestation by non-native
species) structure of Big Canyon Creek. Many of these environmental conditions, such as dense
development, cannot be changed; however, the project proposes a number of components,
including habitat restoration and water quality improvement, that are expected to greatly
improve the function and habitat value of the stream channel, riparian habitat, and surrounding
upland habitat. It is recommended that a CRAM assessment be conducted after the project is
complete, especially after the restoration has become self-sustaining, to measure the functional
improvement of the habitat within the project area.
5.0 References
California Wetlands Monitoring Workgroup (CWMW). 2013. California Rapid Assessment
Method Riverine Wetlands Field Book. Version 6.1. January 2013.
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Site Photographs Page A-1
Photo 1. Creek channel near northern portion of assessment area.
Photo 2. Creek channel near central portion of assessment area.
Site Photographs Page A-2
Photo 3. Creek channel near southern portion of assessment area.
Photo 4. Photo shows the lack of understory along the creek bank.
A = 12; B = 9; C = 6; D = 3
METRIC Alpha Numeric Total Comments
Buffer and Landscape Context
Stream Corridor Continuity D 3
Buffer Metrics
% of AA with Buffer A 12
Average Buffer Width D 3
Buffer Condition C 6
9.0 38
Hydrology
Water Source C 6
Hydroperiod/Channel Stability C 6
Hydrologic Connectivity C 6
18.0 50
Physical Structure
Structural Patch Richnes D 3
Topographic Complexity C 6
9.0 38
Biotic Structure
Plant Community Metrics
PC: No. of plant layers C 6
PC: No. of codominants D 3
PC: Percent Invasion D 3
4
Horizontal Interspersion D 3
Vertical Biotic Structure B 9
16.0 44
42
Additional Comments
Raw attribute score = D+[C x (A x B)½ ]½
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality
Improvement Project
12/16/2015
Rosanne Humphrey, Alanna Bennett
Riverine
Project Name
Date of Assessment
Assessors
Wetland Class
Non-confined
Final Score = (raw score/36) x 100
Raw attribute score = sum of numeric scores
Overall AA Score = Average of all scores
Final Score = (raw score/36) x 100
Raw attribute score = sum of scores
Final Score = (raw score/24)x100
Raw attribute score = sum of scores
Plant Community = Average of submetrics A-C
Wetland Subclass (conf/nonconf)
CRAM Raw Attribute and Metric Scores
Final Score = (raw score/24)x100
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APPENDIX C
Rare Plant Survey Report
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January 8, 2016
Bob Stein
City of Newport Beach
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
RE: Results of 2015 Rare Plant Survey for Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water
Quality Improvement Project
Dear Bob:
The purpose of this letter is to document the results of the 2015 rare plant surveys within the Big
Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project (project) survey area. The
survey area is located in the within the Big Canyon Watershed, which consists of approximately
1,062 acres that drain to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve in the City of Newport
Beach. The 10-acre project site is located within the eastern portion of the 60-acre Big Canyon
Nature Park, east of Upper Newport Bay, and adjacent to Jamboree Road (Figure 1).
Surrounding land use consists residential development on the bluffs immediately north and south
of the project site on the west side of Jamboree Road, and urban development and a golf course
on the east side of Jamboree Road. Onsite land uses include passive recreation, such as hiking on
the public trail and\or access road that run through the site, and maintenance activities associated
with the storm drain facilities. Biological surveys were conducted within an area that included
the area of potential direct impacts, plus a buffer to capture potential indirect impacts to
biological resources.
Methods
A rare plant survey and vegetation mapping were conducted within the survey area on March 12,
2015 by ESA biologist Rosanne Humphrey. During the survey, the entire 10-acre project area
plus a survey buffer of approximately 150 m downstream was walked in its entirety to ensure
that all portions of the survey area were directly observed. Vegetation communities were
characterized based on the presence of dominant plant species and delineated within the survey
area. Vegetation community classification and descriptions were determined according to the
Orange County Habitat Classification System (Jones and Stokes 1993, Gray and Bramlet 1992)
to be consistent with the Orange County Central and Coastal sub-region NCCP and previous
vegetation mapping (CCI 2004). The rare plant survey was consistent with the Protocols for
Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural
Communities (CDFG 2009), which includes documentation all plant species observed within
each habitat type. Plant species were identified in the field following Baldwin, et al. (2012). All
observed occurrences of sensitive plant species were photographed and mapped with a handheld
Bob Stein
January 8, 2016
Page 2
Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. After the plant survey was completed, the Biological
Resources Inventory Report for the Big Canyon Nature Park Project (Dudek 2015) became
available to ESA and was reviewed to ensure that no additional rare plants were observed within
the project area.
Results
Throughout much of the survey area, the vegetation is highly disturbed; a dominance of non-
native plant species intermixed with native plant species is characteristic of the survey area
(Attachment A). No sensitive plant species were observed within the project area by ESA or
Dudek during the 2015 rare plant surveys.
I certify that the information in this survey report and attached exhibits fully and accurately
represent my work.
____________________________________
Rosanne Humphrey January 8, 2016
Senior Biologist
Attachments:
Figure 1. Vegetation Communities Map
Attachment A. References
Attachment B. Plant Species Observed during 2015 Survey
Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri,DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo,and the GIS User Community
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Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project. D130934 Figure 1Vegetation Communities Map
SOURCE: ESA, ESRI
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Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
AM, Alkali Meadow (0.10 acre)
CSS, Coastal Sage Scrub (1.53 acres)
DEV, Developed (0.04 acre)
DIST, Disturbed (Trail) (0.40 acre)
NNG, Non-native Grassland (2.83 acres)
ORN, Ornamental (0.78 acre)
SRF, Southern Riparian Forest (4.00 acres)
Bob Stein
January 8, 2016
Page 3
Attachment A. References
Baldwin, et al. 2012. Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California; Second Edition. University of
California Press.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2009. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts
to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities. Sacramento, California.
November 2009.
Community Conservation International (CCI). 2004. Big Canyon Creek Historic Tidal Wetlands
Conceptual Restoration Plan, Upper Newport Bay, Orange County, California.
Dudek. 2015. Biological Resources Inventory Report for the Big Canyon Nature Park Project, City of
Newport Beach, Orange County, California. Prepared for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
Gray, J. and D. Bramlet. 1992. Habitat Classification System: Natural Resources Geographic Information
System (GIS) Project. Unpublished report prepared for the Orange County Environmental
Management Agency, Santa Ana California.
Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. 1993. Methods used to survey the vegetation of Orange County parks and
open space areas and The Irvine Company property. February 10, 1993. Sacramento, California.
Prepared for County of Orange, Environmental Management
Sawyer, J. O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd edition.
California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.
