Habitat Assessment and
California Red-legged Frog Site Assessment
680 Trail Proposed Project
Marin County, California
March 2010
Prepared for
Marin County Open Space District
3501 Civic Center Drive, Rm. 415
San Rafael, CA 94903
415-507-2686
Prepared by
Wildlife Research Associates
1119 Burbank Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
707-544-6273
680 Trail and Alternatives
Habitat Assessment and
California Red-legged Frog Site Assessment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. iv
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 5
Site Description ........................................................................................................................................ 6
METHODS .................................................................................................................................... 7
EXISTING CONDITIONS .......................................................................................................... 8
Vegetation Communities....................................................................................................................... 10
Wildlife Habitats ................................................................................................................................... 13
Movement Corridors............................................................................................................................. 15
SPECIAL-STATUS BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES................................................................ 15
Special-status Vegetation Communities .............................................................................................. 15
Special-status Plant Species .................................................................................................................. 17
Special-status Animal Species .............................................................................................................. 19
IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ........................................................................ 25
BIOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................ 33
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE
TITLE
PAGE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Regional Project Vicinity ..................................................................................................... 37
Biological Resources - 680 Trail.......................................................................................... 38
Drainage 3 - Eastern Proposed Trail .................................................................................... 39
Drainage 8 - Central Proposed Trail .................................................................................... 39
Drainage 10 - Central Proposed Trail .................................................................................. 40
Drainage 12, looking upstream - Western Proposed, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 ........ 40
Drainage 12, looking downstream - Western Proposed, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 ... 41
Drainage 14 - Western Alternative 1.................................................................................... 41
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
TITLE
PAGE
Linear Feet of Proposed and Alternative Trails .................................................................. 6
Number of Drainages Crossed along the Proposed Trail and Alternatives ......................... 8
Proposed and Alternative Drainage Crossings .................................................................... 9
Vegetation Communities per Trail Segments ................................................................... 10
Relationship between MCOSD Mapping Vegetation Types and
the California Wildlife Habitat Relationship Types .......................................................... 13
Reported CRF Occurrences, CNDDB............................................................................... 21
Potential Bat Roosting Habitat Trees and Locations ........................................................ 23
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LIST OF TABLES (Cont'd)
TABLE
TITLE
8.
9.
10.
PAGE
Synopsis of Mitigation Measures to Prevent Impacts ....................................................... 24
Tree Number and Removal Recommendations ................................................................ 32
Special-Status Biological Resources Per trail Segment .................................................... 33
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX
A
B
C
D
E
TITLE
PAGE
Federal, State and Local Plans, Policies, Regulations and Ordinances
Potentially Occurring Special-Status Plant Species in the Study Area
Potentially Occurring Special-Status Animal Species in the Study Area
Plant Species Observed During February 25 and March 5, 2010
Wildlife Species Observed During February 25 and March 5, 2010
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42
45
50
55
58
SUMMARY
The proposed 680 Trail and Alternatives linear project starts on the eastern portion of the Terra Linda
Sleepy Hollow Open Space Preserve, crosses lands owned by San Domenico school, and terminates in the
northeast section of the Loma Alta Open Space Preserve. Both preserves are owned and managed by the
Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD). The proposed project consists of 17,222 linear feet of
proposed trail, comprised of an Eastern Central and Western segments. The breakdown by segment is:
Western Alternative #1 is 7,931 linear feet, the Central Alternative #1 is 4,901 linear feet and the Eastern
Alternative #1 is 4,390 linear feet. The second alternative trail being evaluated under this assessment,
“Alternative #2”, consists of 14,379 feet of combined fire road and trail. The breakdown by segment is:
Western Alternative #2 is 5,665 linear feet, the Central Alternative #2 is 4,324 linear feet and the Eastern
Alternative #2 is 4,390 linear feet.
This Habitat and Site Assessment presents the findings of our literature review (including scientific
literature and previous reports detailing studies conducted in the area) and the California Department of
Fish and Game’s (CDFG) Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) for reported occurrences of specialstatus vegetation communities, plants and animals, with specific on-site habitat evaluation for California
red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), according to the protocol outlined in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Revised Guidance on Site Assessments and Field Surveys for the California Red-legged Frog (U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service 2005).
A total of 13 vegetation communities, comprising five wildlife habitat types, occur within the entire study
area which includes the Eastern, Central and Western Proposed and Alternate Trails. Of the 13
communities, five are considered to be special- status. Also of consideration were the 20 drainages and
two swales identified within the study area, which vary between perennial and intermittent flows.
As part of this Habitat Assessment, we also evaluated the potential for occurrence of 43 special-status
plant species, and 44 special-status wildlife species, as well as the potential for California red-legged frog.
No focused surveys for any special-status species were conducted as part of this assessment.
No California red-legged frogs were detected during this site evaluation. California red-legged frogs have
been reported more than 5 miles southwest of the proposed project site (CNDDB 2010), although no
surveys have been conducted for the species in the immediate vicinity of the project. However, suitable
upland habitat occurs along the Western Alternative Trail, within the "bowl" area. Based on the
hydrologic condition of the perennial and intermittent drainages and the lack of off-stream ponded water,
it is our conclusion that the proposed 680 Trail and Alternatives do not provide suitable California redlegged frog breeding habitat.
To reduce impacts to special-status biological resources, we recommend that MCOSD keep to existing
roads and trails, such as the Central Alternative #2 Trail which utilizes Loma Alta and San Domenico Fire
Roads, as much as possible. To reduce the effects to special-status biological resources we recommend
the Western Alternative Trail #2 alignment.
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INTRODUCTION
Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) contracted with Wildlife Research Associates to conduct a
Habitat Assessment and Site Assessment for the federally-listed Threatened California red-legged frog (Rana
draytonii) (hereafter CRF) along the proposed 680 Trail and proposed alternatives, located west of Highway
101, southwest of Lucas Valley Road and north of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Marin County, California.
Through an easement, the proposed trail will travel through lands owned by San Domenico School, the
eastern portion of the Loma Alta Open Space Preserve (OSP) and the western portion of the Terra Linda
Sleepy Hollow OSP, both owned and operated by the Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD). This
habitat assessment was conducted to determine the potential for special-status vegetation communities, plant
and animal species to occur within the proposed linear project and to identify the limitations to potential
development of the project, such as: a), stream crossings and, b) habitat removal.
