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Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report 3.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES As a result of the analysis undertaken in the Initial Study for the Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) determined that the proposed project may result in environmental impacts to biological resources. Therefore, this issue is being carried forward for detailed analysis in this EIR. This analysis was undertaken to identify opportunities to avoid, reduce, or otherwise mitigate potential significant impacts to biological resources and to identify potential alternatives. The analysis of biological resources consists of a summary of the regulatory framework that guides the decision-making process, a description of the existing conditions at the proposed project area, thresholds for determining if the proposed project would result in significant impacts, anticipated impacts (direct, indirect, and cumulative), mitigation measures, and level of significance after mitigation. The potential for impacts to biological resources have been analyzed using technical data compiled by URS Corporation, and previously prepared biological evaluations for the project site. 3.3.1 Setting 3.3.1.1 Regulatory Setting Federal Federal Clean Water Act, Section 404 The Army Corps of Engineers requires a permit for any filling or dredging within “Waters of the United States”. In the event the proposed project includes construction activities that may affect a drainage, the permit review process entails an assessment of potential adverse impacts to wetlands and streambed habitats. In response to a permit application, the Corps would require conditions mitigating impacts to the drainage. Where a federally-listed species may be affected, a Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services under the Federal Endangered Species Act would be required. Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 The Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) of 1973 defines an “endangered species” as “any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” “Threatened species” are defined as “any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” Under provisions of Section 9(a) (1) (B) of FESA it is unlawful to “take” any listed species, where “take” is defined as “…harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct”. Further, the USFWS, through regulation, has included certain types of habitat modification in their interpretation of the terms “harm” and “harass” as a form of take. This interpretation, however, is generally considered and applied on a case-by-case basis and often varies Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-1 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report from species to species. In a case where a property owner seeks permission from a federal agency for an action, which could affect a federally-listed plant or animal species, the property owner and agency are required to consult with USFWS. Section 9(a) (2) (b) of FESA addresses the protections afforded to listed plants. Recently, the USFWS instituted changes in the listing status of former candidate species. Former C1 (candidate) species are now referred to simply as candidate species and represent the only candidates for listing. Former C2 species (for which the USFWS had insufficient evidence to warrant listing at this time) and C3 species (either extinct, no longer a valid taxon or more abundant than was formerly believed) are no longer considered as candidate species. Therefore, these species are no longer maintained in list form by the USFWS, nor are they formally protected. However, former C2 species have been designated, for informational purposes only, Federal Species of Concern. This term is employed in this document, but carries no official protections. All references to federally-protected species in this report (whether listed, proposed for listing or candidate) include the most current published status or candidate category to which each species has been assigned by USFWS. State California Endangered Species Act (CESA) California’s Endangered Species Act (CESA) defines an endangered species as “…a native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant which is in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of its range due to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, overexploitation, predation, competition, or disease.” The State defines a threatened species as “…a native species or subspecies of bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of the special protection and management efforts required by this chapter. Any animal determined by the commission as rare on or before January 1, 1985 is a threatened species.” Candidate species are defined as “…a native species or subspecies of a bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, or plant that the commission has formally noticed as being under review by the department for addition to either the list of endangered species of the list of threatened species, or a species for which the commission has published a notice of proposed regulation to add the species to either list.” Candidate species may be afforded temporary protection as though they were already listed as threatened or endangered at the discretion of the Fish and Game Commission. Unlike the FESA, CESA does not include listing provisions for invertebrate species. Article 3, Sections 2080 through 2085, of the CESA addresses the taking of threatened or endangered species by stating, “No person shall import into this state, export out of this state, or take, possess, purchase, or sell within this state, any species, or any part of product thereof, that the commission determines to be an endangered species or a Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-2 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report threatened species, or attempt any of those acts, except as otherwise provided…” Under the CESA, “take” is defined as “…hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.” Exceptions authorized by the state to allow “take” require “…permits or memorandums of understanding…” and can be authorized for “…endangered species, threatened species, or candidate species for Scientific, educational, or management purposes.” Sections 1901 and 1913 of the California Fish and Game Code provide that notification is required prior to disturbance. Additionally, some sensitive mammals and birds are protected by the state as Fully Protected Mammals or Fully Protected Birds, as a described in the California Fish and Game Code, Sections 4700 and 3511, respectively. California Species of Special Concern (“special” animals and plants) listings include special status species, including all state and federal protected and candidate taxa, Bureau of Land management and United States Forest Service sensitive species, species, species considered to be declining or rare by the CNPS or National Audubon Society, and a selection of species which are considered to be under population stress but are not formally proposed for listing. This list is primarily a working document for the CDFG’s CNDDB project. Informally listed taxa are not protected per se, but warrant consideration in the preparation of biotic assessments. For some species, the CNDDB is only concerned with specific portions of the life history, such as roosts, rookeries, or nest sites. State of California Fish and Game Code, Section 1603 The California Fish and Game Code, Section 1603 requires that a project proponent notify the CDFG of any proposed alteration to the streambeds. Its intent is to protect streambed habitats important to fish and wildlife. In the course of the notification process, CDFG may then place conditions on the Section 1603 clearance to address the potentially significant adverse impacts within the CDFG jurisdictional limits. California Native Plant Society The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a private plant conservation organization dedicated to the monitoring and protection of sensitive species in the state. CNPS has compiled an inventory comprised of the information focusing on geographic distribution and qualitative characterization of rare, threatened, or endangered vascular plant species of California. The list serves as the candidate list for listing as threatened and endangered by CDFG. CNPS has developed five categories of rarity: List 1B: Rare, threatened, or endangered throughout their range List 2: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common in other states. List 3: Plant species for which additional information is needed before rarity can be determined. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-3 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report List 4: Species of limited distribution in California (i.e., naturally rare in the wild), but whose existence does not appear to be susceptible to threat. Local County of Los Angeles Significant Ecological Areas (SEA) The County of Los Angeles has designated specific natural areas throughout the County that are ecologically fragile or important land and water areas supporting valuable plant or animal communities. These areas are known as Significant Ecological Areas (SEA) and are deserving of preservation and protection for the maintenance of biodiversity. The nearest SEA to the project site is the Tujunga Valley/Hansen Dam SEA, which is located approximately 3 miles from the project site. This area was designated as an SEA primarily because of the threat of loss of suitable habitat for the unarmored threespine stickleback. SEAs search as an information guide when conducting environmental analysis for private development projects as well as for assisting public and private entities in their attempts to protect and/or acquire existing habitat for development. Los Angeles County Oak Tree Ordinance Activities pertaining to the removal of oak trees within County of Los Angeles jurisdiction would be subject to permitting ordinances codified by the County of Los Angeles and would be reviewed by the County Planning Director. Application of a conditional use permit would be required for any activity involving removing or relocating heritage oak trees, as defined in Section 22.56.2060 of the County ordinance. An oak resource report would be reviewed by the county forester and fire warden for accuracy, with the oak resource value calculated according to the International Society of Arborculture’s “Guide to Establishing Values for Trees and Shrubs”. City of Los Angeles: Sylmar Community Plan The Open Space Element of the Sylmar Community Plan addresses the importance of the natural environment within the community. The Sylmar Community Plan states that open space is important because of its role in both physical and environmental land use protection. The Sylmar Community Plan defines open space as land which is essentially free of structures and buildings or is natural in character and which functions in one or more of the following ways: 1. Recreational and educational opportunities. 2. Scenic, cultural and historic values. 3. Public health and safety. 4. Preservation and creation of community identity. 5. Rights-of-way for utilities and transportation facilities. 6. Preservation of natural resources or ecologically important areas. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-4 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report 3.3.1.2 Environmental Setting This section summarizes the sensitive local, State, and federally recognized plant and wildlife species present, or potentially occurring, within the project site and vicinity. It is primarily based on an evaluation of the habitats present within the project site and the suitability of the habitats present to support sensitive plant and wildlife species. Species with CNDDB records of existence within the project area -- but that do not occur on site due to the lack of suitable habitat -- are discussed in the Biological Technical Report contained in Appendix A. 1 The previous biological work done by PCR (2005) on adjacent properties (other than the main campus) was also consulted, but is not reported in this document.2 The current project study area consists of the Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) campus and two adjacent parcels along Harding Street, which are proposed as additions to the campus footprint. Much of the existing 22.5-acre project site has been disturbed from its natural setting by urban developments, landscaping, and other anthropogenic disturbances. The LAMC campus is primarily developed with college-associated buildings, structures, paved areas, and ornamental plantings of turf grass and trees. Open areas of the campus are park-like in character.3 The two parcels on Harding Street include a northern parcel (PA N), approximately three acres in extent, and a southern parcel (PA S), approximately seven acres in extent. Both of these parcels are relatively flat, located on a mesa overlooking the Pacoima Wash to the east, and contain an approximately 20-30 foot slope that descends from the eastern parcel boundaries, down toward Maclay Street and the Pacoima Wash. The mesa containing the two sites is a flood plain from the Pacoima Wash. Both parcels generally contain loose, sandy soils with little gravel or rock cover; however, gravel and cobble occur along the Harding Street road cut. The southern parcel is characterized by recent grading disturbance, sparse ruderal weeds, and infrequent native shrubs. The northern Harding Street parcel is occupied by disturbed Non-native Grassland and Coastal Sage Scrub. 3.3.2 Significance Thresholds According to CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G, the project may result in a significant impact to biological resources, if it would: a. 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 1 URS Corporation. 2006. Biological Resource Assessment, for the revised Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Plan, Los Angeles County, California. 2 PCR Services Corporation. 2005. Biological Resource Assessment, for the Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Plan, Los Angeles County, California 3 Ibid. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-5 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d. 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? e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? The District, when appropriate, considers the thresholds established by the local jurisdiction or regulatory agency as guidance for determining the significance of an impact. The project site is located within the City of Los Angeles. Under the City’s criteria, an impact on biological resources would be considered significant if the proposed project would result in: 1) the loss of individuals, or the reduction of existing habitat, of a State or Federal listed Endangered, Threatened, Rare, Protected, Candidate, or Sensitive Species or a Species of Special Concern; 2) the loss of individuals or the reduction of existing habitat of a locally-designated species or a reduction in a locallydesignated natural habitat or plant community; 3) the interference with wildlife movement/migration corridors that may diminish the chances for long-term survival of a sensitive species; 4) the alteration of an existing wetland habitat; or 5) the interference with habitat such that normal species behaviors are disturbed (e.g., from the introduction of noise, light) to a degree that may diminish the chances for long-term survival of a sensitive species 3.3.3 Environmental Impact Analysis 3.3.3.1 Site Survey This impact analysis uses the above significance thresholds to determine project impacts, if any, on individuals and existing habitat of a State- or Federal-listed Species, Species of Special Concern, as well as individuals or existing habitat of a locally-designated species or locally-designated natural habitat or plant community. While the LAMC is developed, Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-6 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report and is not located near natural habitat areas such that normal species behaviors would be disturbed, the Harding Street parcels are situated adjacent to the Pacoima Wash Open Space Area and, accordingly, proposed Harding Street parcel development and operations are analyzed with respect to potential project interference with habitat and associated normal species behaviors. A biological evaluation of the project study area was conducted by URS biologists on 2 August 2006 (Appendix A). During the course of these surveys, the biologists documented the natural communities found within the project site and compiled a list of plant and animal species observed. Prior to visiting the project site, a review of literature on the biological resources of the study area and the surrounding vicinity was conducted, including the surveys in the adjacent vicinity by PCR (2005).4 Federal Register listings, protocols, and species data were reviewed in conjunction with Federally-listed species potentially occurring within the area. The CNDDB database and the CNPSEI (California Native Plant Society Electronic Inventory) were also queried on August 2, 2006 for the nine project Quadrangles (San Fernando, Newhall, Mint Canyon, Agua Dulce, Oat Mountain, Sunland, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, and Burbank).5,6 Regional floral and faunal field guides were also utilized in the identification of species and suitable habitats. The vegetation classification of plant communities in the study areas was taken mainly from Holland (1986) and Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf (1995).7,8 Plant scientific nomenclature, common names, and habitat information follow Hickman (1993), Munz (1959, 1968, and 1974), and Sunset (1995). 