Bob Stein
January 8, 2016
Page 4
Attachment B. Plant Species Observed During the 2015 Rare Plant Survey
Scientific Name Common Name
Agave americana* Century Plant
Washingtonia robusta* Mexican Fan Palm
Phoenix canariensis* Canary Island Date Palm
Cyperus eragrostis Tall Flatsedge
Schoenoplectus californicus California Bulrush
Avena barbata* Slender Oat
Bromus diandrus* Ripgut Grass
Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens* Foxtail Chess, Red Brome
Cortaderia selloana* Pampas Grass
Crypsis schoenoides* Prickle or Swamp Grass
Distichlis spicata Saltgrass
Elymus condensatus Giant Wild Rye
Festuca myuros* Foxtail Fescue
Hordeum murinum* Barley
Typha latifolia Broad-leaf Cattail
Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea Blue Elderberry
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum* Crystalline Iceplant
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum* Slender-leaf Iceplant
Tetragonia tetragonioides* New Zealand Spinach
Malephora crocea* Croceum iceplant
Schinus terebinthifolius* Brazilian Pepper Tree
Rhus integrifolia Lemonade Berry
Conium maculatum* Common Poison Hemlock
Foeniculum vulgare* Fennel
Apium graveolens* Common Celery
Nerium oleander* Oleander
Vinca major* Greater Periwinkle
Hedera helix* English Ivy
Ambrosia psilostachya Western Ragweed
Artemisia californica California Sagebrush
Artemisia douglasiana Douglas Mugwort
Artemisia palmeri San Diego Sagewort
Baccharis pilularis Chaparral Broom, Coyote Brush
Bob Stein
January 8, 2016
Page 5
Scientific Name Common Name
Baccharis salicina Willow baccharis
Carduus pycnocephalus* Italian Thistle
Cynara cardunculus* Artichoke Thistle
Glebionis coronarium* Garland Chrysanthemum
Helminthotheca echioides* Prickly Ox Tongue
Osteospermum fruticosum* Trailing African Daisy
Silybum marianum* Milk Thistle
Sonchus asper* Prickly Sow Thistle
Sonchus oleraceus* Common Sow Thistle
Encelia californica California Encelia
Logfia gallica* Narrow-Leaf Cottonrose
Malacothrix saxatilis var. tenuifolia Short-Leaved Cliff-Aster
Amsinckia menziesii Rancher's Fireweed
Echium candicans* Pride of Madera
Brassica nigra* Black Mustard
Brassica rapa* Turnip, Field Mustard
Descurainia pinnata Alkali Western Tansy-Mustard
Hirschfeldia incana* Shortpod Mustard
Lobularia maritima* Sweet Alyssum
Raphanus sativus* Wild Radish
Sisymbrium irio* London Rocket
Sisymbrium orientale* Hare's-Ear Cabbage
Brassica tournefortii* Sahara Mustard
Salicornia pacifica Pickleweed
Atriplex glauca* Glaucous-leaved saltbush
Chenopodium album* Lamb’s Quarters
Salsola tragus* Russian Thistle
Extriplex californica California Orach
Peritoma arborea Bladderpod
Crassula connata Pygmyweed
Euphorbia peplus* Petty Spurge
Acacia longifolia* Sydney Golden Wattle
Medicago polymorpha* California Burclover
Melilotus indicus* Indian Sweetclover
Frankenia salina Alkali Heath
Bob Stein
January 8, 2016
Page 6
Scientific Name Common Name
Erodium moshcatum* White-Stem Filaree
Geranium carolinianum* Carolina Geranium
Pholistoma racemosum San Diego Fiesta Flower
Marrubium vulgare* Horehound
Malva parviflora* Cheeseweed
Eucalyptus spp.* Gum Tree
Fraxinus uhdei* Evergreen Ash
Plantago major* Common Plantain
Platanus racemosa Western Sycamore
Persicaria lapathifolia Willow Smartweed, Willow Weed
Eriogonum fasciculatum California Buckwheat
Rubus sp. Blackberry
Galium aparine Common Bedstraw
Salix lasiolepis Arroyo Willow
Myoporum laetum* Myoporum
Lycium californicum Coast Desert-Thorn
Solanum americanum White Nightshade
Tropaeolum majus* Garden Nasturtium
Hesperocnide tenella Western Nettle
Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis* Stinging Nettle
Urtica urens* Dwarf Nettle
*Non-native species
APPENDIX D
California Gnatcatcher Survey Report
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January, 8 2016
Stacey Love
Recovery Permit Coordinator
Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2177 Salk Avenue, Suite 250
Carlsbad, CA 92008
RE: Results of 2015 Coastal California Gnatcatcher Surveys for Big Canyon Habitat
Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project, Orange County, California
Dear Stacey:
The purpose of this letter is to document the results of the 2015 focused survey for coastal
California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) within the Big Canyon Habitat
Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project (project) survey area. The survey area is
located in the within the Big Canyon Watershed, which consists of approximately 1,062 acres
that drain to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve in the City of Newport Beach. The 10-
acre project site is located within the eastern portion of the 60-acre Big Canyon Nature Park, east
of Upper Newport Bay, and adjacent to Jamboree Road (Figure 1). Surrounding land use consists
residential development on the bluffs immediately north and south of the project site on the west
side of Jamboree Road, and urban development and a golf course on the east side of Jamboree
Road. Onsite land uses include passive recreation, such as hiking on the public trail and\or access
road that run through the site, and maintenance activities associated with the storm drain
facilities. Biological surveys were conducted within an area that included the area of potential
direct impacts, plus a buffer to capture potential indirect impacts to biological resources.
Species Background
The coastal California gnatcatcher (CAGN) was listed as federally threatened in 1993 and is a
state species of special concern. Federally designated critical habitat exists for the species,
although not within the project area. CAGN is declining proportionately with the continued loss
of coastal sage scrub habitat in the six southern California counties (San Bernardino, Ventura,
Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside) located within the coastal plain.
Habitat preferences in Orange County consist of Diegan coastal sage scrub dominated by
California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) and flat-topped buckwheat (Eriogonum
fasciculatum), which are the primary plants used by CAGN when foraging for insects (ERCE
1990). The species inhabits coastal sage scrub vegetation below 2,500 feet elevation in Riverside
County and generally below 1,000 feet elevation along the coastal slope in Orange County; it
generally avoids steep slopes above 25 percent and dense, tall vegetation for nesting.
Stacey Love
January 8, 2016
Page 2
Methods
The purpose of CAGN surveys was to determine the presence or absence of CAGN in potentially
suitable habitat within the survey area. Three protocol surveys for CAGN were performed
according to the most recent USFWS survey protocol within all suitable habitats (i.e., Diegan
coastal sage scrub) (USFWS 1997). Surveys were conducted on March 27, April 3, and April 17,
2015 by ESA biologists Dallas Pugh (TE-79192A-1) and Alanna Bennett. Consistent with the
USFWS guidelines, these surveys were conducted between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. during
periods of mild weather.
Surveys were conducted within a total of 1.53 acres of Diegan coastal sage scrub (CSS) within
the project area (Figure 2). The Diegan CSS habitat onsite consists of several small patches on
the north and southeastern portions of the survey area. Several patches occur in a mosaic within
the non-native grassland area west of Jamboree Road. These areas are highly disturbed,
consisting of scattered individual sagebrush and a few coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) shrubs
with a dense understory of non-native forbs and grasses, such as mustards (Brassica spp. and
Hirschfeldia incana), and brome grasses (Bromus spp.). Larger patches occur on the south-facing
slopes below residential development on the north side. These areas are also highly disturbed,
consisting of isolated sagebrush shrubs with patches of bare ground and slender leaf ice plant and
crystalline ice plant (Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum and M. crystallinum), as well as a variety
of non-native grasses and forbs, such as mustards, bromes, and sweet clovers (Melilotus spp).
Results
Table 1 includes the survey dates and weather conditions recorded during the surveys. If a bird
was not observed or heard after several minutes, a recorded call was played.
TABLE 1
SURVEY DATES/SURVEY NUMBER/WEATHER CONDITIONS
Survey
Number Date Personnel1 Time
Temperature
(°F)
Wind Speed
Average (mph)
Cloud
Cover
(%)
General Sky
Condition
1 3/27/15 DP and AB 0900-1058 73-81 0-2 0 Clear and sunny
2 4/3/15 DP and AB 0850-1100 65-75 0-2 0 Clear and sunny
3 4/17/15 DP and AB 0915-1030 70-72 0 0 Clear and sunny
1DP = Dallas Pugh (TE-79192A-1); AB = Alanna Bennett
Stacey Love
January 8, 2016
Page 3
The biologists did not observe or detect CAGN. On April 3, 2015 and April 17, 2015, a single
yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia; California Species of Special Concern) was detected within
the riparian forest onsite. Attachment A includes a list of wildlife species detected or observed
during the surveys.
I certify that the information in this survey report and attached exhibits fully and accurately represent my
work.
_____________________________________
Dallas Pugh January 8, 2016
Recovery Permit No.: TE-79192A-1
_________________________________________
Alanna Bennett January 8, 2016
Attachments:
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Vegetation Communities Map
Attachment A Bird Species Observed during 2015 Survey
References
ERC Environmental and Energy Services Co. (ERCE). 1990. Phase 1 Report Amber Ridge
California Gnatcatcher Study. Prepared for Weingarten, Siegel, Fletcher Group, Inc. April.
30 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 1997. Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila
californica californica) Presence/Absence Survey Guidelines, February 28, 1997.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project. D130934 Figure 1Project Vicinity Map
SOURCE: USGS 7.5' Topo Quad Newport Beach, 1977
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Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project. D130934 Figure 2Vegetation Communities Map
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Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
AM, Alkali Meadow (0.10 acre)
CSS, Coastal Sage Scrub (1.53 acres)
DEV, Developed (0.04 acre)
DIST, Disturbed (Trail) (0.40 acre)
NNG, Non-native Grassland (2.83 acres)
ORN, Ornamental (0.78 acre)
SRF, Southern Riparian Forest (4.00 acres)
Stacey Love
January 8, 2016
Page 4
Attachment A
BIRD SPECIES OBSERVED DURING 2015 SURVEYS
Scientific Name Common Name
VERTEBRATES
Birds
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard
Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove
Calypte anna Anna's Hummingbird
Selasphorus sasin Allen's Hummingbird
Picoides nuttallii Nuttall's Woodpecker
Empidonax difficilis Pacific-Slope Flycatcher
Sayornis nigricans Black Phoebe
Myiarchus cinerascens Ash-Throated Flycatcher
Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow
Corvus corax Common Raven
Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit
Regulus calendula Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Dendroica petechia1 Yellow Warbler
Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat
Pipilo maculatus Spotted Towhee
Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow
Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch
Carduelis psaltria Lesser Goldfinch
*Lonchura punctulata Nutmeg Mannikin
*=Non-native 1 Status: SSC=California Species of Special Concern
APPENDIX E
Least Bell’s Vireo Survey Report
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January, 8 2016
Stacey Love
Recovery Permit Coordinator
Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2177 Salk Avenue, Suite 250
Carlsbad, CA 92008
RE: Results of 2015 Least Bell’s Vireo Surveys for Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and
Water Quality Improvement Project, Orange County, California.
