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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1b_Appx A2_SBKR Habitat Assessment APPENDICES  APPENDIX A2 SAN BERNARDINO KANGAROO RAT HABITAT ASSESSMENT SAN BERNARDINO KANGAROO RAT HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR PROPOSED WESTGATE PROJECTS CITY OF FONTANA, SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Prepared by: ENVIRA P. O. Box 2612 Ramona, CA 92065 Phone 619-885-0236 E-mail phvergne@aol.com Surveys Conducted On: August 18 and 19, 2023 Prepared For: UltraSystems Environmental, Inc. This Phase One Survey and report were conducted and prepared in accordance with professional requirements for small mammal studies by Philippe Vergne (USFWS Permit TE068072-4). Philippe Jean Vergne Philippe Jean Vergne, Field Biologist and Author INTRODUCTION Philippe Jean Vergne of ENVIRA was contracted by UltraSystems Environmental, Inc, (UltraSystems) to conduct a site habitat evaluation and re-mapping of potential habitat for the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus [SBKR]) at the Westgate proposed project sites in the City of Fontana, San Bernardino County, California. The site is located south of the Highland Channel and north of the San Sevaine Channel. The total acreage includes areas 7170B (30.8 acres), 7170D (25.4 acres, 7170F (72.1 acres), and 7170G (33.0 acres); and is located in Township 1 North, Range 6 West, Sections 26, 34, and 35 as depicted on the Devore, Fontana, Guasti, and Cucamonga Peak, California 7.5' USGS topographic quadrangle maps, San Bernardino base and meridian. METHODS The field surveys provided information on the existing conditions on the site and the potential for sensitive resources to be present. The field surveys occurred on August 18 and 19, 2023 between the hours of 7:30 and 15:00. Field surveys were performed by Mr. Philippe Vergne of ENVIRA. Mr. Vergne holds a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit to trap and handle Stephens’ and San Bernardino Kangaroo rats, Pacific Pocket mouse, and to conduct field studies on sensitive small mammals in Southern California (TE-060872-4); a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Memorandum of Understanding (now attached to CDFW collection permit) for above mentioned species and the Mohave ground squirrel, Los Angeles pocket mouse, Palms Springs pocket mouse, Palm Springs ground squirrel, white-eared pocket mouse, Jacumba pocket mouse, north-western San Diego pocket mouse, and the Dulzura pocket mouse; and a CDFW collection permit. RESULTS Potential Sensitive Mammal Species on Site San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat The SBKR is one of several kangaroo rat species in its range. The Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans [DKR]), the Pacific kangaroo rat (Dipodomys agilis [PKR]) and the Stephens kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi [SKR]) occur in areas occupied by the SBKR, but these other species have a wider habitat range. The habitat of the SBKR is confined to primary and secondary alluvial fan scrub habitats, with sandy soils deposited by fluvial (water) rather than aeolian (wind) processes. Burrows are dug in loose soil, usually near or beneath shrubs. The SBKR (Dipodomys merriami parvus) is one of three subspecies of the Merriam’s kangaroo rat. The Merriam’s kangaroo rat is a widespread species that can be found from the inland valleys to the deserts. The subspecies known as the SBKR, however, is confined to inland valley scrub communities, and more particularly, to scrub communities occurring along rivers, streams, and drainages. Most of these drainages have been historically altered as a result of flood control efforts and the resulting increased use of river resources, including mining, off-road vehicle use, and road and housing development. This increased use of river resources has resulted in a reduction in both the amount and quality of habitat available for the SBKR. The past habitat losses and potential future losses prompted the emergency listing of the SBKR as an endangered species on January 27 of 1998 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998a). Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodippus fallax fallax) prefers habitat similar to that preferred by the SBKR. The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse occurs in open, sandy areas in the valleys and foothills of southwestern California. The range of this species extends from Orange County to San Diego County and includes Riverside and San Bernardino counties. This mouse is a California Species of Special Concern (SSC) whose historical range has been reduced first by agriculture, but also urban development. SSC designation of species is based on a series of publications prepared by the CDFW on declining species of mammals, birds, fishes, amphibians and reptiles. These publications were intended to focus attention on declining wildlife in California, species that are not currently listed but may merit listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Some of the species identified in these documents have been subsequently listed, or are provided protection under provisions in CESA. Others have remained on the SSC list, and have not been elevated to a greater status of protection. Los Angeles Pocket Mouse The Los Angeles pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris brevinasus) is one of two pocket mice found in this area of San Bernardino County. Both the Los Angeles pocket mouse and the San Diego pocket mouse occupy similar habitats, but the San Diego pocket mouse has a wider range, extending south into San Diego County. The habitat of the Los Angeles pocket mouse is confined to lower elevation grasslands and coast sage scrub habitats, in areas with soils composed of fine sands (Williams, 1986). The present known distribution of this species extends from Rancho Cucamonga east to Morongo and south to the San Diego County border. Los Angeles pocket mouse forages in open ground and underneath shrubs. Generally, pocket mice dig burrows in loose soil, although this has not been completely documented for this subspecies. The L.A. pocket mouse is listed as a SSC by the CDFW. San Diego Desert Woodrat The San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia) is a relatively wide-ranging species extending along the coast of California from south of San Francisco through to the border with Baja California. This species also occurs in the Central Valley and the deserts of southern California and extends along the desert side of the