HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix C_Biology & Arborist Report
CARLSBAD
CLOVIS
IRVINE
LOS ANGELES
PALM SPRINGS
POINT RICHMOND
RIVERSIDE
ROSEVILLE
SAN LUIS OBISPO
1500 Iowa Avenue, Suite 200, Riverside, California 92507 951.781.9310 www.lsa.net
July 28, 2023
Dawn Ellis
Chase Partners, LTD
6444 San Fernando Road #3944
Glendale, CA 91221
Subject: Habitat Assessment and Arborist Report for the Fontana Business Center 3 Project in
Fontana (LSA Project No. 20231437)
Dear Ms. Ellis:
LSA conducted a general biological resources assessment and tree inventory for the Fontana
Business Center 3 Project (project). The 1.6-acre project site (Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 0255-101-
24-0-000 and 0255-101-30-0-000) is on the east side of Juniper Avenue, approximately 400 feet
south of Santa Ana Avenue, in Fontana, San Bernardino County, California (Figure 1; all figures
provided in Attachment B).
The biological resources assessment was conducted for the identification of potential jurisdictional
waters and to address California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements regarding
biological resources. The results of the assessment are summarized below.
• There are no features on the site subject to jurisdiction of the United States Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) as wetland or nonwetland waters of the United States, or subject to
jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as rivers, lakes, or streams.
• No endangered, rare, or threatened species, as defined in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15380,
are expected to inhabit the project site. The site is not within the designated critical habitat of
any species.
• Habitat on the site is suitable for burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). A pre-construction survey
is recommended as mitigation to avoid possible take of this species. No substantial project
impacts to other special-status species are anticipated.
• If tree removal or vegetation clearing are to be conducted during the nesting season
(approximately February through August), a general nesting bird survey may be required prior to
vegetation or tree removal.
• There are no sensitive natural communities on the project site.
• Trees on the site are subject to the City of Fontana’s (City) tree protection ordinance. None are
considered Significant, Heritage, or Specimen Trees.
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METHODS
Literature Review
A literature review was conducted to determine the existence or potential occurrence of special-
status plant and animal species on or in the vicinity of the project site. Database records for the
Guasti, Fontana, and Riverside West, California, United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute
quadrangles were searched for records of terrestrial species on July 5, 2023, using the CDFW’s
Natural Diversity Database application Rarefind 5 (version 5.3.0) (n.d.; all references provided in
Attachment A). Current and historic aerial photographs were reviewed on July 5, 2023, using Google
Earth and at Historic Aerials website. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) critical habitat
mapping was used to determine the locations of critical habitat boundaries on and in the vicinity of
the project site. Soil types were determined using the California Soil Resources Lab application
SoilWeb Earth.
Reconnaissance Field Survey and Habitat Assessments
LSA biologist Stan Spencer conducted a general reconnaissance-level field survey on July 5, 2023,
from 2:55 to 3:40 p.m. Weather conditions included clear skies, winds of less than 10 miles per hour,
and temperatures of 93 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Dr. Spencer made notes on general site
conditions, vegetation, wildlife, potential jurisdictional waters, and suitability of habitat for various
special-status species. He surveyed the project area on foot. The habitat assessment included a
burrow survey to determine if the site has burrows potentially occupied by burrowing owl. Plant and
animal species observed during the field survey were noted and are listed in Table A (all tables
provided in Attachment C).
Dr. Spencer conducted a habitat assessment for Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas
terminatus abdominalis) at the time of the July 5 field survey, with an additional site visit July 21
from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m. Dr. Spencer is familiar with Delhi Sands flower-loving fly habitat and is
authorized by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct surveys for this species (Permit
No. TE-777965). The habitat assessment did not constitute a protocol survey and was for the
purpose of determining habitat suitability, not confirming presence or absence of the species.
Arborist Study
Trees on the site were inventoried on July 5, 2023, from 3:40 to 4:40 p.m. by LSA arborist Stan
Spencer (International Society of Arboriculture [ISA] Certified Arborist WE-9358A). All ornamental,
fruit, nut, and native trees with trunk diameters of at least 0.75 inch were inventoried, as well as
stump resprouts and dead trees, if any. The inventory did not include palms under 8 feet tall or
weed species, such as tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima).
Inventoried trees were identified, assigned a number, mapped, and evaluated by measuring trunk
diameter and height and assessing general condition. The trunk diameter for multi-stem trees was
calculated by taking the square root of the sum of the squared diameters of the individual stems.
The inventory and assessment were conducted in accordance with Section 28-67 of Article III
(preservation of Heritage, Significant, and Specimen Trees) of the Fontana Municipal Code. Trunk
diameter was measured at 6 inches above ground level for trees with trunk diameters of 0.75 to 4
inches, at 12 inches above ground level for trees with trunk diameters of 5 to 8 inches, and at 54
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inches above ground level for trees with trunk diameters of 9 inches or greater. The height of
measurement was lowered, if necessary, to avoid branch points. A tree health rating was applied on
a scale of 10 to 100 to each tree, taking into account the species, trunk diameter, height, canopy,
and structure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Existing and Adjacent Land Use
The 1.6-acre undeveloped project site is situated within an urban context, with a sports park to the
west, a post office to the north, and commercial development to the south and east (Figure 1).