Dear Stacey:
The purpose of this letter is to document the results of the 2015 focused survey for least Bell’s
vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) within the within the Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water
Quality Improvement Project (project) survey area. The survey area is located in the within the
Big Canyon Watershed, which consists of approximately 1,062 acres that drain to the Upper
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve in the City of Newport Beach. The 10-acre project site is
located within the eastern portion of the 60-acre Big Canyon Nature Park, east of Upper Newport
Bay, and adjacent to Jamboree Road (Figure 1). Surrounding land use consists residential
development on the bluffs immediately north and south of the project site on the west side of
Jamboree Road, and urban development and a golf course on the east side of Jamboree Road.
Onsite land uses include passive recreation, such as hiking on the public trail and\or access road
that run through the site, and maintenance activities associated with the storm drain facilities.
Biological surveys were conducted within an area that included the area of potential direct
impacts, plus a buffer to capture potential indirect impacts to biological resources.
Methods
Least Bell’s vireo (LBVI) is a state and federally-listed endangered species. The purpose of
LBVI surveys was to determine the presence or absence of LBVI in potentially suitable habitat
within the survey area. Three focused species surveys for LBVI were performed according to the
most recent USFWS survey protocol within all suitable riparian habitats (USFWS 2001). The
full eight surveys were not performed due to project scheduling constraints, and because it was
anticipated that Dudek biological consultants would be conducting the full eight surveys for the
entire Big Canyon Nature Preserve.
Surveys were conducted on March 27, April 3, and April 17, 2015 by ESA biologists Dallas
Pugh and Alanna Bennett. Pursuant to the USFWS guidelines, these surveys were conducted
between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. during periods of mild weather.
Stacey Love
January 8, 2016
Page 2
Surveys were conducted within a total of 4 acres of southern riparian forest (Figure 2). Southern
riparian forest occurs throughout most of the central and north-central region of the project area,
following the streambed, as well as in a small, isolated patch near the east-central region of the
project area. It is a closed-canopy forest dominated by a heavy infestation of Brazilian peppertree
(Schinus terebinthifolius) and other non-native tree species. Arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) is
dispersed throughout the habitat.
Results
Table 1 includes the survey dates and weather conditions recorded during the surveys.
TABLE 1
SURVEY DATES/SURVEY NUMBER/WEATHER CONDITIONS
Survey
Number Date Personnel1 Time
Temperature
(°F)
Wind Speed
Average (mph)
Cloud
Cover
(%)
General Sky
Condition
1 3/27/15 DP and AB 0900-1058 73-81 0-2 0 Clear and sunny
2 4/3/15 DP and AB 0850-1100 65-75 0-2 0 Clear and sunny
3 4/17/15 DP and AB 0915-1030 70-72 0 0 Clear and sunny
1DP = Dallas Pugh; AB = Alanna Bennett
The biologists did not observe or detect LBVI. On April 3, 2015 and April 17, 2015, a single
yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia; California Species of Special Concern) was detected within
the riparian forest onsite. Attachment A includes a list of wildlife species detected or observed
during the surveys. Results were also negative for LBVI surveys performed by Dudek across the
entire Big Canyon Nature Preserve (Dudek 2015).
Stacey Love
January 8, 2016
Page 3
I certify that the information in this survey report and attached exhibits fully and accurately represent my
work.
_____________________________________
Dallas Pugh January 8, 2016
Recovery Permit No.: TE-79192A-1
_________________________________________
Alanna Bennett January 8, 2016
Attachments:
Figure 1. USGS Topographic Map
Figure 2. Vegetation Communities Map
Attachment A Bird Species Observed during 2015 Survey
References
Dudek. 2015. Biological Resources Inventory Report for the Big Canyon Nature Park Project, City of
Newport Beach, Orange County, California. Prepared for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2001. Least Bell’s Vireo Survey Guidelines. Carlsbad,
California. January 19, 2001.
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project. D130934 Figure 1Project Vicinity Map
SOURCE: USGS 7.5' Topo Quad Newport Beach, 1977
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Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project. D130934 Figure 2Vegetation Communities Map
SOURCE: ESA, ESRI
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AM, Alkali Meadow (0.10 acre)
CSS, Coastal Sage Scrub (1.53 acres)
DEV, Developed (0.04 acre)
DIST, Disturbed (Trail) (0.40 acre)
NNG, Non-native Grassland (2.83 acres)
ORN, Ornamental (0.78 acre)
SRF, Southern Riparian Forest (4.00 acres)
Stacey Love
January 8, 2016
Page 4
Attachment A
BIRD SPECIES OBSERVED DURING 2015 SURVEYS
Scientific Name Common Name
VERTEBRATES
Birds
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard
Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove
Calypte anna Anna's Hummingbird
Selasphorus sasin Allen's Hummingbird
Picoides nuttallii Nuttall's Woodpecker
Empidonax difficilis Pacific-Slope Flycatcher
Sayornis nigricans Black Phoebe
Myiarchus cinerascens Ash-Throated Flycatcher
Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow
Corvus corax Common Raven
Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit
Regulus calendula Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Dendroica petechia1 Yellow Warbler
Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat
Pipilo maculatus Spotted Towhee
Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow
Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch
Carduelis psaltria Lesser Goldfinch
*Lonchura punctulata Nutmeg Mannikin
*=Non-native 1Special Status: SSC=California Species of Special Concern
APPENDIX F
Plant and Wildlife Species Compendia
1
SPECIES COMPENDIUM
Plant Species Observed Onsite
ANGIOSPERMS-MONOCOTS
Agavaceae - Agave Family Agave americana* Century Plant
Araceae - Arum/Duckweed Family Washingtonia robusta* Mexican Fan Palm
Arecaceae (Palmae) - Palm Family Phoenix canariensis* Canary Island Date Palm
Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Cyperus eragrostis Tall Flatsedge
Schoenoplectus californicus California Bulrush
Poaceae - Grass Family Avena barbata* Slender Oat
Bromus diandrus* Ripgut Grass
Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens* Foxtail Chess, Red Brome
Cortaderia selloana* Selloa Pampas Grass
Crypsis schoenoides* Pricke or Swamp Grass
Distichlis spicata Saltgrass
Elymus condensatus Giant Wild Rye
Festuca myuros* Foxtail Fescue
Hordeum murinum* Barley
Typhaceae - Cattail Family Typha latifolia Broad-leaf Cattail
ANGIOSPERMS-EUDICOTS
Adoxaceae - Adoxa Family Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea Blue Elderberry
Aizoaceae - Fig-Marigold Family
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum* Crystalline Iceplant
Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum* Slender-leaf Iceplant
Tetragonia tetragonioides* New Zealand Spinach
2
Malephora crocea* Croceum iceplant
Anacardiaceae - Sumac or Cashew Family
Schinus terebinthifolius* Brazilian Pepper Tree
Rhus integrifolia Lemonade Berry
Apiaceae - Carrot Family
Conium maculatum* Common Poison Hemlock
Foeniculum vulgare* Fennel
Apium graveolens* Common Celery
Apocynaceae - Dogbane Family Nerium oleander* Oleander
Vinca major* Greater Periwinkle
Araliaceae - Ginseng Family Hedera helix* English Ivy
Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Ambrosia psilostachya Western Ragweed
Artemisia californica California Sagebrush
Artemisia douglasiana Douglas Mugwort
Artemisia dracunculus Tarragon
Baccharis pilularis Chaparral Broom, Coyote Brush
Baccharis salicifolia Mule-Fat, Seep-Willow
Baccharis salicina Willow baccharis
Carduus pycnocephalus* Italian Thistle
Cynara cardunculus* Artichoke Thistle
Glebionis coronarium* Garland Chrysanthemum
Helminthotheca echioides* Prickly Ox Tongue
Osteospermum fruticosum* Trailing African Daisy
Silybum marianum* Milk Thistle
Sonchus asper* Prickly Sow Thistle
Sonchus oleraceus* Common Sow Thistle
Encelia californica California Encelia
Logfia gallica* Narrow-Leaf Cottonrose
3
Boraginaceae - Borage Family Amsinckia menziesii Rancher's Fireweed
Echium candicans* Pride of Madera
Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Brassica nigra* Black Mustard
Brassica rapa* Turnip, Field Mustard
Descurainia pinnata Alkali Western Tansy-Mustard
Hirschfeldia incana* Shortpod Mustard
Lobularia maritima* Sweet Alyssum
Raphanus sativus* Wild Radish
Sisymbrium irio* London Rocket
Sisymbrium orientale* Hare's-Ear Cabbage
Brassica tournefortii* Sahara Mustard
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family Atriplex glauca* Glaucous-leaved saltbush
Chenopodium album* Lamb’s Quarters
Salicornia pacifica Pickleweed
Salsola tragus* Russian Thistle
Cleomaceae - Spiderflower Family Peritoma arborea Bladderpod
Crassulaceae - Stonecrop Family Crassula connata Pygmyweed
Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family Euphorbia peplus* Petty Spurge
Fabaceae - Legume Family Acacia longifolia* Sydney Golden Wattle
Medicago polymorpha* California Burclover
Melilotus indicus* Indian Sweetclover
Frankeniaceae - Alkali Heath Family Frankenia salina Alkali Heath
Geraniaceae - Geranium Family Erodium cicutarium* Red-Stem Filaree
Erodium moschatum* White-Stem Filaree
Geranium carolinianum* Carolina Geranium
Hydrophyllaceae - Waterleaf Family Pholistoma racemosum San Diego Fiesta Flower
Lamiaceae - Mint Family Marrubium vulgare* Horehound
Malvaceae - Mallow Family Malva parviflora* Cheeseweed
4
Myrtaceae - Myrtle Family Eucalyptus spp.* Gum Tree
Oleaceae - Olive Family Fraxinus uhdei* Shamel Ash
Plantaginaceae - Plantago Family Plantago major* Common Plantain
Platanaceae - Sycamore Family Platanus racemosa Western Sycamore
Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Persicaria lapathifolia Willow Smartweed, Willow Weed
Eriogonum fasciculatum California Buckwheat
Rosaceae - Rose Family Rubus sp. Blackberry
Rubiaceae - Madder or Coffee Family Galium aparine Common Bedstraw
Salicaceae - Willow Family Salix lasiolepis Arroyo Willow
Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family Myoporum laetum* Myoporum
Solanaceae - Nightshade Family Lycium californicum Coast Desert-Thorn
Solanum americanum White Nightshade
Tropaeolaceae - Nasturtium Family Tropaeolum majus* Garden Nasturtium
Urticaceae - Nettle Family Hesperocnide tenella Western Nettle
Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis* Stinging Nettle
Urtica urens* Dwarf Nettle
*Non-native species
5
Wildlife Species Observed Onsite
Doves and Sandgrouse: Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae (Doves and Pigeons)
Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove
Ducks, Geese: Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae (Ducks)
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard
Raptors: Order Falconiformes
Family Accipitridae (Hawks, Kites, and Eagles)
Accipiter cooperii Cooper's Hawk
Songbirds: Order Passeriformes
Family Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)
Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit
Family Corvidae (Jays and Crows)
Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow
Family Emberizidae, Subfamily Emberizinae (New World Sparrows and Relatives)
Passerella (Melospiza) melodia Song Sparrow
Pipilo crissalis California Towhee
Pipilo maculatus Spotted Towhee
Family Emberizidae, Subfamily Parulinae (New World Warblers)
Dendroica coronata Yellow-Rumped Warbler
6
Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler
Geothlypis trichas Yellowthroat
Family Fringillidae (Finches)
Carduelis psaltria Lesser Goldfinch
Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch
Spinus tristis American Goldfinch
Family Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
Passer domesticus House Sparrow
Family Regulidae (Kinglets)
Regulus calendula Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Family Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
Empidonax difficilis Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Myiarchus cinerascens Ash-throated Flycatcher
Sayornis nigricans Black Phoebe
Swifts and Hummingbirds: Order Apodiformes
Family Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Calypte anna Anna's Hummingbird
Selasphorus sasin Allen's Hummingbird
Woodpeckers and Relatives: Order Piciformes
Family Picidae (Woodpeckers, Piculets, and Wrynecks)
Colaptes auratus Northern Flicker
Picoides nuttallii Nuttall's Woodpecker
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APPENDIX G
Potentially Occurring Species
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1
SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ONSITE
Species
Status1
Federal/State,
CRPR/County Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Red sand-verbena
(Abronia maritima)
--/4.2/Not covered Annual herb found in sandy soils within coastal
dunes. Blooming period from January - September.
Occurs at elevations of 0 – 100 m.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Chaparral sand-verbena
(Abronia villosa var. aurita)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Found in sandy areas, chaparral, desert dunes, and
coastal scrub habitats from 75 – 1600 m elevation.
Blooming period is January – September.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Aphanisma
(Aphanisma blitodes)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Annual herb found in coastal bluff scrub, costal
dunes, and coastal scrub; sandy soils. Blooming
period is March – June and found at elevations from 1
- 305 m.
Low. Very limited, low quality
habitat is present on-site or within
the immediate vicinity. Required
soils are not present.
San Diego sagewort
(Artemisia palmeri)
--/4.2/Not covered Perennial deciduous herb found in chaparral, coastal
scrub, riparian forest, riparian scrub, and riparian
woodland; sandy, mesic soils at 15 – 915 m elevation.
Blooming period is February – September.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present onsite or within
the immediate vicinity.
Braunton’s milk-vetch
(Astragalus brauntonii)
FE/1B.1/Not
covered
Perennial herb found in recently burned or disturbed
areas usually within sandstone with carbonate layers.
Habitats include chaparral, coastal scrub, and valley
and foothill grassland. Blooming period is August –
January; occurs at 4 – 640 m elevation.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required
substrates are not present.
Coulter’s saltbush
(Atriplex coulteri)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Found on alkaline or clay substrate within coastal bluff
scrub, coastal dune, coastal scrub and valley and
foothill grassland habitats. Blooming period is March –
October. Occurs at elevations from 3 - 460 m.
High. Suitable habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity. One previously recorded
occurrence was identified near
the mouth of San Diego Creek.
South Coast saltscale
(Atriplex pacifica)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Found within chenopod scrub, coastal bluff and
coastal scrub habitats. Blooming period is March –
October. Occurs at elevations up to 140 m.
High. Suitable habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity.
Parish’s brittescale
(Atriplex parishii)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Found in alkali meadows, vernal pools, playas and
chenopod scrub. Associated with alkaline soils.
Blooming period is June – October. Occurs at 25 –
1900 m elevation.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within
the immediate vicinity.
Davidson’s saltscale
(Atriplex serenana var.
davidsonii)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Found on alkaline substrate within coastal bluff scrub
and coastal scrub habitats. Blooming period is from
April – October and occurs at elevations from 10 - 200
m.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Malibu baccharis
(Baccharis malibuensis)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Perennial deciduous shrub found in chaparral,
cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, and riparian
woodland. Blooms in August and occurs at 150 – 305
m elevation.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Elevation
constraints further limit suitability.
Thread-leaved brodiaea
(Brodiaea filifolia)
FT/SE, 1B.1/Not
covered
Found on clay substrate within chaparral, cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill
habitats. Microhabitats for the species include playas
and vernal pools. Blooming period is March – June
and occurs at elevations from 25 - 1120 m.
Unlikely. Required soils are not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity; suitable habitat
is limited.
Brewer’s calandrinia
(Calandrinia breweri)
--/4.2/Not covered Annual herb occurs in chaparral and coastal scrub;
often found in disturbed or burned areas in sandy or
loamy soils. Blooming period is March – June and
occurs at elevations from 10 – 1220 m.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within
the immediate vicinity.
Catalina mariposa lily
(Calochortus catalinae)
--/4.2/Covered Occurs in heavy soils in chaparral, cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub and valley and foothill
grassland below 700 m. When occurring on slopes, it
is usually associated with coastal scrub vegetation.
Blooming period is February – June.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
2
Species
Status1
Federal/State,
CRPR/County Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Plummer’s mariposa lily
(Calochortus plummerae)
--/4.2/Not covered Found in coastal scrub, chaparral, valley and foothill
grasslands, cismontane woodlands and lower
montane coniferous forests; occurs on rocky or sandy
soils, usually of alluvial or granitic material; common
after fire. Blooming period is May – July; occurs at
elevations of 100 – 1700 m.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
Intermediate mariposa lily
(Calochortus weedii var.
intermedius)
--/1B.2/Covered Found in coastal scrub, chaparral, and valley and
foothill grassland on dry, rocky open slopes and rock
outcrops. Blooming period is May – July and occurs at
elevations of 120 - 850 m.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Elevation constraints further limit
suitability.
