Redlands USGS 7.5-minute Topographic Quadrangle Range 2 West, Township 1 South, Sections 16 and 21. Prepared for:

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1 Plunge and Elder Creek Channel Improvement Project 18.4-Acre Project Site (83-Acre Survey Area) City of Highland, San Bernardino County, California Redlands USGS 7.5-minute Topographic Quadrangle Range 2 West, Township 1 South, Sections 16 and 21 Prepared for: County of San Bernardino DPW Environmental Managements Division 825 East Third Street, Room 101 San Bernardino, California Contacts: Michele Derry, Senior Planner Erma Hurse, Senior Planner John Schatz, Planning Supervisor Prepared by: Michael Brandman Associates 220 Commerce, Suite 200 Irvine, CA Contact: Kelly Rios, Senior Project Manager / Biologist Original Report Date: July 21, 2010 Revision Date: September 2011

2 Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1: Introduction Project Purpose and Need Site Location Project Description... 1 Section 2: Methodology Literature Review Focused Surveys... 6 Section 3: Existing Conditions Survey Area Description Vegetation Communities... 8 Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Weather Conditions Topography and Soils Surrounding Land Uses Wildlife Sensitive Mammal Species SBKR Critical Habitat Section 4: Focused Trapping Survey Results Transect Descriptions Summary of Results Flooding Section 5: Conclusion Federal Action Agency Section 6: Certification...19 Section 7: References LIST OF TABLES Table 1: 2010 Focused Trapping Results for Plunge and Elder Creek Improvement Project LIST OF EXHIBITS Exhibit 1: Regional Location Map... 3 Exhibit 2: Local Vicinity - Topograpic Based... 4 Exhibit 3: Local Vicinity - Aerial Based... 5 Exhibit 4: SBKR, Comprehensive Critical Habitat Map Exhibit 5: SBKR, Regional/Local Critical Habitat Map (Aerial) Exhibit 6: SBKR, Regional/Local Critical Habitat Map (Topographic) Exhibit 7: Transect and Capture Location Map Michael Brandman Associates i

3 Introduction SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION Project Purpose and Need Michael Brandman Associates (MBA) permitted San Bernardino kangaroo rat biologist, Kelly Rios, (United States Fish & Wildlife Service, TE ), conducted a live-trapping effort for the federally-listed endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) (SBKR) on the proposed Plunge and Elder Creek Improvement Project in San Bernardino County, California, (hereafter referred to as project site or site). This report describes the existing conditions of the project site, general biological resources observed onsite, and results of the trapping study. The focused survey was required to determine the presence/absence of SBKR on the site. The Project Site includes 18.4 acres; however, for the purpose of evaluating potential indirect effects, the survey area was extended west to Boulder Avenue and broadened to include additional open space areas adjacent to the project footprint. The total survey area includes approximately 83 acres Site Location The project site is generally located north of Interstate 10, south of 5 th Street (Exhibit 1), and east of State Route 210 and is depicted on the Redlands, California U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5- minute topographic map, Range 3 West, Township 1 South, Sections 2,3,10 and 11 (See Exhibit 2). The northern most portion of the project site is specifically located south of Merris Street, approximately 0.5 mile east of Boulder Avenue and 700 feet south of the intersection of Church Street and Abbey Way, in the City of Redlands, San Bernardino County, California (Exhibit 3) Project Description The County is evaluating design improvement for the confluence of the Plunge Creek, Elder Channel and the Church Channel to remedy the following existing conditions: (1) Erosion within the Elder Channel: High flow velocity passing through the existing earthen channel has resulted in significant erosion of the existing earthen channel slope. (2) Elevation of Plunge Creek is higher than the Upstream Elder and Church Channel: Sedimentation with Plunge Creek and the channel confluence has resulted in a significant elevation change in the confluence causing backflow (approximately 200 feet) and ponding in both channels. In addition to the hydrological and flood concerns, this ponding has also resulted in a vector control problem. The Project will also provide for long-term routine maintenance in the on-site portions of both Elder and Plunge Creek. Michael Brandman Associates 1

4 Introduction The modifications to Plunge and Elder Creek may disturb significant biological resources currently present within the channel. A preliminary assessment of the area suggests the project is within designated critical habitat for the SBKR. Michael Brandman Associates 2

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6 Michael Brandman Associates