Sierra Nevada into southeastern Oregon. The coastal species of desert woodrat, the San Diego desert woodrat, prefers scrub habitats such as coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and alluvial fan sage scrub. It is more common in areas with rock piles and coarse sandy to rocky soils throughout coastal southern California. The range of this species extends from just south of Sacramento and the San Francisco area to the border with Baja California. The coastal subspecies of the widespread Neotoma lepida is listed as a SSC; however, the San Diego desert woodrat is not listed. EXISTING CONDITIONS WEATHER CONDITIONS Weather conditions during the survey included clear skies, temperatures in the mid-eighties degrees Fahrenheit, and winds of 0-3 miles per hour (mph). TOPOGRAPHY AND SOILS The project site consists flat terrain with commercial vineyard. Soils for the project area are mapped as sandy with river rock. The soils on site are suitable for small mammal and SBKR occupancy. SURROUNDING LAND USES Surrounding land is ruderal/fallow fields and vineyards to the south, roads and highway systems to the north with some agricultural fields and limited open space north, Housing developments to the east and west. Paved roads and dirt easements for power line access bisect the site. PLANT COMMUNITIES The majority of the site is covered by a vineyard. Disking and weed abatement between the vines has left the soils mostly void of vegetation. Small clumps of emergent Riversidian upland scrub and disturbed annual and ruderal plants occur mostly along the site boundaries and easements, and between the vines. The soils on site have been severely impacted by disking or other mechanical means as evidenced by linear furrows traversing the entire site. WILDLIFE There are numerous burrows and sign attributable to kangaroo rats on site. Smaller burrows which could belong to the Los Angeles pocket mouse were also detected. Two potential k-rat species could occur simultaneously on the property: the Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans [DKR]) and the SBKR. K-rat densities were estimated by walking 50-meter transects and counting all active k-rat burrows within 6 feet of the right side of the transect lines. Density estimates were derived from work by Dr. O’Farrel on SKR with acreage density conversions from transects as follows: • trace less than 1, • low 2-3, medium 4 to 7, • high 8 and above. In all areas surveyed, small discreet pockets of occupancy higher than those recorded and mapped were observed. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS In order to determine which species(s) is (are) present on site a trapping survey is required and will be implemented. Based on our experience, and consultation with other trappers that have performed surveys in this general area it is likely that the majority of the k-rat sign observed is probably DKR with a very limited potential of SBKR presence. Due to site conditions and the need to determine if trace SBKR occurs within the area, two 5- day trapping sessions will be required. The LAPM and other potential species would be trapped at the same time as the k-rat survey. Based on e-mail correspondence with clients and the need for the USFWS 15 day notification, weather permitting trapping will be conducted at end of September and first part of October. K-rat Densities on Westgate Project August 2023 Remnant RSS within Power Line Easement Bisecting Property Overview of Vineyard and Existing Paved Road K-rat Burrow near Vine References Burt, W. H., 1986. A Field Guide to the Mammals in North American North of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. Cadre Environmental, 2002, Etiwanda TT16072 Trapping Report ENVIRA, 2021 Etiwanda Fan TT16072 SBKR and LAPM Focused Survey. Glenn Luckos and Associates Garrett, K. and J. Dunn, 1981. Birds of Southern California. Los Angeles Audubon Society. The Artisan Press, Los Angeles, California. Grinnell, J., 1933. Review of the Recent Mammal Fauna of California. University of California Publications in Zoology, 40:71-234. Hall, E.R., 1981. The Mammals of North America, Volumes I and II. John Wiley and Sons, New York, New York. Hickman, J.C., ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. Ingles, L.G., 1965. Mammals of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. Laudenslayer, Jr., W.F., W.E. Grenfell, Jr., and D.C. Zeiner, 1991. A Check-list of the Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals of California. California Fish and Game 77:109-141. McKernan, R.L., 1997. The Status and Known Distribution of the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus): Field surveys conducted between 1987 and 1996. Report prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Field Office. McKernan, R.L. 1999. Biological Inventory of the Etiwanda Creek Flood Control Project, San Bernardino County. Report prepared for the San Bernardino County Transportation/Flood Control Department, San Bernardino, California. Munz, P.A., 1974. A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. NRA,2001, SBKR Trapping Report for 130 Acre Etiwanda Project O’Farrel 1987 Population Density Estimates Camp Pendleton MCRD Remsen, Jr., J.V., 1978. Bird Species of Special Concern in California. Non-game Wildlife Investigations. Wildlife Management Branch Administrative Report No 78-1. Report prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game. Soil Conservation Service, 1980. Soil Survey of San Bernardino County, Southwestern Part, California. Stebbins, R.C., 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1996. Review of plant and animal taxa for listing as endangered or threatened species; notice of review. Federal Register Vol. 61, No. 40. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998a. Emergency Rule to List the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties in Southern California, as Endangered. Vol. 63, No. 17, pp. 3835 - 3843. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule to List the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat as Endangered; and Notice of Public Hearing. Vol. 63, No. 17, pp. 3877 - 3878. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998c. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule to List the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat as Endangered, Vol. 63, No. 185, pp. 51005 - 51017. Williams, D.F., 1986. Mammalian Species of Special Concern in California. Wildlife Management Division Administrative Report 86-1 prepared for The Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game.