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APPENDIX A3
FOCUSED TRAPPING SURVEYS FOR THE SAN BERNARDINO
KANGAROO RAT AND LOS ANGELES POCKET MOUSE
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Focused Trapping Surveys for the
San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat and
Los Angeles Pocket Mouse
Westgate Development Project
City of Rancho Cucamonga, California
Total Project Acreage and Surveyed Area: 161.4 estimated Acres
Prepared by:
ENVIRA
P. O. Box 2612
Ramona, CA 92065
Phone 619-885-0236
E-mail phvergne@aol.com
Trapping Surveys Conducted On:
September 18 to 28, 2023
Report Date
October 12, 2023
Prepared For: UltraSystems Environmental, Inc.
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This report was prepared in accordance with professional requirements and recommended
protocols for small mammal trapping studies.
I certify that the information in this survey report and attached fully and accurately represents
my work (USFWS Permit 068072-4)
Philippe Jean Vergne
Philippe Jean Vergne, Field Biologist and Author
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Table of Contents Page
Executive Summary .......................................................................................................4
Introduction ....................................................................................................................4
Methods..........................................................................................................................5
Potential Sensitive Biological Species ...........................................................................5
Results ............................................................................................................................7
Conclusions .................................................................................................................12
References ....................................................................................................................16
List of Figures
1 Regional Location ..................................................................................................14
2 Project Boundaries and Trapping Locations ..........................................................15
List of Tables
1 Weather Information ...............................................................................................9
2 Trapping Results ...................................................................................................11
List of Appendices
Appendix A - Plant and Animal Species Observed
Appendix B - Site Photographs
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Executive Summary
ENVIRA was contracted by UltraSystems Environmental, Inc. (UltraSystems) to conduct a
protocol San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus [SBKR]) and Los Angeles
pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris brevinasus [LAPM]) trapping survey on an estimated
161.4+-acre property located south of the Etiwanda Fan in the City of Fontana, San Bernardino
County, California. The total acreage includes areas 7170B (30.8 acres), 7170D (25.4 acres, 7170F
(72.1 acres), and 7170G (33.0 acres) as depicted in Figure 1.
The protocol survey was required to determine the presence or absence of SBKR and LAPM in
the upland habitat located on the property.
A total of five small mammal species were captured during the survey. Sensitive species that were
captured are the Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax [CHFA]) and
LAPM.
No SBKR were captured during the current survey. The resident kangaroo rat species on site is
the Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans [DKR]).
Project impacts were only generally assessed in relation to SBKR and the LAPM. For the SBKR,
the potential impacts are limited to loss of currently un-occupied very limited Riversidian sage
scrub habitat. For the LAPM, impacts include the loss of occupied habitat within sage scrub habitat
and vineyard habitat..
Introduction
ENVIRA was contracted by UltraSystems to conduct protocol San Bernardino kangaroo rat
(Dipodomys merriami parvus [SBKR]) and Los Angeles pocket mouse (Perognathus
longimembris brevinasus [LAPM]) trapping survey on an estimated 161.4+-acre property located
south of the Etiwanda Fan 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)
as depicted in Figure 1; and 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.
The protocol trapping survey was required to determine the presence or absence of SBKR and
LAPM in the upland habitat located on the property.
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Methods
Research
ENVIRA reviewed available information on the known sensitive resources in the area. The
literature review included a review of standard field guides and texts on sensitive and non-sensitive
biological resources, as well as the following sources:
• The Status and Known Distribution of the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys
merriami parvus): Field surveys conducted between 1987 and 1996 (McKernan 1997).
• Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule to List the San Bernardino
Kangaroo Rat as Endangered; and Notice of Public Hearing (U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, 1998C).
ENVIRA also reviewed other available technical information on the biological resources of the
site, including a previous habitat assessment on site and regional trapping surveys and discussed
recent findings with researchers in the field.
Several listed or sensitive small mammal species were identified as potentially present in the
vicinity of the project. They are the SBKR, the CHFA, the LAPM, and the San Diego desert
woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia) [SDDW]).
Of the animal species potentially present, the SBKR and LAPM requires specific survey protocols
to establish presence or absence. These specific survey protocols are required for areas where
impacts may occur to the sensitive species or their occupied habitat. The remaining species are
usually identified through casual observation while trapping for targeted species.
Potential Sensitive Biological Resources
San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat
The SBKR is one of several kangaroo rat species in its range. The Dulzura kangaroo rat
(Dipodomys simulans), the Pacific kangaroo rat (Dipodomys agilis) and the Stephens kangaroo rat
(Dipodomys stephensi) occur in areas occupied by the SBKR, but these other species have a wider
habitat range. The habitat of the SBKR is described as being 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
drainage. 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
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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 (U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, 1998a).
Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse
The CHFA 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
(CSC) whose historical range has been reduced by urban development and agriculture.