Figure 2 shows the assessed project area and photograph locations. Site photographs are provided
as Figure 3.
Elevation, Topography, and Soils
The project site is generally flat and level, with elevation ranging between 1,050 and 1,060 feet
above mean sea level.
The soil mapped on the site is Delhi fine sand. Soil observed on the site is gravelly, loamy sand. The
site is highly disturbed from past agricultural use, grading, discing, and dumping of imported dirt.
Vegetation and Wildlife Observed
Vegetation on the site is ruderal and dominated by non-native species, including prickly Russian
thistle (Salsola tragus), mouse barley (Hordeum murinum), common knotweed (Polygonum
aviculare), redstem stork’s bill (Erodium cicutarium), and common Mediterranean grass (Schismus
barbatus). There are a few ornamental shrubs and trees along the site edges. No natural plant
communities are present.
Animal species observed on the site are typical of urban and disturbed habitats. No special-status
wildlife species were observed. A complete list of spontaneously occurring plant and vertebrate
animal species observed on the site is included in Table A.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Wetlands and Other Jurisdictional Waters
The USACE, under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), regulates discharges of
dredged or fill material into “waters of the United States.” These waters include wetlands and
nonwetland bodies of water that meet specific criteria, including a connection to interstate
commerce. This connection may be direct (through a tributary system linking a stream channel with
traditional navigable waters used in interstate or foreign commerce) or it may be indirect (through a
connection identified in USACE regulations). The USACE typically considers any body of water
displaying an “ordinary high water mark” for designation as wetland waters of the United States,
subject to the applicable definition of waters of the United States. To be considered a “jurisdictional
wetland” under Section 404, an area must possess hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland
hydrology.
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The CDFW, under Sections 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code, regulates alterations
to lakes, rivers, and streams. A stream is defined by the presence of a channel bed, banks, and at
least an occasional flow of water.
The Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) is responsible for the administration of Section
401 of the CWA through water quality certification of any activity that may result in a discharge to
jurisdictional waters of the United States. The RWQCB may also regulate discharges to “waters of
the State,” including wetlands, under the California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act.
No drainage features, ponded areas, wetlands, or riparian habitat subject to jurisdiction of the
CDFW, USACE, and/or RWQCB were found within the project area.
Special-Status Species
Species in danger of extinction or that may soon be in danger of extinction may be listed as
Endangered or Threatened under the federal and California Endangered Species acts. The USFWS
can also designate critical habitat areas that are essential to the conservation of a listed species.
In addition to threatened and endangered species, the CDFW maintains lists of plant species
considered rare and animal species designated as Species of Special Concern, as well as other
species that it considers to be in need of monitoring.
Threatened and endangered species, plant species considered rare, and Species of Special Concern
that have been reported from the general project vicinity are listed in Table B, along with
assessments of habitat suitability on the project site.
Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitats
The results of the literature search indicated the potential occurrence of the following threatened,
endangered, or candidate species in the project vicinity:
• San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila)
• Marsh sandwort (Arenaria paludicola)
• Salt marsh bird’s-beak (Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum)
• Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum)
• Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis)
• Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii)
• Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino)
• Tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor)
• Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
• Western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis)
• California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus)
• Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)
• Least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus)
• Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi)
• San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus)
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None of these species are expected to occur on the project site based on lack of suitable habitat, as
explained in Table B and as discussed below for Delhi Sands flower-loving fly. The site is not within
the designated critical habitat of any species.
Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly
Delhi sands flower-loving fly (DSF) is found in association with undeveloped, sandy Delhi series soils,
which occur irregularly over approximately 1,200 acres in western Riverside and San Bernardino
counties. This species is currently known to exist in a few isolated locations but is thought to have
once occurred throughout the distribution of the Delhi soils series in Riverside and San Bernardino
counties. Females lay eggs in unconsolidated Delhi sand, usually in association with sparse (less than
40 percent cover) vegetation of the Riversidean sage scrub plant community, typically dominated by
native species and including California croton (Croton californicus), California buckwheat (Eriogonum
fasciculatum), and telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) (USFWS 1997). The larvae develop
beneath the soil surface and are thought to be subterranean predators. Adults emerge July through
mid-September (USFWS 2008).
The project site is within the Jurupa Recovery Unit of the federally endangered DSF. The nearest
known extent population of DSF is in the DSF Core Area approximately 2 miles southwest of the
project site in the Jurupa Hills (USFWS 2019). The project site is in an area mapped as Delhi fine
sand, which is considered a component of potentially suitable habitat for the DSF. The soil observed
on site shows some consistency with Delhi fine sand but has been severely affected by intensive
long term agricultural and commercial development land use practices. The site was in agricultural
use by 1938 (1938, 1948, 1959, 1967 aerial imagery at Historicaerials.com). When agricultural use
ceased, the site was subject to continued regular discing and other disturbance of soil and clearing
of vegetation (1980, 1994, 2005 imagery at Historicaerials.com; Google Earth satellite imagery
1993–2021). In 2007, the site was graded in conjunction with adjacent development to the east
(Google Earth 2007).
