HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix C - Residential Development Site Biological Technical Report
Biological Technical Report
Fontana Walnut Project
San Bernardino County, California
Prepared For:
Jason Holt
Diversified Pacific
10621 Civic Center Drive
Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730
Prepared By:
215 North 5th Street Redlands, California 92374
October 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Description and Location.................................................................................................................. 1
2.1 Federal Regulations ............................................................................................................................................ 4
2.1.1 The Federal Endangered Species Act ......................................................................................... 4
2.1.2 National Environmental Policy Act .............................................................................................. 4
2.1.3 Migratory Bird Treaty Act ................................................................................................................ 4
2.1.4 Federal Clean Water Act .................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 State and Local Regulations ........................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 California Endangered Species Act .............................................................................................. 6
2.2.2 Fully Protected Species .................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.3 California Fish and Game Code .................................................................................................... 7
2.2.4 Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act .............................................................................................. 9
2.2.5 California Environmental Quality Act Significance Criteria ................................................ 9
3.0 METHODS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
3.1 Literature Review .............................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2 Field Survey ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
3.2.1 Biological Reconnaissance Survey ............................................................................................ 12
4.0 RESULTS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
4.1 Literature Review .............................................................................................................................................. 12
4.1.1 Special-Status Plants and Wildlife ............................................................................................ 12
4.1.2 United States Fish and Wildlife Service Designated Critical Habitat........................... 12
4.1.3 Preliminary Aquatic Resources Delineation Literature Review ...................................... 13
4.2 Biological Reconnaissance Survey ............................................................................................................. 13
4.2.1 Property Characteristics ................................................................................................................ 13
4.2.2 Vegetation Communities.............................................................................................................. 13
4.2.3 Plants .................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.2.4 Wildlife ................................................................................................................................................. 14
4.2.5 Potential for Special-Status Plant and Wildlife Species to Occur in the Project
Area ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.2.6 Raptors and Migratory Birds ....................................................................................................... 21
4.2.7 Wildlife Movement Corridors, Linkages, and Native Wildlife Nursery Sites ............ 21
5.0 IMPACT ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................................................................ 22
5.1 Special-Status Species .................................................................................................................................... 22
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5.2 Sensitive Natural Communities .................................................................................................................. 24
5.3 State and Federally Protected Wetlands and Waters of the United States .............................. 24
5.4 Wildlife Corridors and Nursery Sites ........................................................................................................ 24
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
6.1 Additional Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 28
7.0 CERTIFICATION .................................................................................................................................................................. 28
8.0 LITERATURE CITED ........................................................................................................................................................... 29
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Weather Conditions During the Survey ................................................................................................................... 13
Table 2. CRPR Status Designations ............................................................................................................................................. 15
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Project Vicinity .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2. Project Location.................................................................................................................................................................. 3
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A – Representative Site Photographs
Appendix B – Plant Species Observed
Appendix C – Wildlife Species Observed
Appendix D – Special-Status Plant Species Potential for Occurrence
Appendix E – Special-Status Wildlife Species Potential for Occurrence
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Term Definition
CCR California Code of Regulations
CDFG California Department of Fish and Game
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database
CNPS California Native Plant Society
CNPSEI California Native Plant Society’s Electronic Inventory
CRPR California Rare Plant Rank
CWA Clean Water Act
ESA Endangered Species Act
GPS Global Positioning System
I- Interstate
MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NPPA Native Plant Protection Act
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
NWI National Wetlands Inventory
OHWM Ordinary High-Water Mark
Procedures Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State
Project Fontana Walnut Project
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SAA Streambed Alteration Agreement
SB147 State Bill 147
SSC Species of Special Concern
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USC U.S. Code
USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
WOTUS Waters of the U.S.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
ECORP Consulting, Inc. conducted a biological reconnaissance survey and habitat assessment at an
approximately 30.71-acre property (Assessor Parcel Numbers 0228-05-101, -114 through -117; -119
through -121, -201, -225, -226, -227; 0228-06-102 through -114; -116 through -118; -120 through -125;
and 0228-31-105) in the City of Fontana, San Bernardino County, California. The survey was conducted to
identify any potential biological resources that could be affected by the proposed Fontana Walnut Project
(Project) pursuant to the terms of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and for the purposes
of identifying any biological constraints that would affect the proposed site plan for the Project. The
Project will be subject to county, state, and federal regulations regarding compliance with the federal
Endangered Species Act (ESA), California ESA, Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Clean Water Act (CWA)
regulations, California State Water Resources Control Board for state waters, and California Fish and Game
Code.
1.1 Project Description and Location
The Project Area is located south of S. Highland Avenue and within the City of Fontana, San Bernardino
County, California (Figure 1). The Project Area is bounded by streets on two sides: S. Highland Avenue to
the north and Walnut Avenue to the south. The west and east sides of the Project Area are bounded by
residential communities. The Project Area, as depicted on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute
“Devore, California” topographic quadrangle, is located within Section 36 of Township 1 North, and Range
6 West (Figure 2). The elevation of the Project Area ranges from approximately 1,438 to 1,473 feet above
mean sea level.
The Proposed Project would involve the construction of a residential community consisting of 393
dwelling units on an approximately 30.71-acre plot of land. The property is currently designated Multi
Family Medium/High Residential (R-MFMH) in the City’s General Plan. The Project proposes to amend this
General Plan land use designation to Multi Family Residential (R-MF). The Proposed Project would feature
a combination of two-story cluster homes, two-story motor court, and two-story townhomes. The unit mix
would consist of 103 detached cluster units in 6 and 8 pack configurations with sizing from 1,700 to 1,900
square feet. Additionally, 113 detached motor court units clustered in 6 and 8 pack configurations with
sizing from 1,600 to 1,900 square feet are proposed. Lastly, 177 attached townhome units arranged in 5, 6,
and 7 pack configurations are proposed, which would range from 1,100 to 1,700 square feet. Each house
would include a garage fitting two cars. The Project would also accommodate street parking with 126
open-air parking spaces.
The Project is proposed to be a gated community with ingress and egress off Knox Avenue and Walnut
Street. The entries would open up to the recreational and common areas located throughout the Project.
The proposed amenities would include a recreational center with a pool, spa, BBQ’s and lounging areas.
The Project proposes a park on the northeastern edge of the Project Site, large open grass areas,
including one such area adjacent to the northern boundary of the site, shaded sitting areas, play areas,
and a paseo with playground equipment.
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Map Contents
Project Area - 30.71 ac.
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2.0 FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS
This biological reconnaissance survey was conducted to identify potential biological resource constraints
and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding listed, protected, and special-
status species and resources. The regulations are detailed below.
2.1 Federal Regulations
2.1.1 The Federal Endangered Species Act
The federal ESA protects plants and animals that are listed as endangered or threatened by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Section 9 of the ESA prohibits the
taking of endangered wildlife, where taking is defined as “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill,
trap, capture, collect, or attempt to engage in such conduct” (50 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 17.3).
For plants, this statute governs removing, possessing, maliciously damaging, or destroying any
endangered plant on federal land and removing, cutting, digging up, damaging, or destroying any
endangered plant on non-federal land in knowing violation of state law (16 U.S. Code [USC] 1538). Under
Section 7 of the ESA, federal agencies are required to consult with the USFWS if their actions, including
permit approvals or funding, could adversely affect a listed (or proposed) species (including plants) or its
critical habitat.
Through consultation and the issuance of a biological opinion, the USFWS may issue an incidental take
statement allowing take of the species that is incidental to an otherwise authorized activity provided the
activity will not jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Section 10 of the ESA provides for
issuance of incidental take permits where no other federal actions are necessary provided a habitat
conservation plan is developed.
2.1.2 National Environmental Policy Act
Signed into law on January 1, 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires all federal
agencies to analyze the environmental impacts related to their proposed actions prior to making and
implementing decisions or actions. This framework for evaluation of environmental and associated
economic and social effects of proposed actions, described in 42 USC 4321, also provides the public
opportunity to review and comment. Actions that are covered by NEPA include decision-making related
to publicly owned facilities such as highways, permit applications, and federal land management.
2.1.3 Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The MBTA implements international treaties between the U.S. and other nations devised to protect
migratory birds, any of their parts, eggs, and nests from activities including hunting, pursuing, capturing,
killing, selling, and shipping, unless expressly authorized in the regulations or by permit. As authorized by
the MBTA, the USFWS issues permits to qualified applicants for the following types of activities: falconry,
raptor propagation, scientific collecting, special purposes (rehabilitation, education, migratory game bird
propagation, and salvage), take of depredating birds, taxidermy, and waterfowl sale and disposal. The
regulations governing migratory bird permits can be found in 50 CFR Part 13 General Permit Procedures
and 50 CFR Part 21 Migratory Bird Permits.
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2.1.4 Federal Clean Water Act
Under Section 404 of the federal CWA, potential Waters of the U.S., including wetlands, may be regulated
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The limit of USACE jurisdiction for non-tidal watercourses
(without adjacent wetlands) is defined in 33 Code of Federal Regulations 328.4(c)(1) as the “ordinary high-
water mark” (OHWM).
The OHWM is defined as the line on the shore established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by
physical characteristics such as clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the
character of soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other
appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas. The upstream limits of other
waters are defined as the point where the OHWM is no longer perceptible.
Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) are delineated in accordance with the “Revised Definition of
‘Waters of the United States’” rule, published in the Federal Register in 2022 and which became final on
January 18, 2023. This rule, set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and USACE,
was consistent with the pre-2015 regulatory definition as all waters that are currently used, or were used
in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate commerce, including all waters subject to the ebb
and flow of the tide. This definition also includes all interstate waters, including interstate wetlands,
interstate lakes, rivers, streams (including all intermittent and ephemeral streams), mudflats, sand flats,
sloughs, and prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds where the use, degradation, or
destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce. Under this rule, WOTUS do not include
prior converted cropland.
The definition of WOTUS in accordance with this rule (40 CFR 230.3[s]), is summarized below.
1. All waters which are currently used, or were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use
in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and
flow of the tide;
2. All interstate waters including interstate wetlands;
3. All other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams),
mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or
natural ponds, the use, degradation or destruction of which could affect interstate or
foreign commerce including any such waters: (i) Which are or could be used by interstate
or foreign travelers for recreational or other purposes; or (ii) From which fish or shellfish
are or could be taken and sold in interstate or foreign commerce; or (iii) Which are used
or could be used for industrial purpose by industries in interstate commerce;
4. All impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the U.S. under the definition;
5. Tributaries of waters identified in paragraphs (s)(1)-(4) of this section;
6. The territorial sea; and
7. Wetlands adjacent to waters (other than waters that are themselves wetlands) identified
in paragraphs (s)(1) through (6) of this section; waste treatment systems, including
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treatment ponds or lagoons designed to meet the requirements of CWA (other than
cooling ponds as defined in 40 CFR 423.11(m) which also meet the criteria of this
definition) are not WOTUS.
On May 25, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States adopted a narrower definition of WOTUS in the
case Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. Under the majority opinion, WOTUS refers to
“geographical features that are described in ordinary parlance as ‘streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes’ and to
adjacent wetlands that are ‘indistinguishable’ from those bodies of water due to a continuous surface
connection.” On August 29, 2023, the agencies issued a final rule to amend the final “Revised Definition of
‘Waters of the United States’” rule to conform the definition of “waters of the United States” to the U.S.
Supreme Court’s May 25, 2023, decision in the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency.
Parts of the January 2023 Rule are invalid under the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the CWA in the
Sackett decision. Therefore, the agencies have amended key aspects of the regulatory text to conform to
the Court’s decision. Key changes under the amendment include:
Definition of “adjacent” is now “having a continuous surface connection;”
Only tributaries that are relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water
(or tributaries with a continuous surface connection to those) are considered jurisdictional;
Interstate wetlands are no longer jurisdictional just by virtue of being interstate; and
Significant nexus test is eliminated.
Where areas jurisdictional to the USACE are present, and will be impacted by a project, the project
proponent must usually apply for permitting with the agency, which generally consists of submittal of a
Pre-Construction Notification under Section 404 of the CWA. As of the writing of this report, we do not
know the details of how the individual USACE offices will implement the conforming rule for permitting
purposes.
2.2 State and Local Regulations
2.2.1 California Endangered Species Act
The California ESA generally parallels the main provisions of the ESA but, unlike its federal counterpart,
the California ESA applies the take prohibitions to species proposed for listing (called “candidates” by the
state). Section 2080 of the California Fish and Game Code prohibits the taking, possession, purchase, sale,
and import or export of endangered, threatened, or candidate species, unless otherwise authorized by
permit or in the regulations. Take is defined in Section 86 of the California Fish and Game Code as “hunt,
pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.” The California ESA allows
for take incidental to otherwise lawful development projects. State lead agencies are required to consult
with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to ensure that any action they undertake is not
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in
destruction or adverse modification of essential habitat.
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2.2.2 Fully Protected Species
The State of California first began to designate species as fully protected prior to the creation of the
federal and California ESAs. Lists of fully protected species were initially developed to provide protection
to those animals that were rare or faced possible extinction, and included fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds,
and mammals. Most fully protected species have since been listed as threatened or endangered under the
federal and/or California ESA. Previously, the regulations that implement the Fully Protected Species
Statute (California Fish and Game Code § 4700) provide that fully protected species may not be taken or
possessed at any time. However, as of July 10, 2023, Senate Bill 147 (SB147) was signed into law,
authorizing CDFW to issue take permits under the California ESA for fully protected species for qualifying
projects through 2033. As stated in section 2081.15 of SB147, qualifying projects include:
A maintenance, repair, or improvement project to the State Water Project, including existing
infrastructure, undertaken by the Department of Water Resources;
A maintenance, repair, or improvement project to critical regional or local water agency
infrastructure;
A transportation project, including any associated habitat connectivity and wildlife crossing
project, undertaken by a state, regional, or local agency that does not increase highway or street
capacity for automobile or truck travel;
A wind project and any appurtenant infrastructure improvement, and any associated electric
transmission project carrying electric power from a facility that is located in the state to a point of
junction with any California based balancing authority; and
A solar photovoltaic project and any appurtenant infrastructure improvement, and any associated
electric transmission project carrying electric power from a facility that is located in the state to a
point of junction with any California-based balancing authority.
2.2.3 California Fish and Game Code
2.2.3.1 California Native Plant Protection Act
The California Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) of 1977 (California Fish and Game Code §§ 1900-1913)
was created with the intent to “preserve, protect and enhance rare and endangered plants in this State.” The
NPPA is administered by CDFW. The California Fish and Game Commission has the authority to designate
native plants as “endangered” or “rare” and to protect endangered and rare plants from take. The
California ESA of 1984 (California Fish and Game Code § 2050-2116) provided further protection for rare
and endangered plant species, but the NPPA remains part of the California Fish and Game Code.