CSC designation of species is based on a series of publications prepared by the CDFW on declining
species of mammals, birds, fishes, amphibians and reptiles. The documents 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 CSC list, and have not been elevated to a greater status of
protection. The reasons are many, including a lack of understanding on the specific numbers of
individuals and populations, the habitats occupied by the species and the threats to those habitats.
Los Angeles Pocket Mouse
The LAPM is one of two pocket mice found in this area of San Bernardino County. Both the
LAPM and the CHFA occupy similar habitats, but the CHFA has a wider range extending south
into San Diego County. The habitat of the LAPM is described as being 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.
LAPM forages in open ground and underneath shrubs. Pocket mice in general dig burrows in loose
soil, although this has not been completely documented for this subspecies.
The LAPM is listed as a CSC by the CDFW.
San Diego Desert Woodrat
The SDDW 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 SDDW, 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
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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 CSC; its historical range has been
impacted by the conversion of scrub habitats into residential, commercial and industrial use.
Results
Topography and Soils
The topography on the property ranges from level to gently sloping terrain. In general, surface
soils on site belong to the Hanford sandy loams and Soboba loamy sands. Sandy soils, gravel and
river-wash cobbles (Soil Conservation Service 1980).
Surrounding Land Use
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
have 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.
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Dominant grass species that occur as understory within the vineyard include red brome (Bromus
madritensis), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), red-stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium) and
short-podded mustard (Hirschfeldia incana).
Remnant areas of upland sage scrub occur under the power easements and edge of access roads
that bisect the site. The dominant species in this community California buckwheat and beavertail
cactus.
A detailed list of plant species observed is provided in Appendix A.
Disturbances
Trails and dirt roads bisect the property. Portions of the wash have been impacted by culvert
construction and material removal and stockpiling for flood control management. Minor grading
has occurred next to dirt road in central portion of the site. Remnant house foundation and
associated infrastructure occur near eucalyptus windrow in central portion of site.
Methodology
Habitat Evaluation Surveys
Habitat evaluation surveys and protocol trapping for SBKR and LAPM were performed by Mr.
Philippe Vergne of ENVIRA. Mr. Vergne holds a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) permit
to trap and handle of Stephens’s and San Bernardino kangaroo rats, Pacific pocket mouse, and to
conduct field studies on sensitive small mammals in southern California (TE-068072-4), a CDFW
Memorandum of Understanding for above mentioned species and LAPM, Mohave ground squirrel,
Palms Springs pocket mouse, Palm Springs ground squirrel, white-eared pocket mouse, Jacumba
pocket mouse, CHFA, and Dulzura pocket mouse , and a CDFW scientific collection permit.
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Mr. Vergne also conducted a general biological assessment of the plant and wildlife species on
site. In addition, he noted site characteristics such as soils, topography, the condition of the plant
communities, and evidence of human use of the site.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions for the survey period are given in Table 1.
TABLE 1
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Day Cloud Cover Night Temperature
(F )
Wind (mph)
09-18-23 clear 72 3
09-19-23 clear 65 0-3
09-20-23 clear 63 0
09-21-23 clear 62 0-3
09-22-23 Partly cloudy 63 0-5
09-23-23 cloudy 65 0-3
09-24-23 clear 64 0
09-25-23 Partly cloudy 61 0-3
09-26-23 cloudy 59 0-3
09-27-23 clear 62 0
09-28-23 clear 60 0-5
Wildlife
Wildlife activity was moderate. Bird species were the most commonly seen. A Few reptiles were
observed. Small mammals were confined to those trapped and cottontail, and California ground
squirrel.
Wildlife observations were based on calls, songs, scat, tracks, burrows and actual sightings of
animals. A list of wildlife species observed is found in Appendix B.
Trapping Surveys
Trapping was conducted according to protocols established for small mammal presence/absence
surveys. The protocol calls for five consecutive nights of trapping, conducted when the animal is
active aboveground at night. Due to the property size two trapping sessions were conducted.
Two five-day focused trapping surveys were conducted from September 18 to 28 of 2023, as
shown in Table 1.
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Trapping lines of 15 traps each were set at trapping Areas 1 to 23 (Figure 3). Traps were placed
in suitable habitat areas on the project, concentrating on locating traps in areas containing sandy
soils and suitable vegetation. Areas with kangaroo rat sign were also targeted.
Each trap was baited with a mixture of bird seed and rolled oats placed at the back of the traps.
The traps were left in place, set at dusk each night and inspected once during the night and at dawn
each morning. All animals were identified and released at the point of capture.
Notes and photographs were taken on the habitat conditions where the traps were placed. The
weather conditions at the time of the trapping studies were also noted.
Trapping Results
A total of five small mammal species were captured during the surveys. Sensitive species that were
captured were the CHFA and LAPM.
