DRAFT
Site Inventory for Bidwell Ranch
Bidwell Ranch Conservation and Mitigation Bank
Chico, Butte County, California
October 11, 2007
Prepared for:
City of Chico
580 Vallombrosa Avenue
Chico, CA 95928
[email protected]
Phone: (530) 894-5401
Fax: (530) 894-2970
www.riverpartners.org
-PRELIMINARY DRAFTTable of Contents
I.
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................1
A.
B.
C.
II.
Project Overview ...........................................................................................................1
Relationship of Site Inventory to Other Project Documents ..........................................3
Information and Data Collection Methods .....................................................................5
Property Description ...........................................................................................................................6
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
III.
Geographical Setting and Property Location.................................................................6
Cultural and Historic Resources....................................................................................6
Land Use History.........................................................................................................10
Land Use Zoning .........................................................................................................12
Land use restrictions ...................................................................................................12
Recreational Uses .......................................................................................................15
Current Adjacent Land Uses .......................................................................................15
Location Relative to Regional Open Space Plans.......................................................18
Physical setting............................................................................................................................ 18
A.
B.
C.
D.
IV.
Climate ........................................................................................................................18
Geology .......................................................................................................................18
Soils.............................................................................................................................21
Hydrology ....................................................................................................................24
Biological Resources ................................................................................................................... 27
A.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
B.
C.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Vegetation Communities .............................................................................................27
California Annual Grassland........................................................................................ 27
Blue Oak Woodland .................................................................................................... 28
Riparian Woodland...................................................................................................... 29
Vernal Pool.................................................................................................................. 30
Other Seasonal Wetlands ........................................................................................... 31
Animal Species............................................................................................................33
Sensitive or Special Status Species............................................................................33
Adobe Lily.................................................................................................................... 33
Ahart’s Paronychia ...................................................................................................... 33
Butte County Checkerbloom ....................................................................................... 34
Butte County Meadowfoam ......................................................................................... 34
California Linderiella.................................................................................................... 35
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp .......................................................................................... 35
Golden Eagle............................................................................................................... 36
Loggerhead Shrike ...................................................................................................... 37
Long-billed Curlew....................................................................................................... 37
Pallid Bat ..................................................................................................................... 37
Peregrine Falcon ......................................................................................................... 38
Swainson’s Hawk ........................................................................................................ 38
Western Burrowing Owl............................................................................................... 39
Western Spadefoot Toad ............................................................................................ 40
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp ............................................................................................ 40
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp ....................................................................................... 41
V. identification of potential site threats ................................................................................................. 45
VI.
Identification of Data Gaps .......................................................................................................... 45
VII.
Conclusions ................................................................................................................................. 46
VIII.
References .................................................................................................................................. 47
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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-PRELIMINARY DRAFTList of Tables
Table 1. Site Inventory Purpose and Approaches for the Bidwell Ranch Mitigation and Conservation
Bank ..................................................................................................................................................1
Table 2. Summary of Land Use History on the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California. ..................... 11
Table 3. Easements for the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California (Mid Valley Title & Escrow
Company 2006) ............................................................................................................................... 12
Table 4. Properties Adjacent to and Conservation Ownership near the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico,
California ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Table 5. Geology of Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California ............................................................... 19
Table 6. Soil Series Located within the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California.................................. 22
Table 7. Comparison of 1991 (JSA 1991) and 2007 (TES 2007) Delineated Waters of the U.S. on the
Bidwell Ranch Property.................................................................................................................... 25
Table 8. Potential Species to be considered for the Bidwell Ranch Mitigation Project .............................. 42
List of Figures
Figure 1: Site and Vicinity of the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California ..............................................2
Figure 2. Bidwell Ranch Mitigation Bank Document Relationships ............................................................4
Figure 3: Site and Vicinity – Topographic Map Background, Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California.....7
Figure 4: Project Area – Topographic Map Background, Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California ..........8
Figure 5: Project Area – Aerial Background, Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California.............................9
Figure 6: Easements associated with the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California (Mid Valley Title &
Escrow Company 2006)................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 7: Conservation Properties Near the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California............................ 16
Figure 8. Focus Area in Southeast Chico Identified in the City’s General Plan for Residential
Development.................................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 9: Geological Cross Section from Cascades to Valley Floor (NRCS 2006) ................................... 20
Figure 10. Soils Series and Mapping Units on the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California. ................. 23
Figure 11. Big Chico Creek Watershed, California ................................................................................... 26
Figure 12. Vegetation Communities on the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California............................. 32
E- Endangered, T- Threatened, C- Species ............................................................................................. 42
Figure 13. CNDDB Occurrences in a Three Mile Radius of the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California.
........................................................................................................................................................ 43
Figure 14. Butte County Meadowfoam Distribution on the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California...... 44
List of Appendices
Appendix I. Photos of the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California
Appendix II. Plant and Animal Species Observed Onsite, Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California
Appendix III –Special Status Species Potentially on Bidwell Ranch
Appendix IV – Annotated Bibliography of Documents Related to Bidwell Ranch
Suggested citation:
River Partners. 2007. Site Inventory for Bidwell Ranch, Chico, Butte County, California. Draft.
Dan Efseaff and Colleen Martin. Chico, California.
About the cover:
Various photographs of the Bidwell Ranch Property (April 15, 2007).
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page i
I. INTRODUCTION
A.
Project Overview
In fall 2006, River Partners began working with the City of Chico to develop a
conservation and mitigation bank on Bidwell Ranch (Figure 1). River Partners will
review and compile the technical information and produce the documents necessary to
establish the Bank. Ultimately, the City of Chico will decide on whether to move forward
with the mitigation bank.
The Bidwell Ranch property is located in northeastern Chico adjacent to Upper Bidwell
Park. The site is located at the transition between the Cascade foothills and the valley
floor, and contains grassland, woodland, and vernal pool habitats that have been
documented or could potentially support a number of federally and state listed species.
A conservation and mitigation bank would provide a mechanism to protect these
resources, while easing some regulatory burdens related to mitigation. As a bank,
Bidwell Ranch would also preserve an ecological link between several conservation
properties in the area. The project may provide the means to mitigate wetland impacts
associated with key City capital projects, as well as other private development projects.
If established, the conservation and mitigation bank at Bidwell Ranch could streamline
the environmental mitigation associated with new development in the area. The Site
Inventory is the first in a suite of documents for the effort to develop Bidwell Ranch as a
conservation and mitigation bank (Table 1).
Table 1. Site Inventory Purpose and Approaches for the Bidwell Ranch Mitigation
and Conservation Bank
Overall Project Goal
•
Complete the tasks necessary to establish a conservation and mitigation bank on the Bidwell
Ranch Property for the City of Chico.
Site Inventory Purpose
•
Summarize and analyze available information on the Bidwell Ranch property.
•
Provide a detailed description of resources and legal restraints on site.
Site Inventory Approach
•
Utilize existing sources of information.
•
Identify areas that require additional data collection.
•
Contract key studies to be conducted for areas with limited available information.
•
Maintain an open, transparent process.
•
Collect information and solicit input from Citizen Work Group.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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Figure 1: Site and Vicinity of the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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B.
Relationship of Site Inventory to Other Project Documents
Currently, the agencies are developing new guidelines for the development of mitigation
banks. Because of the uncertainty on how these changes may impact this project, we
have developed a simple process for the project (Figure 2). Our intention is to compile
the information into 2 main submittals, the 1) Preliminary and 2) Final Bank Agreement
Packages to meet various agency requirements.
These documents include:
• Site Inventory – The inventory provides a brief summary of the natural
resources and legal constraints on the property based on the available
information (references to the original reports will be provided). The Inventory
will also identify any notable data gaps. The document provides an opportunity
for agency staff and the public to review and comment on the information. The
information in this document will be folded into the Bank Agreement Package.
• Supplemental Information – a number of other documents (such as the wetland
delineation, environmental assessment, archaeological study, etc.) are in
progress and represent important information to support the documentation.
• Prospectus/Preliminary Mitigation Proposal – This document provides the
potential details of the mitigation bank. The Preliminary Mitigation Proposal will
identify the target species, habitats, credit areas, compatible land uses, and will
quantify the number and kind of mitigation credits available for the property. We
anticipate the information to evolve as negotiation proceeds.
• Management Plan – The Management Plan will provide the monitoring and
maintenance activities necessary to manage the Mitigation Bank. The
Management Plan will identify the name, size, and service area of the bank,
determine key management tasks, identify the management and conservation
easement entity, complete a cost analysis of bank operation, and identify funding
needs and mechanisms.
• Mitigation Bank Enabling Instrument – The Mitigation Bank Enabling
Instrument is the instrument that establishes the bank and will be coordinated
with the Management Plan. The MBEI will evolve after consultation with the
agencies after review of the Preliminary Mitigation Proposal.
If the project receives agency certification and City approval, River Partners will develop
a Conservation Agreement and Endowment Account for the property.
Readers that are interested in additional information regarding the process of this
project and the relationship of the Site Inventory to other project documents can refer to
the Project Summary, which describes the roles and responsibilities of all entities
involved in the Bidwell Ranch project as well as the process and timeline of the project,
the Project Prospectus, which addresses the needs and benefits of this project, and the
Frequently Asked Questions handout. These documents may provide useful
background to the reader and are available on our webpage at
http://www.riverpartners.org/where-we-work/bidwell/bidwell.html.
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River Partners
October 12, 2007
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Figure 2. Bidwell Ranch Mitigation Bank Document Relationships
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River Partners
October 12, 2007
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C.
Information and Data Collection Methods
Extensive field work and modeling are beyond the scope of this project, and this
inventory relies predominately on existing documents and studies. The information
compiled relates to previous biological assessments, maps and photographs, and other
sources. Some information such as the recent wetland delineation, environmental
assessment, and title search were developed as part of this project. This Site Inventory
reviews these documents and evaluates the sufficiency of the existing information and
identifies data gaps. We provide an annotated bibliography of past documents in
Appendix IV.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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II. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
A.
Geographical Setting and Property Location
Bidwell Ranch is located in the northeastern area of Chico in Butte County, California.
The 759 acre site lies at the transition between the Sacramento Valley and the foothills
of the southernmost area of the Cascade Range (JSA 1994a). Bidwell Ranch is within
the Big Chico Creek Watershed, which flows into the Sacramento River. Several
ephemeral drainages cross the site and Sycamore Creek lies to the north of the
property. The site provides a link between several conservation owned properties in the
area and currently serves as a growth boundary for the Chico urban area.
The site can be accessed by taking the East Avenue exit from Highway 99 and traveling
east for approximately 2.7 miles. Turn left on Wildwood Avenue and travel
approximately ¼ mile. The property will be on the north side of Wildwood Avenue and
past the diversion channel. A green cattle gate designates the access point to the site
(Figure 3, 4, & 5). The site may also be accessed by gates on the northwestern and
northeastern corners of the site. A step fence for access to the site by foot is located
near the confluence of the Diversion Channel and Sycamore Creek.
Other identifying information includes:
• Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN): 016-200-002-000 (Parcel 1), 016-230-010-000
(Parcel 2), and 016-170-002-000 (Parcel 3);
• Legal Description: Parcels 1, 2, and 3, as shown on that certain parcel map,
recorded in the office of the recorder of the County of Butte, State of California,
on June 25, 1984, in Book 97 of maps, at page(s) 27 and 28;
• USGS Richardson Springs 7.5-minute quadrangle;
• Township 22 North, Range 1 East, Section 2;
• Geographical coordinates: 0602286 E, 4403535 N (Zone 10 NAD 83 Meters);
and
• Within the Arroyo Chico Land Grant.
B.
Cultural and Historic Resources
Note - Cultural and historic land-uses are being evaluated by the Archaeological
Research Program at California State University, Chico. A report will be completed in
fall 2007 and should provide additional information.
Archaeological deposits on Bidwell Ranch suggest that Native Americans regularly used
the property (Jensen and Associates 1994). Jensen and Associates (1994) noted that
Native Americans likely harvested wild onions near vernal pools and ephemeral
streams. After harvest, the plant was likely transported to permanent settlements in the
area (at Big Chico Creek and/or Sycamore Creek). They also found two potential
temporary habitations on the property, as well as three separate isolated sites
consisting of mortar and cupule artifacts (Jensen and Associates 1994).
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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Figure 3: Site and Vicinity – Topographic Map Background, Bidwell Ranch
Property, Chico, California
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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Figure 4: Project Area – Topographic Map Background, Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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Figure 5: Project Area – Aerial Background, Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California.
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River Partners
October 12, 2007
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The report concluded that the site was eligible for inclusion on the National Register of
Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion C and D outlined in the NRHP regulations (36
CFR 60.4), quoted here:
•
•
Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction; or represent the work of a master, or possess high artistic value, or
represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction
Has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
The site was classified as a “Distinctive Type” since it was underrepresented in the
California inventory of Native sites, due to the supposed specialized use of the area as
food collection and temporary shelter (Jensen and Associates 1994). Jensen and
Associates (1994) suggested that further study could yield additional insight into
resource extraction and intensity and even local population size during prehistoric time
periods.
C.
Land Use History
Our investigation revealed limited information about the site history (Table 2). Since
European Americans settled the area (please see the previous section for a discussion
of Native American uses of the site), cattle grazing has been the predominant use of the
site. And though we have observed roads and areas cleared apparently for cattle
holding areas, Jones and Stokes (1986), noted that there has been no cultivated
agriculture or major settlement in the area.
In the 1980’s, there were a series of attempts to develop the land. After several rounds
of initiating and revising projects, and intense political pressure to not develop the
property, the site was purchased by the City and zoned for open space in 2005.
Currently, the City leases out the site for cattle grazing. The lease is for five grazing
seasons (beginning in 2005 and ending in 2010). Either party of the agreement may
suspend the agreement for a full season or remaining term of the agreement by giving
written notice 45 days in advance of termination. The right to use may be terminated or
modified at any time by the City. The grazing season commences on December 1 of
each year, subject to verification from the Preserve Manager that adequate feed is
available on the site, and end in March 31 of the following calendar. The cattle stocking
rate for the property cannot exceed 40 Animal Equivalent Units (AEU). The lessee pays
the City a sum of $605 per month for each month, or portion of the month, the property
is used for grazing during the term of the agreement (City of Chico 2005a). The
property has also been used for educational fieldtrips by BEC, Sierra Club, and the
Bidwell Ranch Conservancy.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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Table 2. Summary of Land Use History on the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California.