The decades of agricultural use, subsequent grading of the site, and continued disturbance have
changed the structure of the soil and eliminated natural vegetation. Surface soil observed on the
site during the July 5 site visits is gravelly loamy sand, and is compacted throughout the site except
for a 5-meter (16.4-foot) wide strip along the south edge where it was recently disced, presumably
for weed control. These altered, compacted, and highly disturbed soils are unsuitable for DSF.
Coastal sage scrub is not present on the site, nor are any native scrub species typical of that plant
community. Vegetation on the site is ruderal and predominantly non-native. Although telegraph
weed is present, California croton and California buckwheat are not. The 1.6-acre project site is now
surrounded by development, isolating it from natural habitat areas. The small size of the site, the
compaction of its soils and elimination of natural vegetation, and its isolation from better habitat
make it unsuitable for DSF.
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing owl, a California Species of Special Concern, occurs in open habitats with low vegetation
throughout the region. This special-status species requires special consideration at proposed
construction sites because its habit of nesting underground makes it vulnerable to grading and other
project-related soil disturbance.
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Although the site is small and isolated, it has low vegetation cover and appears to be marginally
suitable for burrowing owl. The July 5 habitat assessment included a burrow survey to determine if
the site has burrows potentially occupied by burrowing owl. Although the survey found neither
burrowing owls nor occupied burrows, there were burrows of sufficient size for burrowing owl to
move into. Because of the small size and isolation of the site from better habitat, however, it is
unlikely that burrowing owl would occupy the site. Because of the potential, although low, for
burrowing owl to inhabit the site, a burrowing owl pre-construction survey (within 30 days prior to
disturbance, e.g. grading) is prescribed as mitigation to avoid possible take of this species.
Other Non-listed Special-Status Species
Besides the species discussed above, the literature search indicated the potential presence of
several rare plants and animal Species of Special Concern in the project vicinity. As explained in
Table B, none of these species is expected to have more than a low probability of occurring on the
project site.
Nesting/Migratory Birds
Most birds and their active nests are protected from “take” (meaning destruction, pursuit,
possession, etc.) under Sections 3503–3801 of California Fish and Game Code. Some protection is
also provided under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Activities that cause destruction of active nests,
or that cause nest abandonment and subsequent death of eggs or young, may constitute violations
of one or both of these laws.
The project site has trees and large shrubs suitable for nesting. If vegetation removal is to be
conducted during the nesting season (approximately February through August), a nesting bird
survey may be required prior to vegetation removal.
Natural Communities of Concern
There are no sensitive natural communities on the project site.
Wildlife Movement, Corridors, and Nursery Sites
The project site is not in a wildlife corridor and does not contain nursery sites. The project would not
substantially limit wildlife movement.
Adopted Habitat Conservation Plans
The project is not within an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan area.
Local Policies and Ordinances—Arborist Report of Trees
City and county General Plans and development ordinances may include regulations or policies
governing biological resources. For example, policies may include tree preservation, locally
designated species survey areas, local species of interest, and significant ecological areas.
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The City of Fontana’s tree protection ordinance (City Municipal Code Chapter 28: Vegetation, Article
III) specifies replacement requirements for trees to be removed from a site and provides for the
protection of Heritage, Significant, and Specimen Trees.
Figure 2 shows the locations of trees on the proposed project site. Table C provides information and
replacement requirements for trees according to criteria specified in the City’s ordinance. There are
no trees on the site that qualify as Heritage, Significant, or Specimen Trees.
If you have any questions or comments about this Biological Resources, Habitat Suitability
Assessment, and Tree Inventory, please do not hesitate to contact me at (951) 781-9310 or
stan.spencer@lsa.net.
Sincerely,
LSA Associates, Inc.
Stan Spencer, Ph.D.
Associate/Senior Biologist
Attachments: A: References
B: Figures
C: Tables
A-1
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ATTACHMENT A
REFERENCES
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. n.d. California Natural Diversity Database, Rarefind 5.
Website: www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/ (accessed July 2023).
California Soil Resource Lab. n.d. Soilweb Earth application. University of California, Davis. Website:
casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/soilweb-apps/ (accessed July 2023).
Google Earth. 1993–2021. Satellite photographs of the project site and vicinity. Website:
www.google.com/earth (accessed July 2023).
Historic Aerials. 1938–1967 and 1980–2005. Arial photographs of the project site and vicinity.
Website: www.historicaerials.com (accessed July 2023).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1997. Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly (Rhaphiomidas
terminatus abdominalis) Recovery Plan. pp. 6-7.