2.2.3.2 Streambed Alteration Agreement
Pursuant to Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code, a Streambed Alteration Agreement (SAA)
application must be submitted for “any activity that may substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow or
substantially change the bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake” (CDFW 2021). In Title 14 of the
California Code of Regulations, Section 1.72, the CDFW defines a stream (including creeks and rivers) as “a
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body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and
supports fish or other aquatic life. This includes watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that
supports or has supported riparian vegetation.”
In Chapter 9, Section 2785 of the Fish and Game Code, riparian habitat is defined as “lands which contain
habitat which grows close to, and which depends upon, soil moisture from a nearby freshwater source.”
The CDFW’s jurisdiction includes drainages with a definable bed, bank, or channel and areas associated
with a drainage channel that support intermittent, perennial, or subsurface flows; supports fish or other
aquatic life; or supports riparian or hydrophytic vegetation. It also includes areas that have a hydrologic
source.
The CDFW will determine if the proposed actions will result in diversion, obstruction, or change of the
natural flow, bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake that supports fish or wildlife. If warranted,
CDFW will issue an SAA that includes measures to protect affected fish and wildlife resources; this SAA is
the final proposal agreed upon by the CDFW and the applicant.
2.2.3.3 Migratory Birds
The CDFW enforces the protection of nongame native birds in §§ 3503, 3503.5, and 3800 of the California
Fish and Game Code. Section 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code prohibits the possession or take
of birds listed under the MBTA. These sections mandate the protection of California nongame native
birds’ nests and also make it unlawful to take these birds. All raptor species are also protected from “take”
pursuant to California Fish and Game Code § 3503.5 and are also protected at the federal level by the
MBTA of 1918 (USFWS 1918).
2.2.3.4 Bats and Bat Roosts
Bats in California are currently protected by the California Fish and Game Code, Sections 86, 1600, 2000,
2014, 3007, and 4150; California Public Resources Code, Division 14, Section 21000 et seq.; and California
Code of Regulations, Title 14 including, but not limited to Section 251.1, CEQA regulations (Section 15000
et seq.), Section 15380 – Endangered, Rare, or Threatened Species, Section 15382 – Significant Effect on
the Environment.
Regulations of particular relevance to the protection of bats and bat roosts include Title 14, Section 251.1
of the California Code of Regulations, which prohibits harassment (defined in that section as an
intentional act that disrupts an animal’s normal behavior patterns, including breeding, feeding, or
sheltering) of nongame mammals (e.g., bats), and California Fish and Game Code Section 4150, which
prohibits take or possession of all nongame mammals or parts thereof. Any activities resulting in bat
mortality (e.g., the destruction of an occupied bat roost that results in the death of bats), disturbance that
causes the loss of a maternity colony of bats (resulting in the death of young), or various modes of
nonlethal pursuit or capture may be considered take as defined in Section 86 of the California Fish and
Game Code. In addition, impacts to bat maternity colonies, which are considered native wildlife nursery
sites, could be considered significant under CEQA.
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2.2.4 Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act
The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act requires “any person discharging waste, or proposing to
discharge waste, within any region that could affect the waters of the State to file a report of discharge”
with the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) through State Wetland Definition and
Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State (Procedures) (California Code
of Regulations [CCR], title 23, § 3855) (State Water Resources Control Board 2021). Waters of the State is
defined as any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the State
(California Water Code § 13050[e]). Pollution is defined as an alteration of the quality of the waters of the
state by waste to a degree that unreasonably affects its beneficial uses (California Water Code § 13050)
and includes filling in waters of the State. Note that CCR, title 23, § 3855 applies only to individual water
quality certifications, but the new Procedures extend the application of § 3855 to individual waste
discharge requirements for discharges of dredged or fill material to Waters of the State and waivers
thereof.
A permit for impacts to Waters of the State of California would likely be required under the CWA and/or
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. To determine whether a project should be regulated pursuant
to the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the RWQCB considers whether project activities could
impact the quality of Waters of the State.
On September 27, 2023, the USEPA published its final 2023 Clean Water Act Section 401 Quarter Quality
Certification Improvement Rule (88 Fed. Reg. 66558.) The final 2023 Rule revises and replaces the 2020
Rule’s regulatory requirements for water quality certification that were adopted by the prior federal
administration. The updates realign the scope of the Section 401 certification process with established
practices, while also restoring the roles of states, territories, and authorized Tribes as certifying agencies.
2.2.5 California Environmental Quality Act Significance Criteria
Section 15064.7 of the CEQA Guidelines encourages local agencies to develop and publish the thresholds
the agency uses in determining the significance of environmental effects caused by projects under its
review. However, agencies may also rely upon the guidance provided by the CEQA checklist contained in
Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Appendix G provides examples of impacts that would normally be
considered significant. Based on these examples, impacts to biological resources would normally be
considered significant if a project would:
have a substantial 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, policies, or
regulations, or by CDFW or USFWS;
have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by CDFW or USFWS;
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;
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conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance; and
conflict with the provisions of an adopted HCP, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or state HCP.
An evaluation of whether an impact on biological resources would be substantial must consider both the
resource itself and how that resource fits into a regional or local context. Substantial impacts would be
those that would diminish, or result in the loss of, an important biological resource, or those that would
obviously conflict with local, state, or federal resource conservation plans, goals, or regulations. Impacts
are sometimes locally important but not significant according to CEQA. The reason for this is that
although the impacts would result in an adverse alteration of existing conditions, they would not
substantially diminish or result in the permanent loss of an important resource on a population-wide or
region-wide basis.
3.0 METHODS
3.1 Literature Review
Prior to conducting the biological reconnaissance survey, ECORP biologists performed a literature review
using the CDFW’s California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB; CDFW 2023a) and the California Native
Plant Society’s (CNPS) Electronic Inventory (CNPSEI; CNPS 2023) to determine the special-status plant and
wildlife species that have been documented near the Project Area. ECORP searched CNDDB and CNPSEI
records within the Project Area boundaries as depicted on USGS 7.5-minute “Devore, California”
topographic quadrangle, plus the surrounding eight topographic quadrangles including “San Bernardino
North, California,” “San Bernardino South, California,” “Fontana, California,” “Guasti, California,”
“Cucamonga Peak, California,” “Telegraph Peak, California,” “Cajon, California,” and “Silverwood Lake,
California.” The CNDDB and CNPSEI contain records of reported occurrences of federally and/or state-
listed endangered, threatened, proposed endangered or threatened species, California Species of Special
Concern (SSC), or other special-status species or habitat that may occur within or near the Project.
Additional information was gathered from the following sources and includes, but is not limited to:
State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California (CDFW 2023b);
Special Animals List (CDFW 2023c);
The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California (Baldwin et al. 2012);
The Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009);
Countywide – All Biotic Resources Overlay Map (County of San Bernardino 2012); and
various online websites (e.g., Calflora 2023).
Using this information and observations in the field, a list of special-status plant and animal species that
have the potential to occur on or near the Project Area was generated. For the purposes of this
assessment, special-status species are defined as plants or animals that:
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have been designated as either rare, threatened, or endangered by CDFW, CNPS, or the USFWS,
or are protected under either the federal ESA or California ESA;
are candidate species being considered or proposed for listing under these same acts;
are fully protected by the California Fish and Game Code, §§ 3511, 4700, 5050, or 5515; or
are of expressed concern to resource and regulatory agencies or local jurisdictions.
Special-status species reported for the region in the literature review or for which suitable habitat occurs
on the site were assessed for their potential to occur within the Project Area based on the following
guidelines:
Present: The species was observed onsite during a site visit or focused survey.
High: Habitat (including soils and elevation factors) for the species occurs within the Project Area and a
known occurrence has recently been recorded (within the last 20 years) within 5 miles of the area.
Moderate: Habitat (including soils and elevation factors) for the species occurs within the Project Area
and a documented observation occurs within the database search, but not within 5 miles of the area; a
historic documented observation (more than 20 years old) was recorded within 5 miles of the Project
Area; or a recently documented observation occurs within 5 miles of the area and marginal or limited
amounts of habitat occurs in the Project Area.
Low: Limited or marginal habitat for the species occurs within the Project Area and a recently
documented observation occurs within the database search, but not within 5 miles of the area; a historic
documented observation (more than 20 years old) was recorded within 5 miles of the Project Area; or
suitable habitat strongly associated with the species occurs on site, but no records or only historic records
were found within the database search.
Presumed Absent: Species was not observed during a site visit or focused surveys conducted in
accordance with protocol guidelines at an appropriate time for identification; habitat (including soils and
elevation factors) does not exist on site; or the known geographic range of the species does not include
the Project Area.
Note that location information on some special-status species may be of questionable accuracy or
unavailable. Therefore, for survey purposes, the environmental factors associated with a species’
occurrence requirements may be considered sufficient reason to give a species a positive potential for
occurrence. In addition, just because a record of a species does not exist in the databases does not mean
it does not occur. In many cases, records may not be present in the databases because an area has not
been surveyed for that species.
A review of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS; NRCS 2023a) Web Soil Survey, NRCS
Hydric Soils List (NRCS 2023b), National Wetlands Inventory (NWI; USFWS 2023), and the corresponding
USGS topographic maps was also conducted to determine if there were any blue line streams or
drainages present on the Project Area that potentially fall under the jurisdiction of either federal or state
agencies.
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3.2 Field Survey
3.2.1 Biological Reconnaissance Survey
The biological reconnaissance survey was conducted by walking the entire Project Area and a 500-foot
buffer, where accessible, to determine the vegetation communities and wildlife habitats present on the
site. Areas that were not accessible by foot were scanned using binoculars for suitable habitat. The
biologists documented the plant and animal species present in the Project Area, and the location and
condition of the Project Area were assessed for the potential to provide habitat for special-status plant
and wildlife species. Data were recorded in the field utilizing ArcGIS Field Maps on a device (smartphone
or tablet) connected to a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, field notebooks, or maps., field notebooks,
or maps. Photographs were also taken during the survey to provide visual representation of the
conditions within the Project Area. The Project Area was also examined to assess its potential to facilitate
wildlife movement or function as a movement corridor for wildlife moving throughout the region. In
addition, the biologists documented the vegetation communities present in the Project Area.
Plant and wildlife species, including any special-status species that were observed during the survey, were
recorded. Plant nomenclature follows that of The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California (Baldwin et
al. 2012). Wildlife nomenclature follows Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (2017), Check-
list of North American Birds (Chesser et al. 2023), and the Revised Checklist of North American Mammals
North of Mexico (Bradley et al. 2014).
In instances where a special-status species was observed, the date, species, location and habitat, and GPS
coordinates were recorded.
4.0 RESULTS
Summarized below are the results of the literature review and field surveys, including site characteristics,
vegetation communities, wildlife, special-status species, and special-status habitats (including any
potential wildlife corridors or native wildlife nursery sites).
4.1 Literature Review
4.1.1 Special-Status Plants and Wildlife
The literature review and database searches identified 58 special-status plant species and 43 special-
status wildlife species that could occur near the Project Area. A list was generated from the results of the
literature review and the Project Area was evaluated for suitable habitat that could support any of the
special-status plant or wildlife species on the list. The Project Area is located within the San Bernardino
County biotic overlay for burrowing owl.
4.1.2 United States Fish and Wildlife Service Designated Critical Habitat
The Project Area is not located within any USFWS-designated critical habitat. Designated Critical Habitat
for San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) is present approximately 0.6 mile north of
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the Project Area. There are no expected impacts to the critical habitat because there is no critical habitat
on or adjacent to the Project Area.
4.1.3 Preliminary Aquatic Resources Delineation Literature Review
The desktop review of the NRCS identified two soil types in the Project Area: Soboba gravelly loamy sand,
0 to 9 percent slopes; and Tujunga gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 9 percent slopes (NRCS 2023a). Both are
considered hydric soils (NRCS 2023b). However, the NWI review did not identify any aquatic features
within the Project Area.
4.2 Biological Reconnaissance Survey
The biological reconnaissance survey was conducted on October 5, 2023, by ECORP biologists Chelsie
Brown and Corrina Tapia. Ms. Brown and Ms. Tapia have extensive experience conducting reconnaissance
surveys and habitat assessments for special-status wildlife and plant species of southern California.
Summarized below are the results of the biological reconnaissance survey including site characteristics,
plant communities, wildlife, special-status species, and special-status habitats (including any potential
wildlife corridors). Weather conditions during the survey are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1. Weather Conditions During the Survey
Date Time Temperature
(˚F) Cloud Cover (%) Wind Speed
(mph)
start end min max min max min max
10/5/2023 0735 945 79.3 86.7 0 0 4-11 6-12
Notes: ˚F = Fahrenheit, % = percent, mph = miles per hour
4.2.1 Property Characteristics
The Project Area consists of undeveloped land containing ruderal vegetation that shows signs of past
disturbance (e.g., discing). Vehicle tracks were also observed along the eastern perimeter and in the
northeastern portion of the Project Area, near residential homes. Additionally, there was evidence of
regular mechanical ground disturbance, such as discing, likely done for weed abatement purposes, and
one abandoned mobile building unit. The soils on site consisted of Soboba gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 9
percent slopes (SoC); and Tujunga gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 9 percent slopes (TvC; NRCS 2023a). The
Project Area is bounded by S. Highland Avenue to the north, residential homes to the west and east, and
Walnut Avenue to the south. Representative photographs of the Project Area are presented in Appendix
A.
4.2.2 Vegetation Communities
The Project Area is encompassed within a developed environment that is generally subjected to repeated
and ongoing disturbance from human activities. No native vegetation communities falling into the
classifications in Sawyer et al. (2009) were documented within the Project Area. The Project Area is better
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classified as “disturbed”. This is not a vegetation community but rather a landcover type. Areas defined as
Disturbed are generally areas where native vegetation communities have been heavily influenced by
human activities, such as discing, and lack development. Dominant plant species observed in the Project
Area included turkey-mullein (Croton setiger), western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya), and Russian
thistle (Salsola tragus).
4.2.3 Plants
Plant species observed on the Project Area included both native and nonnative species. Native species
observed in the Project Area included turkey-mullein, California croton (Croton californicus), common
sunflower (Helianthus annuus), fleabane (Erigeron sp.), and slender buckwheat (Eriogonum gracile).
Nonnative species observed on the site included castor bean (Ricinus communis), redstem filaree (Erodium
cicutarium), puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris), and Russian thistle. Numerous mature tree of heaven
(Ailanthus altissima) trees were documented in the northeast corner of the Project Area as well as one
eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus sp.). Due to the disturbed nature of the Project Area, the property represents
relatively low-quality habitat for most plant species, including common ones. A full list of plant species
observed on and immediately adjacent to the Project Area is included in Appendix B.
4.2.4 Wildlife
Wildlife species observed and detected in the Project Area were characteristic of species that are common
to urban areas. One reptile was observed: common side-blotch lizard (Uta stansburiana). Three mammal
species were documented during the biological survey: coyote (Canis latrans), California ground squirrel
(Otospermophilus beecheyi) burrows, and Botta’s pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae) burrows. Nine bird
species were detected within or adjacent to the Project Area including American kestrel (Falco sparverius),
house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Due to the disturbed
nature of the entire Project Area, the property represents relatively low-quality habitat for most wildlife
species, including common ones. A full list of wildlife species observed in and immediately adjacent to the
Project Area is included in Appendix C.