Lewis’ evening primrose
(Camissoniopsis lewisii)
--/3/Not covered Annual herb found in sandy or clay soils in
cismontane woodlands, valley and foothill grasslands,
coastal dunes, and coastal scrub. Blooming period is
March – June and occurs at elevations of 0 - 300 m.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
Southern tarplant
(Centromadia parryi ssp.
australis)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Found in the margins of marshes and swamps,
vernally mesic valley and foothill grasslands, and
vernal pool habitats. This species is commonly found
in disturbed areas, in relatively close proximity to a
seasonal or perennial water source. Blooming period
is May – November; occurs at elevations up to 425 m.
High. Ideal habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate
vicinity. Three occurrences have
previously been reported adjacent
to Peters Canyon Channel and
San Diego Creek.
Orcutt’s pincushion
(Chaenactis glabriuscula
var. orcuttiana)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Found in coastal bluff scrub and coastal dunes, on
sandy sites at elevations of 3 -100 m. Blooming
period is January – August.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Salt marsh bird’s-beak
(Chloropyron maritimum
ssp. maritimum
FE/SE, 1B.2/Not
covered
Found within coastal dune, salt marsh, and swamp
habitats, at elevations up to1400 m. Blooming period
is May – October.
Low. Very limited, low quality
habitat is present on-site or within
the immediate vicinity.
San Fernando Valley
spineflower
(Chorizanthe parryi var.
fernandina)
FC/SE, 1B.1/Not
covered
Annual herb found within sandy coastal scrub and
valley and foothill grassland. Blooming period is April
– July; occurs at 150 – 1220 m elevation.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Elevation
constraints further limit suitability.
Long-spined spineflower
(Chorizanthe
polygonoides var.
longispina)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Annual herb found in chaparral, coastal scrub,
meadows, valley and foothill grassland in gabbroic
clay soils from 30 – 1530 m elevation. Blooming
period is April – July.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
Seaside cistanthe
(Cistanthe maritima)
--/4.2/Not covered Annual herb found in coastal bluff scrub, coastal
scrub, and valley and foothill grassland in sandy soils.
Blooming period is February – August; occurs at 5 –
300 m elevation.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
Summer holly
(Comarostaphylis
diversifolia ssp.
diversifolia)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Perennial evergreen shrub found in chaparral and
cismontane woodland. Blooming period is April –
June and is found at elevations of 30 – 790 m.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Small-flowered morning-
glory (Convolvulus
simulans)
--/4.2/Not covered Annual herb found in clay, serpentine seeps in
chaparral, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill
grassland. Occurs from 30 – 700 m in elevation and
blooming period is March – July.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
Paniculate tarplant
(Deinandra paniculata)
--/4.2/Not covered Annual herb found in coastal scrub, valley and foothill
grassland, and vernal pools from 25 – 940 m
elevation. Blooming period is April – November.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Western dichondra
(Dichondra occidentalis)
--/4.2/Covered Perennial rhizomatous herb in chaparral, cismontane
woodlands, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill
grasslands. Occurring at 20 – 500 m elevation.
Blooming period is January – July.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
3
Species
Status1
Federal/State,
CRPR/County Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Slender-horned spineflower
(Dodecahema leptoceras)
FE/SE, 1B.1/Not
covered
Sandy soils of alluvial origin in chaparral, cismontane
woodland, alluvial fan coastal scrub maintained by
infrequent flooding. Occurs at elevations of 200 – 760
m. Blooming period is April – June.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Elevation constraints further limit
suitability.
Many-stemmed dudleya
(Dudleya multicaulis)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Found on clay substrate within chaparral, coastal
scrub and valley and grassland habitats. Blooming
period is April – July; occurs at elevations from 15 -
790 m.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Laguna Beach dudleya
(Dudleya stolonifera)
FT/ST,
1B.1/Covered
Found on rocky substrate within chaparral,
cismontane woodland, coastal scrub and valley and
grassland habitats at elevations from10 to 260 m.
Blooming period is May - July.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Small spikerush
(Eleocharis parvula)
--/--/4.3/Not
covered
Perennial herb found in marshes and swamps at 1 –
3,020 m. Blooming period is April – September.
Moderate. Limited habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Santa Ana River woollystar
(Eriastrum densifolium
ssp. sanctorum)
FE/SE, 1B.1/Not
covered
Perennial herb found in chaparral or coastal scrub
habitats (alluvial fans); sandy or gravelly soil.
Blooming period is April – September; occurs at
elevations from 90 – 610 m.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
San Diego button-celery
(Eryngium aristulatum var.
parishii)
FE/SE, 1B.1/Not
covered
Found in vernal pools, coastal scrub, valley and
foothill grassland. San Diego mesa hardpan and
claypan vernal pools and southern interior basal flow
vernal pools, usually surrounded by scrub at
elevations of 15-620 m.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Cliff spurge
(Euphorbia misera)
--/2B.2/Covered Perennial shrub found in coastal bluff scrub, coastal
scrub, and Mojavean desert scrub; rocky soils.
Blooming period is December – October and occurs
at elevations of 10 – 500 m.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
Palmer’s grapplinghook
(Harpagonella palmeri)
--/4.2/Covered Annual herb found in chaparral, coastal scrub, and
valley and foothill grassland; clay soils at 20 – 955 m
elevation. Blooming period is March - May.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
Los Angeles sunflower
(Helianthus nuttallii var.
parishii)
--/1A/Not covered Perennial rhizomatous herb occurs in coastal salt and
freshwater marshes and swamps. Blooming period is
August – October and occurs at 10 – 1675 m
elevation.
Unlikely. Very limited habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Species has
not been observed since 1937.
Tecate cypress
(Hesperocyparis forbesii)
--/1B.1/Covered Occurs within closed-cone coniferous forest or
chaparral. Primarily on north-facing slopes; groves
often associated with chaparral; clay or gabbro soils
at 80-1500 m elevation.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Gowen cypress
(Hesperocyparis goveniana)
FT/1B.2/Not
covered
Perennial evergreen tree found in closed-cone
coniferous forest and maritime chaparral. Occurs at
elevations of 30 – 300 m.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Vernal barley
(Hordeum intercedens)
--/3.2/Not covered Annual herb found in coastal dunes, coastal scrub,
valley and foothill grassland (saline flats and
depressions) and vernal pools. Occurs from 5 – 1000
m elevation; blooming period is March – June.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Mesa horkelia
(Horkelia cuneata ssp.
puberula)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Perennial herb found in chaparral, cismontane
woodland and coastal scrub habitats; found in
gravelly or sandy sites from 70 – 810 m elevation.
Blooming period is February - September.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
Decumbent goldenbush
(Isocoma menziesii var.
decumbens)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Perennial shrub that occurs in chaparral and coastal
scrub; sandy soils (often within disturbed areas).
Blooming period is April – November and occurs at 10
– 135 m elevation.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
4
Species
Status1
Federal/State,
CRPR/County Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Southern Cal. black walnut
(Juglans californica)
--/4.2/Not covered Perennial deciduous tree found in chaparral,
cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub (alluvial) at
elevations of 50 – 900 m. Blooming period is March –
August.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Southwestern spiny rush
(Juncus acutus ssp.
leopoldii)
--/4.2/Not covered Perennial rhizomatous herb found in coastal dunes
(mesic), meadows and seeps (alkaline seeps), and
marshes and swamps (coastal salt). Occurs from 3 –
900 m elevation; blooming period is March – June.
High. Suitable habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity. This species has been
observed in the immediate vicinity
of the Project.
Coulter’s goldfields
(Lasthenia glabrata ssp.
coulteri)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Found in wetland habitats. Microhabitats include
playas and vernal pools at elevations up to 1220 m.
Blooming period is February - June .
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Required soils
are not present.
Heart-leaved pitcher sage
(Lepechinia cardiophylla)
--/1B.2/Covered Perennial shrub occurring within closed-cone
coniferous forests, chaparral, and cismontane
woodland at 520 – 1370 m elevation. Blooming period
is April – July.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Elevation
constraints further limit suitability.