9 10 11 Observed animal species and signs were recorded incidentally during the field survey. Wildlife nomenclature, common names, and habitat information follow Jameson and Peeters (1988), Burt and Grossenheider (1980), and Whitaker (1980), for mammals; Peterson (1990), National Geographic Society (1983), Stokes and Stokes (1996), and Garrett and Dunn (1981) for birds; and Stebbins (1985) and Behler and King (1979) for reptiles and amphibians. Common names of plants and wildlife are not consistent among these authors. Combined, reviewed sources provided a 4 PCR Services Corporation. 2005. Biological Resource Assessment, for the Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Plan, Los Angeles County, California 5 CNPS (California Native Plant Society), 1994. California Native Plant Society’s Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1, Fifth Edition. Edited by M.W. Skinner and B.M. Pavlik, California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 338 pages 6 CNDDB (California Natural Diversity Data Base), 2006. RareFind 3, computer software program. CDFG, Natural Heritage Division, NDDB, Sacramento, California. 7 Holland, R.F., 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. Nongame Heritage Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. 156 pages 8 Sawyer, J.O. and T. Keeler-Wolf, 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 471 pages 9 Hickman, J.C. (editor), 1993. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, California. 1,400 pages. 10 Munz, P.A., 1959. A California Flora. In collaboration with D.D. Keck. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, California. 1,681 pages 11 Sunset, 1995. Sunset Western Garden Book. By the editors of Sunset Books and Sunset Magazine. Sunset Books, Inc., Menlo Park, California. 624 pages. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-7 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report baseline to evaluate the biological resources potentially occurring in the area. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 At the time of their respective surveys, PCR and URS biologists also performed assessments of jurisdictional wetlands and “Waters of the U.S. and State”. Prior to visiting the project site, potential and historic drainages and aquatic features were identified, based on a review of current aerial photography and the USGS San Fernando, California Quadrangle topographic map. The project site was field-evaluated and areas potentially subject to the jurisdiction of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and the CDFG were identified on foot in the field. Potential USACE jurisdictional wetlands were identified using routine methodology outlined in the USACE Wetland Delineation Manual20 , which is based on hydrologic features, soil features, and vegetation composition. Potential non-wetland waters were delineated based on the limits of the “ordinary high water mark” (OHWM) as indicated by erosion, the deposition of vegetation or debris, and types of vegetation. The jurisdiction was defined between the banks of the stream channels or else to the limits of the adjacent riparian vegetation. Each area was examined for evidence of an OHWM, soil saturation, and wetland vegetation. If any of these criteria was met, a series of transects was run to determine the extent or lack of jurisdiction. Focused surveys by a botanist for sensitive plants in the Harding Street Parcels will be performed in the Harding Street Parcels during March-April 2007. Focused surveys by an ornithologist and herpetologist for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Least Bell’s Vireo, Arroyo Toad, and Horned Lizard will also be performed in the Harding Street Parcels during March-April 2007. Methods employed will be in conformance with applicable USFWS and CDFG Presence/Absence Survey Guidelines. 12 Burt, W.H. and R.P. Grossenheider, 1980. A Field Guide to the Mammals. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. 289 pages 13 Whitaker, J.O., Jr., 1980. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York, New York. 745 pages. 14 Peterson, R.T., 1990. A Field Guide to Western Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. 432 pages. 15 National Geographic Society, 1983. A Field Guide to the Birds of North America. National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C. 464 pages. 16 Garrett, K. and J. Dunn, 1981. Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution. Los Angeles Audubon Society, Los Angeles, California 17 Stebbins, R.C., 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. 336 pages. 18 Behler, J.L. and F.W. King, 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York, New York. 719 pages. 19 Stokes, D. and L. Stokes, 1996. Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Western Region. Little, Brown and Company, Boston, Massachusetts. 519 pages 20 USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1. Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. 169 pages Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-8 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report 3.3.3.2 Plant Communities The project study area supports vegetative communities defined by Holland (1986) and Sawyer and Keeler-Wolfe (1995). The following vegetation descriptions include a general description of plant communities found within the project site. For the location of these communities, see Figure 3.3-1 Vegetation Map, and Table 3.3-1, which summarize the existing plant communities and their respective acreages within the project area. 21 22 California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub is similar to California Sagebrush Scrub, but has more than one dominant species. Within the northern Harding Street parcel, and on the east facing slope of the southern Harding Street parcel, California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub is dominated by California Sagebrush and California Buckwheat. Additional species include Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), Horehound (Marrubium vulgare), and Red-stemmed Filaree (Erodium cicutarium). Approximately 1.8 acres of California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub occur along the slopes of the southern and northern Harding Street parcels. Non-Native Grassland Within the project study area, Non-native Grassland is dominated by Wild Oat (Avena sp.), Ripgut Grass (Bromus diandrus), Foxtail Chess (Bromus madritensis), and Fescue (Vulpia myuros). Occasional annual forbs include Cheeseweed (Malva parviflora), Black Mustard, (Brassica nigra), Red-stemmed Filaree, and Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus). Approximately 2.3 acres of Non-native Grasslands occur within the northern Harding Street Parcel; no Non-native Grasslands occur within the northern Harding Street Parcel. Additionally, the majority of Non-Native Grassland within the northern Harding Street Parcel had been mechanically removed approximately two to three months prior to the August 2006 survey. Disturbed Areas Disturbed Areas are mostly devoid of vegetation due to recent mechanical disturbances. Types of disturbed areas found on-site include disked or cleared land, dirt access roads, and areas created by off-road vehicles usage. The majority of the southern Harding Street parcel had been recently disturbed by disking at the time of this survey. Aerial photographs of the parcel from 2002 indicate, however, that similar disturbed vegetation was present in the past. With the exception of a few native shrubs, including Mexican 21 Holland, R.F., 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. Nongame Heritage Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. 156 pages. 22 Sawyer, J.O. and T. Keeler-Wolf, 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 471 pages. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-9 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Figure 3.3-1 Vegetation Map Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-10 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Table 3.3-1 Summary of Vegetation Communities Community Acreage California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub 1.8 Non-Native Grassland 2.4 Disturbed 6.3 Total 10.5 Elderberry, only a few disturbance-following plant species were observed, including Castor Bean (Ricinus communis), Russian Thistle (Salsola sp.), and Jimson Weed (Datura wrightii). Approximately 6.1 acres of disturbed area occur within southern Harding Street Parcel and 0.2 acres occur within northern Harding Street Parcel. Developed Areas Developed areas include buildings, parking lots, roads, parks, ornamental landscaping, clear and graded sites, as well as urban areas. The 22.5 acres of developed area occur within the study area on the LAMC campus. Typical species include Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), Coral Tree (Erythrina sp.), Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipfera), Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), and juniper (Juniperus sp.). Summary of Plant Communities The plant communities listed in Table 3.3-1 are comprised of numerous plant species and provide wildlife