4.2.5 Potential for Special-Status Plant and Wildlife Species to Occur in the Project
Area
The literature review and database searches identified 58 special-status plant species and 43 special-
status wildlife species that could occur in or near the Project Area. However, due to the level of human
disturbance in the Project Area and the current lack of suitable habitat for the special-status plant and
wildlife species, many of the species are presumed absent from the Project Area.
4.2.5.1 Special-Status Plants
There were 58 special-status plant species that appeared in the literature review and database searches
for the Project Area (CDFW 2023a; CNPS 2023). A list was generated from the results of the literature
review and the Project Area was evaluated for suitable habitat that could support any of the special-status
plant species on the list. With various habitat types occurring in the nine-quadrangle search, including the
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San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, several species appeared in the literature review results that
have no potential to occur in or near the Project Area due to elevational requirements.
After review, all 54 of the special-status plant species identified in the literature review were presumed
absent due to the disturbed nature of the Project Area and the lack of suitable habitat (including elevation
and soils), or because the Project Area is located outside of the known range for the species.
Descriptions of the CNPS Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) designations are found in Table 2. Plant species with a
CRPR ranking of 3 and 4 were eliminated from the analysis because these rankings are considered a
review list and a watch list, respectively. Due to the disturbed nature of the Project Area, these species are
not likely to occur and should they occur, any impacts to them would likely not be considered significant
under CEQA. A table outlining each species, their designations, and potential for occurrence on the
Project Area can be found in Appendix D.
Table 2. CRPR Status Designations
List Designation Meaning
1A Plants Presumed Extirpated in California and Either Rare or Extinct Elsewhere
1B Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and Elsewhere
2A Plants Presumed Extirpated in California, But Common Elsewhere
2B Plants Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California, But More Common Elsewhere
3 Plants about which more information is needed; a review list
4 Plants of limited distribution; a watch list
List .1, .2 and .3 extension meanings:
.1 Seriously threatened in California (over 80 percent of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat)
.2 Moderately threatened in California (20 to 80 percent occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat)
.3 Not very threatened in California (less than 20 percent of occurrences threatened/low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known)
Note: According to CNPS (Skinner and Pavlik 1994), plants on Lists 1B and 2 meet definitions for listing as threatened or endangered under Section 1901, Chapter 10, of the California Fish and Game Code (California Department of Fish and Game [CDFG] 1984). This interpretation is inconsistent with other definitions.
4.2.5.2 Plant Species Presumed Absent
The following species were presumed absent from the Project Area due to the lack of suitable habitat
(including elevation and soils) or because the Project is located outside of the known range for the
species:
singlewhorl burrobrush (Ambrosia monogyra), CRPR 2B.2;
Rock Creek broomrape (Aphyllon validum ssp. validum), CRPR 1B.2;
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San Gabriel manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. gabrielensis), CRPR 1B.2;
marsh sandwort (Arenaria paludicola), CRPR 1B.1, state- and federally listed (Endangered);
Mojave milkweed (Asclepias nyctaginifolia), CRPR 2B.1;
Horn’s milk-vetch (Astragalus hornii var. hornii), CRPR 1B.1;
San Antonio milk-vetch (Astragalus lentiginosus var. antonius), CRPR 1B.1;
Nevin’s barberry (Berberis nevinii), CRPR 1B.1, state- and federally listed (Endangered);
upswept moonwort (Botrychium ascendens), CRPR 2B.3;
scalloped moonwort (Botrychium crenulatum), CRPR 2B.2
thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia), CRPR 1B.1, state-listed (Endangered), federally listed
(Threatened);
Palmer’s mariposa-lily (Calochortus palmeri var. palmeri), CRPR 1B.2;
La Panza mariposa-lily (Calochortus simulans), CRPR 1B.3;
intermediate mariposa-lily (Calochortus weedii var. intermedius), CRPR 1B.2;
bristly sedge (Carex comosa), 2B.1;
San Bernardino Mountains owl’s-clover (Castilleja lasiorhyncha), CRPR 1B.2;
smooth tarplant (Centromadia pungens ssp. laevis), CRPR 1B.1;
salt marsh bird’s-beak (Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum), CRPR 1B.2, state- and federally
listed (Endangered);
Parry’s spineflower (Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi), CRPR 1B.1;
white-bracted spineflower (Chorizanthe xanti var. leucotheca), CRPR 1B.2;
California sawgrass (Cladium californicum), CRPR 2B.2;
Peirson’s spring beauty (Claytonia peirsonii ssp. peirsonii), CRPR 1B.2;
Tulare cryptantha (Cryptantha incana), CRPR 1B.3;
Peruvian dodder (Cuscuta obtusiflora var. glandulosa), CRPR 2B.2;
Mojave tarplant (Deinandra mohavensis), CRPR 1B.3, state-listed (Endangered);
slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras), CRPR 1B.1, state- and federally listed
(Endangered);
Booth’s evening-primrose (Eremothera boothii ssp. boothii), CRPR 2B.3;
Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum), CRPR 1B.1, state- and federally
listed (Endangered);
Johnston’s buckwheat (Eriogonum microthecum var. johnstonii), CRPR 1B.3;
hot springs fimbristylis (Fimbristylis thermalis), CRPR 2B.2;
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Alvin Meadow bedstraw (Galium californicum ssp. primum), CRPR 1B.2;
Parish’s alumroot (Heuchera parishii), CRPR 1B.3;
mesa horkelia (Horkelia cuneata var. puberula), CRPR 1B.1;
California satintail (Imperata brevifolia), CRPR 2B.1;
lemon lily (Lilium parryi), CRPR 1B.2;
San Gabriel linanthus (Linanthus concinnus), CRPR 1B.2;
Parish's desert-thorn (Lycium parishii), CRPR 2B.3;
Jokerst’s monardella (Monardella australis ssp. jokerstii), CRPR 1B.1;
Aparejo grass (Muhlenbergia utilis), CRPR 2B.2;
Gambel’s water cress (Nasturtium gambelii), CRPR 1B.1, state-listed (Endangered), federally listed
(Threatened);
prostrate vernal pool navarretia (Navarretia prostrata), CRPR 1B.2;
short-joint beavertail (Opuntia basilaris var. brachyclada), CRPR 1B.2;
woolly mountain-parsley (Oreonana vestita), CRPR 1B.3;
Beaver Dam breadroot (Pediomelum castoreum), CRPR 1B.2;
Brand’s star phacelia (Phacelia stellaris), CRPR 1B.1;
white rabbit-tobacco (Pseudognaphalium leucocephalum), CRPR 2B.2;
Sanford’s arrowhead (Sagittaria sanfordii), CRPR 1B.2;
Latimer’s woodland-gilia (Saltugilia latimeri), CRPR 1B.2;
black bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans), CRPR 2B.2;
southern mountains skullcap (Scutellaria bolanderi ssp. austromontana), CRPR 1B.2;
chaparral ragwort (Senecio aphanactis), CRPR 2B.2;
salt spring checkerbloom (Sidalcea neomexicana), CRPR 2B.2;
prairie wedge grass (Sphenopholis obtusata), CRPR 2B.2;
southern jewelflower (Streptanthus campestris), CRPR 1B.3;
San Bernardino aster (Symphyotrichum defoliatum), CRPR 1B.2;
Greata’s aster (Symphyotrichum greatae), CRPR 1B.3;
grey-leaved violet (Viola pinetorum ssp. grisea), CRPR 1B.2; and
western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), state-listed (Candidate).
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4.2.5.3 Special-Status Wildlife
The literature review identified 43 special-status wildlife species that had previously been documented in
or in the vicinity of the Project Area. A list was generated from the results of the literature review and the
Project was evaluated for suitable habitat that could support any of the special-status wildlife species on
the list. The Project Area’s disturbed nature, proximity to Interstate (I-) 210, and anthropogenic influences
likely preclude many of these species from occurring. A brief natural history and discussion of the special-
status wildlife species that are determined to have a high or moderate potential to occur within the
Project Area is provided below. A table outlining each species, their designations, and potential for
occurrence in the Project Area can be found in Appendix E.
4.2.5.4 Wildlife Species with a High Potential to Occur
One species was determined to have a high potential to occur in the Project Area. Although this species
was not observed in the Project Area during the biological reconnaissance survey, habitat for the species
occurs onsite and known occurrences have been reported in the CNDDB database with many within 5
miles of the Project Area.
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing owl is a CDFW SSC. Burrowing owls historically occurred throughout much of California and the
western U.S.; however, many former California populations have been extirpated. Burrowing owls typically
inhabit open habitats, primarily grasslands and deserts. Burrowing owls require burrows for roosting and
nesting cover. Although they often nest in abandoned California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus
beecheyi) burrows, they will also use other mammal burrows, pipes, culverts, and nest boxes, particularly
where burrows are scarce (Zeiner et al. 1990).
The Project Area provided suitable burrowing owl habitat at the time of the survey. The low-growing
vegetation within the Project Area was suitable for burrowing owl and soils within the Project Area were
friable. Additionally, California ground squirrel burrows and debris piles were found throughout the
Project Area that were suitable for burrowing owl burrows or refugia. Although no burrowing owls were
observed during the biological survey, due to the mobile nature of the burrowing owl, it is possible for
burrowing owl to move into the site due to the presence suitable habitat.
Twenty-one recent and two historic occurrences are documented in the CNDDB (CDFW 2023a). The most
recent occurrence was in 2016 (Occ # 561) approximately 7 miles southwest of the Project Area. Five
recent occurrences were documented within 5 miles of the Project Area; the nearest was documented in
2009 (Occ # 1794) approximately 2 miles northwest of the Project Area. Due to the presence of friable
soils, California ground squirrel burrows, and CNDDB occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area, this
species was determined to have a high potential to occur within the Project Area.
4.2.5.5 Wildlife Species with a Moderate Potential to Occur
One species was found to have a moderate potential to occur in the Project Area. Although this species
was not observed in the Project Area during the biological reconnaissance survey, marginally suitable
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habitat for the species occurs onsite, and known recent and historic occurrences have been reported in
the CNDDB database within 5 miles of the Project Area.
Coast Horned Lizard
Coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) is a CDFW SSC. This species occurs along the Pacific coast and
inland throughout California and down to Baja California. Coast horned lizard is recognizable by the
crown of horns or spines on the head. It is distinguished from desert horned lizard, a non-CDFW SSC, by
the two rows of pointed scales on the lower part of the sides of its body and the two to three rows of
enlarged scales on each side of its throat (California Herps 2023). The diet consists primarily of ants,
especially harvester ants, but this lizard will also consume small invertebrates such as spiders, beetles, and
grasshoppers. Coast horned lizard is known to occur in open areas of sandy soils and low vegetation in
valleys, foothills, and semiarid mountains. Habitats include grasslands, coniferous forests, woodlands, and
chaparral.
Numerous historic and four recent occurrences are documented in the CNDDB (CDFW 2023a). The most
recent occurrence was documented in 2009 (Occ # 696) approximately 7 miles northeast of the Project
Area. Nine occurrences were documented within 5 miles of the Project Area; the most recent was in 2008
(Occ # 324) approximately 5 miles northeast of the Project Area and the nearest occurrence was in 1991
(Occ # 378) approximately 0.5-mile northwest of the Project Area. Marginally suitable habitat, in the form
of open areas, vegetation that provides protection, and loose soil, is present within the Project Area.
Based on the presence of marginally suitable habitat and the recent records of the species within five
miles of the Project Area, this species was determined to have a moderate potential to occur within the
Project Area.
4.2.5.6 Wildlife Species with a Low Potential to Occur
The following species have a low potential to occur in the Project Area because limited or marginal
habitat for the species occurs within the site and a recently documented observation occurs within the
database search, but not within 5 miles of the area; a historic documented observation (more than 20
years old) was recorded within 5 miles of the Project Area; or suitable habitat strongly associated with the
species occurs onsite, but no records or only historic records were found within the database search.
Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), state-listed (Candidate);
southern California legless lizard (Anniella stebbinsi), CDFW SSC;
California glossy snake (Arizona elegans occidentalis), CDFW SSC;
western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus), CDFW SSC;
southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona), CDFW SSC;
Los Angeles pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris brevinasus), CDFW SSC; and
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4.2.5.7 Wildlife Species Presumed Absent
The following species were not present at the site during the site visit and/or habitat was not present or
suitable. For some species, there were historic or recent sightings; however, due to the lack of suitable
habitat within the Project Area, these species are presumed absent:
Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino), federally listed (Endangered);
Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis), federally listed
(Endangered);
Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae), federally listed (Threatened);
arroyo chub (Gila orcutti), CDFW SSC;
steelhead - southern California Distinct Population Segment (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop.
10), federally listed (Endangered);
Santa Ana speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus ssp. 8), CDFW SSC;
Mohave tui chub (Siphateles bicolor mohavensis), state- and federally listed (Endangered), CDFW
Fully Protected;
arroyo toad (Anaxyrus californicus), federally listed (Endangered), CDFW SSC;
California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), federally listed (Threatened), CDFW SSC;
southern mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa), state- and federally listed (Endangered);
western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), federally listed (Candidate), CDFW SSC;
coastal whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri), CDFW SSC;
southern rubber boa (Charina umbratica), state listed (Threatened);
San Diego banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbotti), CDFW SSC;
red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber), CDFW SSC;
western pond turtle (Emys marmorata), CDFW SSC;
two-striped gartersnake (Thamnophis hammondii), CDFW SSC;
tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor), state-listed (Threatened), CDFW SSC;
long-eared owl (Asio otus), CDFW SSC;
Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni), state-listed (Threatened);
western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis), state-listed (Endangered),
federally listed (Threatened);
southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), state- and federally listed
(Endangered);
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bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), state-listed (Endangered), federally Delisted, CDFW Fully
Protected;
California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus), state-listed (Threatened), CDFW Fully
Protected;
coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), federally listed (Threatened),
CDFW SSC;
yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia), CDFW SSC;
least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), state- and federally listed (Endangered);
San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus), state-listed (Candidate), federally
listed (Endangered), CDFW SSC;
Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi), state- and federally listed (Threatened);
western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus), CDFW SSC;
San Bernardino flying squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis californicus), CDFW SSC;
San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia), CDFW SSC;
pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus), CDFW SSC;
desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), CDFW Fully Protected; and
American badger (Taxidea taxus), CDFW SSC.
4.2.6 Raptors and Migratory Birds
Potential nesting habitat for migratory birds and raptors protected by the MBTA and California Fish and
Game Code was present throughout the Project Area in the form of tall trees (e.g., palm trees, tree of
heaven, and eucalyptus), shrubs, landscaped trees, and structures (buildings). Suitable nesting habitat for
ground-nesting bird species, such as mourning doves, was also present in the Project Area. Due to the
presence of suitable nesting habitat, migratory birds and raptors could use the Project Area during the
nesting bird season (typically February 1 through August 31).