_____. 2008. Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly (Rhaphiomidas terminates abdominalis) 5-Year Review:
Summary and Evaluation. Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, Carlsbad, California. pp. 7 and
15. March.
_____. 2019. Recovery Plan for the Delhi Sands Flower Loving Fly: Recovery Plan Amendment.
October. pp. 3, 6.
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND ARBORIST REPORT JULY 2023 FONTANA BUSINESS CENTER 3 PROJECT FONTANA, CALIFORNIA
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ATTACHMENT B
FIGURES
Figure 1: Regional and Project Location
Figure 2: Project Site
Figure 3: Site Photographs
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SOURCE: Maxar imagery (January 27, 2023)
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FIGURE 1
Fontana Business Center 3 Project
S A N
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SOURCE: Nearmap Aerial Imagery (May 17, 2023)
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FIGURE 2
Fontana Business Center 3 Project
Project Site
0 25 50
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Project Location
Tree Location
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I:\20231437\G\PhotoPage.cdr (7/19/2023)
Site Photographs
Photo 1: View of project site, looking east.
Photo 2: View of project site, looking north.
FIGURE 3
Fontana Business Center 3 Project
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND ARBORIST REPORT JULY 2023 FONTANA BUSINESS CENTER 3 PROJECT FONTANA, CALIFORNIA
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ATTACHMENT C
TABLES
Table A: Species Observed
Table B: Special-Status Species Summary
Table C: Trees on the Project Site
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Table A: Species Observed
Scientific Name Common Name
EUDICOT FLOWERING PLANTS
Amaranthaceae Amaranth family
Amaranthus albus* Tumble pigweed
Asteraceae Sunflower family
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Flatspine bur ragweed
Baccharis salicifolia Mule fat
Centaurea melitensis* Maltese star-thistle
Erigeron bonariensis* Flax-leaved horseweed
Erigeron canadensis Canadian horseweed
Helianthus annuus Common sunflower
Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph weed
Lactuca serriola* Prickly lettuce
Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum* Jersey cudweed
Verbesina encelioides* Golden crownbeard
Boraginaceae Borage family
Amsinckia sp. Fiddleneck
Brassicaceae Mustard family
Hirschfeldia incana* Shortpod mustard
Sisymbrium irio* London rocket
Chenopodiaceae Saltbush family
Chenopodium berlandieri Pitseed goosefoot
Salsola tragus* Prickly Russian thistle
Geraniaceae Geranium family
Erodium cicutarium* Redstem stork’s bill
Malvaceae Mallow family
Malva parviflora* Cheeseweed mallow
Onagraceae Evening primrose family
Oenothera laciniata* Cutleaf evening primrose
Polygonaceae Buckwheat family
Polygonum aviculare* Common knotweed
Solanaceae Nightshade family
Solanum americanum American black nightshade
Tamaricaceae Tamarisk family
Tamarix ramosissima* Mediterranean tamarisk
Zygophyllaceace Caltrop family
Tribulus terrestris* Puncture vine
MONOCOTS FLOWERING PLANTS
Avena barbata* Slender wild oat
Bromus diandrus* Ripgut brome
Hordeum murinum* Mouse barley
Schismus barbatus* Common Mediterranean grass
BIRDS
Columbidae Pigeons and Doves
Zenaida macroura Mourning dove
Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers
Tyrannus vociferans Cassin’s kingbird
Corvidae Crows and Ravens
Aphelocoma californica California scrub-jay
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Table A: Species Observed
Scientific Name Common Name
Mimidae Mockingbirds and Thrashers
Mimus polyglottos Northern mockingbird
Fringillidae Finches
Haemorhous mexicanus House finch
MAMMALS
Sciuridae Squirrels
Spermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel
Geomyidae Pocket Gophers
Thomomys bottae Botta’s pocket gopher
* Nonnative
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Table B: Special-Status Species Summary
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Sample Occurrence
Probability
Plants
Ambrosia pumila
San Diego ambrosia
US: FE
CA: 1B
Open, seasonally wet, generally low areas in floodplains or at edges of
vernal pools or playas, usually in sandy loam or on clay (including upland clay slopes), at 20 to 487 meters (70 to 1,600 feet) in elevation. Known from
western Riverside and western San Diego counties. Also occurs in Mexico.
Not Expected. Site lacks
seasonally wet areas.
Arenaria paludicola
Marsh sandwort
US: FE
CA: SE/1B
Boggy areas in freshwater marshes and swamps below 170 meters (560
feet) in elevation (formerly higher). Known to presently occur only in San Luis Obispo County (at Oso Flaco Lake and Morro Bay). Believed extirpated
from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Riverside, and San Bernardino
counties, and from the State of Washington. The last known record of this
species in Riverside, San Bernardino, or Los Angeles counties is from 1900.
No expected. Site lacks wet
areas.
Chloropyron maritimum spp. maritimum
Salt marsh bird’s-beak
US: FE
CA: SE/1B
Coastal dunes and salt marshes. In California, known from Los Angeles,
Orange, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. Historical collections referred to this taxon from alkaline
meadow in vicinity of San Bernardino Valley and from interior San Diego
County are intermediate to C. maritimus ssp. canescens. Also occurs in Mexico.