This Habitat Assessment is part of the preliminary analysis of both the existing environment and potential
impacts from the proposed project as required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for
new projects. Federal and state agencies that have purview over biological resources include the following:
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE),
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
• National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS),
• California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), and the
• California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG).
The USACE regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Waters of the
U.S. are defined as waters that are connected hydrologically to waters with interstate or foreign commerce,
and includes tributaries to any of these waters, and wetlands, which are areas that are inundated or saturated
by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support vegetation typically
adapted to life in saturated soil conditions. The USFWS has regulatory authority over federally listed plant
and animal species. The NMFS, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), has regulatory authority over essential fish habitat, which is habitat necessary to maintain
sustainable fisheries in the United States. The California RWQCB protects all waters with special
responsibility for wetlands, riparian areas, and headwaters. The CDFG has regulatory authority over state
listed plants and animals as well as streams and lakes within the State.
Locally, Marin County has regulatory authority over , a) large native trees, trees with historical importance,
and oak woodland habitat, under the Marin County Native Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance, and
b) all natural watercourses shown as a solid or dashed blue lines, or along watercourses supporting riparian
vegetation for a length of 100 feet or more, under the Stream Conservation Area identified in the Marin
Countywide Plan. See Appendix A for more regulatory details.
As part of the review by the USFWS, a CRF Site Assessment is typically required to provide information to
adequately assess CRF status on site and within the vicinity of a proposed project to determine potential
impacts to the species from a proposed project. The present study conforms to the guidelines as outlined in
the Revised Guidance on Site Assessments and Field Surveys for the California Red-legged Frog (USFWS
2005) and identifies potential breeding sites or other aquatic features that may provide habitat for CRF as
well as sites that might provide upland refugia and non-breeding aquatic habitat.
Based on this review and limitations of the present surveys, the following are action items to be addressed
prior to ground breaking:
•
•
•
Wetland delineation and agency consultation
Special-status plant surveys
Tree removal management guidelines
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•
•
•
•
Special-status amphibian agency consultation
Special-status bat surveys
Potential bat roosting tree removal and trimming
Nesting bird survey within one week of the removal of nesting habitat, unless removal occurs after
August 15 and before March 1
Other issues that may need to be addressed but are not covered under the above mentioned agencies include
the following :
•
Weed abatement program
Site Description
The proposed 680 Trail Corridor is located in central Marin County, above the communities of Fairfax and
San Anselmo. The corridor traverses the slopes and ridges of Loma Alta in the upper reaches and headwaters
of the Fairfax Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek sub-watersheds (Figure 1) which flow into Corte Madera
Creek 4.35 miles south of the easternmost portion of the trail.
Existing trails include the following: 1) Luiz Ranch Fire Road, which was the historical connection utilized
by the public to access Loma Alta from neighborhoods in Sleepy Hollow and Terra Linda, 2) the Loma Alta
Fire Road, 3) the San Domenico Fire Road, and 4) two unofficial trails, the Indian Warrior (Solstice) Trail
and the Meditation Trail. Public access across the Luiz Ranch Fire Road was lost when a change in
ownership of the property occurred.
Proposed Project
The lack of access across the Luiz Ranch Fire Road resulted in a proposed trail that connects the Terra Linda
Sleepy Hollow OSP in the east with the Loma Alta OSP in the west. Much of the proposed trail alignment is
located on an easement acquired by the District from San Domenico School in 1998. This corridor is
generally located above the 680-foot contour. The proposed trail travels west from the Sleepy Hollow OSP
until it crosses the Loma Alta Fire Road. After briefly running south on the fire road the trail then travels
west on the south side of the Loma Alta Fire Road. The proposed trail continues west for 12,825 linear feet
until it connects with the Smith Ridge Fire Road. For the purposes of this report, the Proposed Trail is
divided into three segments, the Eastern, the Central and the Western Segments. Alternatives to the proposed
trail include the use of the existing Loma Alta Fire Road in the central trail segment, and the Indian Warrior
and Meditation trails in the western segment. Please refer to Table 1 for the linear miles of each segment.
The trail will be constructed to support all levels of passive recreationists, including hikers, horse-back riders
and bicyclists.
Table 1: Linear Feet of Proposed and Alternative Trails, 680 Trail, Marin County
Trail Segment
Linear Feet
Eastern Trail
Proposed
4,390
Alternative
4,390
Central Trail
Proposed
4,901
Alternative
4,324
Western Trail
Proposed
7,391
Alternative
5,665
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The proposed trail includes installing trail structures such as walls and stream crossings, and hardening the
trail with rock. The proposed trail will be 5 feet in width and tree canopies will be maintained to support a
height of 10 feet to allow for clearance for horseback riders. As standard procedures within the MCOSD,
several treatments at stream crossings would be utilized, including: 1) construction of dips in the trails to
prevent possible diversions at streams with diversion potential; 2) installing culverts; 3) contouring crossings
that will require riprap and 4) excavating sediment.
Road treatments to curtail road-surface erosion would include, but are not limited to, the following: 1)
cleaning or cutting drainage ditches; 2) outsloping the road; 3) crowning the road; and 5) installing rolling
dips. All road treatments would occur along existing trails and roadways. Stockpiling of rocks and pipes,
unless laid the same day as delivery, would occur in areas that are unsuitable for amphibians, such as in
chaparral habitat along the Loma Alta Fire Road.
The Central Trail Alternative #2 is proposed to use the existing San Domenico and Loma Alta Fire Roads,
which would eliminate the need for 6 stream crossings, and potentially 12 areas where either fillslope or
cutbank walls may be needed. A lesser need for hardening of the trail tread may also be achieved by utilizing
the fire road alternative as 4 headwall swale locations would also be avoided (Stetson Engineers 2010).
METHODS
Information on special-status plant species was compiled through a review of the literature and database
search. Database searches for known occurrences of special-status species focused on the Novato, San
Geronimo, Bolinas and San Rafael U.S. Geologic Service 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles, which
provided a five mile radius around the proposed project area. The following sources were reviewed to
determine which special-status plant and wildlife species have been documented in the vicinity of the project
site:
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) quadrangle species lists (USFWS 2010)
• USFWS list of special-status animals for Marin County (USFWS 2010)
• California Natural Diversity Database records (CNDDB) (CDFG 2010)
• California Department of Fish and Game’s (CDFG) Special Animals List (CDFG 2010),
• State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California (CDFG 2010)
• California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Electronic Inventory records (CNPS 2010)
• CDFG publication “California’s Wildlife, Volumes I-III” (Zeiner et al., 1990)
Previous reports prepared for the project and surrounding Open Space Lands were also reviewed and include
the Geotechnical and Geomorphic Assessment of the Proposed 680 Trail Corridor, Marin County,
California (Stetson Engineers 2010) and the Photo Interpretation and Mapping Classification Report (Aerial
Information Systems [AIS], Inc. 2008).