4.2.7 Wildlife Movement Corridors, Linkages, and Native Wildlife Nursery Sites
The concept of habitat corridors addresses the linkage between large blocks of habitat that allow the safe
movement of mammals and other wildlife species from one habitat area to another. The definition of a
corridor varies, but corridors may include such areas as greenbelts, refuge systems, underpasses, and
biogeographic land bridges. In general, a corridor is described as a linear habitat embedded in a dissimilar
matrix that connects two or more large blocks of habitat. Wildlife movement corridors are critical for the
survivorship of ecological systems for several reasons. Corridors can connect water, food, and cover
sources, spatially linking these three resources with wildlife in different areas. In addition, wildlife
movement between habitat areas provides for the potential of genetic exchange between wildlife species
populations, thereby maintaining genetic variability and adaptability to maximize the success of wildlife
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responses to changing environmental conditions. This is especially critical for small populations subject to
loss of variability from genetic drift and effects of inbreeding. The nature of corridor usage and wildlife
movement patterns vary greatly among species.
The Project Area was assessed for its ability to function as a wildlife corridor. The Project Area is disturbed
and surrounded by paved roads and development. Residential development borders the Project Area to
the west, south, and east; scattered undeveloped land adjacent to the I-210 is present to the north.
Although the Project Area is undeveloped, it is surrounded by development and isolated from large,
contiguous blocks of natural habitat. I-210 is present to the north and I-15 to the west, both of which
further fragment the habitat and provide a potential barrier to wildlife movement. Despite these
characteristics, the Project Area may be used by wildlife common to urban areas, such as coyote (Canis
latrans), opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), and skunk (Mephitis mephitis). The lack of vegetative cover
within the Project Area, the urban nature of the site, and the high density of nonnative weedy vegetation
across the site could deter wildlife from using the Project Area for movement opportunities due to lack of
suitable cover.
The Project Area was also assessed for its ability to function as a significant ecological area, such as a
native wildlife nursery site. Suitable nesting habitat for bird species was documented within and in the
vicinity of the Project Area. However, due to the level of disturbance, nursery site habitat (e.g., heron
rookery) is not anticipated to occur. Suitable bat habitat was observed adjacent to the Project Area in the
form of palm trees with intact thatch skirts and there is potential for these trees to serve as bat maternity
roost sites during the bat maternity season (March 1 through August 31). Maternity roosts are considered
protected as native wildlife nursery sites under CEQA.
5.0 IMPACT ANALYSIS
5.1 Special-Status Species
The Project Area consists of disturbed land. Despite this categorization, some native grass and forb
species were present throughout the Project Area and in varying densities. Disturbed is not a vegetation
community but rather a landcover type. Areas defined as disturbed are generally areas where the natural
vegetation communities have been heavily influenced by human activities, such as discing, but still lack
development. Disturbances observed on the site were mainly associated with nonnative species, signs of
previous disturbance (e.g., discing), vehicle tracks, and scattered trash and debris piles. The literature
review and database searches identified 58 special-status plant species that have been documented in the
vicinity of the Project Area. However, due to the lack of suitable habitat within the Project Area, all 58
special-status plant species were presumed absent. The removal of vegetation on the Project Area will not
contribute to the overall decline of any of the special-status plant species identified in the literature review
and database searches. No significant impacts to special-status plant species are anticipated to result
from the development of this Project.
Of the 43 special-status wildlife species identified in the literature review and database searches, one was
found to have a high potential to occur, one was found to have a moderate potential to occur, and six
were found to have a low potential to occur within the Project Area. Burrowing owl was determined to
have a high potential to occur. Burrowing owls are a CDFW SSC species and are also protected by the
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MBTA and California Fish and Game Code. During the survey, suitable burrows and burrow-like structures,
as well as friable soils, were observed on, and adjacent to, the Project Area. The Project Area also
contained suitable burrowing owl habitat consisting of low-growing vegetation. The literature review and
database search identified numerous recent and historic occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area.
The Project Area did not appear to have been currently or recently used by burrowing owl at the time of
the survey; however, due to the mobile nature of the species, it is possible that burrowing owl could use
the site prior to the start of Project activities. If burrowing owl is found to be using or nesting in the
Project Area prior to the start of construction, direct impacts may occur in the form of mortality or injury
in the form of ground disturbance, entombment, and vegetation removal. Indirect impacts from
construction noise, increased human and vehicular activity, dust, habitat loss, and ground vibrations may
occur. To avoid potentially significant impacts to burrowing owl, it is recommended that Mitigation
Measures BIO-1 and BIO-2 be implemented. The Mitigation Measures for the Proposed Project are
discussed in Section 6.0.
Numerous other CDFW SSC were determined to have either a moderate or low potential to occur. Coast
horned lizard was found to have a moderate potential to occur while southern California legless lizard,
California glossy snake, western yellow bat, southern grasshopper mouse, and Los Angeles pocket mouse
were determined to have a low potential to occur in the Project Area. If present, direct impacts to these
species could occur in the form of injury or mortality due to vehicle or equipment strike or entombment
inside of burrows that are graded over during construction, and loss of habitat. If present, indirect impacts
to these species could occur in the form of increased human activity, noise, dust, nighttime lighting, and
ground vibrations. Although these species have a moderate to low potential of occurring in the Project
Area, if present, these species are not expected to occur at high densities due to the highly disturbed
nature of the site and recent mechanical disturbances to the soil affecting habitat or prey base for these
species. The loss of the SSC individuals (except western yellow bat), if present, in the Project Area would
not be expected to contribute to the decline in regional populations and would therefore not be
considered a significant impact under CEQA.
Western yellow bat was determined to have a low potential to occur in the Project Area. Suitable roosting
habitat is present within and adjacent to the Project Area in the form of tree species (e.g., palm and
eucalyptus species). If bats are found to be roosting within the Project Area, direct impacts can occur in
the form of mortality or roost abandonment. Roost abandonment during the maternity season could
result in the mortality of flightless young, which could be considered a violation of California Fish and
Game Code Section 4150 as well as a significant impact to a native wildlife nursery site under CEQA.
Additionally, activities conducted outside of the maternity season that cause bats to leave a roost during
daytime hours pose a mortality risk to individual bats. Indirect impacts from Project activities may also
occur in the form of increased human activity, noise, dust, nighttime lighting, and ground vibrations.
Impacts to roosting bats would be less than significant with the implementation of Mitigation Measure
BIO-3.
Crotch bumble bee is a Candidate for state listing and therefore afforded all the protections as though it
were listed under the California ESA. Due to the presence of suitable friable soils, suitable burrow habitat,
suitable burrows (i.e., Botta’s pocket gopher burrows), and nectar sources within and adjacent to the
Project Area, it was determined that this species has a low potential to occur on the Project Area. The
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potential for occurrence was reduced due to the presence of disturbances within and adjacent to the
Project Area, including past mechanical disturbances, and the isolation of the site. Numerous recent and
historic occurrences were documented in the CNDDB; however, only three were within 5 miles of the
Project Area (CDFW 2023a). If Crotch bumble bee is found to be using or nesting in the Project Area prior
to the start of construction, impacts to Crotch bumble bee may occur in the form of direct mortality of
individuals, direct mortality to an active nesting colony, direct mortality to an overwintering individual,
conversion of foraging habitat, or permanent loss of foraging resources. Because this species is a
generalist forager that chooses nest and overwintering locations on an annual basis, temporary and
permanent loss of habitat would not be expected to contribute substantially to the overall decline of this
species unless an active nest or overwintering gyne (future queen) were to be impacted. Impacts to Crotch
bumble bee would be less than significant with the implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-4.
The remaining 35 special-status wildlife species are presumed absent from occurring on or adjacent to the
site due to the lack of suitable habitat, proximity to the surrounding residential development, and the
presence of anthropogenic disturbances. No significant impacts to the 35 special-status wildlife species
that are presumed absent are anticipated to result from the development of this Project.
Numerous trees and shrub species, including palm trees and eucalyptus, are present within and/or in the
immediate vicinity of the Project Area. These can provide nesting habitat for nesting songbirds and
raptors protected by the MBTA and California Fish and Game Code. Furthermore, the Project Area can
provide nesting habitat for ground-nesting bird species such as mourning dove. If construction of the
Proposed Project occurs during the bird breeding season (typically February 1 through August 31),
ground-disturbing construction activities could directly affect birds protected by the MBTA and their nests
through the removal of habitat in the Project Area, and indirectly through increased noise, vibrations, and
increased human activity. Impacts to nesting songbirds and raptors would be less than significant with the
implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-2.
5.2 Sensitive Natural Communities
The Project Area consists of disturbed land that supports a mixture of native and nonnative plant species.
The Project Area does not contain any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities that would
need to be preserved. No impacts to sensitive natural communities are anticipated to result from the
development of this Project.
5.3 State and Federally Protected Wetlands and Waters of the United
States
According to the results of the preliminary aquatic resources delineation, no features were identified that
would be state or federally protected wetlands or Waters of the U.S. were identified on the Project Area.
Therefore, no impacts would occur to state or federally protected wetlands or Waters of the U.S.
5.4 Wildlife Corridors and Nursery Sites
The Project Area is located within and adjacent to areas containing existing disturbances (e.g., paved
roads and residential development). The Project Area is Disturbed and contains minimal vegetative cover
to facilitate wildlife movement. Furthermore, it is isolated from large, contiguous blocks of native habitat
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due to nearby development and major highways to the north and west. No migratory wildlife corridors
were identified within the Project Area and no impacts to these resources are expected to occur during
the development of the Project Area.
Suitable bat roosting habitat was identified within and adjacent to the Project Area in the form of tall trees
with dense foliage. Should bats be found roosting in these trees during the bat maternity season (March 1
through August 31), these roosts would be considered native wildlife nursery sites and impacts to those
native wildlife nursery site could be considered significant under CEQA. Direct impacts to occupied bat
roosts could include removal or destruction that could result in direct mortality, and indirect impacts from
noise, dust, and vibration during Project construction could result in roost abandonment and mortality of
flightless young. However, impacts to maternity bat roosts would be less than significant with the
implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-3.
6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following mitigation measures are recommended prior to Project implementation:
BIO-1 Preconstruction Burrowing Owl Surveys: Preconstruction surveys for burrowing owl
should be conducted. The surveys should follow the methods described in the CDFW’s Staff
Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (California Department of Fish and Game [CDFG] 2012).
Two surveys should be conducted, with the first survey being scheduled between 30 and 14
days before initial ground disturbance (grading, grubbing, and construction), and the second
survey being conducted no more than 24 hours prior to initial ground disturbance.
If burrowing owls or suitable burrowing owl burrows with sign (e.g., whitewash, pellets,
feathers, prey remains) are identified in the Project Area during the surveys, these features
must be completely avoided. If impacts to those features are unavoidable then the Project
proponent must also develop an owl mitigation plan in consultation with CDFW. Mitigation
methods may include passive relocation conducted outside of the owl breeding season
(between September 1 and February 28). If an active owl burrow is identified, and
construction is to proceed, then a qualified biologist (with two or more years of burrowing
owl experience) can establish an appropriate disturbance-limit buffer around the burrow
using flagging or staking. Construction activities shall not occur within any buffer zones until
the burrow is deemed inactive by the qualified biologist.
BIO-2 Preconstruction Nesting Bird Survey: If construction or other Project activities are
scheduled to occur during the nesting bird season (generally February 1 through August 31),
a preconstruction nesting bird survey shall be conducted by a qualified avian biologist to
ensure that active bird nests will not be disturbed or destroyed. The survey shall be
completed no more than three days prior to initial ground disturbance. The nesting bird
survey shall include the Project Area and adjacent areas where Project activities have the
potential to affect active nests, either directly or indirectly, due to construction activity, noise,
human activity, or ground disturbance.
If an active nest is identified, a qualified avian biologist shall establish an appropriately sized
non-disturbance buffer around the nest using flagging or staking. Construction activities
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shall not occur within any non-disturbance buffer zones until the nest is deemed inactive by
the qualified avian biologist. If initial ground-disturbing activities are scheduled to occur
during the nesting bird season, then a biological monitor shall be present during all
vegetation removal activities to ensure no impacts to nesting birds occur.
The implementation of this mitigation measure, and any additional avoidance and
minimization measures, may need to be implemented to reduce or eliminate potential
Project-related impacts to special-status bird species. Should any special-status species be
identified during the preconstruction survey and Project-related impacts are unavoidable,
consultation with the appropriate agency (e.g., USFWS, CDFW) may need to be undertaken
to develop suitable avoidance and minimization measures.
BIO-3 Tree Avoidance and Removal Process. If any large trees are scheduled to be removed (e.g.,
cut down, relocating)/modified (i.e., trimming) in association with Project development, these
activities should be scheduled during seasonal periods of bat activity (September 1 to
October 15) or when evening temperatures are not below 45 degrees Fahrenheit and rain is
not over 0.5 inch in 24 hours; or between March 1 to April 15 with the same parameters.
1. If tree removal/modification must occur during the maternity season, a qualified bat
biologist shall conduct a focused emergence survey(s) of the tree(s) within 48 hours of
scheduled work. If a maternity roost is located, whether solitary or colonial, that roost
will remain undisturbed until after the maternity season or until a qualified biological
monitor has determined the roost is no longer active.
2. If trees with suitable bat roosting habitat are scheduled for removal or relocation outside
of the maternity season, tree removal during the weather parameters described above
using the two-step method should be conducted:
i. As much as feasible, vegetation and trees within the area that are not suitable
for roosting bats will be removed first to provide a disturbance that might
reduce the likelihood of bats using the habitat.
ii. Two-step tree removal will occur over two consecutive days under the
supervision of a qualified bat biologist. On Day 1, small branches and small
limbs containing no cavity, crevice, or exfoliating bark habitat on habitat trees
(or outer fronds in the case of palm trees), as identified by a qualified bat
biologist are removed first, using chainsaws only (i.e., no dozers, backhoes). The
following day (Day 2), the remainder of the tree is to be felled/removed. (The
intention of this method is to disturb the tree with noise and vibration and
branch removal on Day 1. This should cause any potentially present day-
roosting bats to abandon the roost tree after they emerge for nighttime
foraging. Removing the tree quickly the next consecutive day should avoid
reoccupation of the tree by bats).
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BIO-4 Preconstruction Surveys for Crotch Bumble Bee: If the Crotch bumble bee is no longer a
Candidate or formally Listed species under the California ESA at the time ground-disturbing
activities occur, then no additional protection measures are proposed for the species.