Not Expected. Site lacks
coastal dunes marshes.
Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi
Parry’s spineflower
US: –
CA: 1B
Sandy or rocky soils in chaparral, coastal scrub, oak woodlands, and
grassland at 40 to 1,705 meters (100 to 5,600 feet) elevation. Known only
from Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Cladium californicum
California saw-grass
US: – CA: 2B Marshes and seeps below 600 meters (2,000 feet) in elevation. In California, known from Inyo, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino and San Luis
Obispo counties. Believed to be extirpated from Los Angeles and perhaps
San Bernardino counties. Also occurs in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas Utah, and Mexico.
Not Expected. Site lacks wet areas.
Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum
Santa Ana River woollystar
US: FE
CA: SE/1B
Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and chaparral in sandy or gravelly soils of
floodplains and terraced fluvial deposits of the Santa Ana River and larger
tributaries (Lytle and Cajon creeks, lower portions of City and Mill creeks) at 90 to 625 meters (300 to 2,100 feet) in elevation in San Bernardino and
Riverside counties. Presumed extirpated from Orange County.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable flooded areas.
Horkelia cuneata var. puberula
Mesa horkelia
US: –
CA: 1B
Sandy or gravelly soils in chaparral, or rarely in cismontane woodland or
coastal scrub at 70 to 825 meters (200 to 2,700 feet) in elevation. Known only from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange,
and San Bernardino counties, California. Believed extirpated from Riverside
and San Diego counties.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
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Table B: Special-Status Species Summary
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Sample Occurrence
Probability
Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri
Coulter’s goldfields
US: –
CA: 1B
Vernal pools and alkaline soils in marshes, playas, and similar habitats
below 1,220 meters (4,000 feet) in elevation. Known from Colusa, Merced,
Tulare, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Luis Obispo,
Tehama, Ventura, and Yolo counties. Believed extirpated from Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties, and possibly also from Tulare
County. Also occurs in Mexico.
Not Expected. Site lacks wet
areas.
Lycium parishii
Parish’s desert-thorn
US: –
CA: 2B
Coastal scrub and Sonoran desert scrub at 135 to 1,000 meters (440 to
3,300 feet) in elevation. In California, known from Imperial and San Diego counties. Report from Riverside County is based on a misidentification.
Known only historically from San Bernardino County (benches and/or
foothills north of San Bernardino).
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Malacothamnus parishii
Parish’s bush mallow
US: – CA: 1A Known only from one occurrence in 1895, in chaparral and coastal sage scrub at 490 meters (1,600 feet) in elevation in vicinity of San Bernardino.
Presumed extinct.
Not Expected. Presumed extinct. Only a historical
record from site vicinity.
Monardella pringlei
Pringle’s monardella
US: –
CA: 1A
Sandy hills in coastal sage scrub at 300 to 400 meters (980 to 1,300 feet) in
elevation. Known only from two occurrences west of Colton. Last seen in 1941. Habitat lost to urbanization. Presumed extinct.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Muhlenbergia utilis
Aparejo grass
US: –
CA: 2B
Wet sites along streams and ponds within meadows, coastal sage scrub,
chaparral, and cismontain woodland below 2,325 meters (7,628 feet) in
elevation. In California, known from Inyo, Kern, Monterey, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. Also occurs in
Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Mexico.
Not Expected. Site lacks wet
areas.
Navarretia prostrata
Prostrate vernal pool navarretia
US: –
CA: 1B
Vernal pools, usually alkaline, from 15 to 1,210 meters (50 to 4,000 feet) in
elevation. Known only from Alameda, Fresno, Los Angeles, Merced, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, San Benito, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo
counties. Presumed extirpated from San Bernardino County.
Not Expected. No vernal
pools or similar habitat on site.
Phacelia stellaris
Brand’s star phacelia
US: –
CA: 1B
Dunes and sandy openings in coastal scrub communities at 5 to 400 meters
(20 to 1,300 feet) in elevation. In western Riverside County, this species appears to be restricted to sandy washes and benches in alluvial
floodplains. Known only from Los Angeles (believed extirpated), Riverside
and San Diego counties, California. The most recent record of this species from Los Angeles County was in 1943.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities and floodplains.
Pseudognaphalium leucocephalum
White rabbit-tobacco
US: –
CA: 2B
Sand and gravel at the edges of washes or mouths of steep canyons at 0 to
2,100 meters (0 to 7,000 feet) in elevation. In California, known from Los
Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties. Also occurs in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable hydrologic features.
C‐5
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND ARBORIST REPORT
JULY 2023
FONTANA BUSINESS CENTER 3 PROJECT
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA
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Table B: Special‐Status Species Summary
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Sample Occurrence
Probability
Senecio aphanactis
Chaparral ragwort
US: –
CA: 2B
Openings (especially alkaline flats) in cismontane woodland, coastal sage
scrub, and chaparral at 15 to 800) meters (50 to 2,600 feet) elevation.