Trish and Greg Tatarian, wildlife biologists of Wildlife Research Associates, and Jane Valerius, botanist and
wetland specialist of Jane Valerius Environmental Consulting, conducted a survey of the Eastern and Central
segments of the proposed 680 Trail and the Central Trail Alternative on February 25, 2010, from 0830 to
1330. Trish surveyed the trees for suitable bird nesting habitat and analyzed the habitats for suitability for
California red-legged frog. Analysis of aerial photographs was conducted of adjacent habitat that could
provide terrestrial habitat for CRF, and ponds and water bodies that could provide potential breeding habitat
for CRF but which have not been reported to the CNDDB. Habitats within 1 mile were evaluated for their
potential to provide connectivity between sites for CRF.
Greg assessed trees associated with the alignments for potential bat roosting habitat using 8 x 42 roof-prism
binoculars, noting presence of cavities, old bird nests and squirrel nests. Potential roost trees were marked
with paint and numbered and, in most cases, photographed.
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Jane Valerius recorded the vegetation communities and assessed the potential for special-status plants to
occur within the study area as well as evaluated the trails for impacts to waters of the U.S., including
wetlands, as defined by the USACE.
A second survey was conducted on March 4, 2010, between 0830 and 1530, by Jane Valerius and Trish
Tatarian of the Western Proposed Trail and Alternative Trail to complete the assessment.
The reconnaissance-level site visits were intended only as an evaluation of on-site and adjacent habitat types,
and no special-status species surveys were conducted as part of this effort. However, a list of plant species
observed and identifiable during the site visit was recorded and is provided as Appendix F.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The project area is located within the San Francisco Bay Coastal Bioregion (Welsh 1994). This bioregion is
located within central California and encompasses the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento Delta,
extending from the Pacific Ocean to the eastern portion of the tule marsh zone, which is defined by Highway
99 (Welsh 1994). Habitats within this bioregion include both mesic (moist) habitats, such as freshwater
marsh, and xeric (dry) habitats, such as chaparral, and are typical of a Mediterranean type climate.
The 3.3-mile linear project site is located north of Mount Tamalpais, south of Big Rock Ridge and Big Rock
Ranch, east of San Pablo Bay and west of Banabe Mountain. Topographically, the project site is located on
the predominantly south- and east-facing slopes of Lomita, elevation 1,457 feet. The headwaters of Sleepy
Hollow Creek and Fairfax Creek originate on these slopes (Figures 2 and 3) which then flow from north to
south in a westerly direction and flow into Anselmo Creek and then into Corte Madera Creek, approximately
4.35 miles to the south.. The project site is within the headwaters of the watershed of Corte Madera Creek.
A total of 18 tributaries and two swales to Sleepy Hollow Creek and two tributaries to Fairfax Creek occur
on the Proposed and Alternative Trails. All tributaries are intermittent within the project site. Sleepy Hollow
Creek and Fairfax Creek appear to be permanent. At the time of the March 2010 reconnaissance, water was
flowing in all but two of the tributaries. The following Table 2 presents the number of drainages crossed
along the proposed trail and the alternatives. No ponds were observed in or near the linear project. Please
refer to the Special-Status Vegetation Communities of the Special-Status Biological Resources section for a
more detailed description of the tributaries.
Table 2: Number of Drainages Crossed along the Proposed Trail and Alternatives,
680 Trail, Marin County
Trail Name
Linear Feet
Number of Drainages
Crossed
Eastern Trail
Proposed
4,390
6
Alternative
4,390
1
Proposed
4,901
5
Alternative
4,324
0
Proposed
7,391
11
Alternative
5,665
3
Central Trail
Western Trail
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Drainages within the trail system varied from 6 inches at the Ordinary High Water Mark, the line on the
shore or bank that is established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics, to 4
feet wide where the proposed or alternate trail crosses the drainage. The beds of the drainages varied
between boulder and pebble lined, except for seven (#1, #2, #3, # 9, #10, #11 and #19) which have soil as
the bed and bank.
The following Table 3 presents the drainage numbers on the Proposed Trail and Alternatives and their
corresponding drainage numbers from the Geotechnical Report (Stetson Engineers 2010).
Table 3: Proposed and Alternative Drainage Crossings, 680 Trail, Marin County
Proposed and Alternative Trails
Drainage Number
Stetson Engineers 2010
Width (inches)
Depth (inches)
Drainage Number
Drainage Acreage
1
swale
dry
41
0.41
2
swale
dry
40
0.98
3
16
6-8
38
1.55
4
48
1-2
39
6.2
5
36
4-6
37
8.05
6
24
6-8
35
4.87
7
16-24
6
33
3.97
8
12
4
31
2.91
9
12
dry
10
24
dry
30
5.09
11
12
1-2
28
1.97
12
36
2-6
20
11.56
15
12
2
13
1.36
16
300
1-2
11
0.54
17
6
1
12
0.43
18
12
4-6
15
1.35
19
6
1-22
19
3.07
20
24
4-6
42
7.26
21
12
6
23
2.12
22
12
1-6
26
2.04
12
36
2-6
20
11.56
13
6-12
4-12
7, 21, 18
0.73, 9.16, 5.59
14
6-12
1-4
2
5.5
Eastern Proposed
Central Proposed
Western Proposed
Western Alternative
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Vegetation Communities
A total of 13 vegetation communities occur within the entire study area which includes the Eastern, Central
and Western Proposed and Alternate Trails. Vegetation community types follow the MCOSD descriptions
that were developed in the Photo Interpretation and Mapping Classification Report (AIS 2008), and the
portions of the trails that were within the Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow OSP and the Loma Alta OSP were
mapped as part of the 2008 photo interpretation report. This habitat assessment mapped the vegetation
within the Lands of San Domenico; however, we were not able to ground-truth our aerial mapping as part of
this habitat assessment. As a result, the vegetation communities within the Lands of San Domenico were
mapped on a larger scale than used for the 2008 photo interpretation report. One vegetation type that was not
included on the Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow OSP and Loma Alta OSP vegetation map was Purple Needle
Grass Grassland (MCOSD #4520). Two small areas were mapped as part of this effort, one along the
Central Alternate Trail and one along the Western Proposed Trail. Please refer to Table 4 for a list of
vegetation communities per trail segment.