If the Crotch bumble bee is legally protected under the California ESA as a Candidate or
Listed species at the time ground-disturbing activities are scheduled to begin,
preconstruction surveys shall be conducted in accordance with CDFW’s Survey
Considerations for California ESA Candidate Bumble Bee Species (CDFW 2023d) the season
immediately prior to project implementation. A minimum of three Crotch bumble bee
preconstruction surveys shall be conducted at two- to four-week intervals during the colony
active period (April through August) when Crotch bumble bees are most likely to be
detected. Non-lethal, photo voucher surveys shall be completed by a biologist who holds a
Memorandum of Understanding to capture and handle Crotch bumble bee (if nesting and
chilling protocol is to be utilized) or by a CDFW-approved biologist experienced in
identifying native bumble bee species (if surveys are restricted to visual surveys that will
provide high-resolution photo documentation for species verification). The surveyor shall
walk through all areas of suitable habitat focusing on areas with floral resources. Surveys
shall be completed at a minimum of one person-hour of searching per 3 acres of suitable
habitat during suitable weather conditions (sustained winds less than 8 miles per hour,
mostly sunny to full sun, temperatures between 65- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit) at an
appropriate time of day for detection (at least one hour after sunrise and at least two hours
before sunset, though ideally between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.).
If Crotch bumble bees are detected, CDFW shall be notified by the designated biologist as
further coordination may be required to avoid or mitigate certain impacts. At a minimum,
two nesting surveys shall be conducted with focus on detecting active nesting colonies
within one week and 24-hours immediately prior to ground disturbing activities that are
scheduled to occur during the flight season (February through October). If an active Crotch
bumble bee nest is detected, an appropriate no disturbance buffer zone (including foraging
resources and flight corridors essential for supporting the colony) shall be established
around the nest to reduce the risk of disturbance or accidental take and the designated
biologist shall coordinate with CDFW to determine if an Incidental Take Permit under Section
2081 of the California ESA will be required. Nest avoidance buffers may be removed at the
completion of the flight season and/or once the qualified biologist deems the nesting colony
is no longer active and CDFW has provided concurrence of that determination. If no nests
are found but the species is present, a full-time qualified biological monitor shall be present
during vegetation or ground disturbing activities that are scheduled to occur during the
queen flight period (February through March), colony active period (March through
September), and/or gyne flight period (September through October). Because bumble bees
move nest sites each year, two preconstruction nesting surveys shall be required during each
subsequent year of construction, regardless of the previous year’s findings, whenever
vegetation and ground disturbing activities are scheduled to occur during the flight season if
nesting and foraging habitat is still present or has re-established.
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6.1 Additional Recommendations
The following Best Management Practices are not mitigation measures pursuant to CEQA but are
recommended to further reduce impacts to species that have potential to occur on the property:
Confine all work activities to a predetermined work area.
To prevent inadvertent entrapment of wildlife during the construction phase of the Project, all
excavated, steep-walled holes or trenches more than 2 feet deep should be covered at the
close of each working day by plywood or similar materials. If the trenches cannot be closed,
one or more escape ramps constructed of earthen fill or wooden planks shall be installed.
Before such holes or trenches are filled, they should be thoroughly inspected for trapped
animals.
Wildlife are often attracted to burrow- or den-like structures such as pipes and may enter
stored pipes and become trapped or injured. To prevent wildlife use of these structures, all
construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures with a diameter of 4 inches or greater should
be capped while stored onsite.
All food-related trash items such as wrappers, cans, bottles, and food scraps should be
disposed of in securely closed containers and removed at least once a week from the
construction or Project Area.
Use of rodenticides and herbicides in the Project Area should be restricted. This is necessary
to prevent primary or secondary poisoning of wildlife, and the depletion of prey populations
on which they depend. All uses of such compounds should observe label and other
restrictions mandated by the USEPA, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and
other state and federal legislation. If rodent control must be conducted, zinc phosphide
should be used because it has a proven lower risk to predatory wildlife.
7.0 CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the statements furnished above and in the attached exhibits present the data and
information required for this biological evaluation, and that the facts, statements, and information
presented are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Field work conducted for this
assessment was performed by me or under my direct supervision. I certify that I have not signed a non-
disclosure or consultant confidentiality agreement with the Project applicant or the applicant’s
representative and that I have no financial interest in the Project.
SIGNED:
DATE:
10/22/2024
Phillip Wasz Senior Wildlife Biologist
ECORP Consulting, Inc.
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8.0 LITERATURE CITED
Baldwin, B.G., G.H. Goldman, D.J. Keil, R. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilken, Eds. 2012. The Jepson
Manual; Vascular Plants of California, Second Edition. Berkeley, CA, University of California Press.
Bradley, R.D., L.K. Ammerman, R.J. Baker, L.C. Bradley, J.A Cook, R.C. Dowler, C. Jones, D.J Schmidly, F.B.
Stangl, Jr., R.A. Van Den Bussche, B. Wursig. 2014. Revised Checklist of North American Mammals
North of Mexico. Museum of Texas Tech University.
Calflora. 2023. Information on California plants for education, research and conservation. [Web
application]. Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization],
http://www.calflora.org/. Accessed October 2023.
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1984. California Endangered Species Act. Fish and Game
Code Section 2050-2085.
_____. 2012. Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. State of California, Natural Resources Agency,
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2023a. RareFind California Department of Fish and
Game Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). California. Sacramento, CA, California Department of
Fish and Wildlife, Biogeographic Data Branch. Accessed October 2023.
_____. 2023b. State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. Sacramento
(CA): State of California, Natural Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Wildlife. Accessed:
October 2023.
_____. 2023c. Special Animals List. Sacramento (CA): State of California, Natural Resources Agency,
Department of Fish and Game, https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=109406.
Accessed October 2023.
_____. 2023d. Survey and Considerations for California Endangered Species Act (CESA) Candidate Bumble
Bee Species. State of California, Natural Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Published June 2023.
_____. 2021. Lake and Streambed Alteration Program. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-
Review/LSA.
California Herps. 2023. Blainville’s horned lizard- Phrynosoma blainvillii. Retrieved from:
https://californiaherps.com/lizards/pages/p.blainvillii.html.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS), Rare Plant Program. 2023. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants
of California (online edition, v9-01 1.0). California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA,
http://www.rareplants.cnps.org.
Chesser, R. T., S. M. Billerman, K. J. Burns, C. Cicero, J. L. Dunn, B. E. Hernández-Baños, R. A. Jiménez, A. W.
Kratter, N. A. Mason, P. C. Rasmussen, J. V. Remsen, Jr., and K. Winker. 2023. Check-list of North
American Birds (online). American Ornithological Society.
https://checklist.americanornithology.org/taxa/.
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County of San Bernardino. 2012. Countywide – All Biotic Resources Map,
http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/BioMaps/cnty_all_biotic_resources_map_final.pdf.
Accessed October 2023.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2023a. "Web Soil Survey",
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov.
_____. 2023b. Soil Data Access (SDA) Hydric Soils List. Retrieved from:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/publications/query-by-state.html.
Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd ed. California
Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. Sibley, D. A. (2003).
Skinner, M.W., and B.M. Pavlik, eds. 1994. California Native Plant Society's inventory of rare and
endangered vascular plants of California. Fifth edition. Spec. Publ. No. 1, California Native Plant
Society, Sacramento, CA, 338 pp.
Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. 2017. Scientific and Standard English Names of
Amphibians and Reptiles of North American North of Mexico, With Comments Regarding
Confidence in our Understanding. Eighth Edition. Committee on Standard English and Scientific
Names.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2023. National Wetlands Inventory Mapper.
https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.html. Accessed October 2023.
_____. 1918. Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Section 16 of the U.S. Code (703-712), as amended 1989.
Zeiner D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White, editors. 1990. California’s Wildlife. Volume II,
Birds. Sacramento (CA): State of California, the Resources Agency, Department of Fish and
Wildlife.
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LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A – Representative Site Photographs
Appendix B – Plant Species Observed
Appendix C – Wildlife Species Observed
Appendix D – Special-Status Plant Species Potential for Occurrence
Appendix E – Special-Status Wildlife Species Potential for Occurrence
APPENDIX A
Representative Site Photographs
Appendix A – Representative Site Photographs
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Photo 1. Northern portion of the Project site, facing west.
Photo 2. Northern portion of the Project site, facing south.
Appendix A – Representative Site Photographs
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Photo 3. Debris pile- suitable for burrowing owl refugia located in the northern portion of the Project site, facing northeast.
Photo 4. High density of turkey-mullein (Croton setiger) near the center of the Project
site, facing south.
Appendix A – Representative Site Photographs
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Photo 5. Lower growing vegetation in the southern portion of the Project site, facing
south.
Photo 6. Southern portion of the Project site, facing north.
Appendix A – Representative Site Photographs
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Photo 7. Group of Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) near the northeast portion of the
Project site.
Photo 8. Road that runs north-south along the eastern perimeter of the Project site, facing
north.
Appendix A – Representative Site Photographs
ECORP Consulting, Inc. Fontana Walnut Project July 2024 2023-193
Photo 9. Trash and debris present along the eastern perimeter of the Project site, facing
southeast.
Photo 10. Abandoned and boarded up building in northwestern portion of the Project
site, facing northwest.
APPENDIX B
Plant Species Observed
Appendix B - Plant Species Compendium
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME
AMARANTHACEAE PIGWEED FAMILY
Salsola tragus*Russian thistle
ASTERACEAE SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Ambrosia psilostachya Western ragweed
Baccharis salicifolia Mulefat
Erigeron sp. Fleabane
Helianthus annuus Common sunflower
Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph weed
Verbesina encelioides*Golden crownbeard
CACTACEAE CACTUS FAMILY
Opuntia sp. Prickly pear
EUPHORBIACEAE SPURGE FAMILY
Croton californicus California croton
Croton setiger Turkey-mullein
Ricinus communis*Castor bean
GERANIACEAE GERANIUM FAMILY
Erodium cicutarium*Redstem filaree
MYRTACEAE MYRTLE FAMILY
Eucalyptus sp.*Gum tree
POLYGONACEAE BUCKWHEAT FAMILY
Eriogonum gracile Slender buckwheat
PORTULACACEAE PURSLANE FAMILY
Portulaca oleracea*Common purslane
SIMAROUBACEAE QUASSIA FAMILY
Ailanthus altissima *Tree of heaven
SOLANACEAE NIGHTSHADE FAMILY
Datura wrightii Jimsonweed
VERBENACEAE VERVAIN FAMILY
Lantana camara*Lantana
ZYGOPHYLLACEAE CALTROP FAMILY
Tribulus terrestris*Puncture vine
ANACARDIACEAE SUMAC FAMILY
Schinus molle*Peruvian pepper tree
APOCYNACEAE DOGBANE FAMILY
Nerium oleander*Common oleander
ARECACEAE PALM FAMILY
Syagrus romanzoffiana*Queen palm
Washingtonia robusta*Mexican fan palm
POACEAE GRASS FAMILY
Arundo donax*Giant reed
* Not native to California.
ANGIOSPERMS (DICOTYLEDONS)
ANGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTYLEDONS)
3
APPENDIX C
Wildlife Species Observed
Appendix C - Wildlife Species Compendium
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME
REPTILIA REPTILES
Iguanidae Iguanids
Uta stansburiana Common side-blotched lizard
AVES BIRDS
Columbidae Pigeons and Doves
Columba livia*Rock pigeon
Zenaida macroura Mourning dove
Corvidae Jays and Crows
Corvus corax Common raven
Falconidae Falcons
Falco sparverius American kestrel
Fringillidae Finches
Haemorhous mexicanus House finch
Mimidae Mockingbirds and Thrashers
Mimus polyglottos Northern mockingbird
Passerellidae New World Sparrows
Melozone crissalis California towhee
Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah sparrow
Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers
Sayornis saya Say’s phoebe
MAMMALIA MAMMALS
Canidae Dogs, Wolves, and Foxes
Canis latrans Coyote
Geomyidae Pocket Gophers
Thomomys bottae Botta’s pocket gopher (burrows)
Sciuridae Squirrels
Otospermophilus beecheyi California ground squirrel (burrows)
* Non-native species
1
APPENDIX D
Special-Status Plant Species Potential for Occurrence
Scientific Name
Common Name Status
Bloom Period &
Elevation (feet)Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
Ambrosia monogyra
singlewhorl burrobrush
Fed:
CA:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Aug-Nov
35-1,640
Occurs in chaparral and Sonoran desert scrub in
sandy soils.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence (Occ #
14) was documented in CNDDB in 1961
approximately 3 miles northeast of the Project Area.
No suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Aphyllon validum ssp. validum
Rock Creek broomrape
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
May-Sep
3,380-6,560
Occurs in chaparral and pinyon and juniper
woodland, often in granitic soils.
Presumed Absent. One recent and one historic
occurrence were documented in CNDDB; neither
were within 5 miles of the Project Area. No suitable
chaparral or pinyon and juniper woodland habitat is
present on the Project Area. Additionally, the Project
Area is outside the known elevation range for the
species.
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp.
gabrielensis
San Gabriel manzanita
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Mar
1,950-4,920 Occurs in chaparral.
Presumed Absent. No suitable chaparral habitat is
present on the Project Area. The Project Area is
above the elevation range for the species.
Arenaria paludicola
marsh sandwort
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
END
END
1B.1
May-Aug
10-560
Occurs in freshwater or brackish marshes and
swamps in sandy openings. Known only from two
natural occurrences in Black Lake Canyon and at
Oso Flaco Lake.
Presumed Absent. No suitable marsh or swamp
habitat is present on the Project Area. The Project
Area is above the elevation range for the species.
Asclepias nyctaginifolia
Mojave milkweed
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.1
May-Jun
2,870-5,580
Occurs in Mojavean desert scrub and pinyon and
juniper woodland.
Presumed Absent. There is no desert habitat
located on the Project Area. In addition, the Project
Area is located below the elevation range of this
species.
Astragalus hornii var. hornii
Horn's milk-vetch
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.1
May-Oct
195-2,790
Occurs in meadows and seeps and playas. Often
found along lake margins in alkaline soils.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence (Occ #
1) was documented in 1900 approximately 9 miles
east of the Project Area. No suitable meadow, seep,
or playa habitat is present on the Project Area.
Astragalus lentiginosus var.
antonius
San Antonio milk-vetch
Fed:
CA:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.3
Apr-Jul
4,920-8,530
Occurs in upper and lower montane coniferous
forest. Known from twelve occurrences in and near
Mt. San Antonio.
Presumed Absent. Two recent (Occ # 6 in 2003
and Occ # 9 in 2005) and one historic (Occ # 8 in
1921) occurrence were documened in CNDDB; none
were within 5 miles of the Project Area. No suitable
montane habitat is present in the Project Area and
the Project Area is outside the known elevation
range for the species.
Berberis nevinii
Nevin's barberry
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
END
END
1B.1
(Feb) Mar-Jun
230-2,705
Occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal
scrub, and riparian woodland in sandy or gravelly
soils.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in 1966 (Occ # 23) approximately 13
miles northeast of the Project Area. No suitable
habitat is present within the Project Area.
Botrychium ascendens
upswept moonwort
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.3
(Jun) Jul-Aug
3,660-9,990
Occurs in lower montane coniferous forest and
meadows and seeps, often in mesic soil.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in 1922 (Occ # 50) approximately 12
miles northwest of the Project Area. No suitable
montane, meadows, or seeps are present in the
Project Area. Additionally, the Project Area is outside
the known elevation range for the species.