Robinson’s pepper-grass
(Lepidium virginicum var.
robinsonii)
--/4.3/Not covered Found within chaparral and coastal scrub habitats at
elevations up to 885 m. Blooming period is January –
July.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Oscillated Humboldt lily
(Lilium humboldtii ssp.
ocellatum)
--/4.2/Not covered Occurs in openings in chaparral, cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous
forest, riparian woodland at 30 - 1800 m in elevation.
Blooming period is March – August.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within
the immediate vicinity.
California box-thorn
(Lycium californicum)
--/4.2/Not covered Perennial shrub found in coastal bluff scrub and
coastal scrub at 5 – 150 m elevation. Blooming period
is December – August.
High. Suitable habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity. This species has been
observed in the immediate vicinity
of the Project.
Cliff malacothrix
(Malocothrix saxatillis var.
saxatillis)
--/4.2/Not covered Perennial rhizomatous herb found in coastal bluff
scrub and coastal scrub at 3 – 200 m elevation.
Blooming period is March – September.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Small-flowered microseris
(Microseris douglasii ssp.
platycarpha)
--/4.2/Not covered Annual herb found in cismontane woodland, coastal
scrub, valley and foothill grassland, and vernal pools;
clay soils. Occurs at elevations of 15 – 1070 m;
blooming period is March – May.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Intermediate monardella
(Monardella hypoleuca
ssp. intermedia)
--/1B.3/Not
covered
Perennial rhizomatous herb occurs in chaparral,
cismontane woodland, and lower montane coniferous
forest (sometimes). Often in steep, brushy areas at
elevations of 400 -1250 m. Blooming period is April –
September.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Elevation
constraints further limit suitability.
Mud nama
(Nama stenocarpum)
--/2B.2/Not
covered
Found along freshwater lake margins, riverbanks,
marshes and swamps. Blooming period is January –
July; occurs at elevations from 5 -500 m.
Low. Very limited habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Gambel’s water cress
(Nasturtium gambelii)
FE/ST, 1B.1/Not
covered
Perennial rhizomatous herb found in marshes and
swamps (freshwater or brackish). Blooming period is
April – October; found at elevations of 5 - 330 m.
Low. Very limited habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Prostrate navarretia
(Navarretia prostrata)
--/1B.1/Not
covered
Annual herb associated with coastal scrub, valley and
foothill grassland, vernal pools from 15 – 1210 m
elevation. Blooming period is from April – July.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Coast woolly-heads
(Nemacaulis denudata
var. denudata)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Annual herb found in coastal dunes. Blooming period
lasts from April – September and occurs up to 100 m
elevation.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
5
Species
Status1
Federal/State,
CRPR/County Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
Chaparral Nolina
(Nolina cismontana)
--/--/1B.2/Not
covered
Found in chaparral and coastal scrub primarily on
sandstone and shale substrates, also known from
gabbro, at elevations of 140-1275 m. Blooming period
is March – July.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Elevation constraints further limit
suitability.
California beardtongue
(Penstemon californicus)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Perennial herb found in chaparral, lower montane
coniferous forest, and pinyon and juniper woodlands;
sandy soil. Blooming period is May – August; occurs
at 1170 – 2300 m elevation.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Elevation
constraints further limit suitability.
Allen’s pentachaeta
(Pentachaeta aurea ssp.
allenii)
--/--/1B.1/Not
covered
Annual herb found in coastal scrub openings and
valley and foothill grasslands. Blooming period is
March – June; occurs at 75 – 520 m elevation.
Low. Low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
S. coast branching phacelia
(Phacelia ramosissima
var. austrolitoralis)
--/3.2/Not covered Perennial herb found in chaparral, coastal dunes,
coastal scrub, and coastal saltwater marshes and
swamps; sandy, sometimes rocky, soil. Blooming
period is March – August and grows at elevations of 5
– 300 m.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Woolly chaparral-pea
(Pickeringia montana var.
tomentosa)
--/4.3/Not covered Evergreen shrub found in gabbroic, granitic and clay
soils within chaparral habitats at 0 – 1700 m
elevation. Blooming period is May – August.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat and
soils are not present on-site or
within the immediate vicinity.
Fish's milkwort
(Polygala cornuta var.
fishiae)
--/2B.2/Not
covered
Perennial deciduous shrub found in chaparral,
cismontane woodland, and riparian woodland. Occurs
from 100 – 1000 m elevation; blooming period is May
– August.
Low. Limited habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity.
White rabbit-tobacco
(Pseudognaphalium
leucocephalum)
--/2B.2/Not
covered
Found within riparian woodland, coastal scrub and
chaparral habitats. Blooming period is August -
November and occurs at elevations up to 1400 m.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within
the immediate vicinity.
Nuttall’s scrub oak
(Quercus dumosa)
--/1B.1/Covered Perennial evergreen shrub found in close-cone
coniferous forest, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub;
sandy, clay loam soil. Blooming period is February –
August and occurs at 15 – 400 m elevation.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Coulter's matilija poppy
(Romneya coulteri)
--/4.2/Covered Perennial rhizomatous herb that occurs in chaparral
and coastal scrub, often prevalent after a fire. Found
at elevations of 20 – 1200 m. Blooming period is
March – July.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Sanford’s arrowhead
(Sagittaria sanfordii)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Perennial rhizomatous herb that occurs in marshes
and swamps (assorted shallow freshwater). Occurs at
elevations up to 650 m. Blooming period is May –
November.
Low. Limited habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity.
Chaparral ragwort
(Senecio aphanactis)
--/2B.2/Not
covered
Annual herb found in chaparral, cismontane
woodland, and coastal scrub; soil is sometimes
alkaline. Blooming period is January – April and
occurs at 15 – 800 m elevation.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Salt spring checkerbloom
(Sidalcea neomexicana)
--/2B.2/Not
covered
Perennial herb found in chaparral, coastal scrub,
lower montane coniferous forest, Mojavean desert
scrub, and playas; alkaline, mesic soils. Blooming
period is March – June and occurs at 15 to 1530 m
elevation.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Estuary seablite
(Suaeda esteroa)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Perennial herb found in coastal salt marshes and
swamps. Blooming period runs May – January.
Occurs at sea level (up to 5 m elevation).
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site. Known to occur
in nearby salt marsh near Back
Bay Drive.
6
Species
Status1
Federal/State,
CRPR/County Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
San Bernardino aster
(Symphyotrichum
defoliatum)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Perennial rhizomatous herb found near ditches,
streams, and springs in cismontane woodland,
coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest,
meadows and seeps, marshes and swamps, and
valley and foothill grassland. Occurs from 2 – 2040 m
elevation; blooming period occurs July – November.
Low. Limited habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity.
Big-leaved crownbeard
(Verbesina dissita)
--/1B.2/Not
covered
Found within chaparral and coastal scrub habitats.
Blooming period is April - July and occurs at
elevations from 145 - 205 m.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat
is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Elevation
constraints further limit suitability.
1 Description of status codes:
FE = Listed as endangered under the FESA
FT = Listed as threatened under the FESA
SE = Listed as endangered under the CESA
ST= Listed as threatened under the CESA
CRPR = California Rare Plant Rank (CNPS, 2014)
CRPR 1B.1 = Seriously threatened in California and elsewhere
CRPR 1B.2 = Fairly threatened in California and elsewhere
CRPR 1B.3 = Not very threatened in California and elsewhere
CRPR 2B.2 = Fairly threatened in California, but more common elsewhere
CRPR 4.2 = Fairly threatened in California, placed on a watch-list due to limited distribution throughout its range
CRPR 4.3 = Plant of limited distribution, not very threatened in California
Covered = Covered under the Orange County NCCP/HCP
Not covered = Not covered under the Orange County NCCP/HCP
7
SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES WITH POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ONSITE
Species
Status1
Federal/State/County Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur
CRUSTACEANS
San Diego fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta sandiegonensis)
FE/--/Covered
Known to occur in areas of swales/earth
slump basins in grassland, chaparral and
coastal sage scrub. Inhabit seasonally wet
pools filled by winter/spring rains. Hatch in
warm water later in the season.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Riverside fairy shrimp
(Streptocephalus woottoni)
FE/--/Covered Known to occur in areas of swales/earth
slump basins in grassland, chaparral and
coastal sage scrub. Inhabit seasonally wet
pools filled by winter/spring rains. Hatch in
warm water later in the season.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
FISH
Santa Ana sucker
(Catostomus santaanae)
FT/SC/Not covered Habitat generalists, but prefer sand-rubble-
boulder bottoms, cool, clear water, & algae.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Tidewater goby
(Eucyclogobius newberryi)
FE/SC/Not covered Found in shallow brackish water habitats,
lagoons and lower stream reaches.