Table 4: Vegetation Communities per Trail Segments, 680 Trail, Marin County
Trail Segments
Vegetation Communities Present
Eastern Trail
Proposed
Coast Live Oak Alliance, Madrone-California Bay-Tanoak
Alternative
Coast Live Oak Alliance, Madrone-California Bay-Tanoak
Central Trail
Proposed
Coast Live Oak Alliance, Chamise-Eastwood Manzanita, Coyote BrushAnnual or perennial grassland, Grasslands, Purple Needlegrass
Alternative
Coast Live Oak Alliance, Chamise-Eastwood Manzanita
Western Trail
Proposed
California Bay Alliance, Coast Live Oak Alliance, Coast Live Oak (GrassPoison Oak), Coyote brush-Mixed Shrub/Grass, Coyote Brush-California
Sagebrush-Sticky Monkey Flower, Grasslands, Purple Needlegrass
Alternative
Temperate Broadleaf Sclerophyll Evergreen Forests & Woodlands,
California Bay-Coast Live Oak, Coyote Brush/Annual or Perennial
Grassland, Grasslands
A description of the 13 vegetation types are presented below and are based on the descriptions in the Photo
Interpretation and Mapping Classification Report (PI Report) (AIS 2008). A description of weedy sites
within the study area is provided at the end of this section. Drainages and areas that qualify as potential
wetlands, as defined by the USACE, are discussed separately in the Special-Status Biological Resources
section.
Lower Elevation Mixed Broadleaf Woodland Trending Xeric (1101): This mapping unit combines several
alliances within the California and Vancouverian mixed evergreen broadleaf forest and woodland groups
(AIS 2008). At least two of the following species are dominant within this mapping unit: coast live oak
(Quercus agrifolia), madrone (Arbutus menziesii), black oak (Quercus kelloggii) or Oregon Oak (Quercus
garryana var. garryana). Within the study area no black oak or Oregon oak were observed. However coast
live oak was very common and madrone was present at several locations within the study area. This
mapping unit was not used as part of this study. Instead the Madrone-California Bay-Tanoak Forest (1104)
or the Coast Live Oak Alliance (2110), as described below, was used as coast live oak and California bay
(Umbellularia californica) were the two most common tree species within the 680 Trail study area. Tanoak
(Lithocarpus densiflorus var. densiflorus) was present in some areas but was not as common at coast live
oak. A variety of annual and perennial grasses and forbs can occur in the herbaceous layer along with shrub
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species such as poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus var.
laevigatus), and sticky or bush monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus). This type occurs in xeric setting in
areas of deep soil and is mapped primarily on mid- and upper-trending southeast or westerly slopes (AIS
2008).
Madrone-California Bay-Coast Live Oak Forest (1104): In the PI report (AIS 2008) coast live oak is
proposed rather than tanoak and tanoak was not observed within this type. This mapping unit combines two
alliances within the California and Vancouverian mixed evergreen broadleaf forest and woodland groups. In
this mapping unit madrone generally dominates in forest-like settings with California bay an important
subordinate or co-dominant species and coast live oak is a minor component (AIS 2008). The PI report
states that this vegetation type differs from the Lower Elevation Mixed Broadleaf Woodland (1101),
described previously, because of the presence of California Bay. A variety of annual and perennial grasses
and forbs can occur in the herbaceous layer along with shrub species such as poison oak, snowberry, and
sticky or bush monkey flower, and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)(AIS 2008). This type often occurs
adjacent to the Lower Elevation Mixed Broadleaf Woodland (1101) type, usually down slope, on somewhat
more mesic sites usually trending north or east (AIS 2008).
California Bay Alliance (1110): This mapping unit is used when California bay mixes with another type of
vegetation that can’t be placed in an existing mapping unit (AIS 2008). California bay is the dominant
species or can be co-dominant in the tree or tall shrub canopy. Other tree or shrub species that can occur in
this type include madrone, coast live oak, tanoak, canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis), interior live oak
(Quercus wislizeni), poison oak, buckeye (Aesculus californica), and toyon (AIS 2008). A variety of annual
and perennial grasses and forbs can occur in the herbaceous layer (AIS 2008).
California Bay Pure Stands (1111): This mapping unit is used as a sub-alliance mapping unit to identify
areas of pure to near pure stands of California bay where this species comprises at least 90% relative cover in
a dense canopy (AIS 2008). As noted in the PI report, when California bay mixes with other species that are
present in a low cover, it can be called pure California bay (1111) instead of California bay alliance (1110).
This type is typically mapped in concave or riparian sites (AIS 2008).
California Bay-Coast Live Oak (1115): This mapping unit includes either the California bay or coast live oak
alliances. Both species are either co-dominant or are an important subordinate species in a moderately dense
to dense canopy (AIS 2008). This unit can also have an herbaceous understory of a variety of annual grasses
and forbs. This type occurs in low elevation in minor watershed and concavities (AIS 2008).
Coast Live Oak Alliance (2110): This mapping unit is used where coast live oak is the dominant species in
large, dense stands, with other hardwood species as a minor component to the canopy such as madrone or
bay (AIS 2008). In dense canopy areas grasses and herbs may be lacking in the understory. Poison oak and
California honeysuckle vine (Lonicera hispidula var. vacillans) may occur in this alliance and bedstraw
(Galium sp.) and miner’s lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata) often occur as herbaceous understory (AIS 2008).
This alliance can be found in the lower elevations on gentle or moderate slopes in drier environments, often
in an open woodland or grassy setting and also occasionally on steeper upper slopes in slightly more mesic
settings (AIS 2008).
Coast Live Oak/Grass-Poison Oak Woodland (2111): This mapping unit is used where coast live oak is
strongly dominant with a sparse to moderately dense canopy, and the herbaceous understory includes at least
10% cover of annual grasses and forbs, with denser stands supporting poison oak adjacent to small rocky
outcroppings (AIS 2008). This unit occurs on gently rolling topography on a variety of slopes (AIS 2008).