Known in California from Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Los Angeles,
Merced, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, San
Diego, San Luis Obispo, Solano, and Ventura counties. Also occurs in Baja
California.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Sphenopholis obtusata
Prairie wedge grass
US: –
CA: 2B
Wet meadows, stream banks, and ponds at 300 to 2,000 meters (1,000 to
6,600 feet) elevation. Widely distributed. In Southern California, known only
from San Bernardino, Riverside (Santa Ana River), and perhaps San Diego
counties.
Not Expected. Site lacks wet
areas.
Symphyotrichum defoliatum
San Bernardino aster
US: –
CA: 1B
Vernally wet sites (such as ditches, streams, and springs) in many plant
communities below 2,040 meters (6,700 feet) in elevation. In California,
known from Ventura, Kern, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside,
and San Diego counties. May also occur in San Luis Obispo County. In the
western Riverside County area, this species is scarce and documented only
from Temescal and San Timoteo canyons (The Vascular Plants of Western
Riverside County, California. F.M. Roberts et al., 2004).
Not Expected. Site lacks wet
areas.
Invertebrates
Bombus crotchii
Crotch’s bumble bee
US: –
CA: SCE
Inhabits open scrub and grassland from coastal California to crest of Sierra‐
Cascade and in desert edge areas, south into Mexico. Primarily nests
underground. Suitable bumble bee habitat requires the continuous
availability of flowers on which to forage throughout the duration of the
colony (spring through fall), colony nest sites, and overwintering sites for
the queens.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Insufficient floral resources
present.
Euphydryas editha quino
Quino checkerspot butterfly
US: FE
CA: SA
Meadows or openings within coastal sage scrub or chaparral below about
5,000 feet where food plants (Plantago erecta and/or Orthocarpus
purpurascens) are present. Historically known from Santa Monica
Mountains to northwest Baja California; currently known only from
southwestern Riverside County, southern San Diego County, and northern
Baja California.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis
Delhi Sands flower‐loving fly
US: FE
CA: SA
Restricted to undeveloped Delhi series sands in western Riverside and San
Bernardino counties, usually in association with sparse (less than 40%
cover) vegetation of the Riversidean sage scrub plant community, typically
dominated by native species and including California croton (Croton
californicus), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and telegraph
weed (Heterotheca grandiflora).
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable soil (is compacted)
and plant communities;
habitat has been removed by
grading; site is isolated from
suitable habitat.
C-6
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND ARBORIST REPORT JULY 2023 FONTANA BUSINESS CENTER 3 PROJECT FONTANA, CALIFORNIA
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Table B: Special-Status Species Summary
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Sample Occurrence
Probability
Reptiles
Anniella stebbinsi
Southern California legless lizard
US: –
CA: SSC
Inhabits sandy or loose loamy soils with high moisture content under sparse
vegetation in Southern California.
Not Expected. Site lacks
moist soils.
Arizona elegans occidentalis
California glossy snake
US: –
CA: SSC
Scrub and grassland habitats, often with loose or sandy soils. Patchily
distributed from the eastern portion of San Francisco Bay to southern San
Joaquin Valley and in non-desert areas of Southern California. Also occurs in Baja California, Mexico.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri
Coastal whiptail
US: –
CA: SSC
Woodlands, riparian areas, and sparsely vegetated areas in a wide variety of
habitats including coastal sage scrub and sparse grassland. Occurs in valleys
and foothills from Ventura County to Baja California.
Low. Site lacks characteristic
plant communities and is
small and isolated.
Crotalus ruber
Red diamond rattlesnake
US: – CA: SSC Desert scrub, thornscrub, open chaparral and woodland; occasional in grassland and cultivated areas. Prefers rocky areas and dense vegetation.
Morongo Valley in San Bernardino and Riverside counties to the west and
south into Mexico.
Not Expected. Site lacks suitable plant communities
and rocky areas.
Phrynosoma blainvillii (coronatum)
Coast horned lizard
US: – CA: SSC Primarily in sandy soil in open areas, especially washes and floodplains, in many plant communities. Requires open areas for sunning, bushes for
cover, patches of loose soil for burial, and an abundant supply of ants or
other insects. Occurs west of the deserts from northern Baja California north to Shasta County below 2,400 meters (8,000 feet) in elevation.
Low. Site is highly disturbed, within an urban environment
with associated predators,
and isolated from better habitat.
Birds
Agelaius tricolor
(nesting colony)
Tricolored blackbird
US: –
CA: ST/SSC
Open country. Forages in grassland and cropland habitats. Nests in large
groups near fresh water, preferably in emergent wetland with tall, dense
cattails or tules, but also in thickets of willow, blackberry, wild rose, or tall herbs. Seeks cover for roosting in emergent wetland vegetation, especially
cattails and tules, and also in trees and shrubs. Occurs in western Oregon,
California, and northwestern Baja California.