habitat for a number of animals. While a few wildlife species are entirely dependent on a single natural community, the entire mosaic of all the natural communities within the study area and adjoining areas constitutes a functional ecosystem for a variety of wildlife species, both within the project area, and as part of the regional ecosystem. Plant and wildlife species observed within the project site are shown in Appendix A. Wildlife Corridors Studies of natural movement corridors and habitat linkages provide an understanding of the relationships between large animal populations, smaller and sedentary plants and animals, open space reserves, and natural movement patterns and genetics of plants and animals. In general, fragmentation of large habitat areas into small, isolated segments reduces biological diversity, eliminates disturbance-sensitive species, restricts genetic flow between populations of organisms, and may eventually lead to local extinctions of entire floral or faunal assemblages. Most land use planning guidelines now recognize the Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-11 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report importance of protecting wildlife movement corridors and habitat linkages, and seek to retain ecosystems and major linkages intact, to the maximum extent practical. Defining precise or comprehensively useful corridor alignments or specific spatial and resource requirements without conducting long-term studies on specific sites, however, is difficult. Wildlife movement corridors can vary from narrow specific paths a few feet wide used by certain species to move from breeding areas to foraging areas, to major corridors for population dispersal and migration with spans of hundreds of miles and at the scale of mountain ranges and valleys. Depending on the organism and its needs, movement corridors can either be continuous or discontinuous patches of suitable habitat. For a fish migrating upstream, the habitat needs to be relatively continuous, whereas highly mobile species, such as birds and large mammals, can sometimes adequately move through discontinuous habitat. Habitats and regional populations on the LAMC study area are at the narrower end of this spectrum, and have been generally restricted or eliminated within the highly urbanized portions of the region as development has progressively occurred. The project site, which is situated in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, is located on the edge of a highly urbanized area of the San Fernando Valley, and provides limited native scrub and “open space” area within the Harding Street Parcels. Although there are large open spaces to the north and east (i.e., San Gabriel Mountains), the area is surrounded in all other directions by urban development. Similarly, although the Pacoima Wash occurs to the north and east of the vacant parcels and could provide resources for wildlife movement, wildlife traveling south within the wash would soon hit the existing urban barrier to the south (Figure 3.3-1). Most sensitive species would learn to avoid this dead-end route. Therefore, due to its location in an already urbanized and anthropogenically disturbed area, the study area does not constitute a substantial regional wildlife corridor for sensitive species. Furthermore, the Missing Linkages report indicated that the project site is outside of any identified potential linkage areas or choke points.23 Observations of common wildlife and wildlife sign during general surveys were sparse, and many species are not expected to utilize the project site as a corridor. However, a few common urbanized species, such as Raccoon (Procyan lotor), Virginia (Didelphis virginiana), Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis), Coyote (Canis latrans), and many common bird species, such as Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), Common Raven (Corvus corax), and Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), may move through the study area on a local basis to forage within urban areas. The presence of these common species was observed along Pacoima Wash and the associated open space north and east of the Harding Street parcels. The presence of these species in the project area indicates that these species are traveling to and from foraging and resting areas, likely along a consistent route. Movement of this type on the edges of urban areas is common wherever open space is sufficient to support wildlife. For medium and large 23 Penrod, K., C. Cabañero, P. Beier, C. Luke, W. Spencer, E. Rubin, S. Loe, and K. Meyer. 2004. South Coast Missing Linkages Project: A Linkage Design for the San Gabriel-San Bernardino Connection. South Coast Wildlands, Idyllwild, CA. www.scwildlands.org Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-12 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report mammal species, the likely travel routes on-site are limited to travel on roads and through open space vegetation. Avian species and bats are less restricted, but may frequently move through contiguous habitat connections. Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S., Including Wetlands A jurisdictional delineation of “Waters of the U.S. and State”, and wetlands was conducted within the study area on August 2, 2006 by URS biologists to determine the presence or absence of USACE, CDFG, and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) jurisdiction. No USACE, CDFG, or RWQCB jurisdictional feature was found within the LAMC campus or the Harding Street parcels. One non-jurisdictional, concretelined drainage feature is located along the northeast boundary of the LAMC campus. This feature was determined to be non-jurisdictional because it constitutes an excavation in uplands, lacks unique biological value or riparian habitat, and is not hydrologically connected to a “navigable” waterway. This feature drains surface water runoff from the campus and the adjacent ball fields to an adjacent golf course pond. 3.3.3.3 Sensitive Biological Resources The following summary describes sensitive plant and wildlife species present, or potentially occurring, within the study area and vicinity, based on the surveys performed and on evaluation of the habitats present. Details of these surveys area provided in Appendix A. Sensitive plant and wildlife species have been identified by local, State, and Federal resource conservation agencies and organizations principally due to their population declines or limited population sizes usually resulting from habitat loss or anthropogenic disturbance. Also considered are habitats that are biologically unique, relatively limited in distribution, or of particular value to wildlife. 3.3.3.4 Explanation of Sensitive Resource Classifications Officially Listed and Protected Species are designated by State and Federal resource management agencies under provisions of the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts. By policy designations, many resource agencies designate additional species and biological resources on “watch lists” of special status resources under their purview. For example, the CDFG monitors the status of “California Species of Concern (CSC),” for several categories of species that are not designated as Threatened or Endangered. If the status of these species substantially deteriorates due to habitat losses, for example, they eventually may be considered for official listing status by the State of California. Such species are collectively treated as “sensitive species” and are discussed in Appendix A. Prior to the field surveys on the LACM site, a list of sensitive species was obtained from the CNDDB and other sources as noted below. The habitat for many of these species does not currently exist on the LACM site. Accordingly, this EIR Section only addresses those species designated as State or Federally Threatened, Endangered, and Rare with potential habitat for them within the study area. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-13 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report 3.3.3.5 Sensitive Plant Communities Sensitive plant communities include those that are considered to be rare and of special interest because they support, or have potential to support, listed and otherwise sensitive species. The Harding Street project site supports 1.8 acres of California SagebrushCalifornia Buckwheat Scrub, which is considered sensitive by the CNDDB. In Southern California, it is the potential habitat for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher. 3.3.3.6 Sensitive Plant Species Several sensitive plant species were reported in the CNDDB and CNPSEI within and adjacent to the project study area. A list of each sensitive species recognized by the CNDDB, CNPSEI, and URS (2006) as potentially occurring within the project site is contained in Table 3.3-2 below. Twenty sensitive plant species were considered for their potential to occur within the study area. Following the general field survey, 12 of these species are considered absent from the project site due to the lack of suitable habitat requirements. These species are listed below and discussed in Appendix A. 24 25 26 • Greata’s Aster (Aster greatae) • Braunton’s Milk-vetch (Astragalus brauntonii) • Parish’s Brittlescale (Atriplex parishii) • Nevin’s Barberry (Berberis nevinii) • Sender Mariposa Lily (Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis) • San Fernando Valley Spineflower (Chorizanthe parryi var. Fernandina) • Slender-horned Spineflower (Dodecahema leptocerus) • Los Angeles Sunflower (Helianthus nuttallii ssp. Parishii) • San Gabriel Linanthus (Linanthus concinnus) • Spreading Navarretia (Navarretia fossalis) • California Orcutt Grass (Orcuttia californica) • Rayless Ragwort (Senecio aphanactis) Of the remaining 8 species, 5 have a “low” potential for occurrence and are not considered further (Table 3.3.2). A “low” potential for occurrence is defined by the following: species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which 24 CNPSEI. 