Chamise-Eastwood Manzanita Shrubland (3190): This mapping unit is used when either chamise
(Adenostema fasciculatum) or Eastwood manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. glandulosa) dominates
the shrub layer in generally dense settings, with both species having at least 10-20% relative cover within the
mapping unit (AIS 2008). In dense stands of this vegetation community there is little to no herbaceous
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vegetation. This vegetation type occurs in xeric settings usually upslope from pure stands of chamise on
somewhat gentler spurs and ridgelines (AIS 2008).
Coyote Brush-California Sagebrush-Sticky Monkey Flower Shrubland (3221): This mapping unit is used
when coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) is dominant, although California sagebrush (Artemisia californica)
can locally dominate over portions of the stand and sticky monkey flower is usually a minor component of
the shrub layer (AIS 2008). The overall density of the canopy cover by shrubs ranges from sparse (at least
10% cover) to moderately dense. This type occurs on moderate to steep, xeric slopes (AIS 2008).
Coyote Brush/Annual or Perennial Grasslands in open stands (3222): This mapping unit is used when
coyote brush is occurs in sparse small clumps or in open stands of at least 10% cover over annual or
perennial grasslands and forbs (AIS 2008. This type is a sub alliance mapping unit described within the
coyote brush alliance and occurs on gentle slopes, usually around disturbed areas (AIS 2008)
Coyote Brush-Mixed Shrub/Grass (3223): This mapping unit is also described within the coyote brush
alliance. Coyote brush dominates the shrub layer in moderately dense to dense settings and one or more
species, including California sagebrush, sticky monkey flower and poison oak, may comprise a significant
amount to the shrub canopy (AIS 2008). There is generally a sparse or dense annual grass or forb
understory. This type occurs on gentle to moderately steep slopes in a variety of settings (AIS 2008).
Grasslands on well-developed soils (4311): This mapping unit is a multi-alliance mapping unit described
within Mediterranean California Naturalized Annual and Perennial Grassland Group: Annual grasslands
dominate (Avena spp. Bromus spp., Hordeum spp. Lolium multiflorum, etc.) with varying amounts of forbs in
the herbaceous layer (AIS 2008). This type occurs on non-serpentine slopes with well developed soils (AIS
2008). It is the most common type along the western portion of the Central Proposed and Alternate Trails
and on the Western Proposed and Alternate Trails.
Purple Needle Grass Grassland Alliance(4520): This mapping unit was used in two small areas within the
overall study area. It was mapped where purple needlegrass (Nasella pulchra) bunchgrass was evident and
has greater than 10% relative cover. Annual grasses may be dominant but the presence of purple needlegrass
with greater than 10% relative cover qualifies the area as a Purple Needle Grass Herbaceous Alliance(Sawyer
et. al. 2009). Other perennial grasses that may be present in this type include blue wildrye (Elymus glaucus)
California fescue (Festuca californica), meadow barley (Hordeum brachyantherum) and onion grass (Melica
spp.) (AIS 2008). Forb species include mariposa lily (Calochortus ssp.), morning-glory (Calystegia spp.),
sanicles (Sanicula spp.), lupines (Lupinus ssp.) and blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum). This type occurs
in valley and foothill grassland areas on all topographic locations (AIS 2008).
Exotic Invasive Plants: These areas were not mapped as there was no mapping unit for this vegetation type in
AIS (2008) report and these areas were too small in the field to identify on the aerial. Although some
invasive weedy plants occur within the vegetation mapping units, in general there were no areas large enough
to map as a separate vegetation type. Invasive weeds, such as yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) and
purple star thistle (Centaurea calcitrapa), were noted primarily on the fire roads. Other non-native weedy
species such as cat’s-ear (Hypochaeris glabra and H. radicata), filaree (Erodium cicutarium, E. botrys, and
E. moschatum), scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis), common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), radish
(Raphanus sativus), and mustard (Brassica sp.), among others, were also observed along the edge of the fire
roads. In addition, these non-native species were observed in small areas within the trail alignments within
the native plant communities. One non-native weedy plant that was a common component of the grassland
areas was romulea (Romulea rosea var. australis), a species that is present in the Terrra Linda-Sleepy
Hollow Preserve and for which the MCOSD is tasked by the California Department of Food and Agriculture
to eradicate.
Two areas of non-natives were observed in the field, one small disturbance area, with cat’s-ear, common
groundsel and non-native annual grasses, located west of Drainage #5, in the eastern portion of the Proposed
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Trail, and a second area, with milk thistle, yellow and purple starthistle, romulea, and non-native annual
grasses, occurring west of Drainage 13A, on the Alternative Western Trail. It was also noted that weedy
plants, in particular milk thistle, yellow and purple starthistle, and romulea were common in the non-native
annual grassland along the Western Alternative Trail.
Wildlife Habitats
The value of a site to wildlife is influenced by a combination of the physical and biological features of the
immediate environment. Species diversity is a function of diversity of abiotic and biotic conditions and is
greatly affected by human use of the land. The wildlife habitat quality of an area, therefore, is ultimately
determined by the type, size, and diversity of vegetation communities present and their degree of
disturbance. Wildlife habitats are typically distinguished by vegetation type, with varying combinations of
plant species providing different resources for use by wildlife. The following is a discussion of the wildlife
species supported by the on-site habitats, as described by A Guide to Wildlife Habitats of California (Mayer
and Laudenslayer 1988). The California Wildlife Habitat Relationship (CWHR) habitat classification scheme
was developed by the CDFG to support the CWHR System, a wildlife information system and predictive
model for California's regularly-occurring birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. To show the
relationship between the CWHR and the MCOSD Vegetation Mapping Units, please refer to Table 5.