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8 Methodology SECTION 2: METHODOLOGY A literature review and records search was conducted for sensitive flora and faunal resources potentially occurring in the vicinity of the proposed project site. Suitable habitat was determined to occur within the immediate vicinity of the project site. Focused trapping surveys for SBKR were recommended and subsequently conducted on areas containing potential SBKR habitat Literature Review A literature review was conducted prior to the trapping effort. This included a review of standard field guides and texts on sensitive and non-sensitive biological resources, as well as the following sources: List of sensitive biological resources provided by the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB); General texts and other documents identifying potential resources on the site. All technical information reviewed is included in the References section of this document Focused Surveys Focused surveys for SBKR were conducted according to the established USFWS protocol for SBKR. Kelly Rios conducted the trapping surveys. The current protocol requires five consecutive nights of trapping, conducted when the animal is active aboveground at night, and preferably during a new moon phase. Trapping was schedule to commence on June 7 and conclude on June 11, Sherman 12 live traps were placed in suitable habitat areas within the project site, concentrating on areas containing sandy soils, suitable vegetation, and near burrow locations (hereafter referred to as survey area ). Trapping in the 83-acre survey area occurred along 5 transects, four transects were located south of Plunge Creek, with only one transect (Transect 1) occurring north of the creek. Each transect contained 25 traps for a total of 125 traps, set approximately eight meters apart (See Section 4, Exhibit 7). Though within the greater survey area, some of the transects are outside of the 18.4-acre Project Site. Portions of transects 1 and 3 are outside the Project Site and all of transects 2, 4, and 5 are located outside the Project Site boundaries. Each trap was baited with a mixture of birdseed that was placed at the back of the traps. The traps were left in place and opened at dusk each night and dawn each morning. All animals were identified and released at the point of capture. If SBKR were trapped, then the location of the capture was recorded using a Trimble GPS unit. To determine the distribution of SBKR and dulzura kangaroo rat species on the project site, the location of any dulzura kangaroo rats were also mapped using the GPS. Michael Brandman Associates 6

9 Methodology All five transects revealed SBKR during the first trap night. Results from the second trap night also revealed SBKR along all five transects and therefore confirmed that the project site was occupied. As such, trapping for the remaining nights (nights 3-5) was determined to be unnecessary and the remaining trapping dates were cancelled to minimize disturbance of the SBKR population. Because trapping only covered two nights, the survey consisted of 250 trap nights total (125 traps x 2 days). Field notes were taken of the habitat conditions where the traps were placed. Weather conditions at the time of the baiting and releasing were also noted. Michael Brandman Associates 7

10 Existing Conditions SECTION 3: EXISTING CONDITIONS Survey Area Description The survey area is located within a Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub (RAFSS) plant community and is further described in Section 3.2. The dominant plant species were yerba santa (Eriodictyon trichocalyx) and California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). A dirt access road runs northsouth, separating Transects 1 and 2 from 3 and 4. Transect 1 was located north of Plunge Creek and Transects 2-5 were located on the south side. Transect 5 was set in the western portion of the site, adjacent to Orange Avenue. The soils beneath the transects were generally sandy, lacking dense herbaceous species. Scattered ruderal species and dense non-native grasses occur on other areas of the project site. A riparian scrub plant community, dominated by mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), occurs within and adjacent to Plunge and Elder Creeks. Plunge Creek usually contained water flowing east-west during the morning and early afternoon hours due to the snow melt in the local mountains. The creek was usually dry by evening hours. Disturbances within the survey area were minimal and include the dirt access road and occasionally a foot trail. Land use adjacent to the site consists of a small residential development to the north, open space associated with Plunge Creek to the east and west and additional open space to the south Vegetation Communities Much of the Project Site is surrounded by RAFSS which dominates the south side of Plunge Creek. A description of the RAFSS that defines the survey area is provided below that includes a discussion of the vegetative constituents and overall structure of the RAFSS within the survey area, and a statement of the overall quality and general resource value of the habitat for the SBKR. Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is described as open vegetation adapted to alluvial fans and outwashes. It grows on sandy, rocky, alluvial flood deposits at the base of the San Bernardino, San Gabriel and San Jacinto Mountains. The community is composed of drought-deciduous shrubs and evergreen woody shrubs, with a substantial herbaceous/wildflower understory. The RAFSS habitat consisting of sandy soils was considered suitable for SBKR. Dominant species observed within the RAFSS include yerba santa, California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). Other common RAFSS species observed in lower densities include white sage (Salvia apiana), and deerweed (Lotus scoparia). Non-native annual herbaceous species observed within the understory include grasses such as red brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), oats (Avena sp.), barley (Hordeum sp.), ripgut (Bromus diandrus), and forbs such as shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), and red-stemmed filaree (Erodium cicutarium). Michael Brandman Associates 8