2006. California Native Plant Society Electronic Inventory. CNDDB (California Natural Diversity Data Base), 2006. RareFind 3, computer software program. CDFG, Natural Heritage Division, NDDB, Sacramento, California 26 URS Corporation. 2006. Biological Resource Assessment, for the revised Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Plan, Los Angeles County, California 25 Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-14 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Table 3.3-2 Sensitive Plant Species Potentially Occurring within the Project Area Special Status Species Calochortus plummerae Plummer’s Mariposa Lily Camissonia lewisii Lewis’s Eveningprimrose Centromadia parryi ssp. australis Southern Tarplant Deinandra minthornii Santa Susana Tarplant Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae Blochman’s Dudleya Horkelia cuneata ssp. puberula Mesa Horkelia Malacothamnus davidsonii Davidson’s Bush Mallow Opuntia basilaris var. brachyclada Short-joint Beavertail Habitat and Distribution Bulbiferous perennial herb. Occurs in coastal scrub, chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest, and valley and foothill grassland on alluvial or granitic, rocky or sandy soils. From 295 to 5,580 feet in elevation. Annual herb. Occurs in coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, and valley and foothill grassland on sandy or clay soils. Up to 985 feet in elevation. Annual herb. Occurs in vernal pools, margins of marshes and swamps, and vernally mesic valley and foothill grasslands, sometimes with saltgrass on alkaline soils. Up to 1,400 feet in elevation. Deciduous shrub. Occurs in chaparral, coastal scrub, on rocky soils and on sandstone outcrops and crevices. Known only from Los Angeles and Ventura counties. From 920 to 2,490 feet in elevation. Perennial herb. Occurs in coastal bluff scrub, chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, rocky, often clay or serpentinite. From 15 to 1,476 feet in elevation. Perennial herb. Occurs in coastal scrub, chaparral and cismontane woodland on sandy or gravelly soils. From 230 to 2,660 feet in elevation. Deciduous shrub. Occurs in coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, riparian woodland, and chaparral, often in sandy washes. From 610 to 2,805 feet in elevation. Stem succulent shrub. Occurs in chaparral, joshua tree “woodland,” mojavean desert scrub, and in pinyon and juniper woodland, often on sandy soils or coarse, granitic loam. From 1,395 to 5,910 feet in elevation. Flowering Season May – July Status Designation Fed: None CA: None CNPS: List 1B R-E-D: 2-2-3 Potential for Occurrence Moderate March – June Fed: None CA: None CNPS: List 3 R-E-D: ?-?-2 Moderate May – November Fed: None CA: None CNPS: List 1B R-E-D: 3-3-2 Low July – November Fed: None CA: Rare CNPS: List 1B R-E-D: 2-2-3 Low April – June Fed: None CA: None CNPS: List 1B R-E-D: 2-3-2 Low February – September Fed: None CA: None CNPS: List 1B R-E-D: 2-3-3 Fed: None CA: None CNPS: List 1B R-E-D: 2-2-3 Moderate Fed: None CA: None CNPS: List 1B R-E-D: 3-2-3 Low June January April - June Low General references: Hickman (ed.) 1993; Munz 1974; CNPSEI 2006; CNDDB 2006 Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-15 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Special Status Species Flowering Season Habitat and Distribution Status Designation Potential for Occurrence Federal designations: (federal Endangered Species Act, USFWS): END: Federal-listed, endangered. THR: Federal-listed, threatened. CAN: Proposed federal listed, endangered. State designations: (California Endangered Species Act, CDFG) END: State-listed, endangered. THR: State-listed, threatened. RARE: State-listed as rare California Native Plant Society (CNPS) designations: List 1A: Plants presumed extinct in California. List 1B: Plants rare and endangered in California and throughout their range. List 2: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California but more common elsewhere in their range. List 3: Plants about which we need more information; a review list. List 4: Plants of limited distribution; a watch list. CNPS R-E-D Code: Rarity : 1 Rare, found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extinction or extirpation is low at this time. 2 Occurrence confined to several populations or one extended population. 3 Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such small numbers that it is seldom reported. Endangerment: 1 Not endangered. 2 Endangered in a portion of its range. 3 Endangered throughout its range. Distribution: 1 More or less widespread outside California. 2 Rare outside California. 3 Endemic to California (i.e., does not occur outside California Definitions of Occurrence Probability: Absent Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which do not occur within the study area, and no further survey or study is obligatory to determine likely presence or absence of this species within the study area. Low Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which marginally occur or are negligible within the study area, and no further survey or study is obligatory to determine likely presence or absence of this species within the study area. Moderate Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which partly or mostly occur within the study area, and further survey or study is necessary to determine likely presence or absence of species from the study area. High Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which predominantly occur within the study area, and further survey or study is necessary to determine likely presence or absence of species from the study area. Present Species observed on the site during surveys described here, or recorded onsite by other qualified biologists. Absent, Low, and Present categories correspond to a recommendation of not conducting a focused survey. The Moderate and High categories correspond to a recommendation of conducting a focused survey. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-16 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report marginally occur or are negligible within the study area, and no further survey or study is obligatory to determine likely presence or absence of this species within the study area (see Table 3.3.2 footnotes). The remaining 3 species with at least a “moderate” potential for occurrence (Plummer’s Mariposa Lily, Lewis’s Evening-primrose, and Mesa Horkelia) will be surveyed for during the appropriate blooming period in March-April, 2007. None of these 3 species is considered state- or federally-Threatened or Endangered. Main Campus No sensitive plant was found within the LAMC campus project area (Appendix A). However, because the development of this draft EIR did not coincide with the blooming periods of most sensitive plant species with potential to occur within the project study area focused botanical surveys for the LAMC campus will be performed during the appropriate March-April 2007 blooming periods, and will follow applicable survey protocols. These focused botanical surveys will determine which, if any, of the remaining nine sensitive species, or any other sensitive plant species, are located within the LAMC campus. Harding Street Property No sensitive plant species is expected within the Harding street parcels because of the high level of existing anthropogenic disturbance (e.g., continual disking and weed whipping) within the parcels and adjacent public infrastructure. Nevertheless, should sensitive species be present, a Mitigation Plan for any sensitive species found within the Harding Street parcels will be drafted in accordance with relevant jurisdictional agency requirements to reduce impacts on sensitive plant species to a level of insignificance as described below. 