Not Expected. No suitable
wet areas or other habitat on
site.
Athene cunicularia (burrow sites)
Burrowing owl
US: – CA: SSC Open, treeless areas with low, sparse vegetation, usually on gently sloping terrain, including grasslands, deserts, golf courses, pastures, agricultural
fields, airport medians, road embankments, cemeteries and urban vacant
lots. They usually occupy ground squirrel burrows but may also utilize man-made structures such as culverts or debris piles, usually temporarily. They
avoid thick, tall vegetation, brush, and trees, but may occur in areas where brush or tree cover is less than 30 percent.
Low. Habitat on site is marginally suitable, but site
is small and isolated from
better habitat; species not observed during site visit.
C-7
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Table B: Special-Status Species Summary
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Sample Occurrence
Probability
Buteo swainsoni
(nesting)
Swainson’s hawk
US: –
CA: ST
Open desert, grassland, or cropland containing scattered, large trees or
small groves. Breeds in stands with few trees in juniper-sage flats, riparian
areas, and in oak savannah in the Central Valley. Forages in adjacent
grasslands or suitable grain or alfalfa fields, or livestock pastures. Breeds and nests in western North America; winters in South America. Uncommon
breeding resident and migrant in the Central Valley, Klamath Basin,
Northeastern Plateau, Lassen County, and Mojave Desert. Very limited breeding reported from Lanfair Valley, Owens Valley, Fish Lake Valley, and
Antelope Valley. In Southern California, now mostly limited to spring and fall transient. Formerly abundant in California with wider breeding range.
Not Expected. Site is in urban
setting without adjacent
open country.
Coccyzus americanus occidentalis (nesting)
Western yellow-billed cuckoo
US: FT CA: SE Breeds and nests in extensive stands of dense cottonwood/willow riparian forest along broad, lower flood bottoms of larger river systems at scattered
locales in western North America; winters in South America.
Not Expected. No extensive stands of riparian habitat on
site.
Coturnicops noveboracensis
Yellow rail
US: – CA: SSC Inhabits freshwater marshes, as a very local breeder in the northeastern interior of California and as a winter visitor (early October to mid-April) on
the coast and in the Suisun Marsh region.
Not Expected. Site lacks wet areas.
Icteria virens
(nesting)
Yellow-breasted chat
US: –
CA: SSC
Riparian thickets of willow, brushy tangles near watercourses. Nests in
riparian woodland throughout much of western North America. Winters in Central America.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus
California black rail
US: –
CA: ST/CFP
Requires shallow water in salt marshes, freshwater marshes, wet meadows,
or flooded grassy vegetation. Prefers areas of moist soil vegetated by fine-stemmed emergent plants, rushes, grasses, or sedges, with scattered small
pools. Known from coastal California, northwestern Baja California, the lower Imperial Valley, and the lower Colorado River of Arizona and
California. Now extirpated from virtually all of coastal Southern California.
Not Expected. Site lacks wet
areas.
Polioptila californica californica
Coastal California gnatcatcher
US: FT
CA: SSC
Inhabits coastal sage scrub in low-lying foothills and valleys up to about 500
meters (1,640 feet) in elevation in cismontane southwestern California and Baja California.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Setophagia petechia (nesting)
Yellow warbler
US: – CA: SSC Riparian woodland while nesting in the western U.S. and northwestern Baja California; more widespread in brushy areas and woodlands during
migration. Occurs from western Mexico to northern South America in winter. Migrants are widespread and common. Three subspecies breed in
California: morcomi, brewsteri, and sonorana. (Sonoran yellow warbler
nests along the Colorado River.)
Not Expected. Site lacks suitable plant communities.
C-8
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND ARBORIST REPORT JULY 2023 FONTANA BUSINESS CENTER 3 PROJECT FONTANA, CALIFORNIA
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Table B: Special-Status Species Summary
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Sample Occurrence
Probability
Vireo bellii pusillus
Least Bell’s vireo
US: FE
CA: SE
Riparian forests and willow thickets. The most critical structural component
of Least Bell’s Vireo habitat in California is a dense shrub layer 2 to 10 feet
(0.6–3.0 meter) above ground. Willows usually dominant. Nests from
central California to northern Baja California. Winters in southern Baja California.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Mammals
Eumops perotis californicus
Western mastiff bat
US: – CA: SSC Occurs in many open, semi-arid to arid habitats, including conifer and deciduous woodlands, coastal scrub, grasslands, chaparral, etc.; roosts in
crevices in vertical cliff faces, high buildings, and tunnels, and travels widely
when foraging.
Low. No roosting habitat but may occasionally forage over
site.
Lasiurus xanthinus
Western yellow bat
US: – CA: SSC
Found mostly in desert and desert riparian areas of the southwestern US, but also expanding its range with the increased usage of native and non-
native ornamental palms in landscaping. Individuals typically roost amid dead fronds of palms in desert oases, but have also been documented
roosting in cottonwood trees. Forage over many habitats.