Require fairly still but not stagnant water &
high oxygen levels.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Arroyo chub
(Gila orcuttii)
--/SC/Not covered Prefers slow water stream sections with
muddy or sandy bottoms. Feeds on aquatic
vegetation, insects, and associated
invertebrates.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Santa Ana speckled dace
(Rhinichthys osculus)
--/SC/Not covered Requires permanent flowing streams with
summer water temps of 17-20 C. Usually
inhabits shallow cobble and gravel riffles.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. May be extirpated
from the Los Angeles River system.
AMPHIBIANS
Arroyo toad
(Anaxyrus californicus)
FE/SC/Covered Perennial flowing rivers, streams, and
creeks with sandy banks and slow flowing
shallow gravel lined pools lined with
riparian vegetation such as willow,
cottonwoods and sycamores.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Northern leopard frog
(Lithobates pipiens)
--/SC/Not covered Near permanent or semi-permanent water
in a variety of habitats. Highly aquatic
species. Shoreline cover, submerged and
emergent aquatic vegetation are important
habitat characteristics.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Western spadefoot
(Spea hammondii)
--/SC/Not covered Prefers open areas with sandy or gravelly
soils, in a variety of habitats including
mixed woodlands, grasslands, chaparral,
sandy washes, lowlands, river floodplains,
alluvial fans, playas, alkali flats, foothills,
and mountains. Rain pools or shallow
temporary pools, which do not contain
bullfrogs, fish, or crayfish are necessary for
breeding.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Coast Range newt
(Taricha torosa)
--/SC/Not covered Known to occur in cismontane forest or
valley and foothill grassland habitats.
Microhabitats include moist areas,
commonly near drainages and seeps.
Low. Low quality habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity.
8
REPTILES
Orange-throated whiptail
(Aspidoscelis hyperythra)
--/SC/Covered Species requires intact habitat within
chaparral, cismontane woodland and
coastal scrub plant communities. Prefers
washes & other sandy areas with patches
of brush & rocks. Perennial plants
necessary for its major food-termites.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Coast whiptail
(Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri)
--/--/Covered Found in deserts and semi-arid areas with
sparse vegetation; also found in woodland
and riparian areas.
Low. Limited habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate vicinity.
Rosy boa
(Charina trivirgata)
--/--/Covered Found in desert and chaparral, from the
coast to the Mojave and Colorado deserts,
prefers moderate to dense vegetation and
rocky cover.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Red-diamond rattlesnake
(Crotalus ruber)
--/SC/Covered Known to occur in chaparral, Mojavean
desert scrub and Sonoran desert scrub
communities. Occurs in rocky areas &
dense vegetation. Needs rodent burrows,
cracks in rocks or surface cover objects.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Western pond turtle
(Emys marmorata)
--/SC/Not covered Known to occur in slow-moving permanent
or intermittent streams, ponds, small lakes,
reservoirs with emergent basking sites;
adjacent uplands used during winter.
Moderate. Suitable but low quality
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Coast horned lizard
(Phrynosoma blainvillii)
--/SC/Covered Known to occur in sandy washes with
within chaparral or coastal scrub habitat.
Requires loose soil for burial and abundant
supply of harvester ants.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Coast patch-nosed snake
(Salvadora hexalepis virgultea)
--/SC/Not covered Occur in coastal scrub in coastal Southern
California. Require small mammal burrows
for refuge and overwintering sites.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Two-striped garter snake
(Thamnophis hammondii)
--/SC/Not covered Habitat includes marsh and swamp,
riparian scrub, riparian woodland, and
wetland. Highly aquatic, found in or near
permanent fresh water. Often along
streams with rocky beds and riparian
growth.
Moderate. Suitable but low quality
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
BIRDS
Cooper’s hawk
(Accipiter cooperii)
--/WL/Not covered Found in riparian areas, and open
woodlands, chiefly of open, interrupted or
marginal type. Nests in riparian growths of
deciduous trees and live oak woodlands.
Present. This species was observed
on-site during 2015 biological
surveys.
Sharp-shinned hawk
(Accipiter striatus)
--/WL/Covered Ponderosa pine, black oak, riparian
deciduous, mixed conifer & Jeffrey pine
habitats. Prefers riparian areas. This
species does not nest in coastal California.
High. Suitable foraging habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Observed within
Project vicinity during 2003 surveys.
Southern California rufous-
crowned sparrow
(Aimophila ruficeps
canescens)
--/WL/Covered Known to frequent relatively steep, often
rocky hillsides with grass and forb species.
Resident in southern California coastal
sage scrub and mixed chaparral.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Grasshopper sparrow
(Ammodramus savannarum)
--/SC/Not covered Known to occur in dense grasslands on
rolling hills, lowland plains, in valleys & on
hillsides on lower mountain slopes. Favors
native grasslands with a mix of grasses,
forbs & scattered shrubs.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Great blue heron
(Ardea herodias)
--/--/Not covered Colonial nester in tall trees, cliffsides, and
sequestered spots on marshes. Rookery
sites in close proximity to foraging areas:
marshes, lake margins, tide-flats, rivers
and streams, wet meadows.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. However, nesting
habitat is very limited; not expected
to nest in Project vicinity.
9
Long-eared owl
(Asio otus)
--/SC/Not covered Riparian bottomlands grown to tall willows
& cottonwoods; also, belts of live oak
paralleling stream courses. Require
adjacent open land productive of mice and
the presence of old nests of crows, hawks,
or magpies for breeding.
Low. Limited, fragmented habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Burrowing owl
(Athene cunicularia)
BCC/SC/Not covered Known to occur within open, dry annual or
perennial grasslands, deserts, and
scrublands characterized by low-growing
vegetation. A subterranean nester
dependent upon burrowing mammals,
particularly the California ground squirrel.
Low. Low quality habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity.
Ferruginous hawk
(Buteo regalis)
BCC/SC/Not covered Found in open grasslands, sagebrush flats,
desert scrub, low foothills and fringes of
pinyon-juniper habitats. Also documented
in dry and irrigated croplands. This species
does not nest in Southern California.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Swainson’s hawk
(Buteo swainsoni)
BCC/ST/Not covered Breed in desert, shrub steppe, agricultural,
and grassland habitats. Nests in a variety
of tree species in existing riparian forests,
remnant riparian trees, shade trees at
residences and alongside roads, planted
windbreaks, and solitary upland oaks.
Typically do not nest in large continuous
patches of woodland other than along
edges next to open habitats. This species
does not nest in coastal California.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Coastal cactus wren
(Campylorhynchus
brunneicapillus cousei)
BCC/SC/Covered Known to occur in coastal scrub habitats;
requires stands of prickly pear or cholla
cactus for nesting and roosting.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Vaux’s swift
(Chaetura vauxi)
--/SC/Not covered Redwood, Douglas-fir, and other
coniferous forests. Nests in large hollow
trees & snags. Often nests in flocks.
Forages over most terrains & habitats but
shows a preference for foraging over rivers
and lakes.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Western snowy plover
(Charadrius alexandrinus
nivosus)
FT, BCC/SC/Not
covered
Will nest beside or near tidal waters, and
includes all nesting colonies on the
mainland coast, peninsulas, offshore
islands, adjacent bays and estuaries
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Northern harrier
(Circus cyaneus)
--/SC/Covered Coastal salt & fresh-water marsh. Nest &
forage in grasslands, from salt grass in
desert sink to mountain cienagas. Nests
on ground in shrubby vegetation, usually at
marsh edge; nest built of a large mound of
sticks in wet areas.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Observed within
Project vicinity during 2003 surveys.
However, nesting habitat is very
limited and low quality; not expected
to nest in Project vicinity.
White-tailed kite
(Elanus leucurus)
--/FP/Not covered Rolling foothills and valley margins with
scattered oaks and river bottomlands or
marshes next to deciduous woodland.
Open grasslands, meadows, or marshes
for foraging close to isolated, dense-topped
trees for nesting and perching.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Observed within
Project vicinity during 2003 surveys.
Southwestern willow flycatcher
(Empidonax traillii extimus)
FE/SE/Covered Breeds in dense willow-dominated riparian
habitat near open water.
Low. Suitable habitat is not present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity.
California horned lark
(Eremophila alpestris actia)
--/WL/Not covered Known to occur within the vicinity of marine
intertidal and splash zone communities,
short-grass prairie, "bald" hills, mountain
meadows, open coastal plains, fallow grain
fields, alkali flats, and seeps.
Low. Limited habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate vicinity.