3.3.3.7 Sensitive Wildlife Species Sensitive wildlife species were reported in the CNDDB within, and adjacent to, the study area. A summary of sensitive wildlife species recognized by the CNDDB, PCR, and URS as potentially occurring within the study area is presented in Table 3.3-3 below. Twentynine sensitive wildlife species were considered for their potential to occur within the study area.27 28 29 Following the general field surveys, 17 of these species are considered absent from the project site and are not expected to occur due to a lack of suitable habitat, as noted in Appendix A. As a result, the following species were eliminated from further analysis: 27 CNDDB (California Natural Diversity Data Base), 2006. RareFind 3, computer software program. CDFG, Natural Heritage Division, NDDB, Sacramento, California. 28 PCR Services Corporation. 2005. Biological Resource Assessment, for the Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Plan, Los Angeles County, California 29 URS Corporation. 2006. Biological Resource Assessment, for the revised Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Plan, Los Angeles County, California Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-17 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Table 3.3-3 Sensitive Plant Species Potentially Occurring within the Project Area Scientific Name Common Name CLASS INSECTA INSECTS DANAIDAE Danaus plexippus MILKWEED BUTTERFLIES Monarch Butterfly CLASS AMPHIBIA AMPHIBIANS BUFONIDAE Bufo californicus TRUE TOADS Arroyo Toad PELOBATIDAE Spea hammondii SPADEFOOT TOADS Western Spadefoot Toad TEIIDAE WHIPTAIL LIZARDS Aspidoscelis Orange-throated Whiptail (=Cnemidophorus) hyperythra Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri Coastal Western Whiptail PHRYNOSOMATIDAE HORNED LIZARDS Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii San Diego Horned Lizard CLASS AVES BIRDS Los Angeles Community College District Status Habitat Comments Winter roost sites extend along the coast from northern Mendocino to Baja California among wind-protected tree groves. Low FE, CSC Found on sandy banks adjacent to washes, streams, and arroyos in semiarid parts of the southwest. FSC, CSC Occurs in grassland habitats, but can be found in valleyfoothill hardwood woodlands. CSC -- CSC 3.3-18 Inhabits low-elevation coastal scrub, chaparral, and valley hardwood habitats. Prefers washes and other sandy areas with patches of brush and rocks. Perennial plants necessary for its major foodtermites. Found in deserts and semiarid areas, with sparse vegetation. Also found in woodlands and riparian areas. Substrate may be firm soil, sand, or rocky. Occurs in coastal sage scrub, open chaparral, riparian woodland, and annual grassland habitats that support adequate prey species. Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Scientific Name STRIGIDAE Athene cunicularia Common Name TRUE OWLS Burrowing Owl OLD WORLD WARBLERS, GNATCATCHERS Polioptila californica californica Coastal California Gnatcatcher Status Habitat FSC, CSC Burrows in open, dry annual or perennial grasslands, deserts and scrublands characterized by low-growing vegetation. Subterranean nester, dependent upon burrowing mammals, most notably, the California ground squirrel. Comments Low SYLVIIDAE CLASS MAMMALIA MAMMALS CRICETIDAE MICE, RATS, AND VOLES Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego Desert Woodrat Onychomys torridus Southern Grasshopper Mouse VESPERTILIONIDAE MOUSE-EARED BATS Euderma maculatum Spotted Bat Nyctinomops macrotis Big Free-tailed Bat LEPORIDAE Lepus californicus bennettii RABBITS AND HARES San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit Los Angeles Community College District FT , CSC Obligate, permanent resident of coastal sage scrub below 2,500 ft. in southern California. Moderate FSC, CSC Occurs in moderate to dense canopies, especially in rock outcrops, rocky cliffs, and slopes. Occurs in Southern California from San Diego County to San Luis Obispo County. FSC, CSC Prefers alkali desert scrub and desert scrub habitats. Also occurs in coastal scrub, mixed chaparral, sagebrush, low sage, and bitterbrush habitats. Low FSC, CSC Habitats range from arid deserts and grasslands to mixed conifer forests. Prefers to roost in rock crevices. CSC Inhabitant of rugged, rocky habitats in arid landscapes. It has been found in a variety of plant associations, including desert shrub, woodlands, and evergreen forests. Low FSC, CSC Occurs in areas with intermediate canopy stages of shrub habitats and open shrub/herbaceous edges. 3.3-19 Low Low Low Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Scientific Name Common Name Status Status Codes Federal FE = Federally listed; Endangered FT = Federally listed; Threatened FSC = Federal Species of Concern State ST = State listed; Threatened SE = State listed; Endangered CSC = California Species of Special Concern *--Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, declining throughout their range, or at a critical stage in their life cycle when residing in California. --Population(s) in California that may be peripheral to the major portion of a taxon’s range, but which is threatened with extirpation within California. -- Taxa closely associated with a habitat that is declining in California (e.g., wetlands, riparian, old growth forest). Source: California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) Agua Dulce, Canoga Park, Mint Canyon, Newhall, Oat Mountain, San Fernando, Sunland, and Van Nuys Quads. Habitat Comments Potential for Occurrence (PFO) Absent Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which do not occur within the study area, and no further survey or study is obligatory to determine likely presence or absence of this species within the study area. Low Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which marginally occur or are negligible within the study area, and no further survey or study is obligatory to determine likely presence or absence of this species within the study area. Moderate Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which partly or mostly occur within the study area, and further survey or study is necessary to determine likely presence or absence of species from the study area. High Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which predominantly occur within the study area, and further survey or study is necessary to determine likely presence or absence of species from the study area. Present Species or species sign were observed to be present in the study area. Absent, Low, and Present categories correspond to a recommendation of not conducting a focused survey. The Moderate and High categories correspond to a recommendation of conducting a focused survey. • Unarmored Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni) • Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae) • Arroyo Chub (Gila orcutti) • Santa Ana Speckled Dace (Rhinichthys osculus) • Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) • Southwestern Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata pallida) • Silvery Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra) • Two-striped Garter Snake (Thamnophis hammondii) • Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) • Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-20 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report • Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) • Tri-colored Backbird (Agelaius tricolor) • Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) • Least Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) • Western Yellow Bat (Lasiurus xanthinus) • Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona) • American Badger (Taxidea taxus) The remaining 12 sensitive species, having at least a low potential of occurring on-site are indicated as such in Table 3.3-3. No sensitive wildlife species was observed on the LAMC or Harding Street parcels during the general field survey (see Appendix A). Three sensitive species, the Cooper’s Hawk, Yellow Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat were observed directly adjacent to the north of the Harding Street parcels in a formerly-designated project area; however, these species were not observed in the revised project study area during general surveys in 2006.30 Focused field surveys were also conducted during the breeding season (April to July) in the previously-designated project area north of the Harding Street Parcels for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, and Least Bell’s Vireo. No Coastal California Gnatcatcher or Southwestern Willow Flycatcher was observed during these focused surveys. Focused surveys for the Least Bell’s Vireo (LBVI), however, located one individual male within the Southern Willow Scrub habitat to the north of the Harding Street parcels (PCR 2005).31 The individual LBVI was observed during the first two surveys in a series of eight surveys. The absence of this individual during the last six surveys suggests that it continued its movement to more suitable habitat elsewhere. Therefore, the habitat on-site does not appear to be suitable for breeding LBVI at this time. LBVI is a federal- and state-listed Endangered Species and is migratory, and only present in southern California during the breeding season between April and July. Details regarding the focused field surveys can be found in PCR 2005. Although not observed during focused surveys or general surveys in 2006, potential habitat for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher exists within the Harding Street Parcels; however, there is no suitable habitat available for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher within these parcels.32 33 30 Ibid. 31 PCR Services Corporation. 