11 Existing Conditions Overall habitat quality of the survey area for the SBKR and other wildlife species is considered good. This east-west trending Plunge Creek and associated open space provides continuous habitat outside the project site boundaries as the animals can move along the creek and under road crossings to additional habitat in the vicinity Weather Conditions Weather conditions during the trapping survey included morning temperatures averaging 60 degrees Fahrenheit with 80 percent hazy skies. The moon was a new moon during what would have been the night after the trapping session, Saturday, June 12, Topography and Soils The survey area consists of two soil types; Soboba stony loamy sand and Psamments and fluvents that are frequently flooded. Transect 1 occurred in Psamments and fluvents and Transects 2-5 occurred in Soboba stony loamy sand Surrounding Land Uses Land use adjacent to the site consists of open space in all directions and also a small residential development to the north Wildlife Within the broader survey Area, wildlife activity was high, with most of the wildlife represented by small mammals, bird, reptile and amphibian species. Amphibians were observed in the on-site portion of Plunge Creek while water was flowing Sensitive Mammal Species The following is a discussion of the sensitive mammal species identified as potentially occurring within the survey area. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat The SBKR is one of three subspecies of the Merriam s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami). The Merriam s kangaroo rat is a widespread species that can be found from the inland valleys to the deserts of southern California. The subspecies known as SBKR is confined to inland valley scrub communities, and more particularly, to scrub communities occurring along rivers, streams and drainages. Most of these systems have been historically altered, and as a result of flood control efforts and the increased use of river resources, including mining, off-road vehicle use and road and housing development. This increased use of river resources has resulted in a reduction in both the Michael Brandman Associates 9

12 Existing Conditions amount and quality of habitat available for SBKR. The past habitat losses and potential losses prompted an emergency listing of SBKR as an endangered species (USFWS 1998a). SBKR is one of several kangaroo rat species in its range. The Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans), the Pacific kangaroo rat (Dipodomys agilis), and the Stephens kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) occur in areas also occupied by SBKR, but these other species have a wider habitat range. SBKR habitat is described as being confined to primary and secondary alluvial fan sage scrub habitats, with sandy soils deposited by fluvial (water) rather than aeolian (wind) processes. Burrows are dug in loose soil, usually near or beneath shrubs. A review of the CNDDB resulted in nine SBKR localities that occurred in the Redlands USGS topographic quadrangle. Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax) prefers habitat similar to that preferred by the SBKR. The northwestern San Diego pocket mouse occurs in open, sandy areas in the valleys and foothills of southwestern California. The range of this species extends from Orange County to San Diego County, and includes Riverside and San Bernardino counties. This species is a California Species of Special Concern; its historical range has been reduced by urban development and agriculture. Los Angeles Pocket Mouse The Los Angeles pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris brevinasus) is one of two pocket mice found in this area of San Bernardino County (Williams 1986). Both the Los Angeles pocket mouse and the northwestern San Diego pocket mouse occupy similar habitats, but the northwestern San Diego pocket mouse has a wider range extending south into San Diego County. The habitat of the Los Angeles pocket mouse is described as being confined to lower elevation grasslands and coastal sage scrub habitats, in areas with soils composed of fine sands (Williams 1986). This species prefers habitat similar to that of the Stephens kangaroo rat and SBKR. It occurs in open sandy areas in the valley and foothills of southwestern California (Hall 1981). Los Angeles pocket mouse forages in open ground and underneath shrubs. Pocket mice, in general, dig burrows in loose soil. Presently, the known distribution of this species extends from Rancho Cucamonga east to the middle of the Santa Ana River, near Slover Mountain, and from Cajon Wash south to at least Riverside Avenue in the City of Riverside. The Los Angeles pocket mouse is listed as a California Species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). San Diego Desert Woodrat The desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) is a relatively wide-ranging species extending along the coast of California from south of San Francisco through to the border with Baja California. This species also Michael Brandman Associates 10