Table 5: Relationship between MCOSD Mapping Vegetation Types and the California Wildlife
Habitat Relationship Types
MCOSD
Mapping
Numbers
MCOSD Mapping Vegetation Types
(AIS 2008)
California Wildlife Habitat
Relationship Types
1104
Madrone-California Bay-Tan Oak Forest
Montane riparian
1110
California Bay Alliance
Montane riparian
1111
California Bay Pure Stands
Montane riparian
2110
Coast Live Oak Alliance
Coastal oak woodland
2111
Coat Live Oak/Grass-Poison Oak Woodland
Coastal oak woodland
3190
Chamise-Eastwood Manzanita Shrubland
Chamise-redshank chaparral
3221
Coyote Brush – California Sagebrush - Sticky
Monkey Flower shrubland
Coastal scrub
3222
Coyote Brush/Annual or perennial grassland (open
stands) shrubland
Coastal scrub
3223
Coyote Brush-Mixed Shrub/Grass (may include
poison oak or California blackberry with mix of
grasses)
Coastal scrub
4311
Grasslands on well-developed soils (includes
annual & perennial grasses)
Annual grassland
4520
Purple Needlegrass grassland
Annual grassland
Montane riparian habitat occurs in the coast range below 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) and is associated with
rivers, streams, and springs, as well as montane lakes, ponds, seeps, bogs, and meadows. Water may be
permanent or ephemeral. Within the coast range, montane riparian habitat can be dominated by California
bay, Fremont cottonwood and can occur with black cottonwood, big-leaf maple, dogwood, boxelder, and / or
white alder. As with all riparian habitat, this habitat has an exceptionally high value for many wildlife species
and provides water, thermal cover, migration corridors and diverse nesting and feeding opportunities. The
linear nature of the habitat maximizes the development of edge habitat which is highly productive for
wildlife and supports nesting and foraging passerines, such as Stellar's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), among many
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others. The full canopy of California bay, for example, provides nesting habitat for sharp-shinned hawks
(Accipiter striatus) and Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi), as well as providing ample duff (leaf litter) for
woodrats (Neotoma fuscipes) to build their nests.
The coastal oak woodland on the site is the dominant habitat. Several trees throughout the proposed trail and
alternatives supported cavities that may support roosting bat species. The canopy of the trees provide suitable
nesting habitat for a variety of passerines (perching bird) and raptors (birds of prey). Bird species observed in
the coastal oak woodland and its understory on-site include band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata), oak
titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus), California towhee (Pipilo crissalis), spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus),
chestnut-backed chickadee (Poecile rufescens), Nuttall's woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii) and western Scrubjay (Aphelocoma californica). Two white-tailed kites (Elanus leucurus) were observed flying and hunting in
the adjacent grasslands around the Central Proposed Trail and this species may nest in this habitat on the
edge of the grasslands.
Chamise-redshank chaparral habitat, often interspersed with other habitats, provides foraging and nesting
habitat for species that are attracted to edges of communities. These edge community species include
California quail (Lophortyx californicus), California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), mourning dove
(Zenaidura macroura), and rufus-sided towhee (Pipilo crissalis), that forage among the leaf litter for
invertebrates. Avian species that use the canopy of the chaparral for catching insects include dusky
flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri), bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) and wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), as well
as sage scrub sparrow (Amphispiza belli). Besides insects, flowers of the manzanita and ceonothus attract
nectar drinkers such as Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna). Mammals use this habitat for protection and
foraging grounds, feeding off new shoots of plants. Black-tailed deer (Odoicoileus hemionius) often feed in
chaparral but this habitat supports a lower density than in oak savannah. Other species include brush rabbits
(Sylvilagus audubonii), gophers, and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). Small mammals attract predators
such as gray fox(Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and bobcat (Felis rufous). Western rattlesnake (Crotalus
viridis) inhabit the warm, dry chaparral community, as well as western fence lizards (Sceloporus
occidentalis).
The sandy soils often associated with coastal scrub habitat provide ideal habitat for reptiles such as western
rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) and western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), which are common in the
warm dry scrub community. Coastal scrub habitat, often interspersed with other habitats, provides foraging
and nesting habitat for species that are attracted to edges of communities, including mountain quail (Oreotyx
pictus), at higher elevations, California quail (Lophortyx californicus), California thrasher (Toxostoma
redivivum), mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura), and rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo crissalis). These birds
forage among the leaf litter for invertebrates. Avian species that use the canopy of the scrub for catching
insects include dusky flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri), and wrentit (Chamaea fasciata). Besides insects,
flowering scrub vegetation (e.g., ceonothus) attracts nectar drinkers such as Anna's hummingbird (Calypte
anna). Mammals, including striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), use this habitat for protection and foraging
grounds, feeding off new shoots of plants. Black-tailed deer (Odoicoileus hemionius californicus) often feed
on shrubs but this habitat supports a lower density of deer than oak woodlands. Small mammals that are
expected to occur within the scrub include brush rabbits (Sylvilagus audubonii), Botta's pocket gophers
(Thomomys bottae), and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus).
Annual grasslands, including native and non-native grasslands, typically provide foraging, hunting and
nesting habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. The grasslands on the site are typical of cattle grazed
non-native grasslands and provide habitat for small mammals, such as meadow vole (Microtis californicus),
and Botta’s pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae). Species potentially occurring on the site include opportunistic
small mammals, such as western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis) and house mice (Mus musculus).
Ground nesting passerines (perching birds), such as western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) and killdeer
(Charadrius vociferus) may nest on the site if feral cats are not in high numbers. Small rodents attract raptors
(birds of prey) such as owls, as well as red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and red-shouldered hawks
(Buteo lineatus), among others. Black-tailed deer (Odoicoileus hemionus californicus) use grassland for
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grazing and, if the grass is tall enough, for nesting at night. Coyotes (Canis latrans) and evidence of striped
skunk (Mephitis mephitis) were observed inhabiting the grassland.
The perennial and seasonal wetlands that occur on the site support suitable habitat for wildlife species.
Wetlands and creek habitats, depending on the structure, canopy cover and water velocity, support a wide
variety of wildlife species. In general, drainages with slow water velocities and greater canopy cover, provide
habitat for California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) and western pond
turtle (Emmys marmorata). The greater canopy cover provides nesting habitat for a variety of avian species
such as Coopers hawk (Accipiter cooperii), red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), and yellow-warbler
(Dendroica petechia). Avian species foraging in the leaf litter include California quail, and California
towhee. Mammals will use the understory for foraging, and include species such as mule deer, and raccoon
(Procyon lotor). Seasonal wetlands and seeps, with little to no canopy cover from large trees or shrubs,
provide habitat for invertebrates such as hesperian land snails and refugia for tree frogs.
Movement Corridors
Wildlife movement includes migration (i.e., usually one way per season), inter-population movement (i.e.,
long-term genetic flow) and small travel pathways (i.e., daily movement corridors within an animal’s
territory). While small travel pathways usually facilitate movement for daily home range activities such as
foraging or escape from predators, they also provide connection between outlying populations and the main
corridor, permitting an increase in gene flow among populations.