2005. Biological Resource Assessment, for the Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Plan, Los Angeles County, California 32 Ibid. 33 URS Corporation. 2006. Biological Resource Assessment, for the revised Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Plan, Los Angeles County, California Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-21 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report Because the production of this draft EIR occurs outside of the survey periods of some sensitive wildlife species with potential to occur within the revised project area, focused field surveys within the Harding Street parcels will be performed in the Spring (MarchApril) of 2007, and will follow applicable survey protocols. These focused field surveys will determine which of the species with at least a moderate potential of occurrence (Orange-throated Whiptail, Coastal Western Whiptail, San Diego Horned Lizard, or Coastal California Gnatcatcher) or any other sensitive wildlife species, are located within the Harding Street parcels. 3.3.3.8 Nesting Birds The main campus portion of the LAMC project area has good potential to support raptors, raptor nests, migratory bird species and their nests, due to the large number of trees and shrubs. Although the two Harding Street parcels do not have large, dominant crown class trees, there are some patches of vegetation that may support common bird species which have the potential to forage and nest in the project area (Appendix A). The LAMC and Harding Street study area is generally limited to an area that is disturbed, developed, and lacks unique habitats (e.g., aquatic or riparian). The study area is not likely to support special status plants or wildlife species as a result of its anthropogenic disturbance regime and limited, degraded and disturbed native plant communities. Furthermore, no special status animal or plant species have been detected within the study area, so no impacts to these species would occur. Nonetheless, temporary construction activities may include potential displacement of common animals in the immediate vicinity of the study area due to project activities (e.g., noise, dust, and vibration resulting from construction-related activities). These impacts would not be considered substantial because of the relatively small amount of native functional habitat being affected by the project within this residential setting. Furthermore, project activities may temporarily deter individual animals from utilizing the relatively small project construction area for foraging; this impact would be limited to the period of active construction and is not expected to result in any long term or substantial changes in migration or foraging patterns. Additionally, project activities would not destroy individual animals, nests, or cause mortality of nestling or adults, nor will they affect annual production, so no impacts to these species would occur. There is a potential for direct adverse impacts (e.g., mortality) to nesting birds if project construction occurs during February 15 to August 31. Vegetation clearing prior to construction activities would deter the majority of individuals from selecting nesting or breeding substrates within the proposed construction area. Vegetation clearing activities have the potential to result in direct take of species protected under Section 10 of the Migratory Bird and CDFG Code 3500 (et seq.). Since these species may occur at the project site, impacts would be significant. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-22 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report The majority of common plant and wildlife species likely to occur within the study area also occur in large numbers throughout the region. As a result, it would not be anticipated that the proposed project would result in a trend toward state or federal listing, apparent changes in habitat availability, or loss of viability for any impacted species provided they are not sensitive species. These impacts would therefore be less than significant. Focused field surveys within the Harding Street parcels will be performed March 15 – April 31st, 2007, and will follow applicable survey protocols. These focused field surveys will determine which of the species with at least a moderate potential of occurrence (Orange-throated Whiptail, Coastal Western Whiptail, San Diego Horned Lizard, or Coastal California Gnatcatcher) or any other sensitive wildlife species, are located within the Harding Street parcels. It is not anticipated that sensitive species will be present; therefore no impacts are expected to occur. 3.3.3.9 Sensitive Plant Communities The proposed project would result in the permanent removal of approximately 1.8 acres of sensitive California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub within the Harding Street parcels. This California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub mainly occurs along the eastern and northern portion of the parcel, and mostly within the footprint of the proposed Harding Street PE structure to be developed during Phase 1; however, depending on the final building and landscape design plans, some of this vegetation may be left intact. Therefore, the 1.8 acres of California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub represents the maximum amount of vegetation that would be removed as a result of the proposed project. Impacts on sensitive plant communities would be potentially significant if these communities were to support sensitive plant species and sensitive wildlife species (e.g., the Coastal California Gnatcatcher). However, no sensitive wildlife species was observed nesting or foraging within these vegetative communities during general biological surveys. Additionally, no sensitive wildlife species is expected to be nesting or foraging during spring protocol surveys because the fragmented and small patch size of the scrub and surrounding development. Nonetheless, the development of this draft EIR did not coincide with the blooming periods of most sensitive plant species with potential to occur within the project study area. As a result, focused botanical surveys for the Harding Street Parcels will be performed during the appropriate 2007 blooming periods, and will follow applicable survey protocols. These focused field surveys will determine which of the species with at least a moderate potential of occurrence, or any other sensitive plant species, are located within the Harding Street parcels. It is not anticipated that sensitive species will be present. Therefore, impacts on these communities are expected to be less than significant and no mitigation measures would be required. 3.3.3.10 Sensitive Plant Species The proposed project would result in the permanent removal of 6.4 acres of Disturbed Vegetation, 2.4 acres Non-native Grassland, and a maximum of 1.8 acres of California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub from within the Harding Street parcels. Although Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-23 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report focused surveys for sensitive plants have not yet been conducted within the Harding Street parcels, the occurrence of sensitive plants is not expected because of the current disturbed and graded condition of the Harding Street parcels, the lack of suitable habitat, and lack of sensitive plant species observed during surveys conducted on adjacent parcels. Based on the information collected from the databases, and other available information, sensitive plant species are not expected to occur, and impacts would be less than significant. This conclusion will be confirmed in focused sensitive plant surveys conducted March - April 2007. In the event that sensitive species are discovered, the California and Federal Endangered Species Acts would require the District to obtain Endangered Species Act permits from the Department of Fish and Game and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Fish & Game Code, § 2081; 16 U.S.C. § 1539(a) (2) (A).) Those agencies can only grant an incidental take permit if the proposed project would not jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Additionally, such permits typically require implementation of mitigation measures devised by the agencies specifically for the project and species. Therefore, compliance with the Federal and California Endangered Species Act will ensure that impacts to sensitive species will be less than significant, and compliance with those requirements is sufficient