13 Existing Conditions occurs in the Central Valley and the deserts of southern California and extends along the desert side of the Sierra Nevada into southeastern Oregon. The coastal race of the desert woodrat, the San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia), prefers scrub habitats such as coastal sage scrub, chaparral and alluvial fan sage scrub. It is more common in areas with rock piles and coarse sandy to rocky soils throughout coastal southern California. The range of this species extends from just south of Sacramento and the San Francisco area to the border with Baja California. The coastal subspecies of the widespread desert woodrat is listed as a California Species of Special Concern; its historical range has been impacted by the conversion of scrub habitats into residential, commercial and industrial use SBKR Critical Habitat Most of the survey area and the Project Site are within areas designated as Critical Habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) pursuant to 16 USCA 1533(a)(3)(A). [1] A comprehensive map of designated SBKR Critical Habitat is shown in Exhibit 4, with regional/local aerial and topographic projections shown in Exhibits 5 and 6 respectively. [1] NOTE: On January 8, 2011, a federal district court overruled a 2008 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reduce the acreage of critical habitat designated for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat from 33,290 acres to 7,779 acres. The Court decision required re-instatement of the acreage designation from the 2002 Final Rule; 50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designation of Critical Habitat for the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat; Final Rule). Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 78 / Tuesday, April 23, Michael Brandman Associates 11

14 Legend Michael Brandman Associates

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16 3URMHFW 6LWH 6XUYH\ $UHD 6DQ %HUQDUGLQR.DQJDURR 5DW &ULWLFDO +DELWDW RXUFH *6 5HGODQGV +DUULVRQ 0RXQWDLQ '5* Michael Brandman Associates _ BVENUBFULWLFDOBKDEBWRSR P[G )HHW ([KLELW 6%.5 &ULWLFDO +DELWDW 7RSRJUDSKLF %DVH &2817< 2) 6$1 %(51$5',12 (/'(5 $1' 3/81*( &5((. 352-(&7 6$1 %(51$5',12.$1*$522 5$7 )2&86(' 6859(<

17 Focused Trapping Survey Results SECTION 4: FOCUSED TRAPPING SURVEY RESULTS Transect Descriptions All transects consisted of 25 traps each, lying in an east-west direction, and were placed in RAFSS habitat containing sign of SBKR, including active burrows and tail drag. Transect 1 was set in the northeastern portion of the project site, north of Plunge Creek (See Exhibit 7). Transect 2 was placed south of Plunge Creek and east of the dirt access road. The third transect was located west of the dirt access road within a low-lying swale on the low terrace south of Plunge Creek [2]. Transect 4 began south of the western end of Transect 3. Transect 5 began at the western boundary of the project site, adjacent to Orange Street. This transect extended east along a small foot trail and then headed in a southeastern direction. Vegetation cover along the transects was consistent and approximately 60 percent Summary of Results Table 1 summarizes the results from the 2010 survey. San Bernardino kangaroo rat was the most commonly trapped mammal species, totaling 22 SBKR, during the two survey trap nights. Seven additional small mammal species were also trapped and included dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans), San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax), which is a California Species of Special Concern, desert pocket mouse (Chaetodipus penicillatus), brush mouse (Peromyscus boylii), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), desert wood rat (Neotoma lepida), and harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis). Table 1: 2010 Focused Trapping Results for Plunge and Elder Creek Improvement Project Night No. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Dulzura Kangaroo Rat San Diego Pocket Mouse Desert Pocket Mouse Brush Mouse Deer Mouse Desert Wood Rat Harvest Mouse Total The location of the SBKR and dulzura kangaroo rat trapped during the survey effort was recorded using a GPS and mapped in Exhibit 7. [2] NOTE: This swale like area is identified as desert pavement in the Jurisdictional Delineation prepared for the Project Site (MBA 2010, Updated 2011). Michael Brandman Associates 15

18 Focused Trapping Survey Results Flooding In the winter months from December 2010 through January 2011, the region and the Project Site were subjected to severe storm events and flooding which resulted in significant sedimentation, debris flow, and bank erosion, temporarily altering the normal flow alignment of both Elder and Plunge Creek putting local communities and infrastructure at imminent risk. The San Bernardino County Flood Control District (SBCFCD), received emergency authorization to restore normal flow in the system. Restoration activities required reconstruction of levees and banks in the area. The flooding and restoration activities impacted those areas closest to Plunge Creek including significant portions of Transect 1, 3 and 5 and may have temporarily extricated SBKR and other rodents from the Project Site. During the flooding, it is likely that some of the rodent population sought refugia habitat in the low terrace further south of Plunge Creek. During post-flood field surveys in May and June of 2011, field biologists observed a substantial number of fresh burrows on the low terrace along the southern bank of Plunge Creek. Burrows were also observed on the south facing side of recently constructed levees in the location of Transect 3. It is therefore assumed that rodents, including SBKR, have repopulated the area and that SBKR is currently present within the Project Site. No further trapping is necessary or recommended. Michael Brandman Associates 16