10
Merlin
(Falco columbarius)
--/WL/Not covered Seacoast, tidal estuaries, open woodlands,
savannahs, edges of grasslands & deserts,
farms & ranches. Clumps of trees or
windbreaks are required for roosting in
open country.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Observed within
Project vicinity during 2003 surveys.
However, nesting habitat is very
limited; not expected to nest in
Project vicinity.
Bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucephalus)
DE, BCC/SE, FP/Not
covered
Found along open shore, lake margins,
and rivers for both nesting and wintering,
usually nests within 1 mile of water. Nests
in large, old-growth, or dominant live tree
w/open branches, especially ponderosa
pine.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Yellow-breasted chat
(Icteria virens)
--/SC/Not covered Known to occur within riparian forest, scrub
and woodland habitats.
High. Suitable habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate vicinity.
Least bittern
(Ixobrychus exilis)
BCC/SC/Not covered Colonial nester in marshlands and borders
of ponds and reservoirs which provide
ample cover. Nests usually placed low in
tules, over water.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Loggerhead shrike
(Lanius ludovicianus)
BCC/SC/Not covered Broken woodlands, savannah, pinyon-
juniper, Joshua tree, & riparian woodlands,
and desert oases, scrub & washes. Prefers
open country for hunting, with perches for
scanning, and fairly dense shrubs and
brush for nesting.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
California black rail
(Laterallus jamaicensis
coturniculus)
BCC/ST, FP/Not
covered
Known to occur in brackish and freshwater
marshes. Inhabits riparian thickets of
willow & other brushy tangles near
watercourses. Needs water depths of
about 1 inch that do not fluctuate during
the year & dense vegetation for nesting
habitat.
Low. Very limited habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity.
Osprey
(Pandion haliaetus)
--/WL/Not covered Ocean shore, bays, fresh-water lakes, and
larger streams. Large nests built in tree-
tops within 15 miles of a good fish-
producing body of water.
High. Suitable habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate vicinity.
Observed within Project vicinity
during 2003 surveys. Nesting could
occur in the area.
Belding’s savannah sparrow
(Passerculus sandwichensis
beldingi)
--/SE/Not covered Inhabits coastal salt marshes. Nests in
pickleweed on and about margins of tidal
flats.
Low. Very limited habitat is present
on-site or within the immediate
vicinity.
California brown pelican
(Pelecanus occidentalis
californicus)
--/FP/Not covered Colonial nester on coastal islands just
outside the surf line. Nests on coastal
islands of small to moderate size which
afford immunity from attack by ground-
dwelling predators. Roosts communally.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Coastal California gnatcatcher
(Polioptila californica californica)
FT/SC/covered Species is an obligate, permanent resident
of coastal sage scrub in southern
California. Low, coastal sage scrub in arid
washes, on mesas and slopes.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Light-footed clapper rail
(Rallus longirostris levipes)
FE/SE, FP/Not
covered
Found in salt marshes traversed by tidal
sloughs, where cordgrass and pickleweed
are the dominant vegetation. Requires
dense growth of either pickleweed or
cordgrass for nesting or escape cover;
feeds on molluscs and crustaceans.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Bank swallow
(Riparia riparia)
--/ST/Not covered Colonial nester; nests primarily in riparian
and other lowland habitats west of the
desert. Requires vertical banks/cliffs with
fine-textured/sandy soils near streams,
rivers, lakes, ocean to dig nesting hole.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
11
Yellow warbler
(Setophaga petechia)
BCC/SC/Not covered Riparian plant associations in close
proximity to water. Frequently found
nesting and foraging in willow shrubs and
thickets, and in other riparian plants
including cottonwoods, sycamores, ash,
and alders.
Present. This species was observed
on-site during 2015 biological
surveys.
California least tern
(Sternula antillarum browni)
FE/SE, FP/Not
covered
Known to occur in alkali playas and coastal
dune and beach habitats. Colonial breeder
on bare or sparsely vegetated, flat
substrates: sand beaches, alkali flats,
landfills, or paved areas.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Least Bell’s vireo
(Vireo bellii pusillus)
FE/SE/Covered Known to occur in riparian forest, scrub,
and woodland habitats. Nests primarily in
willow, baccharis, or mesquite habitats.
High. Suitable habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate vicinity.
MAMMALS
Southern California saltmarsh
shrew
(Sorex ornatus salicornicus)
--/SC/Not covered Known to occur in salt marsh habitat within
Southern California. Requires dense
vegetation and woody debris for cover.
Moderate. Suitable but limited
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Pallid bat
(Antrozous pallidus)
--/SC/Not covered Known to occur in a wide variety of
habitats including deserts, grasslands,
shrublands, woodlands & forests. Most
common in open, dry habitats with rocky
areas for roosting; particularly associated
with buildings and bridges.
High. Suitable habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate vicinity.
Mexican long-tongued bat
(Choeronycteris mexicana)
--/SC/Not covered Typically restricted to pinyon-juniper
woodland, riparian scrub and Sonoran
thorn woodland habitats. Roosts in
relatively well-lit caves, and in and around
buildings.
Low. Limited habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate vicinity.
Spotted bat
(Euderma maculatum)
--/SC/Not covered Occupies a wide variety of habitats from
arid deserts and grasslands through mixed
conifer forests. Feeds over water and
along washes. Feeds almost entirely on
moths. Needs rock crevices in cliffs or
caves for roosting.
Low. Very limited foraging habitat is
on-site or within the immediate
vanity. Roosting habitat not present
on-site.
Western mastiff bat
(Eumops perotis californicus)
--/SC/Not covered Known to occur throughout California and
occupies a wide variety of habitats
including grasslands, shrublands,
cismontane woodland’s; most common in
open, dry habitats with rocky areas for
roosting.
Low. Suitable but limited foraging
habitat is present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity. Roosting habitat
not present on-site
Hoary bat
(Lasiurus cinerus)
--/--/Not covered Prefers open habitats or habitat mosaics,
with access to trees for cover & open areas
or habitat edges for feeding. Roosts in
dense foliage of medium to large trees.
Feeds primarily on moths. Requires water.
High. Suitable habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate vicinity.
Yuma myotis
(Myotis yumanensis)
--/--/Not covered This species is typically associated with a
nearby water source. Maternity colonies
are found in buildings, under bridges, and
in mines and caves.
High. Suitable habitat is present on-
site or within the immediate vicinity.
Big free-tailed bat
(Nyctinomops macrotis)
--/SC/Not covered Inhabit low-lying, arid areas with high cliffs
or rocky outcrops for roosting sites. Feeds
principally on large moths.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Dulzura pocket mouse
(Chaetodipus californicus
femoralis)
--/SC/Not covered Variety of habitats including coastal scrub,
chaparral, and grassland. Attracted to
grass-chaparral edges.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
San Diego desert woodrat
(Neotoma lepida lepida)
--/SC/Not covered Known to occur in coastal scrub. Moderate
to dense canopies preferred. They are
particularly abundant in rock outcrops &
rocky cliffs & slopes.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
12
Southern grasshopper mouse
(Onychomys torridus ramona)
--/SC/Not covered Found in chenopod scrub. Desert areas,
especially scrub habitats with friable soils
for digging. Prefers low to moderate shrub
cover.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Los Angeles pocket mouse
(Perognathus longimembris
brevinasus)
--/SC/Not covered Lower elevation grasslands & coastal sage
communities. Open ground with fine sandy
soils. May not dig extensive burrows,
hiding under weeds & dead leaves instead.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
Pacific pocket mouse
(Perognathus longimembris
pacificus)
FE/SC/Covered Known to occur in coastal scrub habitats.
Seems to prefer soils of fine alluvial sands
of coastal plains.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
San Diego black-tailed
jackrabbit
(Lepus californicus bennettii)
--/SC/Not covered Intermediate canopy stages of coastal
sage scrub habitats, open shrub
herbaceous and tree herbaceous edges.
Low. Limited, low quality habitat is
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
American badger
(Taxidea taxus)
--/SC/Not covered Most abundant in drier open stages of
most shrub, forest, and herbaceous
habitats, with friable soils. Needs sufficient
food, friable soils & open, uncultivated
ground.
Unlikely. Suitable habitat is not
present on-site or within the
immediate vicinity.
1 Description of status codes:
FE = Listed as endangered under the FESA
DE = Delisted under the FESA
FT = Listed as threatened under the FESA
BCC = Bird of Conservation Concern
WL = Watch listed
SE = Listed as endangered under the CESA
SC = Species of Special Concern
FP = Listed as fully protected under CDFW code
Covered = Covered under the County of Orange NCCP/HCP
Not covered = Not covered under the County of Orange NCCP/HCP