mitigation under CEQA. 3.3.3.11 Sensitive Wildlife Species The proposed project would result in the permanent removal of 1.8 acres of sensitive California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub within the Harding Street parcels, which may function as suitable habitat for some sensitive wildlife species. In addition, four sensitive wildlife species were identified with at least a moderate potential to occur within the project site or vicinity: Orange-throated Whiptail, Coastal Western Whiptail, San Diego Horned Lizard, and Coastal California Gnatcatcher. In addition, the Cooper’s Hawk, Yellow Warbler, and Yellow-Breasted Chat, and Least Bell’s Vireo were observed adjacent to the project area (PCR 2005). Although focused surveys for Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Federally Threatened, California Species of Concern) have not yet been conducted within the Harding Street parcels, no individuals of this species are expected to be found based on the information collected from the databases, and other available information including the current disturbed nature of the site, the Coastal California Gnatcatcher is not expected to occur, and impacts would be less than significant. This conclusion will be confirmed in focused sensitive wildlife surveys conducted March 15 - April 31st, 2007. In the event that the Coastal California Gnatcatcher is discovered, the California and Federal Endangered Species Acts would require the District to obtain Endangered Species Act permits from the Department of Fish and Game and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Fish & Game Code, § 2081; 16 U.S.C. § 1539(a) (2) (A).) Those agencies can only grant an incidental take permit if the proposed project would not jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Additionally, such permits typically require implementation of mitigation measures devised by the agencies specifically for the project and species. Therefore, Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-24 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report compliance with the Federal and California Endangered Species Act will ensure that impacts to sensitive species will be less than significant, and compliance with those requirements is sufficient mitigation under CEQA. Focused surveys for the Least Bell’s Vireo directly to the north of the Harding Street Parcels indicated the presence of one individual male within Southern Willow Scrub Habitat (PCR 2005); no Southwestern Willow Flycatcher was observed. The Least Bell’s Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher are both Federal- and State-listed Endangered species. Potentially suitable habitat for the Least Bell’s Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher is not found with the study area. However, potentially suitable habitat does occur to the east of the Harding Street parcel within the Pacoima Wash. Impacts on Least Bell’s Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher within adjacent areas would be considered indirect. Although the project would not result in a direct impact on the Least Bell’s Vireo or Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, additional indirect impacts from increased noise and night lighting in association with the proposed project could potentially distress these species. Therefore, indirect impacts on the Least Bell’s Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher are considered potentially significant. Nonetheless, preconstruction nesting bird and raptor surveys would identify species presence and implementation of CDFG and/or USFWS approved mitigation measures would ensure that potentially significant impacts on the Least Bell’s Vireo and South Western Willow Flycatcher are reduced to a less than significant level. Focused surveys for the San Diego Horned Lizard and Orange-throated Whiptail, both California Species of Concern, have not yet been conducted, but will be conducted in March, 2007. Based on the information collected from the databases, and other available information including the current disturbed nature of the site, these species are not expected to occur, and impacts would be less than significant. This conclusion will be confirmed in focused sensitive wildlife surveys conducted March, 2007. In the event that the San Diego Horned Lizard and Orange-throated Whiptail are discovered, the California and Federal Endangered Species Acts would require the District to obtain Endangered Species Act permits from the Department of Fish and Game and/or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Fish & Game Code, § 2081; 16 U.S.C. § 1539(a) (2) (A).) Those agencies can only grant an incidental take permit if the proposed project would not jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Additionally, such permits typically require implementation of mitigation measures devised by the agencies specifically for the project and species. Therefore, compliance with the Federal and California Endangered Species Act will ensure that impacts to sensitive species will be less than significant, and compliance with those requirements is sufficient mitigation under CEQA. The Coastal Western Whiptail has no State or Federal Listing status. Due to the current status of these species, any loss of these individuals or their habitat would likely not threaten the regional population. Therefore, removal of individuals and associated suitable habitat represents an adverse, but less than significant impact on regional populations of these species. As such, no mitigation measures would be required. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-25 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report 3.3.3.12 Cumulative Impacts The proposed project will contribute to the ongoing loss of plant communities and animal species within the urbanized region. This loss is considered adverse, but not significant on either a site-specific or cumulative level because of the existing disturbance and associated infrastructure in the project vicinity. Cumulative impacts are minimal due to the non-native origin and current disturbance of the majority of the affected communities. When measured against the CEQA thresholds, the loss of 1.8 acres of California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub would not drop this habitat type below selfperpetuating levels in the region. Due to the small amount being affected within the region, and the disturbed and fragmented nature of the habitat on-site within an urban setting, cumulative impacts on California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat Scrub are considered less than significant. Furthermore, the presence of similar habitat within Pacoima Wash and San Gabriel Mountains will provide long-term habitat for similar species occurring on-site. 3.3.4 Mitigation Measures BIO-1 The District shall mitigate any potential significant impacts on any Federally- or State-listed Threatened or Endangered Species found within the project area during planned 2007 protocol surveys in accordance with a USFWS approved mitigation plan to be developed in consultation with USFWS, prior to Phase I development. If the 2007 focused survey results dictate, the previously approved mitigation plan shall be implemented. The mitigation plan may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following: • Additional on-site preservation in the form of habitat buffers; • On-site habitat enhancement and restoration; • The minimization of indirect impacts, such as noise and night lighting (using temporal or physical barriers); and • Construction monitoring BIO-2 The District shall make efforts to schedule any vegetation removal activities (i.e., grading) outside the nesting season (the nesting season is February 15 to August 15) to avoid potential impacts on nesting birds. Prior to vegetation clearing a qualified biologist will conduct a nesting bird and raptor survey. For these purposes, a qualified biologist would be any individual with sufficient education and field experience in local southern California ecology and biology to adequately identify local plant and wildlife species. The surveys shall occur within 72 hours prior to initiation of construction activities to document that no occupied passerines and raptor nests would be impacted from project implementation. If any active nests are detected, a buffer of at least 100 feet shall be delineated, flagged, and avoided until the nesting cycle is complete, as determined by the biological monitor. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-26 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006 Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan Draft Program Environmental Impact Report 3.3.5 Level of Significance after Mitigation Implementation of the above mitigation measures would reduce potentially significant impacts to biological resources to a less than significant level. Los Angeles Community College District 3.3-27 Draft LAMC Facilities Master Plan EIR October 2006