Date
Pre 1840’s
1849
1XXX
1XXX
1XXX,
1982
1987
1988
1989
1991
1992
1994
1995
1996
1997
19982005
2004
2005
2006
Activity
Native Americans used the site as a temporary foraging area (Jensen and Associates 1994).
John and Annie Bidwell received ownership of Bidwell Ranch [Mexican land grant – Rancho
Arroyo Chico] (BCCER 2006).
The property was deeded to Guy R. Kennedy, a local lawyer who was Annie’s nephew (cite)
Property sold to Sam Brown (cite).
After Mr. Brown’s death the property passed to his three children, Fletcher, Mary, and Ella
Bird. Ella later sold her interests to Mary and her husband Cecil McIntyre (Wagstaff and
Brady 1982). Fletcher Brown and Mary and Cecil McIntyre later sold to the Crocker
Development Company (cite).
Crocker Development Company submits plans to subdivide and develop the site as a
residential development. The Rancho Arroyo (a.k.a. Bidwell Ranch) specific plan adopted by
the City Council and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is certified for 4,668 housing
units and 180,000 square feet of commercial development (JSA 1986).
The site was zoned Low Density Residential (6 dwelling units per acre) and R-1 Single-Family
Residential. Prior to 1982 it was not in the City’s sphere of influence (Vieg 2007).
The specific plan is amended to 2,994 residential units (JSA 1994a)
Local citizens and nonprofit organizations, led by the Butte Environmental Council, lead a
successful referendum to overturn the adopted specific plan.
The City and developer reach a settlement to reduce densities to no more than 1,500 housing
units (JSA 1994a).
A new specific plan is presented with 1,500 residential units and 14 acres of commercial
development (JSA 1994a).
The developer halts processing of the specific plan.
A revised specific plan and a draft EIR surface and move slowly through the review process,
even as the out-of-town developer partnership collapses from bankruptcy.
BEC approaches the City with a plan to acquire the site, and receives approval from the City
Council to collaborate with City staff on seeking funding sources. Create Acquiring Bidwell
Ranch: A Status Report and present to the City Council (BEC 2007).
The City begins negotiations with the bankruptcy court to purchase the site.
In January 1997, the City purchased the Bidwell Ranch property from Crocker Development
Company for $7.5 million (utilizing funds from the Sewer Trunkline Capacity Fund
($5,608,204) and redevelopment funds ($1,500,000) (Vieg 2007).
At that time it was anticipated that part of the property might eventually be utilized to mitigate
wetlands impacts from the airport expansion (Vieg 2007).
BEC, Sierra Club, and Stop Bidwell Ranch host tours.
Local citizens and BEC instigates discussions trying to resolve off road vehicle issue. City
responds with improved fencing and signage.
April 5, 2005 City Council votes to approve a General Plan Amendment and rezones the site
from a mixed land use designation (Open Space for Environmental Conservation/Safety and
Very Low Density Residential) to an Open Space for Environmental Conservation/Safety
designation (City of Chico 2005b).
City Council directs staff to solicit proposals to establish an Environmental Resource
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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Date
Activity
Mitigation Bank at Bidwell Ranch (City of Chico 2006).
River Partners selected and begins work to prepare a Conservation and Mitigation Bank
package for Bidwell Ranch (City of Chico 2006).
Public meeting to introduce the project and compilation of site data begins.
2006
2007
D.
Land Use Zoning
Since 2005, Bidwell Ranch has been zoned as Open Space for Environmental
Conservation/Safety Primary Open Space (OS1) (City of Chico 2005b). In 1982, the site was
zoned as a mixed land-use designation (Low Density Residential, 6 dwelling units per acre, and
R-1, Single-Family Residential) associated with development plans. Prior to 1982, the property
was not in the city’s sphere of influence (Vieg 2007).
E.
Land use restrictions
We discovered few limitations on the site. Our findings include:
• A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Hanover 2007), and communication with the
city (Vieg 2007) revealed no evidence of environmental liens or hazardous material issues
on the property.
• The site has easements related to access, utilities, the flood control diversion, and sanitary
sewer associated with the previous development plans (Mid Valley Title & Escrow
Company 2006). Table 3 and the approximate locations of these easements are noted in
Figure 6.
• No known mineral or water rights have bee recorded on the property (Mid Valley Title &
Escrow Company 2006).
• There are no known prescriptive rights claims on the Bidwell Ranch property (Vieg 2007).
A prescription right is a right to use property based, on a long tradition of open and obvious
use.
Table 3. Easements for the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California (Mid Valley Title &
Escrow Company 2006)
Easement
Public utilities and incidental
purposes
Flood control project and
incidental purposes
Public utilities and incidental
purposes
Ingress and egress, together with
maintenance, repair and
replacement of said easement
and incidental purposes
Sanitary sewer easement and
incidental purposes
Approximate
Location
Parcel 3
Date Recorded
April 22, 1959
Citation in Official
Records
Book 994, page 522
Parcels 1 and 3
February 11, 1963
Book 1226, page 449
Parcel 3
December 24, 1970
Book 1651, page 205
Approximately 60
feet along the
southeastern portion
of Parcels 2 and 3 in
January 23, 1978
Book 2250, page 254
September 29,
1989
Serial No. 89-37572*
*Official Records changed cataloguing from Book and Page number to Serial numbers in the mid-1980’s (Mid Valley Title &
Escrow Company 2007). Property is found in Maps Book 97 on pages 27-28.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 12
Figure 6: Easements associated with the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California (Mid Valley Title & Escrow
Company 2006).
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 13
Table 4. Properties Adjacent to and Conservation Ownership near the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California
Property
Upper Bidwell Park
Brown
Private
Owner
Acreage
City of
Chico
3,670
Brown
family
Various
ownership
4,649
N,E
<10
W (across from
Diversion
Channel)
Wildwood Park
City of
Chico
Stone Ridge
Ranch Property
Foothill Park East
Preserve
Big Chico Creek
Ecological Preserve
Bechtel
CDFG
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
City of
Chico
CSU, Chico
Bechtel
22 private lots (NE
of Saint Lawrence
Ave)
28.76
Location
Zoning
relative to
Bidwell Ranch
Adjacent to Bidwell Ranch
S,E,NE
OS1 Primary Open Space
(City of Chico)
W
N,NE
Municipal Park – recreational
uses include hiking, mountain
biking, and horseback riding
Unclassified (Butte County)
Livestock grazing
XXXX
Predominately residential
XXX
Municipal Park
Conservation Properties Near Bidwell Ranch
781
NW
Foothill recreation (Butte
County)
185
W,NW
OS1 Primary Open Space
(City of Chico)
3,950
NE
Unclassified (Butte County)
4,407
Use
Agricultural/Unclassified
Wildlife Area
City-owned preserve under a
conservation easement
Environmental research and
education
Livestock grazing.
DFG easement on property
October 12, 2007
Page 14
F.
Recreational Uses
Information on past or current recreational uses is limited. Nonetheless, we can make
the following findings:
• Various groups, such as the Butte Environmental Council, Sierra Club, Stop
Bidwell Ranch, Bidwell Ranch Conservancy, and others, have lead vernal pool
tours since the City of Chico acquired the property (Volker 2007). An average of
300 people attends these site tours per year (Volker 2007). These tours include
grade school classes and weekend public tours. The majority of the tours are a
collaboration of work between the Bidwell Ranch Conservancy and the Butte
Environmental Council.
• In 2003, the Butte Environmental Council petitioned the City to address
unauthorized off-road vehicle access to the site that was damaging vernal pools
(BEC 2007). The city repaired fencing on the northwest corner, which has
effectively ceased vehicle access.
• In 2007, River Partners and Tehama Environmental Solutions staff observed
several hikers on site. We have also observed mountain bike tracks. We have
also observed recent ATV tire tracks, but it is unclear if this represents authorized
or unauthorized access.
G.
Current Adjacent Land Uses
The site is bordered by the following properties:
• The Brown Property (on the northern and eastern boundary),
• Upper Bidwell Park, a 3,670 acre city-owned park (southern boundary),
• The Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel (western boundary),
• Private homeowners on (a small area of the central western boundary), and
• The City owned Foothill East Mitigation Site (western boundary, north of the
confluence of the Diversion Channel and Sycamore Creek).
Land uses beyond the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel (western boundary) include
Wildwood Park, residential development, and mitigation land. Bidwell Ranch is a link in
a series of properties that provide open space and conservation that amounts to
thousands of acres (Figure 7 and Table 4). Over the long-term, this contiguous corridor
may serve an important role in the functioning of the local ecosystem.
More distantly, the Chico Airport is located to the northwest. To the south (beyond
Bidwell Park) and west are urban areas. Although open space lies further south
(adjacent to Bruce Road between State Route 32 and the Skyway) these areas are
identified in the City’s General Plan for residential development (Figure 8).
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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Figure 7: Conservation Properties Near the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico,
California.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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Figure 8. Focus Area in Southeast Chico Identified in the City’s General Plan for Residential Development.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
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H.
Location Relative to Regional Open Space Plans
No regional open space plans occur in the general area of the Bidwell Ranch Property.
However there are management plans for:
• Draft Master Management Plan for Bidwell Park (EDAW 2007) and
• Unit Management Plans for DFG lands (CDFG, in progress 2007), and
• A Habitat Conservation Plan is being developed for Butte County (Butte County,
in progress 2007).
III. PHYSICAL SETTING
A.
Climate
Chico experiences a Mediterranean climate (hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters).
Precipitation comes primarily from rainfall from November through April. The 30-year
mean annual precipitation from the nearest weather stations, Chico and Oroville, is
approximately 26 inches (TES 2007). Real time weather observations are available on
the web (http://www.bidwellranchcam.com/). This site provides updated information on
wind direction and speed, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, heat index, and
dew point. Good long-term
B.
Geology
Substantial information about the area geology may be found from several sources.
(Elaborate).
Bidwell Ranch represents a transition from two geologic provinces, the volcanic
Cascades to the north and east and the alluvial Sacramento Valley to the west.
Representative of this transition and are two underlying geologic units, the Tuscan
Formation and Quaternary alluvium (Table 5 and Figure 9). The volcanics onsite are
typically covered by the valley margin sedimentary deposits.
Sycamore Creek is primarily made up of the Tuscan Formation, with a simpler geology
than Big Chico Creek due to lower flows and less erosional force which cuts through
different geologic layers (BCCER 2006).
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
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October 12, 2007
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Table 5. Geology of Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California
Geologic Unit
Tuscan Formation
Age
2-4 million years old
Pliocene Epoch
Volcanic Rock Type
Pyroclastic volcanic rocks
Quaternary alluvium
~1.8 million years old to
present
Pleistocene Epoch
Holocene Epoch
Older alluvium from ancient
channels of Big Chico
Creek
Older alluvium from ancient
smaller streams
Volcanic Materials
Volcanic mudflows (breccia)
and volcanic ash (tuff)
Location Onsite
Eastern portion of site.
Associated with Cascadian
foothills.
Gently, sloping land in
southwestern portion of site
Conglomerate with cobbles
of mixed origin, including
metamorphic rocks
Conglomerate of volcanic
Central and northwestern
materials derived from
portion of site
Tuscan Formation
Young alluvium
Soft, unconsolidated cobbly, Along seasonal drainages
sandy, and clayey material
traversing site
Source: City of Chico. Community Development Department, Planning Division. October 1994. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the
Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan. Chico, CA. Prepared by Jones and Stokes Associates, Inc. (JSA 94-075). Sacramento, CA.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 19
Figure 9: Geological Cross Section from Cascades to Valley Floor (NRCS 2006)
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 20
C.
Soils
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has completed a modern soil
survey for Butte County (NRCS 2006). While the survey does not provide a fine enough
scale to distinguish vernal pools (i.e. complexes are noted between mound and
intermound areas), the survey provides an excellent source of baseline information for
the site and help guide the exploration of vernal pools on site and their context. Soils
information was also cited in the wetland delineations (JSA 1991, TES 2007) and the
previous EIRs for the site (JSA 1986, JSA 1994b).
The soils on Bidwell Ranch are derived from soils of volcanic origin (foothill soils) and
alluvium from volcanic soils (valley soils). Of particular interest on Bidwell Ranch is the
ability of these soils to support vernal pools. Several of the soils series (including the
series Anita, Galt, Hamslough, Redswale, and Redtough) have favorable properties for
vernal pools (clayey textures, hardened layers at shallow depths, shallow slope, poor
drainage, and poor permeability). The major soil series on site are shown in Figure 10
and Table 6.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 21
Table 6. Soil Series Located within the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California
Mapping
Unit
100
Series Name
Anita-Galt complex
Slope
(%)
0-3
Origin/parent material
Clayey alluvium over cemented,
loamy alluvium derived from
volcanic
rocks
Gravelly and clayey alluvium over
cobbly alluvium over cemented,
cobbly and gravelly alluvium
derived from volcanic rocks
Loamy alluvium over cemented,
cobbly and gravelly alluvium
derived from volcanic rocks
Loamy residuum weathered from
volcanic breccia
301
Wafap-Hamslough
complex
0-2
302
Redtough-Redswale
complex
0-2
614
Doemill-Jokerst
complex
0-3
615
Doemill-Jokerst
complex
3-8
Loamy residuum weathered from
volcanic breccia
617
Jokerst-Doemill-Typic
Haploxererts complex
15-30
Loamy residuum weathered from
volcanic breccia
619
Carhart Taxadjunct
0-2
675
ClearhayesHamslough complex
0-2
687
Xerorthents, shallowtypic Haploxeralfs
complex
2-15
Clayey alluvium derived from
volcanic rocks
Fine-loamy alluvium derived from
volcanic rocks over gravelly
alluvium derived from andesite
Loamy residuum, colluvium, and/or
alluvium derived from volcanic
rocks
Composition
Drainage
Anita clay – 60%
Galt clay – 25%
Minor components – 15%
Poorly drained
Wafap gravelly loam – 70%
Hamslough clay – 15%
Minor components – 15%
Somewhat
poorly drained
Redtough loam – 50%
Redswale cobbly loam – 35%
Minor components – 15%
Doemill gravelly loam – 50%
Jokerst very cobbly loam – 40%
Minor components – 10%
Doemill gravelly loam – 50%
Jokerst very cobbly loam – 40%
Minor components – 10%
Doemill gravelly loam – 35%
Jokerst very cobbly loam – 30%
Typic Haploxererts gravelly loam –
20%
Minor components – 15%
Carhart Taxadjunct clay – 90%
Minor components – 10%
Clearhayes sandy clay loam – 70%
Hamslough clay – 15%
Minor components – 15%
Xerorthents, shallow – 45%
Typic Haploxeralfs gravelly loam –
40%
Minor components – 15%
Somewhat
poorly drained
Potential for
Vernal Pools?