These linkages among habitat types can extend for miles between primary habitat areas and occur on a large
scale throughout California. Habitat linkages facilitate movement among populations located in discrete
areas and populations located within larger habitat areas. The mosaic of habitats found within a large-scale
landscape results in wildlife populations that consist of discrete sub-populations comprising a large single
population, which is often referred to as a meta-population. Even where patches of pristine habitat are
fragmented, such as occurs with coastal scrub, the movement between wildlife populations is facilitated
through habitat linkages, migration corridors and movement corridors. Depending on the condition of the
corridor, genetic flow between populations may be high in frequency, thus allowing high genetic diversity
within the population, or may be low in frequency. Potentially low frequency genetic flow may lead to
complete isolation, and if pressures are strong, potential extinction (McCullough 1996; Whittaker 1998).
Wildlife connectivity of this site to other open lands in the area occurs to the north, south, east and west.
Fairfax Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek and their tributaries provide movement corridors north and south on
this hillside. The mixed oak woodland also provides movement corridors for wildlife in an east west
direction as well as a way for wildlife to move north and south over Loma Alta.
SPECIAL-STATUS BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Certain vegetation communities, and plant and animal species are designated as having special-status based
on their overall rarity, endangerment, restricted distribution, and/or unique habitat requirements. In general,
special-status is a combination of these factors that leads to the designation of a species as sensitive. The
Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) outlines the procedures whereby species are listed as endangered or
threatened and established a program for the conservation of such species and the habitats in which they
occur. The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) amends the California Fish and Game Code to
protect species deemed to be locally endangered and essentially expands the number of species protected
under the FESA.
Special-status Vegetation Communities
Sensitive natural communities are those that are considered rare in the region, may support special-status
plant or wildlife species, or may receive regulatory protection (i.e., through Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act [CWA] and/or Sections 1600 et seq. of the California Fish and Game Code). Please refer to Appendix A
for detailed descriptions of waters and wetlands. In addition, sensitive natural communities include plant
communities that have been identified as having highest inventory priority in the California Natural Diversity
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Database (CNDDB). The second edition of A Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et. al. 2009) also
provides the rarity ranking status of these communities. This site assessment did not include a wetland
delineation which would identify the linear feet present of wetland areas with the potential to be impacted by
the proposed project.
Within the study area, 20 drainages were identified as having a bed and bank with an ordinary high water
mark and all are either the headwaters or 1st order streams. Two of these drainages are Sleepy Hollow
Creek, in the eastern portion of the study area, and Fairfax Creek, in the western portion, both identified as
blue-line drainages on the Novato USGS topographic quadrangle and are perennial. Both of these creeks
flow into Anselmo Creek and then into Corte Madera Creek. Corte Madera Creek becomes a navigable
waters of the U.S. as it flows into the San Francisco Bay.
The remaining 18 drainages within the trail system are ephemeral or intermittent drainages that are tributaries
to the blue-line drainages Sleepy Hollow Creek and Fairfax Creek, which would be considered “relatively
permanent waters”, as defined under the USACE Rapanos guidelines. As a result, these two drainages and
their tributaries would be considered jurisdictional drainages. In addition, these drainages are all
hydrologically connected to Corte Madera Creek, which is a traditional navigable waters of the U.S.
The portions of the drainages within the trails typically did not support wetland vegetation, with a few
exceptions such as Drainage #18 which had an approximate 1-foot wide area with rushes (Juncus spp.)
within the bed and bank. Drainages that lack wetland vegetation within the OHWM would be considered
just waters of the U.S. Most of the drainages supported an open to dense canopy of riparian trees, primarily
bay and oak. The riparian tree cover may or may not qualify as wetlands but does qualify as riparian
vegetation as defined by CDFG. A Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement would be required by
CDFG for the alteration of the bed or bank of these drainages and they would also consider impacts to the
riparian vegetation.
Three wetland seeps were identified adjacent and downhill from the Western Proposed trail. At the time of
the site visit the seep areas all had standing water and were saturated to the surface. Seep wetland #1 was
approximately 150 square feet and had obligate to facultative wetland plants such as water cress (Rorippa
nasturtium-aquaticum), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), iris-leaved rush (Juncus sp.), and sedge (Carex sp.).
Seep #2 was approximately 75 square feet and had the same obligate to facultative wetland plant species.
Seep #3 was identified above the proposed trail that was dominated by iris-leaved rush. However, since this
seep was not within the proposed trail alignment it was not mapped or characterized.
Another area where soils were saturated to the surface was the “bowl” or slide area within the switch-back
area of the Western Alternative #2 trail, which comprises approximately 4.5 acres. Vegetation is this area is
dominated by non-native annual grasses which are mostly likely either facultative (FAC) species or nonwetland species. A formal delineation would need to be conducted in this area to determine if all three
wetland characteristics (dominance by wetlands plants, hydric soils and wetland hydrology) were present to
qualify this area as a true wetland. Based on the saturated soils and grass-dominated vegetation this has the
potential to be a seasonal wetland as opposed to the seep wetlands which are potentially wet either through
the year (soils would be saturated even if there was no surface water present) or are wet for a longer period of
time allowing for the presence of obligate wetland plants to develop.
Seep #4 occurs within drainage #14 along the western alternate trail, or the Meditation Trail. This seep had
flowing water and was approximately 20 feet wide. Wetlands identified in this area were soft rush (Juncus
effusus), water cress, pennyroyal, iris-leaved rush, and one willow (Salix lasiolepis). One upland species,
coyote brush, was also present at this location.
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Seep #5, also along the western alternate trail, was approximately 100 square feet and had saturated soils.
Wetland plants in this area were water cress and rush (Juncus sp.). Coyote brush was also present at this
location.
A total of four vegetation communities, costal brackish marsh, costal terrace prairie, northern costal salt
marsh and serpentine bunchgrass, were reported occurring in the vicinity of the project area (CNDDB 2010).
However, none of these occur within the project site. Within the project area, the following vegetation
communities are considered to be sensitive natural communities, with the numbers that correspond to the
Marin County Open Space District vegetation classification system (AIS 2008):
1. Madrone-California Bay-Coast Live Oak Forest (1104): the madrone and California bay alliances are
ranked as G4S3 giving these communities with these species a sensitive status.