19 Orange St Orange St Elder Creek Merris St Church St Abbey Way Transect 1 Transect 5 Plunge Creek Transect 3 Transect 4 Transect 2 Michael Brandman Associates

20 Conclusion SECTION 5: CONCLUSION Michael Brandman Associates conducted a live-trapping effort for the federally-listed endangered SBKR on the proposed Plunge and Elder Creek Improvement Project in the City of Redlands, San Bernardino County, California. The project site and survey area are located in a RAFSS plant community and surrounded by open space in all directions, and a small residential community occurs further to the north. A total of 104 small mammal species were trapped during the two-night trapping effort. Of these, 22 were SBKR, and 16 were dulzura kangaroo rats. These species have similar habitat requirements, overlapping home ranges, and were trapped along the same transects (Exhibit 4). Transect 1 only captured SBKR, while Transects 2-5 captured both species, dulzura and SBKR. The SBKR were found on all transects and therefore the entire project site and surrounding habitat to the south and west of the site is considered to be occupied. Because the project site is occupied by SBKR, the project will need to be evaluated to determine whether proposed activities may affect SBKR and if so, whether such affects are adverse or will result in jeopardy to the species. Similarly, because the project is located within designated critical habitat, any federal action (Permit, etc.) will also require a determination as to whether the activities will result in adverse modification of the critical habitat. These determinations will be made in consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). It is recommended that a Biological Assessment be prepared in accordance with 50 CFR Federal Action Agency Because the proposed project will also (likely) impact waters of the U.S. and will require a federal Clean Water Act Section 404 permit for those impacts, consultation will likely be initiated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) pursuant to 16 USCA 1536 (ESA Section 7). Michael Brandman Associates 18

21 Certification SECTION 6: CERTIFICATION I certify that the information in this survey report and attached exhibits fully and accurately represents my work. Kelly Rios, Senior Project Manager Permit Number TE September 19, 201l Date Michael Brandman Associates 19

22 SECTION 7: REFERENCES Burt, W.H., A Field Guide to the Mammals in North American North of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. California Natural Diversity Data Base, Data Base report on threatened, endangered, rare or otherwise sensitive species and communities within the Redlands topographic quadrangle. Garrett, K. and J. Dunn, Birds of Southern California. Los Angeles Audubon Society. The Artisan Press, Los Angeles, California. Grinnell, J., Review of the Recent Mammal Fauna of California. University of California Publications in Zoology. 40: Hall, E.R., The Mammals of North America, Volumes I and II. John Wiley and Sons, New York, New York. Hickman, J.C., ed The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. Ingles, L.G., Mammals of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, California. Laudenslayer, Jr., W.F., W.E. Grenfell, Jr., and D.C. Zeiner, A Checklist of the Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals of California. California Fish and Game 77: McKernan, R.L., The Status and Known Distribution of the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus): Field surveys conducted between 1987 and Report prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Field Office. Munz, P.A., A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. Remsen, Jr., J.V., Bird Species of Special Concern in California. Non-game Wildlife Investigations. Wildlife Management Branch Administrative Report No Report prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game. Skinner, M.W. and B.M. Pavlik, Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Spec. Pub. No. 1 (5th edition), Berkeley, California. Soil Conservation Service, Soil Survey of San Bernardino County, Southwestern Part, California. Stebbins, R.C., A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Review of plant and animal taxa for listing as endangered or threatened species; notice of review. Federal Register Vol. 61, No. 40. Michael Brandman Associates 20

23 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998a. Emergency Rule to List the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties in Southern California, as Endangered. Vol. 63, No. 17, pp U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule to List the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat as Endangered; and Notice of Public Hearing. Vol. 63, No. 17, pp U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998c. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule to List the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat as Endangered, Vol. 63, No. 185, pp Williams, D.F., Mammalian Species of Special Concern in California. Wildlife Management Division Administrative Report Prepared for The Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game. Michael Brandman Associates 21