Somewhat
poorly drained
Somewhat
poorly drained
Somewhat
poorly drained
Poorly drained
Somewhat
poorly drained
Moderately
well drained
Source: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2006. Soil Survey of Butte Area, California, Parts of Butte and Plumas Counties. U.S. Department of Agriculture and
NRCS. Accessed online May 2007 at: http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/Manuscripts/CA612/0/Butte_CA.pdf
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 22
Figure 10. Soils Series and Mapping Units on the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 23
D.
Hydrology
Substantial information is available about the hydrologic setting of the area (EDAW
2007). Two wetland delineations have been completed (JSA 1991 and TES 2007).
These documents provide extensive documentation of the vernal pool resources on site.
The overall hydrology of the site is described below.
While vernal pools and waters on site have the most interest from a mitigation
standpoint, the watershed context and the impact of the Sycamore Creek Diversion
Channel significantly influence processes on site.
Bidwell Ranch is part of the Big Chico Creek Watershed (Figure 11). The watershed
includes Sycamore, Mud, and Rock creeks (Figure 11) (EDAW 2007). Big Chico Creek
originates northeast of the City of Chico at an elevation of 5,400 feet above mean sea
level (MSL) from a series of springs and eventually joins the Sacramento River
(approximately 120 feet above MSL) (BCCER 2006). As a relatively low elevation
watershed, Big Chico Creek and its tributaries are flashy with flows fluctuating widely
with winter rains (BCCER 2006).
To prevent high flows from Big Chico Creek from flooding the City, a diversion system
was created in the 1960’s (Maslin 1999). The system consists of box culverts, weirs,
and excavated, leveed trapezoidal channels (Maslin 1999, BCCER 2006)). The system
diverts high flood flows from Big Chico Creek to Lindo Channel, and in turn, from Lindo
Channel into the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel and finally into Sycamore Creek
(Maslin 1999). Because debris obstructs the flow of water near the Big Chico Creek
and Lindo Channel Diversions, the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel receives more
water, more frequently than designed (Maslin 1999). The high flows combined with the
trapping of sediment at the upstream diversions, increases the erosive force of flood
events resulting in channel incision and erosion in the vicinity of Bidwell Ranch (Maslin
1999) and on Bidwell Ranch itself, as evidenced by several head-cut banks near the
border with the Diversion Channel.
In comparison to the maze of diversions, onsite flow of surface water is relatively
simple. Unless captured by vernal pools or the relatively thin soils, surface water from
Bidwell Ranch drains into ephemeral drainages and into either the Sycamore Creek
Diversion Channel or Sycamore Creek.
The relatively thin soils on site have limited water holding capacity and rainfall on the
site is either captured by vernal pools or passed through ephemeral drainages.
Tehema Environmental Solutions (TES) conducted wetland delineation on Bidwell
Ranch in Spring 2007 (Table 7). The purpose of this delineation was to identify and
quantify “Waters of the United States” that may fall within the jurisdiction of the Army
Corps of Engineers (TES 2007). The wetland delineation provides an up-date to a
previous delineation (JSA 1991) using more recent methodologies (Table 7). The TES
delineation is in draft form and has not been verified by the Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps).
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 24
Table 7. Comparison of 1991 (JSA 1991) and 2007 (TES 2007) Delineated Waters
of the U.S. on the Bidwell Ranch Property
Feature
Wetlands
Vernal Pools
Vernal Swales
Clay Flats
Ephemeral Drainage
Intermound Ephemeral Drainage
Wetlands
Total Wetlands
JSA (1991)
Area (acres)
7.839 (358
pools)
36.703
12.816
11.27
68.628
TES (2007)
Area (acres)
3.4 (347 pools)
7.89
34.1
--
8.49
53.89
Other Waters
Ephemeral Creeks
Other Waters
Total Other Waters
7.685
7.685
8.83
-8.83
Total Waters of the U.S.
76.313
62.72
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
--
October 12, 2007
Page 25
Figure 11. Big Chico Creek Watershed, California
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 26
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
A.
Vegetation Communities
California annual grassland is the dominant habitat occurring on the Bidwell Ranch
property. Blue oak woodland, riparian woodland, and vernal pools occur as well (Figure
12). We provide a brief profile of these communities in the section to follow. A
complete list of plant species observed onsite is included in Appendix II.
1. California Annual Grassland
Name
Description
Distribution
Elevation
California annual grassland
Generally made up of native and non-native grasses and forbs
common to the Central Valley of California. Fall temperatures and
precipitation can play a major role in the composition of the
grassland (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf 1995).
North coast, inner Central Coast, Central Valley, low elevations of
the Klamath Range, foothills of the Cascade Range, foothills of the
Sierra Nevada mountains, South Coast, montane Transverse
Ranges, montane Peninsular Ranges, Channel Islands, western
Mojave Desert (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf 1995).
Sea level to 3,940 feet above mean sea level (Sawyer & KeelerWolf 1995).
Bidwell Ranch Observations
Area (acres)
Location on Site
Dominant Plant Species
Potential Threats Onsite
Observations
Potential for
enhancement
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Comprises the majority of the vegetation communities on site,
totaling 686.59 acres.
Dominates east and southeast areas. Also occurs as upland
habitat in wetland communities onsite.
Soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus), fescue (Vulpia spp.), medusahead grass (Elymus caput-medusa), wild oat (Avena barbata),
popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys spp.), narrow-leaved owl’s clover
(Castilleja attenuate), goldfields (Lasthenia spp.), and filaree
(Erodium spp.).
Invasive non-native species, such as yellow-star thistle (Centaurea
solstitialis) and medusa-head grass.
The site occurs on a historic volcanic mudflow and remnant rock
outcrops occur throughout portions of this habitat.
Removal of non-native species through managed livestock grazing
and prescribed burns.
October 12, 2007
Page 27
2. Blue Oak Woodland
Name
Description
Distribution
Elevation
Blue oak woodland
This community is a broadleaved, open canopy habitat that is
dominated by blue oaks (Quercus douglasii). Other tree species
that are common include California juniper (Juniperus californica),
foothill pine (Pinus sabiniana), coastal live oak (Quercus agrifolia),
interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni) and valley oak (Quercus
lobata) (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf 1995). Trees are generally less
than 60 feet and are one or two-tiered. The canopy can be
continuous, intermittent or savanna-like (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf
1995). Occurs in valleys and slopes that range from gentle to
steep in shallow, infertile soils that are moderately to excessively
drained with extensive rock fragments (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf
1995).
Southern part of the outer North Coast, inner North Coast, inner
Central Coast, foothills of Klamath and Cascade ranges, foothills
of Sierra Nevada Mountains, South Coast, western part of the
Modoc Plateau (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf 1995).
100 -5,580 feet above mean sea level (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf
1995).
Bidwell Ranch Observations
Area (acres)
Location on Site
Dominant Plant Species
Potential Threats Onsite
Observations
Potential for
enhancement
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Comprises 9.2 acres of the site (JSA 1994b).
Occurs on the northern boundary.
Blue oak (Quercus douglasii). A small number of foothill pines
(Pinus sabiniana) are scattered throughout this community as well.
None known.
Blue oak woodland is also located to the north, northeast, and
south of the site. The understory is comprised of California annual
grassland, described above.
None.
October 12, 2007
Page 28
3. Riparian Woodland
Name
Description
Distribution
Elevation
Riparian woodland (Fremont cottonwood series)
This community is a broadleaved, open to closed canopy habitat
located along riparian corridors. It is composed of multilayered
canopies, consisting of large broad-leaved trees, shrubs, and an
herbaceous understory. Important tree species include Fremont
cottonwood (Populus fremontii), willow species (Salix spp.),
California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), Oregon ash (Fraxinus
latifolia), and box elder (Acer negundo).
Inner North Coast, northern part of Central Coast, Central Valley,
foothills of Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Klamath and
Cascade ranges, South Coast, montane Transverse Ranges,
montane Peninsular Ranges, Great Basin, Mojave Desert,
Colorado Desert (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf 1995).
Sea level – 7,875 feet above mean sea level (Sawyer & KeelerWolf 1995).
Bidwell Ranch Observations
Area (acres)
Location on Site
Dominant Plant Species
Potential Threats Onsite
Observations
Potential for
enhancement
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Comprises 0.5 acre of the site (JSA 1994b).
A small patch of riparian woodland occurs along the Sycamore
Creek Diversion Channel.
The dominant plant species is Fremont’s cottonwood (Populus
fremontii); white alder (Alnus rhombifolia), Oregon ash (Fraxinus
latifolia), and willow (Salix spp.) occur in smaller numbers as well
(JSA 1994b).
Loss of habitat due to severe erosion along channel and drainages
onsite resulting from flow regime in Sycamore Creek Diversion
Channel.
The community located onsite is small and sparse, with no
understory vegetation.
Restoration of native woody and herbaceous riparian plant species
along drainages.
October 12, 2007
Page 29
4. Vernal Pool
Name
Description
Range
Elevation
Vernal Pool
Two types of vernal pools are present onsite:
Northern hardpan vernal pools are created by an impenetrable
extremely hard clay subsoil and germination generally begins with
winter rains (Holland, 1986).
Volcanic mudflow vernal pools are created by an impenetrable
layer of ancient volcanic mudflow and germination generally
begins with fall rains (Holland, 1986).
Northern hardpan vernal pools: Southern part of outer North
Coast, Central Valley (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf 1995).
Northern volcanic mudflow vernal pools: Central Valley,
foothills of Cascade Range, northern part of foothills of Sierra
Nevada Mountains (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf 1995).
Northern hardpan vernal pools: Sea level – 300 feet above
mean sea level (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf 1995).
Northern volcanic mudflow vernal pools: Sea level – 3,610 feet
above mean sea level (Sawyer & Keeler-Wolf 1995).
Bidwell Ranch Observations
Area (acres)
Location on Site
Dominant Plant Species
Potential threats
Observations
Potential for
enhancement
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Vernal pool habitat is associated with and occurs throughout the
California annual grassland community onsite, totaling 3.40 acres
and consisting of 347 pools (TES 2007).
The majority of the vernal pools onsite occur in the western and
southern portions of the site.
Northern hardpan vernal pools (large): ornate downingia
(Downingia ornatissima), stipitate popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys
stipitatus), vernal pool foxtail (Alopecurus saccatus), woolly
marbles (Psilocarphus spp.), tricolor monkeyflower (Mimulus
tricolor), Vasey’s coyote thistle (Eryngium vaseyi var. vallicola),
and water starwort (Callitriche heterophylla var. bolanderi).
Northern hardpan vernal pools (small) and volcanic mudflow
vernal pools: yellow carpet (Blennosperma nanum), whiteflowered navaretia (Navarretia leucocephala), hair grass
(Deschampsia danthonioides), slender fescue (Vulpia bromoides),
Greene’s popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys greenei), Sacramento
mint (Pogogyne zizyphoroides), goldfields (Lasthenia spp.) and
stipitate popcorn flower.
A few vernal pools border the southeastern boundary of the site in
Bidwell Park.
The southwestern corner of the site has been disturbed from
various historical land uses and aerial photographs from 1952
show an area of wetlands that have since been filled. Evidence of
shallow blade marks from heavy equipment can be observed in
the area. There is a potential to enhance this portion of the site
and restore it to its natural state.
October 12, 2007
Page 30
5. Other Seasonal Wetlands
Name
Description
Distribution
Elevation
Seasonal wetlands
Seasonal wetlands are functionally and floristically similar to vernal
pools but differ in the amount of time they are inundated (JSA
1994b). Vernal pools remain inundated throughout the wet season
whereas seasonal wetlands generally only remain inundated for a
short period of time after a series of rain, although their soils
remain saturated throughout the wet season (JSA 1994b).
Seasonal wetlands onsite include vernal swales, clay flats, and
intermound ephemeral drainage wetlands (TES 2007).
Throughout California in a range of habitats, varies depending on
wetland type.
Varies depending on wetland type.
Bidwell Ranch Observations
Area (acres)
Location on Site
Dominant Plant Species
Potential threats
Observations
Potential for
enhancement
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Comprises 59.31 acres of the site (TES 2007).
Seasonal wetlands occur throughout the site, primarily in the
western and northern portions.
Mediterranean barley (Hordeum marinum), Italian ryegrass (Lolium
perenne), white-tipped clover (Trifolium variegatum), yellow carpet
(Blennosperma nanum), several species of popcorn flower
(Plagiobothrys spp.), and Butte County meadowfoam (Limnanthes
floccosa ssp. californica).
Dominated by non-native species.
Several clay flats were impacted by heavy equipment in the past.
Removal of non-native species through managed grazing and
prescribed burns. The southwestern corner of the site has been
disturbed from various historical land uses and aerial photographs
from 1952 show an area of wetlands that have since been filled.
Evidence of shallow blade marks from heavy equipment can be
observed in the area. There is a potential to enhance this portion
of the site and restore it to its natural state.
October 12, 2007
Page 31
Figure 12. Vegetation Communities on the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 32
B.