No SBKR were captured during the September 2023 surveys.
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TABLE 2 Focused Trapping 2023 Results For Westgate Project
Trap Line
or Grid
Area
Number
Of Traps
Total
Trap
Nights
DKR CHFA PEMA
PEER LAPM
1 41 15 75 2 3 1 1
2 41 15 75 3 2
3 41 15 75 1
4 41 15 75 1
5 41 15 75 3
6 41 15 75 2
7 41 15 75 2 1
8 41 15 75 3
9 41 15 75 1 2
10 41 15 75 1 1
11 44-45 15 75 2
12 44-45 15 75 1
13 44-45 15 75 2
14 31 15 75 3
15 27 15 75 3
16 27 15 75 2 1
17 27 15 75 2
18 31 15 75 1
19 31 15 75 2
20 27 15 75 4 2
21 27 15 75 6 2
22 27 15 75 2 1 2 1
23 27 15 75 1 1 1
TOTAL 345 1725 50 6 7 6 3
DKR-Dulzura Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys simulans)
CHFA-Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax)
PELO- Los Angeles pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris brevinasus)
PEER- Cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus)
PEMA-Deer Mouse (Permnyscus maniculatis)
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Conclusion
Project impacts were only generally assessed in relation to SBKR and the LAPM.
The SBKR was not detected on site and based on results from the protocol surveys this species is
regarded as absent from the areas surveyed. There will be no direct impacts to SBKR from project
implementation.
For the LAPM, impacts include the loss of occupied habitat on site. Since some of the LAPM
would have been estivating during the survey period the numbers captured are not indicative of
the population on site.
Surveys are valid for a period of one year.
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Figure 1. Site Vicinity and Project Boundaries
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Figure 2. Project Trap Lines for 2023
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References and Literature Read or Cited
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
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.
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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.
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Appendix A - Plant Species Observed
ANGIOSPERMAE: DICOTYLEDONES DICOT FLOWERING PLANTS
Amaranthaceae Amaranthus family
Amaranthus albus Tumbleweed
Asteraceae Sunflower family
Ambrosia acanthicarpa Annual bur-sage
Ambrosia psilostachya Western ragweed
Helianthus annuus Annual sunflower
Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph weed
Boraginaceae Borage family
Amsinckia intermedia Fiddleneck
Cryptantha intermedia Popcorn flower
Brassicaceae Mustard family
Hirschfeldia incana Short-podded mustard
Chenopodiaceae Saltbush family
Salsola tragus Russian thistle
Euphorbiaceae Spurge family
Croton californica Croton
Fabaceae Pea family
Lotus scoparius Deerweed
Geraniaceae Geranium family
Erodium cicutarium Red-stemmed filaree
Polygonaceae Buckwheat family
Eriogonum fasciculatum Flat-top buckwheat
Eriogonum gracile Graceful buckwheat
ANGIOSPERMAE: MONOCOTYLEDONAE MONOCOT FLOWERING PLANTS
Poaceae Grass family
Avena barbata Slender wild oats
Bromus madritensis Red brome
Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass
Schismus barbatus Mediterranean grass
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Plant taxonomy and nomenclature follow Hickman 1993 and Munz 1974.
REPTILIA REPTILES
Iguanidae Iguanas and their allies
Uta stansburiana Side-blotched lizard
AVES BIRDS
Cathartidae Vultures
Cathartes aura Turkey vulture
Accipitridae Kites, hawks and eagles
Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk
Corvidae Crows and ravens
Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow
Mimidae Mimic thrushes
Mimus polyglottos Northern mockingbird
Emberizidae Warblers, sparrows, blackbirds and relatives
Pipilo crissalis California towhee
MAMMALIA MAMMALS
Leporidae Rabbits and hares
Sylvilagus audubonii Audubon’s cottontail
Sciuridae Squirrels, chipmunks and marmots
Spermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel
Geomyidae Pocket gophers
Thomomys umbrinus Botta’s pocket gopher
Heteromyidae Pocket mice and kangaroo rats
Perognathus longimembris brevinasus Los Angeles pocket mouse
Chaetodippus fallax Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse
Dipodomys simulans Dulzura kangaroo rat
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Cricetidae Cricetine mice and rats
Peromyscus eremicus Cactus mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus Deer mouse
Canidae Foxes, wolves and relatives
Canis latrans Coyote
Nomenclature follows Garth & Tilden 1986, Hall 1981, Laudenslayer et al. 1991, and Stebbins 1966.
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SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
Vineyard Northern Areas 7170F
Looking at Power Line South of Highland Channel
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Remnant Sage Scrub Under Power Line Easement
DKR Note Fifth Toe on Hindfoot. SBKR Only Has four toes
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Kangaroo rat tail drag and footprints on site
Disking Between Vineyard and Channel Access Roads