Botrychium crenulatum
scalloped moonwort
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Jun-Sep
4,160-10,760
Occurs in bogs, fens, meadows, seeps, marshes,
freshwater swamps, and upper and lower montane
coniferous forest.
Presumed Absent. No suitable habitat was present
on the Project Area. Typically occurs in bogs, fens,
meadows, seeps, marshes, freshwater swamps, and
montane coniferous forest habitats. In addition, the
Project Area is below the elevation range for the
species.
Brodiaea filifolia
thread-leaved brodiaea
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
THR
END
1B.1
Mar-Jun
80-3,675
Occurs in cismontane woodland, coastal scrub,
playas, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools,
and in openings of chaparral. Often found in clay
soils.
Presumed Absent. One recent (Occ # 7 in 2005)
and one historic (Occ # 8 in 1993) occurrence were
documented in CNDDB; neither were within 5 miles
of the Project Area. No suitable habitat is present in
the Project Area.
Calochortus palmeri var.
palmeri
Palmer's mariposa-lily
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Apr-Jul
2,330-7,840
Occurs in mesic soils in chaparral, lower montane
coniferous forest, and meadow and seep habitats.
Presumed Absent. Three historic and two recent
occurrences were documented in CNDDB; none
were within 5 miles of the Project Area. No suitable
habitat is present in the Project Area and the Project
Area is outside the known elevation range for the
species.
Calochortus simulans
La Panza mariposa-lily
Fed:
CA:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.3
Apr-Jun
1,065-3,775
Occurs in granitic often, sandy, serpentinite
sometimes chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower
montane coniferous forest, valley and foothill
grassland.
Presumed Absent. No occurrences were
documented in the vicinity of the Project Area in
CNDDB. No suitable habitat is present in the Project
Area.
Calochortus weedii var.
intermedius
intermediate mariposa lily
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
May-July
345-2,805
Occurs in chaparral, coastal scrub, and valley and
foothill grasslands, in rocky, calcareous soils.
Presumed Absent. Three recent occurrences are
documented in CNDDB and all within 5 miles of the
Project Area in 2017 (Occ # 305, 206, and 207). No
suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Carex comosa
bristly sedge
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.1
May-Sep
0-2,050
Occurs in coastal prairie, marshes and swamps,
and valley and foothill grassland.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in CNDDB however it was not within 5
miles of the Project Area (Occ # 1 in 1884). No
suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Castilleja lasiorhyncha
San Bernardino Mountains owl's-
clover
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
May-Aug
4,265-7,840
Occurs in mesic soils in chaparral, meadows and
seeps, pebble (pavement) plains, riparian
woodlands, and upper montane coniferous forest
habitats.
Presumed Absent. Two historic occurrences (Occ #
23 in 1937 and Occ # 45 in 1991) were documented
in CNDDB; neither were within 5 miles of the Project
Area. No suitable habitat is present in the Project
Area and the Project Area is outside the known
elevation range for the species.
Centromadia pungens ssp.
laevis
smooth tarplant
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.1
Apr-Sep
0-2,100
Occurs in chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps,
playas, riparian woodlands, and valley and foothill
grassland habitats. Often found in alkaline soil.
Presumed Absent. Three recent and two historic
occrrences were documented in CNDDB; none were
within 5 miles of the Project Area. Although this
species is often found in disturbed areas, due to a
lack of occurrences within five miles of the Proejct
site, this species is presumed absent.
Chloropyron maritimum ssp.
maritimum
salt marsh bird's-beak
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
END
END
1B.2
May-Oct (Nov)
0-100
Occurs in coastal dunes and in coastal salt marshes
and swamps.
Presumed Absent. No dune, marsh, or swamp
habitat occurs on site, and the Project is outside of
the elevational range for the species.
Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi
Parry's spineflower
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.1
Apr-Jun
900-4,005
Occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal
scrub, and valley and foothill grassland habitat.
Often found in sandy or rocky openings. Generally
associated with larger alluvial plains.
Presumed Absent. Numerous recent and historic
occurrences were documented in CNDDB. Nine
were within 5 miles of the Project Area. The most
recent were documented in 2012 (Occ # 40, 103,
125, and 126) within 2 and 4 miles of the Project
Area. No suitable habitat is present in the Project
Area.
Chorizanthe xanti var.
leucotheca
white-bracted spineflower
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Apr-Jun
985-3,935
Occurs in sandy or gravelly soils on alluvial fans in
coastal scrub habitats, and in Mojavean desert
scrub and pinyon and juniper woodland habitats.
Presumed Absent. Numerous recent and historic
occurrences were documented in CNDDB; none
were within 5 miles of the Project Area. No suitable
habitat is present in the Project Area.
Cladium californicum
California sawgrass
Fed:
CA:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Jun-Sep
195-5,250
Occurs in meadows and seeps and alkaline or
freshwater marshes and swamps.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence (Occ #
3) was documented in 1918 however, it was not
within 5 miles of the Project Area. No suitable
meadows, seeps, marshes, or swamps are present
in the Project Area.
Claytonia peirsonii ssp.
peirsonii
Peirson's spring beauty
Fed:
CA:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
(Mar)May-Jun
4,955-9,005
Occurs in subalpine coniferous forest and upper
montane coniferous forest. Often found in granitic,
metamorphic, scree, or talus soils.
Presumed Absent. Four recent and one historic
occurrence are documented in CNDDB however,
none are within 5 miles of the Project Area. No
suitable coniferous forest habitat is present in the
Project Area and the Project Area is outside the
known elevation range for the species.
Cryptantha incana
Tulare cryptantha
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.3
Jun-Aug
4,690-7,055
Occurs in lower montane coniferous forest in
gravelly or rocky areas.
Presumed Absent. No occurrences were
documented in the vicinity of the Project Area in
CNDDB. No suitable montane coniferous forest is
present in the Project Area and the Project Area is
outside the known elevation range for the species.
Cuscuta obtusiflora var.
glandulosa
Peruvian dodder
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Jul-Oct
50-920 Occurs in freshwater marshes and swamps.
Presumed Absent. No marsh or swamp habitat is
present on site and the Project is outside of the
elevational range for the species.
Deinandra mohavensis
Mojave tarplant
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
END
1B.3
(Jan-May) Jun-Oct
2,100-5,250
Occurs in chaparral, coastal scrub, and riparian
scrub. Most commonly found in riparian areas or in
ephemeral grassy areas. Often found in mesic soils.
Presumed Absent. Two recent occurrences were
documented in CNDDB however, none were within 5
miles of the Project Area. No suitable habitat is
present in the Project Area and the Project Area is
outside the known elevation range for the species.
Dodecahema leptoceras
slender-horned spineflower
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
END
END
1B.1
Apr-Jun
655-2,495
Occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, and
alluvial fan coastal scrub in sandy soils. Generally
only located in large alluvial systems.
Presumed Absent. One recent and numerous
historic occurrences were documented in CNDDB;
however, none were within 5 miles of the Project
Area. No suitable habitat is present in the Project
Area.
Eremothera boothii ssp. boothii
Booth's evening-primrose
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.3
Apr-Sep
2,675-7,875
Occurs in Joshua tree woodland and pinyon and
juniper woodland habitats. Often found in sandy
flats and steep loose slopes.
Presumed Absent. No suitable woodland habitat is
present on the Project Area. Typically occurs in
sandy flats and steep loose slopes. Neither of those
are present on the Project Area. In addition, the
Project is outside of the elevation range for the
species.
Eriastrum densifolium ssp.
sanctorum
Santa Ana River woollystar
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
END
END
1B.1
Apr-Sep
300-2,000
Occurs in chaparral and alluvial fan coastal scrub in
sandy or gravelly soils. Generally only located in
large alluvial systems.
Presumed Absent. Numerous recent and historic
occurrences are documented in CNDDB. Only three
are within 5 miles of the Project Area; Occ # 41 in
2014, Occ # 4 in 2017, and Occ # 3 in 2016. Despite
recent occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area,
the Project Area is disturbed and does not have any
suitable habitat for this species.
Eriogonum microthecum var.
johnstonii
Johnston's buckwheat
Fed:
CA:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.3
Jul-Sep
6,000-9,600
Occurs in subalpine coniferous forest and upper
montane coniferous forest in rocky soils.
Presumed Absent. Two recent occurrences are
documented in CNDDB however, neither are within 5
miles of the Project Area. The Project Area is outside
the known elevation range for the species.
Fimbristylis thermalis
hot springs fimbristylis
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Jul-Sep
360-4,395 Occurs in meadows and seeps.
Presumed Absent. One recent occurrence was
documented in CNDDB, however it was not within 5
miles of the Project Area. No suitable meadow or
seep habitat is present in the Project Area.
Galium californicum ssp.
primum
Alvin Meadow bedstraw
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
May-Jul
4,430-5,580
Occurs in chaparral and lower montane coniferous
forest, often in granitic or sandy soils.
Presumed Absent. No suitable chaparral or
coniferous forest habitat is present on the Project
Area. Additionally, the Project is located outside of
the elevation range for the species.
Heuchera parishii
Parish’s alumroot
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.3
Jun-Aug
4,920-12,470
Occurs in rocky, sometimes carbonate soils in
alpine boulder and rock fields, lower montane
coniferous forests, subalpine coniferous forests, and
upper montane coniferous forests.
Presumed Absent. No suitable habitat is present on
the Project Area. Occurs in alpine boulder and rock
fields, lower montane coniferous forest, subalpine
coniferous forests, and upper montane coniferous
forest habitats. The Project Area is below the
elevation range for the species.
Horkelia cuneata var. puberula
mesa horkelia
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.1
Feb-Jul (Sep)
230-2,660
Occurs in cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, and
maritime chaparral in sandy or gravelly soils.
Presumed Absent. Numerous historic occurrences
were documented in CNDDB. Five were documented
within 5 miles of the Project Area with the nearest
documented approximately 2 miles west of the
Project Area in 1995 (Occ # 19). No suitable habitat
is present in the Project Area.
Imperata brevifolia
California satintail
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.1
Sep-May
0-3,985
Occurs in chaparral, coastal scrub, Mojavean desert
scrub, alkaline meadows and seeps, and riparian
scrub habitats in mesic soils.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in 1993 (Occ # 9) however it was not
within 5 miles of the Project Area. No suitable habitat
is present in the Project Area.
Lilium parryi
lemon lily
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Jul-Aug
4,005-9,005
Occurs in lower montane coniferous forest,
meadows and seeps, riparian forest, and upper
montane coniferous forest. Often found in mesic
soils.
Presumed Absent. No suitable forest, meadow, or
seep habitat is present on the Project Area. In
addition, the site is outside of the elevational range
for the species.
Linanthus concinnus
San Gabriel linanthus
Fed:
CA:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Apr-Jul
4,985-9,185
Occurs in rocky openings in chaparral and upper
and lower montane coniferous forests.
Presumed Absent. Numerous recent and two
historic occurrences were documented in CNDDB
however, none were within 5 miles of the Project
Area. No suitable habitat is present in the Project
Area and the Project Area is outside the known
elevation range for the species.
Lycium parishii
Parish's desert-thorn
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.3
Mar-Apr
445-3,280 Occurs in coastal scrub and Sonoran desert scrub.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in 1885 (Occ #4) and approximately 2
miles northeast of the Project Area. No suitable
habitat is present in the Project Area.
Monardella australis ssp.
jokerstii
Jokerst's monardella
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.1
Jul-Sep
4,430-5,740
Occurs in chaparral and lower montane coniferous
forest in steep scree or talus slopes between
breccia and drainages.
Presumed Absent. One recent and one historic
occurrence were documented in CNDDB; neither
were within 5 miles of the Project Area. No suitable
habitat is present in the Project Area and the Project
Area is outside the known elevation range for the
species.
Muhlenbergia utilis
Aparejo grass
Fed:
CA:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Mar-Oct
80-7,630
Occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal
scrub, marshes and swamps, meadows, and seeps.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in 1916 (Occ # 1) in CNDDB; however,
it was not within 5 miles of the Project Area. No
suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Nasturtium gambelii
Gambel's water cress
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
THR
END
1B.1
Apr-Oct
15-1,085 Occurs in marshes and swamps.
Presumed Absent. No suitable marsh or swamp
habitat is present on the Project Area. The Project
Area is outside of the elevation range for the species.
Navarretia prostrata
prostrate vernal pool navarretia
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Apr-Jul
10-3,970
Occurs in coastal scrub, meadows and seeps,
alkaline valley and foothill grasslands, and vernal
pools.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in 1918 (Occ # 15) in CNDDB; however,
it was not within 5 miles of the Project Area. No
suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Opuntia basilaris var.
brachyclada
short-joint beavertail
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Apr-Jun(Aug)
1,395-5,905
Occurs in chaparral, Joshua tree woodland,
Mojavean desert scrub, and pinyon and juniper
woodland habitats. Often found in sandy soil or
coarse, granitic loam.
Presumed Absent. Numerous recent and historic
occurrences were documented in CNDDB; however,
none were within 5 miles of the Project Area. No
suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Oreonana vestita
woolly mountain-parsley
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.3
Mar-Sep
5,300-11,485
Occurs in lower montane coniferous forest,
subalpine coniferous forest, and upper montane
coniferous forest habitats, sometimes in gravelly or
talus soils.
Presumed Absent. Four recent and numerous
historic occurrences were documented in CNDDB;
however, none were within 5 miles of the Project
Area. No suitable montane coniferous forest habitat
is present in the Project Area. Additionally, the
Project Area is outside the known elevation range for
the species.
Pediomelum castoreum
Beaver Dam breadroot
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Apr-May
2,000-5,005
Occurs in Joshua tree woodland and Mojavean
desert scrub habitats. Often found in sandy soil in
washes and roadcut habitats.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in CNDDB however it was not within 5
miles of the Project Area (Occ # 8 in 1992). No
suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Additionally, the Project Area is outside the known
elevation range for the species.
Phacelia stellaris
Brand's star phacelia
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.1
Mar-Jun
5-1,310 Occurs in coastal dunes and coastal scrub.
Presumed Absent. One recent occurrence was
documented in CNDDB; Occ # 16 was documented
in 2003 approximately 4 miles west of the Project
Area. No suitable coastal habitat is present in the
Project Area.
Pseudognaphalium
leucocephalum
white rabbit-tobacco
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
(Jul)Aug-Nov(Dec)
0-6,890
Occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal
scrub, and riparian woodland. Often found in sandy,
gravelly soils.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in CNDDB; Occ # 46 was documented
in 1891 approximately 5 miles southwest of the
Project Area. No suitable habitat is present in the
Project Area.
Sagittaria sanfordii
Sanford's Arrowhead
Fed:
CA:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
May-Oct
0-2,135 Occurs in shallow freshwater marshes and swamps.
Presumed Absent. One recent occurrence was
documented in CNDDB however it was not within 5
miles of the Project Area (Occ # 94 in 2009). No
suitable marsh or swamp habitat is present in the
Project Area.