Animal Species
A complete list of animal species observed onsite is included in Appendix II. Animal
species that are common or of interest that have been observed onsite within the
annual grassland habitat include American kestrel (Falco sparverius), loggerhead shrike
(Lanius ludovicianus), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), peregrine falcon (Falco
mexicanus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis),
western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), savannah
sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), coyote (Canis latrans), pocket gopher
(Thomomys bottae), and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). Rock wrens
(Salpinctes obsoletus) were observed within the rock outcrops onsite. Animal species
that are common or of interest that have been observed onsite in the blue oak woodland
habitat include acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), Nuttall’s woodpecker
(Picoides nuttallii), Lewis’s woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis), northern flicker (Colaptes
auratus), oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus), bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), whitebreasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis), western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica), gray
squirrel (Sciurus griseus), and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus).
C.
Sensitive or Special Status Species
A number of listed plant and animal species occur in the general area of Bidwell Ranch
(Figure 13). A complete list of local listed species, their general habitat characteristics
and potential to occur onsite are listed in Appendix III. Species that occur or have a
potential to occur onsite and would be eligible for mitigation bank credits are discussed
below and shown in Table 8.
1. Adobe Lily
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
Adobe Lily (Fritillaria pluriflora)
CNPS Listed 1B
California endemic bulbiferous herb (CNPS 2007).
Chaparral, valley and foothill grasslands, and cismontane woodland.
Often in heavy clay soils (CNPS 2007).
Known to occur in Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Napa, Solano, Tehama,
and Yolo counties, California (CNPS 2007).
The blooming period for this species ranges from February through April
(CNPS 2007).
The annual grassland onsite may provide suitable habitat for this species
and there is a CNDDB occurrence from 1989 approximately one mile NW
of the site (CNDDB 2007).
Reduce competition from invasive, non-native species by removing them
through managed livestock grazing and prescribed burns.
2. Ahart’s Paronychia
Name
Status
Description
Ahart's paronychia (Paronychia ahartii)
CNPS Listed 1B
California endemic annual herb (CNPS 2007).
Habitat Type
Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland, and vernal pools
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 33
2. Ahart’s Paronychia
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
(CNPS 2007).
Known to occur in Butte, Shasta, and Tehama counties, California (CNPS
2007).
The blooming period for this species ranges from March through June
(CNPS 2007).
The annual grassland and vernal pools onsite provide suitable habitat for
this species. A population of approximately 250 plants was observed by
Jones & Stokes Associates in 1986 in the NW portion of site (JSA 1986).
There is a CNDDB occurrence from 1993 south of Sycamore Creek and
north of Bidwell Park with annual grasses and forbs (CNDDB 2007). This
species has a high potential to occur onsite based on the suitable habitat
onsite and the historical records of this species on the property.
Reduce competition from invasive, non-native species by removing them
through managed livestock grazing and prescribed burns.
3. Butte County Checkerbloom
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
Butte County Checkerbloom (Sidalcea robusta)
CNPS Listed 1B
California endemic rhizomatous herb (CNPS 2007).
Chaparral and cismontane woodland (CNPS 2007).
Restricted to Butte County, California (CNPS 2007).
The blooming period for this species ranges from April through June
(CNPS 2007).
There are two CNBBD occurrences in oak woodland habitat in Upper
Bidwell Park less than one mile east of the site (CNDDB 2007). This
species has a low potential to occur onsite due to the limited blue oak
woodland habitat on the property.
Reduce competition from invasive, non-native species by removing them
through managed livestock grazing and prescribed burns. Limited
availability to increase suitable habitat for this species onsite however due
to the small size of the oak woodland stand onsite.
4. Butte County Meadowfoam
Name
Status
Description
Butte County meadowfoam (Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica)
Federal and state listed endangered species.
California endemic annual herb (CNPS 2007).
Habitat Type
Occurs along the edges of seasonal wetlands and within mesic valley and
foothill grassland habitats (CNPS 2007).
Restricted to Butte County, California. Occurs at elevations ranging from
164 – 3,051 feet above mean sea level (CNPS 2007).
The blooming period for this species ranges from March through May
(CNPS 2007). Produces large seeds that disperse through sheet flow and
are transported by wildlife (Marr 2007).
A protocol-level botanical survey for Butte County meadowfoam was
conducted by Gallaway Consulting, Inc. in April of 2006. Butte County
meadowfoam occurs in the northwestern portion of the site, within
seasonal wetland habitat (Figure 15). The Bidwell Ranch property is
especially suitable for Butte County meadowfoam in comparison to nearby
known occurrence sites (Gallaway 2006).
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 34
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
There is a potential for enhancement of seasonal wetlands in the
southwestern portion of the site. If this occurs, the introduction of Butte
County meadowfoam to this area could be considered.
5. California Linderiella
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable Habitat
Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
California linderiella (Linderiella occidentalis)
State listed Species of Special Concern.
Small crustacean with a delicate elongate body, large stalked
compound eyes, no carapace, and eleven pairs of swimming legs,
which it uses to glide gracefully upside down (USFWS 2007b).
Although California linderiella appears to be very similar to the vernal
pool fairy shrimp it is in a different family and can be distinguished by
it’s smaller size and red eyes (USFWS 2007b).
Occurs in large, relatively clear vernal pools and lakes. It is the most
heat tolerant fairy shrimp in California; water temperatures range from
41° to 85° F (USFWS 2007b).
This species is the most common fairy shrimp in the Central Valley of
California (USFWS 2007b). It has been documented in vernal pools
on most land forms, geologic formations, and soil types in California,
at altitudes as high as 3,800 feet above mean sea level (USFWS
2007b).
The life history of this species is directly correlated with the seasonal
changes of vernal pool habitat. After the pools fill with winter rain, the
population is reestablished from cysts (resting eggs) that lie dormant
in the dry pool sediments from previous years (USFWS 2006b).
Cysts are capable of withstanding heat, cold, and prolonged
desiccation (USFWS 2007b). Average time to maturity for this
species is about forty-five days and adults have been collected from
late December to early May (USFWS 2007b).
The vernal pools onsite provide suitable habitat to support this
species. The Jones and Stokes 1994 Bidwell Ranch Invertebrate
Survey Report stated that California linderiella had been observed
within the vernal pools onsite (JSA 1994a). Additionally, there are
CNDDB records of this species directly west of Bidwell Ranch on the
Foothill Park East Preserve (Figure 14) (CNDDB 2007).
The southwestern corner of the site has been disturbed from various
historical land uses and aerial photographs from 1952 show an area
of wetlands that have since been filled. Evidence of shallow blade
marks from heavy equipment can be observed in the area. There is a
potential to enhance portion of the site and restore it to its natural
state. If this is done suitable habitat for this species would be
increased.
6. Conservancy Fairy Shrimp
Name
Status
Description
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp
(Branchinecta conservatio)
Federally endangered.
Small crustacean with a delicate elongate body, large stalked
compound eyes, no carapace, and eleven pairs of swimming
legs, which it uses to glide gracefully upside down (USFWS
2007a). Adult ranges in size from ½ to one inch long (USFWS
2007a).
October 12, 2007
Page 35
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable Habitat
Onsite
Potential for Additional Suitable
Habitat
Vernal pools and other seasonal wetlands. Generally occur in
larger, cool-water vernal pools with moderately turbid water
(USFWS 2007a).
Several disjunct populations of this species is currently known to
exist: the Vina Plains in Tehama County, south of Chico in Butte
County, the Jepson Prairie Preserve and surrounding area in
Solano County, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Glenn
County, Mapes Ranch west of Modesto, San Luis National
Wildlife Refuge and the Haystack Mountain/Yosemite Lake area
in Merced County, and two locations on the Los Padres National
Forest in Ventura County (USWFS 2007a).
The life history of this species is directly correlated with the
seasonal changes of vernal pool habitat. After the pools fill with
winter rain, the population is reestablished from cysts (resting
eggs) that lie dormant in the dry pool sediments from previous
years (USFWS 2006b). Cysts are capable of withstanding heat,
cold, and prolonged desiccation (USFWS 2007a). Average time
to maturity for this species is only forty-nine days and hatching
can begin within the same week that a pool starts to fill (USFWS
2007a). Adults have been collected from early November to early
April (USFWS 2007a).
The vernal pools onsite may provide suitable habitat for this
species. However, this species is not known to occur in the
vicinity of the site. Consequently, this species has a low potential
to occur onsite.
Enhancement measures
7. Golden Eagle
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Golden eagle
(Aquila chrysaetos)
State listed Species of Special Concern and CDFG Fully Protected
species (nesting & wintering)
Large bird of prey. Brown body with yellow to tawny brown wash over
back of head and neck (National Geographic 2006).
Forages in open terrain including grasslands, savannahs, and deserts.
Nests in large trees in open areas and on cliffs (CDFG 2005).
Occurs in western North America (National Geographic 2006).
The breeding period for this species is late January through August
(CDFG 2005). It occurs at elevations ranging from sea level to 3833m
feet above mean sea level (CDFG 2005). It is primarily a yearlong
resident in its territory; however it may move downslope for the winter
season. This species needs open terrain for hunting and eats primarily
lagomorphs (rabbit family) and rodents (CDFG 2005).
Observed foraging over site (JSA 1994). There is no potential for this
species to nest onsite because it does not nest in the Central Valley of
California.
Improve foraging habitat through the enhancement of California annual
grassland habitat by removing invasive non-native species, especially
yellow-star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis).
October 12, 2007
Page 36
8. Loggerhead Shrike
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable Habitat
Onsite
Potential for Additional Suitable
Habitat
Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
State listed Species of Special Concern (nesting).
Medium-sized passerine. Grey back, white belly, and black wings
with a broad black mask through its eye and across its bill
(National Geographic 2006).
Occurs in open terrain with perching sites, such as fences, tree
limbs, utility lines, and shrubs. Nests in dense shrubs and trees
(CDFG 2005).
This species winters primarily in the southern U.S. Its breeding
habitat ranges from southern Ontario, Quebec and Alberta south
to Mexico (National Geographic 2006).
Active yearlong resident. The breeding period for this species is
March through August (CDFG 2005).
Observed foraging onsite (JSA 1994). The blue oaks onsite may
provide nesting habitat for this species.
Improve foraging habitat through the enhancement of California
annual grassland habitat by removing invasive non-native species,
especially yellow-star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis).
9. Long-billed Curlew
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
Long-billed curlew (Numenius americanus)
State listed Species of Special Concern (nesting) and Audubon Watch
List.
Brown shorebird with a long, strongly decurved bill. This species is the
largest shorebird in North America (Audubon 2002).
Winters in open grasslands, estuaries, and croplands and nests in wet
and dry uplands (CDFG 2005).
Winters along Pacific Coast from Washington to Mexico and Honduras,
as well as both coasts of Florida and the Gulf Coast of Texas (Audubon
2002). Breeding range includes much of the western United States,
along with the southern portions of Canada's prairie provinces (Audubon
2002).
The breeding period for this species is April through September and the
wintering period is early July through early April (CDFG 2005).
Observed in the California annual grassland habitat onsite (JSA 1994).
There is no potential for this species to nest onsite because the site is
outside of its known nesting range.
Foraging habitat could be improved through the enhancement of the
degraded wetlands in the southwestern portion of the site.
10. Pallid Bat
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus)
State listed Species of Special Concern.
The Western Bat Working Group describes this species as “a large
(forearm length 45-60 mm) light-colored bat with long prominent ears, a
blunt snout, and pinkish-brown or gray wing and tail membranes” (2007).
Occurs in low elevation areas in California in a variety of habitats
including grasslands, woodlands, forests, and shrublands (WBWG 2007).
Roots in open, dry areas in rocky areas, caves, crevices, mines, hollow
October 12, 2007
Page 37
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
trees, and buildings (WBWG 2007).
This species occurs throughout western North America, from the
southern interior of British Columbia, south to Queretaro and Jalisco, and
east to Texas (WBWG 2007).
Active, year-long resident. This species roosts alone, in small groups (2
to 20 bats), or gregariously (100s of individuals) (WBWG 2007).
The annual grassland and blue oak woodland habitat onsite provides
suitable foraging habitat for this species and the blue oaks onsite may
provide suitable roosting habitat.
None.
11. Peregrine Falcon
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable Habitat
Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Federally Delisted, state listed endangered, and CDFG listed Fully
Protected (nesting).
Small-medium bird of prey. Black back, nape, and crown with a black
wedge below eye and pale flecked underside (National Geographic
2006).
Occurs in riparian woodlands and coastal and inland wetlands and
feeds near water in open areas (CDFG 2005).
This species breeding range extends from Alaska and the Canadian
arctic south through the west, as well as a little in the east (National
Geographic 2006). Winters primarily along the east coasts from
Mexico north to British Columbia (National Geographic 2006).
Breeds early March through late April and winters September
through April/May (CDFG 2005).
This species was observed flying over the site (JSA 1994). There is
no potential for this species to nest onsite because it does not nest in
central California.
Improve foraging habitat through the enhancement of California
annual grassland habitat by removing invasive non-native species,
especially yellow-star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis).
12. Swainson’s Hawk
Name
Status
Habitat Type
Description
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni)
State listed threatened species.
This species nests in open riparian woodland habitat and in areas
with scattered trees adjacent to lightly vegetated flatlands for
foraging (CDFG 2005). In the Central Valley, Swainson’s hawk is
most commonly observed in annual grassland habitat and
agricultural land.
Medium-sized bird of prey. Distinguished from most other raptors
in same genus by its long, narrow, pointed wings (National
Geographic 2006).
This species is an uncommon breeding resident and migrant in the
Central Valley of California, as well as in the Klamath Basin,
Modoc Plateau, Lassen County, and Mojave Desert (CDFG 2005).
Winters primarily in South America (National Geographic 2006).
This species is most active during the day (diurnal) and can be
observed year-long. In September and October individuals
October 12, 2007
Page 38
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable Habitat
Onsite
Potential for Additional Suitable
Habitat
migrate south through the southern and central interior of
California, and return north March through May (CDFG 2005).
This species is known to nest within 10-15 miles of Bidwell Ranch.