Low. No roosting habitat but may occasionally forage over
site.
Nyctinomops femorosaccus
Pocketed free-tailed bat
US: –
CA: SSC
Usually associated with cliffs, rock outcrops, or slopes. May roost in
buildings (including roof tiles) or caves. Rare in California, where it is found in Riverside, San Diego, Imperial and possibly Los Angeles counties. More
common in Mexico.
Low. No roosting habitat but
may occasionally forage over site.
Chaetodipus fallax fallax
Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse
US: –
CA: SSC
Found in sandy herbaceous areas, usually associated with rocks or coarse
gravel in coastal scrub, chaparral, grasslands, and sagebrush, from Los Angeles County through southwestern San Bernardino, western Riverside,
and San Diego counties to northern Baja California.
Low. Sandy areas of site may
be marginally suitable.
Dipodomys merriami parvus
San Bernardino kangaroo rat
US: FE
CA: SC
Gravelly and sandy soils of alluvial fans, braided river channels, active
channels and terraces; San Bernardino Valley (San Bernardino County) and San Jacinto Valley (Riverside County). In San Bernardino County, this species
occurs primarily in the Santa Ana River and its tributaries north of Interstate
10, with small remnant populations in the Etiwanda alluvial fan, the northern portion of the Jurupa Mountains in the south Bloomington area,
and in Reche Canyon. In Riverside County, this species occurs along the San
Jacinto River east of approximately Sanderson Avenue, and along Bautista Creek. Remnant populations may also occur within Riverside County in
Reche Canyon, San Timoteo Canyon, Laborde Canyon, the Jurupa Mountains, and the Santa Ana River Wash north of State Route 60.
Not Expected. No suitable
alluvial areas on site.
C-9
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND ARBORIST REPORT JULY 2023 FONTANA BUSINESS CENTER 3 PROJECT FONTANA, CALIFORNIA
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Table B: Special-Status Species Summary
Species Status Habitat and Distribution Sample Occurrence
Probability
Dipodomys stephensi
Stephens’ kangaroo rat
US: FT
CA: ST
Found in plant communities transitional between grassland and coastal
sage scrub, with perennial vegetation cover of less than 50%. Most
commonly associated with Artemisia tridentata, Eriogonum fasciculatum,
and Erodium. Requires well-drained soils with compaction characteristics suitable for burrow construction (neither sandy nor too hard). Not found in
soils that are highly rocky or sandy, less than 20 inches deep, or heavily
alkaline or clay, or in areas exceeding 25% slope. Occurs only in western Riverside County, northern San Diego County, and extreme southern San
Bernardino County, below 915 meters (3,000 feet) in elevation. In northwestern Riverside County, known only from east of Interstate 15.
Reaches its northwest limit in south Norco, southeast Riverside, and in the
Reche Canyon area of Riverside and extreme southern San Bernardino counties.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Neotoma lepida intermedia
San Diego desert woodrat
US: –
CA: SSC
Found in desert scrub and coastal sage scrub habitat, especially in
association with cactus patches. Builds stick nests around cacti, or on rocky
crevices. Occurs along the Pacific slope from San Luis Obispo County to northwest Baja California.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
Perognathus longimembris brevinasus
Los Angeles pocket mouse
US: –
CA: SSC
Prefers sandy soil for burrowing, but has been found on gravel washes and
stony soils. Found in coastal sage scrub in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San
Bernardino Counties.
Not Expected. Site lacks
suitable plant communities.
LEGEND
US: Federal Classifications
– No applicable classification
FE Taxa listed as Endangered. FT Taxa listed as Threatened.
CA: State Classifications
SE Taxa State-listed as Endangered. ST Taxa State-listed as Threatened.
SCE Taxa Candidate for State listing.
SSC California Species of Special Concern. Refers to animals with vulnerable or seriously declining populations. CFP California Fully Protected. Refers to animals protected from take under Fish and Game Code Sections 3511, 4700, 5050, and 5515. SA Special Animal. Refers to any other animal monitored by the Natural Diversity Database, regardless of its legal or rarity status.
1A California Rare Plant Rank 1A: Presumed extinct.
1B California Rare Plant Rank 1B: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere.
2B California Rare Plant Rank 2B: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere. California Rare Plant Ranks are assigned by a committee of government agency and nongovernmental botanical experts and are not official State designations of rarity status.
C-10
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Table C: Trees on the Project Site
Tree No. Species Rating; Condition Notes
Trunk
Caliper
(inches)
Height (feet)
Heritage, Significant, or Specimen
Tree?
Replacement Tree Requirement (based on rating and
trunk caliper)1
1 black walnut
(Jugans nigra)
45; dropping limbs
due to decay 22 23 No 1 × 15 gallon
2 African sumac
(Searsia lancea)
60; growing against
fence
16
(multitrunk) 19 No 1 × 24” box
1 Replacement requirement indicated in Table No. IV (for Other Trees 7 inches or greater in diameter) in Fontana Municipal Code,
Section 28-67.