Saltugilia latimeri
Latimer's woodland-gilia
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Mar-Jun
1,310-6,235
Occurs in chaparral, Mojavean desert scrub, and
pinyon and juniper woodland habitats. Usually found
in rocky or sandy soil, often granitic and sometimes
in washes.
Presumed Absent. No occurrences were
documented in the vicinity of the Project Area in
CNDDB. No suitable habitat is present in the Project
Area.
Schoenus nigricans
black bog-rush
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Aug-Sep
490-6,560 Occurs in marshes and swamps.
Presumed Absent. Three recent and three historic
occurrences were documented in CNDDB; however,
none were within 5 miles of the Project Area. No
suitable marsh or swamp habitat is present in the
Project Area.
Scutellaria bolanderi ssp.
austromontana
southern mountains skullcap
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Jun-Aug
1,395-6,560
Occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, and
lower montane coniferous forest habitats. Often
found in mesic soils.
Presumed Absent. One recent occurrence was
documented in CNDDB however it was not within 5
miles of the Project Area (Occ # 33 in 2005). No
suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Senecio aphanactis
chaparral ragwort
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Jan-Apr(May)
50-2,625
Occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, and
coastal scrub, sometimes in alkaline soils.
Presumed Absent. One recent and two historic
occurrences were documented in CNDDB however
none were within 5 miles of the Project Area. No
suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Sidalcea neomexicana
salt spring checkerbloom
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Mar-Jun
50-5,020
Occurs in chaparral, coastal scrub, lower montane
coniferous forest, Mojavean desert scrub, and
playas. Often found in alkaline and mesic soils.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in CNDDB however, it was not within 5
miles of the Project Area (Occ # 6 in 1906). No
suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.
Sphenopholis obtusata
prairie wedge grass
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
2B.2
Apr-Jul
985-6,560
Occurs in cismontane woodland and meadow and
seep habitat in mesic conditions.
Presumed Absent. Two historic occurrences (Occ #
11 in 1917 and Occ # 12 in 1907) were documented
in CNDDB however neither were within 5 miles of the
Project Area. No suitable woodland, meadow, or
seep habitat is present in the Project Area.
Streptanthus campestris
southern jewelflower
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.3
(Apr) May-Jul
2,955-7,545
Occurs in rocky soils in chaparral, lower montane
coniferous forest, and pinyon and juniper woodland
habitats.
Presumed Absent. One recent occurrence (Occ #
38) was documented in 2004 however it was not
within 5 miles of the Project Area. No suitable habitat
is present in the Project Area. Additionally, the
Project Area is outside the known elevation range for
the species.
Symphyotrichum defoliatum
San Bernardino aster
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Jul-Nov
5-6,695
Occurs in meadows and seeps, marshes, and
swamps, coastal scrub, cismontane woodland,
lower montane coniferous forest, and vernally mesic
valley and foothill grassland. Often found in
disturbed areas and near ditches, streams, and
springs.
Presumed Absent. Five historic occurrences were
documented in CNDDB however only one was within
5 miles of the Project Area. Occ # 106 was
documented in 1995 approximately 5 miles south of
the Project Area. No suitable habitat is present in the
Project Area.
Symphyotrichum greatae
Greata's aster
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.3
Jun-Oct
985-6,595
Occurs in broadleafed upland forest, chaparral,
cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous
forest, and riparian woodland.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was
documented in CNDDB however it was not within 5
miles of the Project Area. No suitable habitat is
present in the Project Area.
Viola pinetorum ssp. grisea
grey-leaved violet
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
none
1B.2
Apr-Jul
4,920-11,155
Occurs in meadows and seeps and in upper
montane and subalpine coniferous forest.
Presumed Absent. No suitable meadow and seep
or coniferous forest habitat is present on the Project
Area. The Project Area is below the elevation range
for the species. Additionally, the Project Area is
outside the known elevation range for the species.
Yucca brevifolia
western Joshua tree
Fed:
Ca:
CRPR:
none
CAN
none
Mar-Jun
1,600-6,600
Occurs in Joshua tree woodland, montane
chaparral, pinyon and juniper woodland, and
Sonoran and Mojavean desert scrub habitat. Often
found in fast draining, coarse grained alluvial soil.
Presumed Absent. There is no desert habitat
located on the Project Area. In addition, the Project
Area is outside of this specie's range and below the
elevation range of this species. Additionally, the
Project Area is outside the known elevation range for
the species.
Federal Designations:CRPR Ranking
1A: Presumed extinct
1B: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and
elsewhere
2B: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but
more common elsewhere
CRPR Threat Code
0.1: Seriously threatened in California
0.2: Fairly threatened in California0.3: Not very threatened in California
CAN: Candidate for state listing
FP: Fully Protected Species
SSC: Species of Special Concern
Source: California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) California Native Plant Society Electronic Inventory (CNPSEI) Devore, Telegraph Peak, Cajon, Silverwood Lake, San Bernardino North, San Bernardino South, Fontana,
Guasti, & Cucamonga Peak 7.5-minute quads.
State designations:
(Federal Endangered Species Act, USFWS)(California Endangered Species Act, CDFG)
END: federally listed, endangered END: state-listed, endangered
THR: federally listed, threatened THR: state-listed, threatened
APPENDIX E
Special-Status Wildlife Species Potential for Occurrence
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence
Bombus crotchii
Crotch bumble bee
Fed:
CA:
none
CAN
Found in coastal California east to the Sierra-Cascade crest
and south into Mexico. Occurs in open grassland and scrub
habitats. Prefers a diet consisting of certain plant species
including milkweeds, dusty maidens, lupines, medics,
phacelias, sages, clarkias, poppies, and wild buckwheats.
Nests are often located underground in abandoned rodent
nests, or above ground in tufts of grass, old bird nests, rock
piles, or cavities in dead trees.
Low Potential. Numerous recent and historic occurrences are documented in
CNDDB. Three occurrences are within 5 miles of the Project Area; the
nearest was documented in 1935 (Occ # 186) approximately 0.5 miles
northeast of the Project Area. The most recent occurrence was documented
in 2020 (Occ # 316) approximately 8 miles southwest of the Project Area. Due
to the presence of occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area, nectar
sources within and adjacent to the Project Area, and suitable burrows, this
species has a low potential to occur. The presence of mechanical
disturbances and isolation of the site reduce the suitability of the Project Area
for this species.
Euphydryas editha quino
Quino checkerspot butterfly
Fed:
CA:
END
none
Chaparral and coastal sage scrublands in Riverside and San
Diego counties.
Presumed Absent. The Project Area lacks suitabel chaparral and coastal
sage habitat. In addition, there are no records of the species within 5 miles of
the Project Area.
Rhaphiomidas terminatus
abdominalis
Delhi Sands flower-loving fly
Fed:
CA:
END
none
Found only in areas of the Delhi Sands formation in
southwestern San Bernardino and northwestern Riverside
counties. Occur on interior dunes. Requires fine, sandy soils,
often with wholly or partly consolidated dunes and sparse
vegetation.
Presumed Absent. Although numerous records of the species occur within 5
miles of the Project Area does not contain the Delhi Sands soil series which is
essential for this species' ecology.
Catostomus santaanae
Santa Ana sucker
Fed:
CA:
THR
none
Pools and runs of creeks and small to medium rivers with cool,
shallow, clear, and unpolluted water.
Presumed Absent. No suitable aquatic habitat for this species is present on
the Project Area. In addition, no records occur within 5 miles.
Gila orcutti
arroyo chub
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Creeks, streams, and rivers with areas of slow-moving water
with sand or mud bottoms. Ranges from San Diego to San Luis
Obispo county.
Presumed Absent. No creeks, streams, or rivers are present on the Project
Area, and there are no records within 5 miles.
Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop.
10
steelhead - southern California DPS
Fed:
CA:
END
none Typically occurs in slow water steams or rivers.Presumed Absent. No suitable stream or river habitat is present on the
Project Area. In addition, no records occur within 5 miles.
Rhinichthys osculus ssp. 8
Santa Ana speckled dace
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Permanent flowing creeks and streams with shallow gravel and
cobble riffles.
Presumed Absent. No suitable aquatic habitat for this species is present on
the Project Area. In addition, no records occur within 5 miles.
Siphateles bicolor mohavensis
Mohave tui chub
Fed:
CA:
END
END/FP
Occurs in aquatic, artificial flowing waters, and artificial
standing waters habitat. Endemic to the Mojave River basin,
adapted to alkaline, mineralized waters. Needs deep pools,
ponds, or slough-like areas. Needs vegetation for spawning.
Presumed Absent. No suitable habitat was present on the Project Area.
Typically occurs in aquatic environment and require deep pools, ponds, or
slough-like areas. In addition, no records of the species occur within 5 miles.
Anaxyrus californicus
arroyo toad
Fed:
CA:
END
SSC
Occurs in desert wash, riparian scrub, riparian woodland, south
coast flowing waters, and south coast standing waters habitat.
Found in semi-arid regions near washes or intermittent
streams. Prefers rivers with sandy banks, willows,
cottonwoods, and sycamores. Often found in loose, gravelly
areas of streams.
Presumed Absent. No suitable habitat was present on the Project Area.
Typically occurs near rivers with riparian scrub. Additionally, there are no
records within 5 miles.
Rana draytonii
California red-legged frog
Fed:
CA:
THR
SSC
Occurs in aquatic, artificial flowing waters, artificial standing
waters, freshwater marsh, marsh & swamp, riparian forest,
riparian scrub, riparian woodland, Sacramento/San Joaquin
flowing waters, Sacramento/San Joaquin standing waters,
south coast flowing waters, south coast standing waters, and
wetland habitats. Requires 11-20 weeks of permanent water
for larval development. Often found in lowlands and foothills in
or near permanent sources of deep water with dense, shrubby,
or emergent riparian vegetation.
Presumed Absent. No suitable aquatic habitat is present on the Project
Area. In addition, there are no records of the species within 5 miles.
Rana muscosa
southern mountain yellow-legged frog
Fed:
CA:
END
END
Ponds, streams, lakes, and isolated pools in southern Sierra
Nevada Mountains and rocky streams within narrow canyons
and the chaparral belt in Southern California mountains.
Presumed Absent. Although one record (Occ # 22) of the species occurs
within 5 miles of the Project Area, it is greater than 50 years old and there is
no aquatic habitat located on the Project Area.
Spea hammondii
western spadefoot
Fed:
CA:
CAN
SSC
Open areas with sandy soils in a wide range of habitats
including lowlands to foothills, coastal sage scrub, chaparral,
mixed woodlands, sandy washes, river floodplains, alluvial
fans, playas, and grasslands. Vernal pools are essential for
breeding and egg-laying. The species is almost completely
terrestrial, entering water only to breed.
Presumed Absent. Although one record (Occ # 1041) of the species occurs
within 5 miles of the Project Area and is within the past 20 years, the Project
Area lacks sandy habitat suitable for the species. In addition, no suitable
breeding habitat was identified nearby.
Anniella stebbinsi
southern California legless lizard
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Coastal sand dunes, and variety of interior habitats including
sandy washes and alluvial fans. Occurs in moist warm loose
soil with plant cover and sparsely vegetated beach dunes, pine-
oak woodlands, desert scrub, chaparral, and stream terraces
with sycamores, cottonwoods, or oaks. Sometimes found in
suburban gardens.
Low Potential. Numerous recent and historic occurrences are documented in
CNDDB. Eleven occurrences were within approximately 5 miles of the Project
Area; seven of which were recent. The nearest recent occurrences were in
2018 (Occ # 394 and 417) approximately 3 miles from the Project Area. Due
to the numerous occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area and marginal
suitable habitat in the form of pockets of sandy soil, this species has a low
potential to occur.
Invertebrates
Fishes
Amphibians
Reptiles
Arizona elegans occidentalis
California glossy snake
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Most common in desert habitats but also found in arid scrub,
rocky washes, grasslands, low elevation coastal scrub, valley-
foothill hardwood, and chaparral. Prefers washes and sandy
areas with patchy brush and rocks. Perennial plants necessary
in habitat for food source.
Low Potential. Numerous recent and historic occurrences are documented in
CNDDB; five were recent occurrences. The most recent occurrences were in
2016 (Occ # 86 and 89) approximately 6 miles northeast of the Project Area.
The nearest occurrence was documented in 2013 (occ # 90) approximately 3
miles northeast of the Project Area. Due to the CNDDB occurrences within 5
miles of the Project Area and the presence of marginally suitable habitat in
the form of rocky and sandy areas, this species has a low potential to occur.
Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri
coastal whiptail
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Arid habitats including chaparral, woodlands, and dry riparian
areas.
Presumed Absent. The Project Area lacks suitable chaparral, woodland, and
riparian habiat for the species. In addition, there are no records within 5 miles
of the Project Area.
Charina umbratica
southern rubber boa
Fed:
CA:
none
THR
Under rocks, woody debris, or in crevices in conifer or conifer-
mixed semi-open forests and woodlands, patchy
chaparral/shrublands, and meadows.
Presumed Absent. Numerous recent and historic occurrences are
documented in CNDDB. Two historic occurrences were documented
approximately 5 miles east of the Project Area in 1981 (Occ # 59) and 1990
(Occ # 97). Despite occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area, the site is
outside the known range of this species. This species primarily occurs in
higher elevations and mountainous areas.
Coleonyx variegatus abbotti
San Diego banded gecko
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC Rocky areas in coastal sage scrub and chaparral.
Presumed Absent. One recent occurrence (Occ # 6) was documented in
2015 approximately 9 miles southeast of the Project Area. No suitable coastal
sage scrub or chaparral habitat is present within the Project Area.
Crotalus ruber
red-diamond rattlesnake
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Found in coastal chaparral, arid scrub, rocky grassland, oak
and pine woodlands, desert mountain slopes and rocky desert
flats. Diet consists of birds, lizards, and small
mammals including ground squirrels, wood rats, and rabbits.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence (Occ # 21) was documented in
1988 approximately 13 miles southeast of the Project Area. No suitable
habitat such as chaparral or arid scrub is present within the Project Area.
Emys marmorata
western pond turtle
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Occurs in aquatic, artificial flowing waters, Klamath/North coast
flowing waters, Klamath/North coast standing waters, marsh &
swamp, Sacramento/San Joaquin flowing waters,
Sacramento/San Joaquin standing waters, south coast flowing
waters, south coast standing waters, and wetland habitats.
Needs basking sites (logs, rocks, and exposed banks) and
suitable (sandy banks or grassy open fields) upland habitat up
to 0.5 km from water for egg-laying.
Presumed Absent. No aquatic suitable habitat is present on the Project
Area. There are no records within 5 miles.
Phrynosoma blainvillii
coast horned lizard
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Occurs in chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal bluff scrub,
coastal scrub, desert wash, pinon & juniper woodlands,
riparian scrub, riparian woodland, and valley & foothill
grassland habitats. Requires open areas for sunning, bushes
to provide cover, and loose soil for burial. Diet consists mainly
of ants and also small invertebrates. Most commonly found in
lowlands along sandy washes with scattered low bushes.