Swainson's hawk have been nesting at, or near, the Chico State
University Farm for roughly 12 years, which is approximately 6
miles southwest of Bidwell Ranch (Snowden 2007). Swainson's
hawk has nested on the Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park,
along Big Chico Creek and upstream (about 200 yds) of the Big
Chico Creek/Sacramento River confluence, for over 20 years
(Snowden 2007). The Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park is
approximately 8 miles southwest of Bidwell Ranch. There are two
nesting pairs at Rancho Llano Seco, which is approximately 15
miles from Bidwell Ranch. This species has also been observed
foraging at Rancho Llano Seco (Silveira 2007). Other Swainson
hawk territories within 10 miles of the project site where observed
20+ years ago and it is possible that some of these are still active
(Snowden 2007).
The California annual grassland habitat onsite provides suitable
foraging habitat and the blue oak woodland onsite provides
suitable nesting habitat to support Swainson’s Hawk.
Consequently, based on nearby nesting occurrences and suitable
foraging and nesting habitat onsite, Swainson’s hawk has the
potential to occur on Bidwell Ranch.
Improve foraging habitat through the enhancement of California
annual grassland habitat by removing invasive non-native species,
especially yellow-star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis).
13. Western Burrowing Owl
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Potential for Additional
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)
State listed Species of Special Concern.
Small owl with long distinguishing legs for ground nesting (National
Geographic 2006).
This species is a yearlong resident in open annual grassland and
shrubland habitats.
Year-long resident in southwestern states and spring migrant to western
and mid-western states (National Geographic 2006). A separate
subspecies is present in Florida and the Caribbean Islands (National
Geographic 2006).
Burrowing owls nest as single pairs or in small colonies in ground burrows,
often constructed by ground squirrels and other small mammals. When
natural burrows are not available they will nest in culverts, pipes, and
artificial nest boxes. This species hunts during the night (nocturnal) and
perches outside its burrow during the day. It can often be observed
perching at the entrance of its burrow or nearby on an elevated location,
such as a rock or low fence post.
The annual grassland and rock outcrops onsite provide suitable nesting
and foraging habitat for this species. Burrowing owl pellets were found
beneath a large rock in 1990 (JSA 1994), this species was observed in
burrows in rock outcrops in two separate locations onsite in 2007 (TES
2007), and there are two CNDDB records of this species burrowing within
five miles of the site (CNDDB 2007).
Artificial nesting boxes could be used to increase the available habitat on
October 12, 2007
Page 39
Suitable Habitat
the property.
14. Western Spadefoot Toad
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
Western Spadefoot Toad (Spea hammondii)
State listed Species of Special Concern.
This species has smooth moist skin and is mossy green to brownish
olive or gray (Shedd 2005). It can be distinguished by its elliptical
pupils that are vertically oriented and the “spade” on its hind feet
(Shedd 2005).
Vernal pools and seasonal wetlands (CDFG 2005).
Endemic to California and Baja California (Shedd 2005).
Year-round, burrow underground most of the year.
The vernal pools and vernal swales onsite provide suitable habitat for
this species. A chorus of western spadefoot toads were heard
vocalizing near the drainages on the western portion of the site during
the breeding season in 2006 (Shedd 2007). This species has also
been heard vocalizing in the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel in
2004-2006 (Shedd 2007) and 500+ tadpoles were observed in 2000 in
a tributary to Sycamore Creek within three miles of the site (CNDDB
2007).
Habitat could be improved through the enhancement of the degraded
wetlands in the southwestern portion of the site.
15. Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Brachinecta lynchi)
Federally threatened and state listed Species of Special Concern.
Small crustacean with delicate elongate body, large stalked compound
eyes, no carapace, and eleven pairs of swimming legs, which it uses to
glide gracefully upside down (USFWS 2006a). Adult ranges in size from
½ to one inch long (USFWS 2006a).
Generally occurs in small vernal pools, usually measuring less than 0.05
acre, often in grass or mud-bottomed swales or basalt flow depression
pools in unplowed grasslands (USFWS 2006a).
Currently known to occur in a wide range of vernal pool habitats in the
southern and Central Valley areas of California, and in two vernal pool
habitats within the "Agate Desert" area of Jackson County, Oregon
(USFWS 2006a).
The life history of this species is directly correlated with the seasonal
changes of vernal pool habitat. After the pools fill with winter rain, the
population is reestablished from cysts (resting eggs) that lie dormant in
the dry pool sediments from previous years (USFWS 2006b). Cysts are
capable of withstanding heat, cold, and prolonged desiccation (USFWS
2006a). Average time to maturity for this species is forty-one days and
adults have been collected from early December to early May (USFWS
2006a).
The vernal pools onsite provide suitable habitat to support this species.
The Jones and Stokes 1994 Bidwell Ranch Invertebrate Survey Report
stated that vernal pool fairy shrimp had been observed within the vernal
pools onsite (JSA 1994a). Additionally, there are CNDDB records of this
species directly west of Bidwell Ranch on the Foothill Park East Preserve
(Figure 14) (CNDDB 2007).
October 12, 2007
Page 40
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
The southwestern corner of the site has been disturbed from various
historical land uses and aerial photographs from 1952 show an area of
wetlands that have since been filled. Evidence of shallow blade marks
from heavy equipment can be observed in the area. There is a potential
to enhance portion of the site and restore it to its natural state. If this is
done suitable habitat for this species would be increased.
16. Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp
Name
Status
Description
Habitat Type
Range (North America)
Important Lifecycle Facts
Bidwell Ranch
Observations/Suitable
Habitat Onsite
Potential for Additional
Suitable Habitat
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi)
Federally endangered and state listed Species of Special Concern.
Small crustacean with compound eyes, a large shield-like carapace
(shell) that covers most of the body, a pair of long cercopods
(appendages) at the end of the last abdominal segment, and 35 pairs of
legs (USFWS 2006b). Adults of this species can reach a length of 2
inches in length (USFWS 2006b).
Occurs in vernal pools with clear to highly turbid water in pools known to
range in size from 54 square feet to 89-acres (USFWS 2006b).
Currently distributed across the Central Valley of California and in the
San Francisco Bay area (USFWS 2006b).
The life history of this species is directly correlated with the seasonal
changes of vernal pool habitat. After the pools fill with winter rain, the
population is reestablished from cysts (resting eggs) that lie dormant in
the dry pool sediments from previous years (USFWS 2006b). Sexually
mature adults have been observed in vernal pools three to four weeks
after the pools had been filled (USFWS 2006b). Some cysts hatch
immediately and the others remain dormant in the soil to hatch during
later rainy seasons (USFWS 2006b).
The vernal pools onsite provide suitable habitat to support this species.
The Jones and Stokes 1994 Bidwell Ranch Invertebrate Survey Report
stated that vernal pool tadpole shrimp had been observed within the
vernal pools onsite (JSA 1994a). Additionally, the Bidwell Ranch
Conservancy observed a vernal pool tadpole shrimp in a vernal pool
located in the southwestern portion of the site during an outreach field
trip in 2006 (Locke 2007). There are also CNDDB records of this species
directly west of Bidwell Ranch on the Foothill Park East Preserve (Figure
14) (CNDDB 2007).
The southwestern corner of the site has been disturbed from various
historical land uses and aerial photographs from 1952 show an area of
wetlands that have since been filled. Evidence of shallow blade marks
from heavy equipment can be observed in the area. There is a potential
to enhance portion of the site and restore it to its natural state. If this is
done suitable habitat for this species would be increased.
October 12, 2007
Page 41
Table 8. Potential Species to be considered for the Bidwell Ranch Mitigation Project
Common Name
Adobe Lily
Ahart's nailwort
Burrowing Owl
Butte County Checkerbloom
Butte County Meadowfoam
California Fairy Shrimp
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp
Golden eagle
Loggerhead shrike
Long-billed curlew
Pallid bat
Peregrine falcon
Swainson’s Hawk
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp
Western Spadefoot Toad
Federal
State
CNPS
Observed
onsite
Sidalcea robusta
plant
plant
bird
plant
-
C
-
1B
1B
NA
1B
N
Y
Y
N
Limnanthes floccosa ssp.
californica
Linderiella occidentalis
Branchinecta conservatio
Aquila chrysaetos
Lanius ludovicianus
Numenius americanus
Antrozous pallidus
Falco peregrinus
Buteo swainsoni
Branchinecta lynchi
Lepidurus packardi
Spea hammondii
plant
invertebrate
invertebrate
bird
bird
bird
mammal
bird
bird
invertebrate
invertebrate
amphibian
E
C
E
E
-
E
C
C
C
C
C
E
T
C
C
1B
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Scientific Name
Fritillaria pluriflora
Paronychia ahartii
Athene cunicularia
Family
Potential
for
Mitigation
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
?
E- Endangered, T- Threatened, C- Species
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 42
Figure 13. CNDDB Occurrences in a Three Mile Radius of the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 43
Figure 14. Butte County Meadowfoam Distribution on the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 44
V. IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL SITE THREATS
A number of issues could pose a potential threat to the site as a Mitigation and
Conservation Bank (some threats are listed for each vegetation community above).
These issues include:
• Presence of invasive, non-native species, such as medusa head grass (Elymus
caput-medusa) and yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitalis). These plants can
competitively exclude native plants and modify available water for vernal pools
and native plants. For example, yellow star thistle can cause losses of soil
moisture resources on invaded sites of 15–25% of mean annual precipitation
(Gerlach 2004).
• Erosion along the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel causing changes on site
drainage. Downcutting of ephemeral streams on site, for example will lessen the
ability of soil to retain rainwater, altering site hydrology.
• Damage from unauthorized off road vehicle use.
• Damage (compaction and loss of vegetation) from livestock.
• Spillover effects from Upper Bidwell Park of management practices and
recreational uses in may have on Bidwell Ranch (i.e. introduction of weeds,
changes in water quantity or quality, etc.).
• Possible contamination from gas and retardant from flyovers from the Chico
airport.
We anticipate that these potential threats will be addressed in the management plan for
the site. We also anticipate that the management plan will identify other threats as well.
VI. IDENTIFICATION OF DATA GAPS
We have identified data gaps that may help in the development of the Management
Plan and other documents. These include:
• Developing grazing practices on the site to optimize native plant objectives.
• Although the data confirms the presence of special-status vernal pool
invertebrates on site, the observations are limited and we do not have a sense of
population dynamics on site. While protocol-level surveys may not be required
(or even feasible from a cost and time standpoint of the project), additional
sampling may provide a better picture of the status of these species on site. We
will examine the potential for sampling during the upcoming winter.
• Populations of Butte County Meadowfoam have been documented on site. Other
areas appear to be appropriate for Butte County Meadowfoam survival but do not
have plants. Combining knowledge of propagation and life history of this
species, and site conditions may potentially aid with the introduction of Butte
County Meadowfoam over a larger area.
• During the wetland delineation, TES staff observed burrowing owls on Bidwell
Ranch (personal communication with Greg Treber, TES). We propose a followup survey this fall and winter to document their presence. At this time of year,
the survey will document the presence or absence of year round residents.
• The archaeological survey is underway has not been completed.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 45
•
VII.
Our understanding and knowledge of the topographic changes to the
southwestern corner of the property is limited. We are unlikely to reconstruct to a
useful degree the changes over time. However, understanding of current
topography in this area will greatly aid with any potential modification to enhance
vernal pools. Coupled with that is additional information to determine what goals
should be used to benefit targeted species.
CONCLUSIONS
Because of the past history of development efforts on the site, we have a rather large
body of information to help develop some of the documentation for site conditions on
site. Although several key areas (i.e. invertebrate numbers, survey of burrowing owls),
will benefit from supplemental information and data collection, ample data are available
to develop a preliminary mitigation proposal and management plan. We intend to begin
these efforts and fold in new information as it becomes available.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 46
VIII.
REFERENCES
Audubon. 2002. Audubon Watch List – Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus). National Audubon
Society. Accessed online October 2007 at: http://audubon2.org/watchlist/viewSpecies.jsp?id=124
BCCER. June 2006. Watershed History. Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. Chico, CA. Accessed
online June 2007 at: www.csuchico.edu/bccer/BCC_ECR/watershedhistory.htm
BEC. 2007. Bidwell Ranch Historical Timeline. Butte Environmental Council. Accessed online May
2007 at http://www.becnet.org/nodes/issues/landuse/bidwellranch/index.php
Birding in Chico. 2007. Accessed online June 2007 at: http://chicobirding.com/category/locations/chicoarea/
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2005. California Interagency
Wildlife Task Group. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships version 8.1 personal computer program.
Sacramento, California.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2007. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition,
v7-07c). California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA. Accessed online August 2007 at:
http://www.cnps.org/inventory
California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). 2007. RareFind – Version 3.1.1. California Department
of Fish and Game.
California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES). 2002. California Wetlands Information
System: Vernal Pools – Their History and Status in California’s Central Valley. Prepared by San
Joaquin Valley Resource Conservation District. Accessed online October 2007 at:
http://ceres.ca.gov/wetlands/whats_new/vernal_sjq.html
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. December 2005a Letter of
Agreement – Use of the Foothill Preserve and Bidwell Ranch Properties for Grazing Cattle. Chico,
CA. File Ref: A-RMP-5 Chrono.
Chico, City of. 2005b Memorandum: Bidwell Ranch General Plan Amendment and Rezone to Open
Space (GPA/RZ 04-04). Chico, CA. Prepared for City Council. File:GPA/RZ 04-04. May 3, 2005.
Chico, City of. 2006. Memorandum: Bidwell Ranch Mitigation Bank. Chico, CA. Prepared for City
Council. File:A-C-ST-77. March 23, 2006
EDAW. 2007. Draft Bidwell Park Master Management Plan Update. City of Chico Park Division.
Gallaway. 2006. Bidwell Ranch Butte County Meadowfoam Survey. Gallaway Consulting, Inc. Chico,
CA.
Gerlach, J. D. 2004. The Impacts of Serial Land-Use Changes and Biological Invasions on Soil Water
Resources in California, USA. Journal of Arid Environments Volume 57, Issue 3, May 2004, Pages
365-379.
[Hanover 2007] Chico, City of. January 2007. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Bidwell Ranch.
Chico, CA. Prepared by Hanover Environmental Services, Inc. Chico, CA.
Holland, Robert F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California.
California Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, CA.
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River Partners
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Jensen & Associates. 1994. Archaeological inventory survey – Bidwell Ranch.
Chico. Chico, California.
Prepared for City of
[JSA 1986] Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. October 1986. Draft
Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the Rancho Arroyo Specific Plan. Chico, CA. Prepared
by Jones and Stokes Associates, Inc.
[JSA 1994a] Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. June 1994. Draft
Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan. Chico, CA. Prepared by Wade Associates, Urban Planning and Design.
Roseville, CA.
[JSA 1994b] Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. October 1994.
Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan. Chico, CA. Prepared by
Jones and Stokes Associates, Inc. (JSA 94-075). Sacramento, CA.
Locke, Hilary. 2007. Personal Communications. Bidwell Ranch Conservancy
Marr, Jenny. 2007. Personal Communications. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Maslin, Paul. August 1999. Analysis of Sycamore/Mud Creek Floodway, Chico, CA. CSU, Chico.
Accessed online April 2007 at: http://www.csuchico.edu/~pmaslin/ChicoFlood/Syc_Div.html
Mid Valley Title & Escrow Company. October 2006. Preliminary Report: Bidwell Ranch. Chico, CA.
th
National Geographic. 2006. Field Guide to the Birds of North America, 5 Edition. National Geographic
Society. Washington D.C.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2006. Soil Survey of Butte Area, California, Parts of
Butte and Plumas Counties. U.S. Department of Agriculture and NRCS. Accessed online May 2007
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Sawyer, John O. and Todd Keeler-Wolf. 1995. A Manual of California Vegetation. California Native
Plant Society. Sacramento, CA.
Silveira, Joe. 2007. Personal Communications. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Shedd, Jackson. 2005. Amphibians and Reptiles of Bidwell Park. Quadco Printing. Chico, CA.
Shedd, Jackson. 2007. Personal Communications. Author of Amphibians and Reptiles of Bidwell Park.
Snowden, Jim. 2007. Personal Communications. Retired California Department of Fish and Game
employee.
TES. 2007. Delineation of Waters of the U.S. - Bidwell Property. Red Bluff, Tehama County, CA. Draft
Report. Tehama Environmental Services.
USFWS. 2006a. Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office Species Account – Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp
(Branchinecta lynchi). Accessed online August 2007 at:
http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/animal_spp_acct/vp_fairy.htm
USFWS. 2006b. Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office Species Account – Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp
(Lepidurus packardi). Accessed online August 2007 at:
http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/animal_spp_acct/vp_tadpole.htm
USFWS. 2007a. Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office Species Account – Conservancy Fairy Shrimp
(Branchinecta conservatio). Accessed online August 2007 at:
http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/animal_spp_acct/conserv_shrimp.htm
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 48
USFWS. 2007b. Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office Species Account – California linderiella (Linderiella
occidentalis). Accessed online August 2007 at:
http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/animal_spp_acct/linderiella.htm
Vieg, Brendan. 2007. Personal Communications. Senior Planner, City of Chico. Community Services
Department.
Volker, Betty. 2007. Personal Communications. Bidwell Ranch Conservancy.
Wagstaff and Brady. 1982. Citation Needed.
Western Bat Working Group (WBWG). 2007. Species Accounts. Western Bat Working Group.
Accessed online August 2007 at: http://wbwg.org/species_accounts/species_accounts.html
\\files\bio\Projects\Active Projects\Bidwell Ranch\6. Reports\bira_site_inventory_draft_07_0914.doc
Last printed 10/12/2007 4:04:00 PM
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 49
Appendix I. - Photographs of the Bidwell Ranch Property, Chico, California
Photo 1: Bidwell Ranch Property facing east
Photo 3: Cattle grazing onsite with offsite subdivision in back
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Photo 2: Rolling topography onsite
Photo 4: Annual grassland onsite in Spring 2007
October 12, 2007
Page 50
Photo 5: Rock outcrops
Photo 7: Blooming vernal pool
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Photo 6: Blue oak woodland
Photo 8: Vernal pool flora onsite April 2007
October 12, 2007
Page 51
Photo 9: Ephemeral Creek onsite
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 52
Appendix II – Plant and Animal Species Observed Onsite, Bidwell Ranch
Property, Chico, California
Common Name
Plants
Ahart's paronychia
Austin's popcorn flower
Bidwell's polygonum
Blue oak
Bractless hedge-hyssop
Broadleaf filaree
Bur-clover
Scientific Name
Observed By
Paronychia ahartii
Plagiobothrys austinae
Polygonum bidwelliae
Quercus douglasii
Gratiola ebracteata
Erodium botrys
Medicago polymorpha
Butte County meadowfoam
California goldfields
Depauperate milk vetch
Elongate plantain
Fescue
Few-flowered fescue
Filaree
Foothill pine
Fremont's cottonwood
Fremont's goldfields
Fremont's tidy tips
Greene's popcorn flower
Hairgrass
Harvest brodiaea
Italian ryegrass
Mediteranean barley
Medusa-head grass
Narrow-leaved owl's clover
Nit grass
Oregon ash
Ornate downingia
Popcorn flower
Purple-horned downingia
Purslane speedwell
Rattail fescue
Red brome
Redstem filaree
Sacramento mint
Sandwort
Sculpered popcorn flower
Shamrock
Shield-bracted monkeyflower
Sidalcea
Slender fescue
Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica
Lasthenia californica
Astragalus pauperculus
Plantago elongata (bigelovii)
Vulpia microstachys
Vulpia microstachys var. pauciflora
Erodium moschatum
Pinus sabiniana
Populus fremontii
Lasthenia fremontii
Layia fremontii
Plagiobothrys greenei
Deschampsia danthonioides
Brodiaea coronaria var. coronaria
Lolium multiflorum
Hordeum geniculatum
Elymus caput-medusa
Castilleja attenuata
Gastridium ventricosum
Fraxinus latifolia
Downingia ornatissima
Plagiobothrys glyptocarpus
Downingia bicornuta
Veronica peregrina ssp. xalapenis
Vulpia myuros var. hirsuta
Bromus rubens
Erodium cicutarium
Pogogyne zizyphoroides
Minuartia californica
Plagiobothrys scriptus
Trifolium dubium
Mimulus glaucescens
Sidalcea calycosa
Vulpia bromoides
JSA1986
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
Gallaway Consulting,
Inc., 2006
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 53
Common Name
Small brodiaea
Small stipitate popcorn flower
Soft chess
Stipitate popcorn flower
Tomcat clover
Tricolor monkeyflower
Vasey's coyote thistle
Vernal pool foxtail
Water pygmyweed
Water starwort
White alder
White-flowered navarettia
White-tipped clover
Wild oat
Willow
Woolly marbles
Woolly marbles
Woolly meadowfoam
Yellow carpet
Invertebrates
California linderiella
Vernal pool fairy shrimp
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp
Amphibians
Western spadefoot toad
Birds
Acorn woodpecker
American kestrel
Bushtit
California quail
Golden eagle
Horned lark
House finch
Lesser goldfinch
Lesser yellowlegs
Lewis's woodpecker
Loggerhead shrike
Long-billed curlew
Mallard
Mourning dove
Northern flicker
Nuttall's woodpecker
Oak titmouse
Peregrine falcon
Red-shouldered hawk
Red-tailed hawk
Rock wren
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Scientific Name
Brodiaea minor
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var.
micranthus
Bromus hordeaceus
Plagiobothrys stipitatus var. stipitatus
Trifolium willdenovii
Mimulus tricolor
Eryngium vaseyi var. vallicola
Alopecurus saccatus
Crassula aquatica
Callitriche heterophylla var. bolanderi
Alnus rhombifolia
Navarretia leucocephala
Trifolium variegatum
Avena barbata
Salix sp.
Psilocarphus brevissimus
Psilocarphus tenellus
Limnanthes floccosa ssp. floccosa
Blennosperma nanum
Observed By
JSA1994
Linderiella occidentalis
Brachinecta lynchi
Lepidurus packardi
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
Spea hammondii
Jackson Shedd, 2004
Melanerpes formicivorus
Falco sparverius
Psaltriparus minimus
Callipepla californica
Aquila chrysaetos
Eremophila alpestris
Carpodacus mexicanus
Carduelis psaltria
Tringa flavipes
Melanerpes lewis
Lanius ludovicianus
Numenius americanus
Anas platyrhynchos
Zenaida macroura
Colaptes auratus
Picoides nuttallii
Parus inornatus
Falco mexicanus
Buteo lineatus
Buteo jamaicensis
Salpinctes obsoletus
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
October 12, 2007
Page 54
Common Name
Savannah sparrow
Spotted towhee
Western kingbird
Western meadowlark
Western scrub jay
White-breasted nuthatch
Mammals
Black-tailed jackrabbit
Coyote
Deer mouse
Gray squirrel
Mule deer
Pocket gopher
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Scientific Name
Passerculus sandwichensis
Pipilo maculatus
Tyrannus verticalis
Sturnella neglecta
Aphalocoma californica
Sitta carolinensis
Observed By
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
Lepus californicus
Canis latrans
Peromyscus maniculatus
Sciurus griseus
Odocoileus hemionus
Thomomys bottae
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
JSA1994
October 12, 2007
Page 55
Appendix III –Special Status Species Potentially on Bidwell Ranch
Species
Plants
Adobe-lily
Fritillaria pluriflora
Regulatory Status
Federal
State
Other *
Habitat
Characteristics
Activitity Period
Potential for Occurrence
Chaparral, valley and
foothill grasslands,
and cismontane
woodland. Often in
heavy clay soils.
Cismontane
woodland, valley and
foothill grassland, and
vernal pools.
Flowering February April
Low; the annual grassland onsite may
provide suitable habitat for this species and
there is a CNDDB occurrence of this
species in 1989 approximately one mile
NW of the site (CNDDB 2007).
Observed; the annual grassland and
vernal pools onsite provide suitable habitat
for this species. A population of ~250
plants was observed by Jones & Stokes
Associates in 1986 in the NW portion of
site. There is a CNDDB occurrence in 1993
south of Sycamore Creek and north of
Bidwell Park with annual grasses and forbs
(CNDDB 2007).
Low; there are two CNBBD occurrences in
oak woodlands in Upper Bidwell Park less
than one mile east of the site (CNDDB
2007). This species has a low potential to
occur onsite due to the limited blue oak
woodland habitat on the property.
None
None
1B - CA
endemic
Ahart's paronychia
Paronychia ahartii
None
None
1B - CA
endemic
Butte County
checkerbloom
Sidalcea robusta
None
None
1B - CA
endemic
Chaparral and
cismontane
woodland.
Flowering: April June
E
E
1B - CA
endemic
Vernal pools,
ephemeral drainages,
mesic conditions in
valley and foothill
woodlands.
Flowering: March May
None
None
1B - CA
endemic
Seeps, meadows,
marshes, swamps,
bogs, fens, and lower
montane coniferous
forest.
Flowering: May - July
Butte County
meadowfoam
Limnanthes floccosa
ssp. californica
California beaked-rush
Rhynchospora
californica
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Flowering: March June
Observed; the vernal swales onsite
provide suitable habitat for this species.
Observed onsite in vernal swales in 2006
by Gallaway Consulting, Inc. There are four
CNDDB occurrences of this species within
five miles of the site (CNDDB 2007).
None; suitable habitat for this species is
not present onsite.
October 12, 2007
Page 56
Species
Red Bluff dwarf rush
Juncus leiospermus
var. leiospermus
Regulatory Status
Federal
State
Other *
None
None
1B - CA
endemic
Rose-mallow
Hibiscus lasiocarpus
None
None
2
White-stemmed
clarkia
Clarkia gracilis ssp.
albicaulis
Invertebrates
California linderiella
Linderiella occidentalis
None
None
1B - CA
endemic
None
Conservancy fairy
shrimp
Branchinecta
conservatio
Valley elderberry
longhorn beetle
Desmocerus
californicus dimorphus
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Habitat
Characteristics
Valley and foothill
grassland,
vernal pools,
meadows, seeps,
chaparral, and
cismontane
woodland.
Marshes and
swamps.
Activitity Period
Potential for Occurrence
Flowering: March May
Low; the annual grassland and vernal
pools onsite may provide suitable habitat to
support this species. However, this species
is not known to occur in the valley of Butte
County.
Flowering: June September
None; suitable habitat for this species is
not present onsite.
Chaparral and
cismontane
woodland.
Flowering: May - July
None; suitable habitat for this species is
not present onsite.
C
Vernal pools and
other seasonal
wetlands. Generally
occur in large, fairly
clean vernal pools
and lakes.
Wet season
Observed; the vernal pools onsite provide
suitable habitat for this species. This
species was observed onsite (JSA 1994)
and there is one CNDDB record of this
species in 1996 within three miles of the
site at the Foothill Park Mitigation Area
(CNDDB 2007).
E
None
Wet season
Low; the vernal pools onsite may provide
suitable habitat for this species.
T
None
Vernal pools and
other seasonal
wetlands. Generally
occur in larger, coolwater vernal pools
with moderately
turbid water.
Elderberry shrubs
(Sambucus spp.) in
riverine riparian
habitats.
Spring - mid-summer.
None; elderberry shrubs are not present
onsite.
Occurrences generally
known by distinctive exit
holes in elderberry
shrub stems created by
beetle during breeding
season. Adult beetles
rarely seen.
October 12, 2007
Page 57
Species
Vernal pool fairy
shrimp
Brachinecta lynchi
Vernal pool tadpole
shrimp
Lepidurus packardi
Amphibians/Reptiles
California red-legged
frog
Rana
aurora draytonii
Giant garter snake
Thamnophis gigas
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
Regulatory Status
Federal
State
Other *
T
C
Habitat
Characteristics
Vernal pools and
other seasonal
wetlands. Generally
occur in smaller
vernal pools, usually
less than 0.05 acres
in size.
Vernal pools and
seasonal wetlands.
Generally occurs in
vernal pools with
clear-highly turbid
water. Pool sizes can
range from 54 square
feet to 89-acres.