Moderate Potential. Numerous historic and four recent occurrences are
documented in CNDDB. The most recent occurrence was documented in
2009 (Occ # 696) approximately 7 miles northeast of the Project Area. Nine
occurrences were documented within 5 miles of the Project Area; the most
recent was in 2008 (Occ # 324) approximately 5 miles northeast of the Project
Area and the nearest occurrence was in 1991 (Occ # 378) approximately 0.5
mile northwest of the Project Area. Marginally suitable habitat in the form of
open areas, vegetation that provides protection, and loose soil is present
within the Project Area. Due to occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area
and suitable habitat, this species has a moderate potential to occur.
Thamnophis hammondii
two-striped gartersnake
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Occur along aquatic habitats such as pools and creeks usually
near chaparral, rocky areas, brushland, oak woodland, and
conifer forests. Found in coastal California from vicinity of
Salinas to northwest Baja California. From sea to about 7,000
ft elevation. Hunts in water.
Presumed Absent. The Project Area lacks suitable aquatic habitat. In
addition, there are no records of the species within 5 miles.
Agelaius tricolor
tricolored blackbird (nesting colony)
Fed:
CA:
none
THR/SSC
Occurs in freshwater marsh, swamp, and wetland habitats.
Largely endemic to California. Highly colonial species, most
numerous in Central Valley & vicinity. Requires open water,
protected nesting substrate, and foraging area with insect prey
within a few kilometers of the colony. Forages in open habitat
such as cultivated fields and pastures.
Presumed Absent. No freshwater marshes for nesting are present on the
Project Area, and there are no records within 5 miles.
Asio otus
long-eared owl
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Occurs in cismontane woodland, Great Basin scrub, riparian
forest, riparian woodland, and upper montane coniferous forest
habitats. Found in riparian bottomlands grown to tall willows
and cottonwoods. Also found in 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.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence (Occ # 15) was documented in
1950 approximately 16 miles north of the Project Area. No suitable
mountainous, Great Basin scrub, or riparian habitat is present within the
Project Area.
Birds
Athene cunicularia
burrowing owl (burrow & some wintering
sites)
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Open, dry annual or perennial grasslands, deserts, and
scrublands characterized by low-growing vegetation. Occurs in
coastal prairie, coastal scrub, Great Basin grassland, Great
Basin scrub, Mojavean desert scrub, Sonoran desert scrub,
and valley & foothill grassland habitats. Subterranean nester,
dependent upon burrowing mammals, most notably, the
California ground squirrel. Also found in vacant lots and
airports.
High Potential. Twenty-one recent and two historic occurrences are
documented in CNDDB. The most recent occurrence was in 2016 (Occ # 561)
approximately 7 miles southwest of the Project Area. Five recent occurrences
were documented within 5 miles of the Project Area; the nearest was
documented in 2009 (Occ # 1794) approximately 2 miles northwest of the
Project Area. Due to the presence of friable soils, California ground squirrel
burrows, and CNDDB occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area, this
species has a high potential to occur.
Buteo swainsoni
Swainson's hawk (nesting)
Fed:
CA:
none
THR
Occurs in Great Basin grassland, riparian forest, riparian
woodland, and valley & foothill grassland habitats. Breeds in
grasslands with scattered trees, juniper-sage flats, riparian
areas, savannahs, & agricultural or ranch lands with groves or
lines of trees. Nests in solitary bush or tree, or in small groves.
Requires adjacent suitable foraging areas such as grasslands
or alfalfa/grain fields supporting rodent populations.
Presumed Absent. No occurrences were documented in the vicinity of the
Project Area in CNDDB. Although suitable nesting habitat is present in the
form of tall, mature trees (e.g., eucalyptus) and foraging habitat, the Project
Area is outside the southernmost edge of the species' known range.
Coccyzus americanus occidentalis
western yellow-billed cuckoo (nesting)
Fed:
CA:
THR
END
Occurs in riparian forest habitat. Nests along the broad (≥ 5
hectres) patches of multi-layered riparian woodland, often
dominated by willows and cottonwoods of lower floodbottoms
of larger river systems.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was documented in 1930 (Occ #
79) approximately 8 miles southeast of the Project Area. No suitable riparian
habitat is present within the Project Area.
Empidonax traillii extimus
southwestern willow flycatcher (nesting)
Fed:
CA:
END
END
Occurs in riparian woodland habitat in Southern California.
Nests in densest areas of riparian tree and shrub communities
associated with rivers, swamps, and other wetlands, including
lakes and reservoirs. Nests are often in nonnative tamarisk
(Tamarisk spp.) and native willow (Salix spp.), typically in
vegetation stands of 4-7 m in height.
Presumed Absent. Three recent occurrences were documented in 2017
(Occ # 61, 62, and 63) approximately 9 and 10 miles north of the Project
Area. No suitable riparian woodland habitat is present within the Project Area.
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
bald eagle (nesting & wintering)
Fed:
CA:
DL
END/FP
Breeding habitat most commonly includes areas close to
coastal areas, bays, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or other bodies of
water that reflect the general availability of primary food
sources including fish, waterfowl, or seabirds. Nests in tall
trees or on cliffs or pinnacles near open water.
Presumed Absent. Three historic occurrences were documented in CNDDB.
None were within 5 miles of the Project Area; the most recent was
documented in 2002 (Occ # 222). No suitable cliffs or open water habitat are
present within the Project Area.
Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus
California black rail
Fed:
CA:
none
THR, FP
Occurs in wetland, marsh, wet meadows, and swamp habitats.
Needs water depths of about 1 inch that do not fluctuate during
the year and dense vegetation for nesting habitat.
Presumed Absent. Two historic occurrences were documented in CNDDB.
None were within 5 miles of the Project Area; the most recent was
documented in 1931 (Occ # 63) approximately 10 miles southwest of the
Project Area. No suitable wetland, marsh, or swamp habitat is present within
the Project Area.
Polioptila californica californica
coastal California gnatcatcher
Fed:
CA:
THR
SSC
Dry coastal slopes, washes, and mesas with areas of low
vegetation and coastal sage scrub including California
sagebrush, California buckwheat, salvia, and prickly pear
cactus. Moves about actively in shrubs and low trees to forage.
Generally found at elevations below 3,000 ft.
Presumed Absent. One recent and numerous historic occurrences are
documented in CNDDB. The recent occurrence was documented in 2013
(Occ # 453) approximately 8 miles northeast of the Project Area. Eleven
occurrences were documented within 5 miles of the Project Area; the nearest
was approximately 2 miles northeast of the Project Area in 1997 (Occ # 878).
Despite occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area, no suitable habitat
was present within the Project Area.
Setophaga petechia
yellow warbler (nesting)
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Occurs in riparian forest, riparian scrub, and riparian woodland
habitats. Frequently found nesting and foraging in willow
shrubs and thickets, and in other riparian plants including
cottonwoods, sycamores, ash, and alders. Diet consists
primarily of insects.
Presumed Absent. One recent and one historic occurrence were
documented in CNDDB. Neither were within 5 miles of the Project Area. The
recent occurrence was in 2015 (Occ # 101) was approximately 11 miles east
of the Project Area. No suitable riparian habitat is present within the Project
Area.
Vireo bellii pusillus
least Bell's vireo (nesting)
Fed:
CA:
END
END
Occurs in riparian forest, riparian scrub, and riparian woodland
habitats. Summer resident of Southern California in low
riparian vegetation in the vicinity of water or in dry river
bottoms, below 2,000 ft msl. Nests placed along margins of
bushes or on twigs projecting into pathways, usually willow,
mulefat, and mesquite.
Presumed Absent. Six recent and four historic occurrences were
documented in CNDDB. The most recent was documented in 2015 (Occ #
202) approximately 8 miles southeast of the Project Area. Only one
occurrence (Occ # 329) was documented within 5 miles of the Project Area; it
was in 2007. No suitable riparian habitat is present within the Project Area.
Dipodomys merriami parvus
San Bernardino kangaroo rat
Fed:
CA:
END
CAN/SSC
Gentle slopes of alluvial fans, on flood plains, along washes,
and on adjacent upland areas with soils containing sand, loam,
and gravel deposited by rivers and streams. Can also be found
in sandy soils that are wind deposited. Found in alluvial sage
scrub, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral vegetation.
Presumed Absent. Numerous recent and historic occurrences were
documented in CNDDB and many within 5 miles of the Project Area. The
most recent occurrences were documented in 2017 within approximately 4
and 6 miles northeast of the Project Area (Occ # 2, 26, and 66). The nearest
occurrences were documented approximately 2 miles from the Project Area
(Occ # 28, 29, 31, 57, 58, 59, 60, and 99). Despite the documentation of
numerous occurrences within 5 miles of the Project Area, these are generally
located near Lytle, Etiwanda, and/or Cajon Creek, where suitable habitat
occurs. This species relies on alluvial fan sage scrub which is absent from the
Project Area.
Dipodomys stephensi
Stephens' kangaroo rat
Fed:
CA:
THR
THR
Annual grasslands, coastal sage scrub with sparsely spaced
vegetation, loose friable soils, and flat or slightly rolling terrain.
Prefer open habitats with less than 50% protective cover.
Presumed Absent. One recent and one historic occurrence were
documented in CNDDB. Neither were within 5 miles of the Project Area. The
recent occurrence was in 2013 (Occ # 252) approximately 10 miles southwest
of the Project Area. No suitable grassland habitat is present within the Project
Area. Further, the Project Area is outside the known range of the species.
Eumops perotis californicus
western mastiff bat
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Roosts high above ground in rock and cliff crevices, shallow
caves, and rarely in buildings. Occurs in arid and semiarid
regions including rocky canyon habitats.
Presumed Absent. Three historic occurrences were documented in CNDDB.
One occurrence (Occ # 11) was documented in 1992 within 5 miles of the
Project Area (3 miles west of the Project Area). No suitable roosting habitat in
the form of caves or rock/cliff crevices is present within the Project Area.
Mammals
Glaucomys oregonensis californicus
San Bernardino flying squirrel
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Occurs in broadleaved upland forest and lower montane
coniferous forest. Requires cavities in trees/snags for nests
and cover and water nearby. Known from black oak or white fir
dominated woodlands between 5200 - 8500 ft in the San
Bernardino and San Jacinto ranges. May be extirpated from
San Jacinto range.
Presumed Absent. Two recent and two historic occurrences were
documented in CNDDB. None were within 5 miles of the Project Area. The
most recent was in 2008 (Occ # 10) approximately 11 miles northeast of the
Project Area. No suitable mountainous habitat is present within the Project
Area.
Lasiurus xanthinus
western yellow bat
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Found in valley foothill riparian, desert riparian, desert wash,
and palm oasis habitats and human developed areas. Roosts
in trees, particularly palms. Forages over water and among
trees.
Low Potential. Five historic occurrences were documented in CNDDB. Only
one was within 5 miles of the Project Area; Occ # 34 was documented in 1996
approximately 2 miles southeast of the Project Area. Suitable roosting habitat
in palm tree species is present adjacent to the Project Area.
Neotoma lepida intermedia
San Diego desert woodrat
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Coastal scrub of Southern California from San Diego County to
San Luis Obispo County. Also found in coastal chaparral,
sagebrush scrub, sandy desert, Joshua tree woodland, pinyon-
juniper pine, and boulder habitats. Moderate to dense
canopies preferred. They are particularly abundant in rock
outcrops & rocky cliffs & slopes.
Presumed Absent. One recent and numerous historic occurrences are
documented in CNDDB. The most recent occurrences was in 2017 (Occ # 44)
approximately 5 miles east of the Project Area. The nearest occurrence was
documented in 2001 (Occ # 50) approximately 3 miles northwest of the
Project Area. No suitable habitat such as chaparral or sandy desert habitat is
present within the Project Area.
Nyctinomops femorosaccus
pocketed free-tailed bat
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Roosts in crevices of outcrops and cliffs, shallow caves, and
buildings. Found along rugged canyons, high cliffs, and
semiarid rock outcroppings.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was documented in 1985 (Occ #
23) approximately 4 miles east of the Project Area. No suitable roosting
habitat (e.g., buildings or caves) is present within the Project Area.
Onychomys torridus ramona
southern grasshopper mouse
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Low, semi-open, and open scrub habitats with flat, sandy
valley floors. Habitats include coastal and mixed chaparral,
coastal sage scrub, riparian scrub, low sagebrush, and
grasslands with interspaced shrubs.
Low Potential. One historic occurrence was documented in 1923 (Occ # 35)
approximately 11 miles southeast of the Project Area. Marginally suitable
habitat is present within the Project Area in the form of sandy areas with a low
to semi-open shrub canopy.
Ovis canadensis nelsoni
desert bighorn sheep
Fed:
CA:
none
FP
Occurs in alpine, chaparral, chenopod scrub, Great Basin
scrub, Mojavean desert scrub, montane dwarf scrub, pinon &
juniper woodlands, riparian woodland, and Sonoran desert
scrub. Primarily found in open, rocky, steep areas with
available water and herbaceous forage.
Presumed Absent. One historic occurrence was documented in 1986 (Occ #
10) approximately 7 miles northwest of the Project Area. No suitable rocky
habitat is present within the Project Area.
Perognathus longimembris
brevinasus
Los Angeles pocket mouse
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Lower elevation grasslands, alluvial sage scrub, and coastal
sage communities in and around the Los Angeles Basin. Can
be found in fine, sandy soils associated with washes or dunes.
May hide under weeds and dead leaves in addition to digging
burrows.
Low Potential. Three recent and numerous historic occurrences were
documented in CNDDB. The most recent occurrence was in 2017 (Occ # 76)
approximately 6 miles east of the Project Area. The nearest occurrences were
documented in 2001 (Occ # 34) and 1999 (Occ # 45) approximately 3 miles
from the Project Area. Marginally suitable habitat is present within the Project
Area in the form of sandy soils with a low to open shrub canopy.
Taxidea taxus
American badger
Fed:
CA:
none
SSC
Low, semi-open, and open scrub habitats with flat, sandy
valley floors. Habitats include coastal and mixed chaparral,
coastal sage scrub, riparian scrub, low sagebrush, and
grasslands with interspaced shrubs. Prefers open areas and
may also frequent brushlands with little groundcover. When
inactive, occupies underground burrow. Young are born in
underground burrows.
Presumed Absent. Two historic occurrences were documented in CNDDB.
Neither were within 5 miles of the Project Area. No suitable habitat such as
chaparral or sagebrush is present within the Project Area.
Federal Designations:State designations:
(California Endangered Species Act, CDFW)
END: Federally-listed, Endangered END: State-listed, Endangered
THR: Federally-listed, Threatened THR: State-listed, Threatened
FC: Federal Candidate Species CAN: Candidate for state listing
DL: Federally-delisted SSC: Species of Special Concern
FP: Fully Protected Species
WL: Watch List Species
(Federal Endangered Species Act, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service)
Source: California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) Devore, Telegraph Peak, Cajon, Silverwood Lake, San Bernardino North, San Bernardino South, Fontana, Guasti, & Cucamonga Peak 7.5-minute quads.