Activitity Period
Potential for Occurrence
Wet season
Observed; the vernal pools onsite provide
suitable habitat for this species. This
species was observed onsite (JSA 1994)
and there is one CNDDB record of this
species in 1996 within three miles of the
site at the Foothill Park Mitigation Area
(CNDDB 2007).
Observed; the vernal pools onsite provide
suitable habitat for this species. This
species was observed onsite (JSA 1994)
and there are six CNDDB records of this
species within five miles of the site
(CNDDB 2007).
E
C
T
C
Heavily vegetated
shorelines and pools
of streams, marshes,
and ponds.
Year-round
None; suitable habitat for this species is
not present onsite and the site is outside of
this species known range.
T
T
Marshes, sloughs,
and slow moving
creeks.
Year-round
None; suitable habitat for this species is
not present onsite. Drainages onsite are
ephemeral and do not provide a year-long
water supply. Additionally, on many parts
of the site the banks are too steep for
basking habitat.
Wet season
October 12, 2007
Page 58
Species
Western spadefoot
toad
Spea hammondii
Birds
Bald eagle
Haliaeetus
leucocephalus
Regulatory Status
Federal
State
Other *
None
C
Habitat
Characteristics
Vernal pools and
seasonal wetlands.
Activitity Period
Potential for Occurrence
Year-round, burrow
underground most of
the year.
Observed; the vernal pools and vernal
swales onsite provide suitable habitat and
a chorus of western spadefoot toads were
heard vocalizing during the breeding
season in 2006 (Shedd 2007). This
species has also been heard vocalizing in
the Sycamore Creek Diversion Channel in
2004-2006 ( Shedd 2007) and 500+
tadpoles were observed in a tributary to
Sycamore Creek within three miles of the
site in 2000 (CNDDB 2007).
Delisted
E & FP
Nesting
&
Winterin
g
Open water for
foraging with roosting
habitat. Nests in oldgrowth forests.
Year-round;
Breeding: February July
High (foraging); the seasonal wetlands
onsite provide suitable foraging habitat and
there is a CNDDB record of this species
near the Eaton Road and Cohassett Road
intersection, less than five miles from the
site, in March 2004 and winter 2005
(CNDDB 2007).
Burrowing owl
Athene cunicularia
None
CBurrow
Sites
Annual grassland
with old mammal
burrows for nesting
and roosting. Will
also nest in old pipes
and culverts.
Year-round
Observed; the annual grassland and rock
outcrops onsite provide suitable nesting
and foraging habitat for this species.
Burrowing owl pellets were found beneath
a large rock in 1990 (JSA 1994), this
species was observed in burrows in rock
outcrops in two separate locations onsite in
2007 (TES 2007), and there are two
CNDDB records of this species burrowing
within five miles of the site (CNDDB 2007).
Cooper's hawk
Accipiter cooperii
None
CNesting
Woodlands with
snags and open
areas for foraging.
Nests in dense
stands, often near
streams.
Year-round;
Breeding: March August
Low; the blue oak woodland and annual
grassland habitat in the northern portion of
the site provides suitable foraging and
nesting habitat for this species.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 59
Species
Ferruginous hawk
Buteo regalis
Regulatory Status
Federal
State
Other *
None
CAWatch
Winterin
List
g
Golden eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
None
C & FP
Nesting
&
WInterin
g
Loggerhead shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
None
CNesting
Long-billed curlew
Numenius americanus
None
CNesting
Merlin
Falco columbarius
None
CWinterin
g
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
AWatch
List
Habitat
Characteristics
Winters in the Central
Valley of California.
Forages in open
grasslands and
agricultural areas.
Forages in open
terrain including
grasslands,
savannahs, and
deserts. Nests in
large trees in open
areas and on cliffs.
Occurs in open
terrain with perching
sites, such as fences,
tree limbs, utility
lines, and shrubs.
Nests in dense
shrubs and trees.
Winter resident in
coastal and Central
Valley, California.
Nests in northeastern
California. Winters in
open grasslands,
estuaries, and
croplands.
Winters in open
grasslands,
woodlands,
savannahs, wetlands,
and coastlines. Does
not breed in
California.
Activitity Period
Wintering: September
- mid-April
Potential for Occurrence
High; Bidwell Ranch provides suitable
winter foraging habitat for this species.
Year-round;
Breeding: late
January - August
Observed; foraging over site. (JSA 1994)
None (nesting); this species does not nest
in the Central Valley of California.
Year-round;
Breeding: March August
Observed; foraging onsite. (Jones &
Stokes Associates, Inc., 1994)
Low (nesting); the blue oaks onsite may
provide nesting habitat for this species.
Breeding: April September
Wintering: early July early April
Observed; annual grassland. (JSA 1994)
None (nesting); The site is outside of the
known nesting range of this species.
Wintering: September
- May
High (wintering); annual grassland and
wetlands onsite provide suitable winter
foraging habitat for this species.
October 12, 2007
Page 60
Species
Northern harrier
Circus cyaneus
Peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus
Regulatory Status
Federal
State
Other *
None
CNesting
Delisted
E & FP
Nesting
Purple martin
Progne subis
None
CNesting
Sharp-shinned hawk
Accipiter striatus
None
CNesting
Short-eared owl
Asio flammeus
None
CNesting
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
AWatch
List
Habitat
Characteristics
Forages in open
rangelands, annual
grasslands, wetlands,
and meadows. Nests
on ground in shrubby
vegetation. Common
winter resident in
central California.
Winters in Central
Valley of California in
marshes. Does not
nest in central
California. Feeds
near water in open
areas.
Forages in woodland
and forest areas.
Found in open areas,
often near water
during migration.
Breeds in old growth
forests and
woodlands.
Common migrant and
winter resident in
central California.
Forages in dense
stands near open
terrain. Does not
nest in central
California.
Winters in central
California in open
terrain, such as
grassland, meadows,
and wetlands.
Activitity Period
Potential for Occurrence
Year-round;
Breeding: April September
High (foraging); annual grassland and
wetlands onsite provide suitable winter
foraging habitat for this species.
Low (nesting); the grasses onsite may be
too low for nesting habitat.
Wintering: September
- April/May
Observed; flying over site. (JSA 1994)
None (nesting): Does not nest in central
California.
Breeding: April August
Low (foraging); the habitat onsite provides
suitable foraging habitat during migration
periods.
None (nesting);
suitable nesting habitat for this species is
not present onsite.
Breeding: April August
Low (foraging); the blue oak woodland
and annual grassland in the northern
portion of the site provides suitable
wintering habitat for this species.
None (nesting); This species does not
nest in central California.
Wintering: September
- April
Low (wintering); the annual grassland
habitat onsite may provide suitable habitat
for this species. There are no known
occurrences of this species in the area.
October 12, 2007
Page 61
Species
Swainson's hawk
Buteo swainsonii
Western yellow-billed
cuckoo
Coccyzus americanus
occidentalis
White-tailed kite
Elanus leucurus
Mammals
Pallid bat
Antrozous pallidus
Regulatory Status
Federal
State
Other *
None
TAWatch
Nesting
List
Habitat
Characteristics
Breeds in open
stands near open
areas including
grasslands,
meadows, and
agricultural areas.
Breeding and migrant
resident in California.
Mature riparian
woodland with dense
understory.
Activitity Period
Potential for Occurrence
Breeding: late March
- late August
Low (foraging and nesting); the blue oak
woodland and annual grassland habitat
onsite provides suitable foraging and
nesting habitat for this species. There are
known nesting occurrences for this species
within ten miles of the site.
June - late August
None; suitable habitat for this species is
not present onsite. The riparian woodland
habitat is sparse and no understory is
present.
CNesting
ENesting
None
FP Nesting
Coastal and valley
lowlands in open
areas including
grasslands,
meadows, wetlands,
and agricultural
areas. Nest at the
top of trees in dense
stands.
Year-round;
Breeding: February October (peak May August)
High (foraging and nesting); the blue oak
woodland onsite provides suitable nesting
habitat and the annual grassland provides
suitable foraging habitat for this species.
There is a known nesting occurrence of
this species less than a mile from the site
(Birding in Chico 2007).
None
C
Occurs in low
elevation areas in
California in a variety
of habitats including
grasslands,
woodlands, forests,
and shrublands.
Roots in open, dry
areas in rocky areas,
caves, crevices,
mines, hollow trees,
and buildings.
Year-round
High (foraging); the annual grassland and
blue oak woodland habitat provides
suitable foraging habitat for this species.
Low (roosting); the blue oaks onsite may
provide suitable roosting habitat for this
species.
* All "Regulatory Status - Other" for plant species is based on California Native Plant Society listings. All "Regulatory Status - Other" for bird species is based on Audubon:Watch List. All
habitat characteristics for plant species was compiled from the CNPS Inventory and from the CDFG Habitat Conservation Branch for all animal species.
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 62
Appendix IV – Annotated Bibliography of Documents Related to Bidwell Ranch
[Completed - drop in as PDF when doc is ready for release]
Saved as PDF document Bira_Compiled_Site_Literature_07_0315 in \\Files\bio\Projects\Active Projects\Bidwell Ranch\5. Site
Information
Bidwell Ranch – Site Inventory
River Partners
October 12, 2007
Page 63
Pl
an
Bi s
ol
o
Pr gic
op al
R erty Sur
eg
v
u A e
BC lat cqu rys
M o ry i s i
tio
Bu
n
rro
Sh wi
rim ng
Sw p Ow
ls
a
VE inso
L n'
Ec B s H
aw
on
k
om
ic
s
Compilied Site Literature
Bidwell Ranch Compiled Site Literature
Environmental Impact Report for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Abstract:
This draft environmental impact report (EIR) was prepared to assess the impacts of Bidwell Ranch
Specific Plan (June 1, 1994) project, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub.
Res. Code. Section 2100 et seq.), the State CEQA Guidelines (14 CCR 15000 et seq.), and the City of
Chico (City) environmental review guidelines. The staff determined that the following issues were of
concern and should be addressed in the EIR: earth, water, plant life, animal life, noise, land use,
population, housing , transportaiton and circulation, public services, utilities, aesthetics, recreation , and
cultural resources.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. October 1994.
Draft environmental impact report for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. (JSA 94-075.) Sacramento, Ca.
Amended Rancho Arroyo Specific Plan
X
Abstract:
The City of Chico adopted a Specific Plan for the Rancho Arroyo Community which established land use
designations and permitted densities, plus detailed design and development standards. The approved
Specific Plan included statements and policies pertaining to existing conditions, planning policies,
development standards, capital improvements, and other regulatory schemes.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. October 1985.
Amended rancho arroyo specific plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Crocker Development Company.
Administrative Draft Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan
X
Abstract:
The purpose of the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan is to designate land uses, a circulation pattern, public
facilities, development policies and standards for the Plan Area and establish the methods of
implementing the specfic programs. Bidwell Ranch is envisioned as a distinct village within the Chico
communtiy. The site is surrounded on three sides by substantial permanent open space, including Bidwell
Park and is seperated from existing and future residential areas by the Sycamore Creek Diversion
Channel. Within this distinct setting Bidwell Ranch will provide a residential neighborhood with a variety of
dwelling unit types and sizes.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. October 1991.
Administrative draft bidwell ranch specific plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Wade Associates, Urban Planning and Design. Roseville, Ca.
Draft Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan
X
X
Abstract:
Compiled City of Chico Memorandum (1996), Staff Reports, Minutes, and Resolutions (Planning
Commision), Staff Reports, Minutes, Resolutions/Ordinances (City Council), and Correspondence.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. 1996.
Bidwell plan specific plan draft. Chico, Ca.
Bidwell Ranch, Chico, Ca
Abstract:
Comments:
The DEIR states on page 13-23 that a "loss of opportunity" to create a Bute County Meadowfoam
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preserve will occur as a reslut of project development. As drafted, the mitigation measure appears to
assume that federal listing of fairy shrimp pursuant to the Endangered Species Act will occur.
Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan:
This draft environmental report (EIR) has been prepared to assess the impacts of Bidwell Ranch Specific
Plan project, pursuant to the California Enviromental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub. Res. Code, Section 21000
et seq.), the State CEQA Guidelines and the City of Chico environmental review guidelines. The purpose
of the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan is to designate land uses, a circulation pattern, public facilities,
development policies and standards for the Plan Area and establish the methods of implementing the
specific programs.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Communtiy Development Department, Planning Division. December 1991.
Draft environmental impact report for the bidwell ranch specific plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. Sacramento, Ca.
Bidwell Ranch Administrative Draft, Specific Plan:
The purpose of the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan is to designate land uses, a circulation pattern, public
facilities, development policies and standards for the Plan Area and establish the methods of
implementing the specfic programs. Bidwell Ranch is envisioned as a distinct village within the Chico
communtiy. The site is surrounded on three sides by substantial permanent open space, including Bidwell
Park and is seperated from existing and future residential areas by the Sycamore Creek Diversion
Channel. Within this distinct setting Bidwell Ranch will provide a residential neighborhood with a variety of
dwelling unit types and sizes.
Conceptual Wetland Mitigation Plan for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan Area:
This wetland mitigation plan describes goals and related objectives, construction techniques, monitoring
requirements, performance standards, and an implementation schedule for creating vernal pool, clay flat,
and ephemeral drainage wetland habitat as mitigation for impacts associated with implementation of the
Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Services Department. October 1991.
Conceptual wetland mitigation plan for the bidwell ranch specific plan area. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. Sacramento, Ca.
Constraints Analysis for the Rancho Arroyo Specific Plan Project:
The purpose of this constraints analysis is to identify locations within the northeastern and northwestern
portions of the proposed specific plan area where noticeable development constraints or opportunities
exist. This information will be used by the city and the project applicant as a tool to locate and design the
proposed single-family residential, junior high school, elementary school, neighborhood park, and
community park uses in areas whre development would be the least environmentally damaging. In
addition, this constraints analysis will be used to locate and designate the exact location of the city's Butte
County meadowfoam core preserve.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Services Department, Planning Office. December, 1990.
Constraints analysis for the rancho arroyo specific plan project. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. Sacramento Ca.
Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan Amendment File # 3
X
X
X
X
Abstract:
Compiled correspondence letters, minutes, and compiled work plans, budgets, and development
agreements. The work plan consists of six tasks including: Initiatine project, preparing adminstraitve final
EIR, preparing final EIR, preparing mitigation monitoring programs, attending coordination meetings and
attending two public meetings.
Placing 4,159 people and a junior high next to the potential Ranch Arroyo Butte County Meadowfoam
Core Preserve, can not be reduced to a level of insignificance. The placement of this development next to
a state listed (and proposed federally listed) endangered plant preserve would be counter-productive to
the goals the city set forth in their selection and adoption of the Rancho Arroyo core population
conservation plan.
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Bidwell Ranch Compiled Site Literature
Refernce:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Divison. April 1997.
Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan Amendment File # 3. Chico, Ca.
Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan Amendment File # 2
X
X
Abstract:
Compiled information reguarding the traffic and circulation chapter, settlement agreements, tentative
maps, guidelines for interpreting noise levels, assorted contracts, a completion schedule, and assorted
memorandum. "During our July 8 meeting, we discussed how to develop estimates of future year traffic
volumes for use in the Rancho Arroyo traffic analysis."
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. 1991.
Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan Amendment File # 2. Chico, Ca.
G.P. Amendment # 90-2 and Rez. # 413 (Hackart) - Rancho Arroyo
X
X
X
Abstract:
Agreement to prepare a wetland mitigaiton plan for the Rancho Arroyo property and Butte County Air
Pollution Control District Comments. "The Fish and Wildlife Service has reviewed the Notice of
Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Rancho Arroyo Specific Plan. The proposal
includes residential and limited commercial development on approximately 749 acres northeast of the City
of Chico. The following general comments are provided to assist the City in preparing the Draft Report."
This includes Affected environment, description of the proposed project, wetlands and other wildlife
habitats, mitigation planning, mitigation monitoring, and endangered species.
"The 1986 specific plan EIR did not adequately discuss the endangered Limnanthes. Surveys for
limnanthes in that EIR incorrectly identified BCM as another Limnanthes floccosa subspecies."
Reference:
Chico, City Of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. 1991.
G.P. amendment # 90-2 and rez. #413 (Hackart) - Rancho Arroyo. Chico, Ca.
Bidwell Ranch - Final EIR Preparation.
X
X
Abstract:
Letters and contracts between jones and stokes and Clif Sellers. US Environmental Protection Agency,
"The proposed activities have been reviewed for compliance with the requirements of Federal Guidelines,
promulgated pursuant to Section 404 (b) (1) of the Clean water act. The Envrionmental Protection Agency
(EPA) believes that the proposed project fails to comply with the guidelines for discharge of dredged or fill
material at 40 CFR 230.10 (a-d)."
US ARmy Corps of Engineers: "Subject: Application for a department of the Army permit under authority
of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to discharge fill material into vernal pools and swales during
construction of Bidwell Ranch development in Chico, California, as shown in the attached drawings.
Purpose: To Provide residential development with support facilities to meet the City of Chico's demand for
housing."
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. 1994.
Bidwell ranch - final EIR preparation. Chico, Ca.
Rancho Arroyo Draft Specific Plan
X
X
Abstract:
The Specific Plan was developed by identifying environmental constraints to development of the property arroyos, wetlands, rare and endangered plant species, slope and vegetation - and then establishing a
specific plan which, to the extent feasible, avoids developemtn on environmentally sensitive lands. The
location and configuration of development, particularly the multi-family, reflects avoidance of development
in wetlands and along arroyos. In 1989, the city of Chico enacted an ordinance which adopted a
conservation plan for preservation of Butte County meadowfoam, a plant which is considered endangered
under Califonia law
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Bidwell Ranch Compiled Site Literature
under Califonia law.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. March 1990.
Draft Rancho Arroyo Specific Plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Holliman, Hackard & Taylor. Sacramento, Ca.
Bidwell Ranch Traffic Analysis
X
Abstract:
This report presents a traffic analysis for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan in the northeast area of the City
of Chico. This analysis utilizes existing project description information from the Draft Bidwell Ranch
Specific Plan, June 1, 1994, and the Draft EIR for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan, October 1994 by
Jones & stokes Associates, Inc. W-Trans was retained by the City of Chico to perform the following tasks,
1) perfom a qualitative review of the City's traffic model in order to verify its accuracy and projection
capabilities, 2) review the previous traffic analysis scope fo work and provide necessary modificaitons as
appropriate, and 3) complete an updated traffic analysis.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. December 1996.
Bidwell ranch traffic analysis. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Whitlock & Weinberger Transportation, Inc. Santa Rosa, Ca.
Constraints Analysis for the Rancho Arroyo Specific Plan Project
X
X
Abstract:
The purpose of this constraints analysis is to identify locations whithin the northeastern and northwestern
portions of the proposed specific plan area where noticeable development constraints or opportunities
exist. This information will be used by the city and the project applicant as a tool to locate and design the
proposed single-family residential, junior hight school, elementary school, neighborhood park, and
community park uses. In addition, this constraints analysis will be used to locate and designate the exact
location of the city's Butte County meadowfoam core preserve.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. December 1990.
Constraints analysis for the rancho arroyo specific plan project. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. Sacramento Ca.
Proposal for the Preparation of a draft Environmental Impact Report
X
Abstract:
This is a proposal to prepare a draft environmental impact report (EIR) for the Rancho Arroyo Specific
Plan. In 1986 - 1987, Jones and Stokes Associates prepared an EIR for the Rancho Arroyo Specific Plan
that was certified by the city. Chico voters subsequently rejected the specific plan in a referandum. Jones
& Stokes Associates has been requested to prepare a new EIR on a new specific plan. The Rancho
Arroyo Draft Specific Plan identifies the following pruposes: to designate land uses and zoning withing the
plan area, to identify a trasnportation and circulation configuration, to identfy required public services and
facilities, to establish developmetn policies and standards for the plan area, and to establish a program for
implementing the specific features of the plan.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. May 1990.
Proposal for the preparation of a draft environmental impact report. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates. Sacramento, Ca.
Bidwell Ranch Vesting Tentative Sub. Map (Crocker Development)
X
Abstract:
Blueprints and Maps of the proposed project.
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Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division.1991-1992.
Bidwell ranch vesting tentative sub. Map (Crocker Development). Chico, Ca.
Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan
X
X
X
X
X
Abstract:
This draft environmental impact report (EIR) was prepared to assess the impacts of Bidwell Ranch
Specific Plan (June 1, 1994) project, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub.
Res. Code. Section 2100 et seq.), the State CEQA Guidelines (14 CCR 15000 et seq.), and the City of
Chico (City) environmental review guidelines. The staff determined that the following issues were of
concern and should be addressed in the EIR: earth, water, plant life, animal life, noise, land use,
population, housing , transportaiton and circulation, public services, utilities, aesthetics, recreation, and
cultural resources.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. October 1994.
Draft environmental impact report for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. (JSA 94-075.) Sacramento, Ca.
Draft Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan
Abstract:
Bidwell Ranch is a envisioned as a distinct community with strong visual and circulation connections to the
existing Chico communtiy. The site is surrounded on three sides by substantial, permanent open space.
Over 60 percent of the plan area will be left in natural open space to form a greenway around the urban
portions fo the plan to provide a continuous open space corridor from Bidwell Park to the city edge. The
open space will protect and preserve sensitive environments and establish a buffer from Bidwell Park
which will be nearly one half mile wide from the Wildwood Avenue Bridge to the nearest planned dwelling
units.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. June, 1994.
Draft bidwell ranch specific plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Wade Associates. Roseville, Ca.
Foothill Park East and Bidwell Ranch Aircraft Operation Impact and Conflicts Study
X
Abstract:
This study was contracted by the City of Chico to determine the compatibility between the proposed
development of Foothill Park East and departure of laden fire-fighting aircraft from Chico Muni. The study
assessed the crash hazard potential and noise impacts from laden fire-fighting aircraft departure
operations on proposed communities beneath the departure flight tracks. If land use incompatibilities
were found to exist, the study then identified appropriate mitigation measures.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department. November 1996.
Foothill park east and bidwell ranch aircraft operation impact and conflicts study. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by John C. Freytag, PE. Director.
Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan
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Bidwell Ranch Compiled Site Literature
Abstract:
This draft environmental impact report (EIR) was prepared to assess the impacts of Bidwell Ranch
Specific Plan (June 1, 1994) project, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub.
Res. Code. Section 2100 et seq.), the State CEQA Guidelines (14 CCR 15000 et seq.), and the City of
Chico (City) environmental review guidelines. The staff determined that the following issues were of
concern and should be addressed in the EIR: earth, water, plant life, animal life, noise, land use,
population, housing , transportaiton and circulation, public services, utilities, aesthetics, recreation, and
cultural resources.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department, Planning Division. December 1991.
Draft environmental impact report for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. (JSA 94-075.) Sacramento, Ca.
Draft Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan
EIR's/ Specific Plan/ Agreements and Special Studies
X
Abstract:
Includes EIR, Specific plan, settlement agreement, development agreement, subdivision report, and a
traffic analysis.
Rancho Arroyo Environmental Review Specific Plan Parcel Map Rezone
Abstract:
X
Includes a rancho arroyo specific plan, 1986 draft EIR, 1982 EIR, staff reports and tentative maps.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Development Department. July 1987.
Rancho arroyo specific plan. Chico, Ca.
Chico, City of. Community Services Department. February 1987.
Final subsequent environmental impact report rancho arroyo specific plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc.
Chico, City of. Community Services Department. October 1986.
Draft subsequent environmental impact report rancho arroyo specific plan. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc.
Bidwell Ranch Butte County Meadowfoam Survey
X
X
Abstract:
Winter rainfall and inundation had been sufficient to allow for successful BCM seed germination. Butte
County meadowfoam seedlings are known to tolerate brief periods of submergence. Therefore, the
amount of the flowering heads was not expected to diminish severely due to the unseasonably long rainy
period. However, the reduced photoperiod was expected to affect the amount of completely open flowers
compared to the 2005 bloom.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Services Department. May 2006.
Bidwell ranch butte county meadowfoam survey.
Prepared by Gallaway Consulting, Inc.
Bidwell Ranch Natural Resource Conservation and Mitigation Bank Proposal
X
Abstract:
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The following approach and work plan is a comprehensive description of th eprocess entailed in entitling a
mitigation or conservation bank within the current regulatory climate. This stepwise plan is designed to
result in the preparation and implementation of a mitigation banking instrument that can be supported by
the city, its constituents, and the regulatory agencies.
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Service Department. December 2005.
Bidwell ranch natural resource conservation and mitigation bank proposal.
Prepared by Wildlands, Inc. Rocklin, Ca.
Bidwell Ranch Wetlands Mitigation Opportunities Analysis 01/2005
X
Abstract:
Thank you and Wildlands for your collaborative response to the City's Request for Proposals related to the
Bidwell Ranch Mitigation Bank project. The City appreciates the time and energy involved in putting
together your proposal.
Conceptual Wetland Mitigation Plan for the Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan Area
Abstract:
X
This wetland mitigation plan describes goals and related objectives, construction techniques, monitoring
requirements, performance standards, and an implementation schedule for creating vernal poos, clay flat,
and ephemeral drainage wetland habitat as mitigation for impacts associated with implementation of the
Bidwell Ranch Specific Plan. The mitigation measueres in this plan provide for wetland replacement as
compensation for the filling of jurisdictional wetlands, as required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Refernce:
Chico, City of. Community Service Department. October 1991.
Conceptual wetland mitigation plan for the bidwell ranch specific plan area. Chico, Ca.
Prepared by Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. Sacramento, Ca.
Bidwell Ranch Wetlands Mitigation Opportunities Analysis Ending 12/2004
X
X
Abstract:
Compiled Memorandum from 2000-2004, receipts, professional sevice agreements, Bidwell Ranch
Wetland Mitigation Opportunities Preliminary study, and assorted maps. "At the City Council meeting of
October 5, 2004, the City Council took no action on the Planning Commission recommendation to
designate and zone Bidwell Ranch to open space. After the vote was taken several of the Council
meembers who voted to oppose the rezone indicated their desire to receive additional information and
potentially revisiting the issue." "Seasonal Wetland is a broad term applied to all wetlands that do not
contain water year-round. Some seasonal wetlands contain water only briefly during the rainy season,
others may retain water well into summer."
Reference:
Chico, City of. Community Service Department. 2000-2004.
Bidwell ranch wetlands mitigation opportunities analysis.
Mid Valley Title & Escrow Company
Abstract:
In response to the above referenced application for a policy of title insurance, First American Title
Insurance Company (the "Company") hereby reports that it is prepared to issue, or cause to be issued, as
of the date hereof, a Plicy or Policies of Title Insurance describing the land and the estate or interest
therein hereinafter set forth, insuring against loss which may be sustained by reason of any defect, lien or
encumbrance not shown or referred to as an Exception below or not excluded from coverage pursuant to
the printed Schedules, Conditions and Stipulations of said Policy forms.
Reference:
Preliminary Report. October, 31 2006.
Prepared by Mid Valley Title & Escrow Company, Affiliated with First American Title Insurance Company.
Archaeological Inventory Survey
CONFIDENTIAL
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Bidwell Ranch Compiled Site Literature
Abstract:
This report details the results of an archaeological inventory survey of the proposed Bidwell Ranch
Subdivision project area which encompasses approximately 750 acresof land located in northeast Chico,
Butte County, Califonia. The property is situated adjacent to the north side of Wildwood Avenue and
Bidwell Park, is bordered along the east by the Cottonwood-Elverta #3 electrical transmission line, and is
bounded along the west by the Sycamore Creek Division Channel and the Foothill Ranch residential
subdivision. Pg 5- "consisits of a scatter of basalt waste flakes and tools and three shallow bedrock
mortars. The site is located in an area of large, exposed basalt boulders adjacent to an ephemeral
drainage channel. Previous disturbance to the site has resulted from the construction of a gravel road
along the southern site boundary and the construction of a metal power line tower in the eastern portion of
the site."
Reference:
Bidwell Ranch, Inc. Archaeological inventory survey. November 1994.
Prepared by Jensen & Associates- Chico, California.
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