2. California Bay Alliance (1110)
3. California Bay Pure Stands (1111)
4. California Bay-Coast Live Oak (1115)
5. Purple Needle Grass Grassland Alliance (4520)
Special-status Plant Species
Special-status plant species are those species that are legally protected under the federal Endangered Species
Act (ESA) and/or the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) as listed or proposed for listing as
threatened or endangered, as well as species that are considered rare by the scientific community. For
example, the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) has identified some species as List 1 or 2 species and
may be considered rare or endangered pursuant to Section 15380(b) of the State CEQA Guidelines. The
CDFG has compiled a list of "Special Plants" (CDFG 2010), which include California Special Concern
species. These designations are given to those plant species whose vegetation communities are seriously
threatened. Although these species may be abundant elsewhere they are considered to be at some risk of
extinction in California. Although Special Concern species are afforded no official legal status under FESA
or CESA, they may receive special consideration during the planning stages of certain development projects
and adverse impacts may be deemed significant under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
A total of 43 special-status plant species have been reported occurring on the four topographic quadrangles
(CNDDB 2010). Please refer to Appendix B for a list of these species and their potential for occurrence.
Seven (7) species are considered to have moderate or high potential to occur in the project area based on the
habitats present within the study area or on soils. Eleven (11) species were considered to have low potential
to occur within the study area. The remaining were considered to have no potential to occur either because
these species are restricted to serpentinite and this substrate is lacking within the study area, or the species
occurs in habitats not present within the study area such as coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal prairie,
coastal salt marsh, brackish marsh, closed-cone coniferous forest, and North Coast coniferous forest. In
addition the site does not have adobe or alkaline soils. No special-status plants were noted during the site
visit. However, protocol surveys were not conducted so it is not possible to state that no special-status
species occur within the study area.
The following is a more detailed description of the seven special-status plants that have a moderate to high
potential to occur within the study area:
Napa false indigo (Amorpha californica var. napensis)
Status: CNPS List 1B species
General Ecology and Distribution: Napa false indigo is a deciduous shrub in the pea family (Fabaceae). It
flowers from April to July and occurs in openings in forest, woodland or in chaparral. The elevation range
for this species is from 150 to 2000 meters.
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Project Area Occurrence: No rare plant surveys were conducted as part of this habitat assessment, however
this species has the potential to occur in the forest, woodland and chaparral habitats mapped within the study
area.
Bent-flowered fiddleneck (Amsinckia lunaris)
Status: CNPS List 1B species.
General Ecology and Distribution: Bent-flowered fiddleneck is an annual herbaceous forb in the forget-menot family (Boraginaceae). It flowers from March to June and occurs in coastal bluff scrub, cismontane
woodland, and valley and foothill grassland habitats. The elevation range for this species is from 3 to 500
meters.
Project Area Occurrence: No rare plant surveys were conducted as part of this habitat assessment, however
this species has the potential to occur within the oak woodland and grassland habitats within the study area.
Koch's cord moss (Entosthodon kochii)
Status: CNPS List 1B species
General Ecology and Distribution: Koch’s cord moss is a moss in the Funariaceae. It occurs on soil in
cismontane woodlands from 180 to 1000 meters.
Project Area Occurrence: No rare plant surveys were conducted as part of this habitat assessment. Suitable
habitat for this species is present in the oak-bay woodlands within the study area. This species has been
recorded along Lucas Valley Road near Nicasio (CNDDB 2010).
Diablo helianthella (Helianthella castanea)
Status: CNPS List 1B species
General Ecology and Distribution: Diablo helianthella is a perennial herbaceous forb in the sunflower family
(Asteraceae). It flowers from March to June and typically occurs in chaparral/oak woodland interface in
rocky, azonal (soils that are without well-developed characteristics due either to their youth or to some
condition of relief or parent material which prevent soil development) soils, often in partial shade. Other
habitats that support this species include broadleaf upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal
scrub, riparian woodland, and valley and foothill grassland. The elevation range for this species is from 25 to
1150 meters.
Project Area Occurrence: No rare plant surveys were conducted as part of this habitat assessment, however
this species has the potential to occur within the forest, woodland, chaparral and grassland habitats within the
study area.
Seaside tarplant (Hemizonia congesta ssp. congesta)
Status: CNPS List 1B species
General Ecology and Distribution: Seaside tarplant is an annual herbaceous forb in the sunflower family
(Asteraceae). It flowers from April to October and occurs in grassy valleys and hills, often in fallow fields
and sometimes along roadsides. The elevation range for this species is from 25 to 200 meters.
Project Area Occurrence: No rare plant surveys were conducted as part of this habitat assessment, however
this species has the potential to occur in the grassland habitats, and in particular along the fire roads and
social trails, within the study area.
Marsh microseris (Microseris paludosa)
Status: CNPS List 1B species
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General Ecology and Distribution: Marsh microseris is a perennial herbaceous forbs in the sunflower family
(Asteraceae). It flowers from April to June and occurs in closed-cone coniferous forest, cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub and valley and foothill grassland. The elevation range for this species is from 5-300
meters.
Project Area Occurrence: No rare plant surveys were conducted as part of this habitat assessment, however
this species has the potential to occur within the oak woodland and grassland habitats within the study area.
Showy Rancheria clover (Trifolium amoenum)
Status: Federally listed endangered/CNPS List 1B species
General Ecology and Distribution: Showy Rancheria clover is an annual herbaceous forb in the pea family
(Fabaceae). It flowers from April to June and occurs sometimes on serpentine soils but generally in open,
sunny sites or in swales. It was most recently sited along a roadside and eroding cliff face. The elevation
range for this species is from 5 to 560 meters.
Project Area Occurrence: No rare plant surveys were conducted as part of this habitat assessment, however
this species has the potential to occur in the grassland habitats within the study area.
Special-status Animal Species
Special-status animal species include those listed by the USFWS (2010) and the CDFG (2010). The USFWS
officially lists species as either Threatened or Endangered, and as candidates for listing. Additional species
receive federal protection under the Bald Eagle Protection Act (e.g., bald eagle, golden eagle), the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and state protection under CEQA Section 15380(d). In addition, many other
species are considered by the CDFG to be species of special concern; these are listed in Remsen (1978),
Williams (1986), and Jennings and Hayes (1994). Although such species are afforded no official legal status,
they may receive special consideration during the planning and CEQA review stages of certain development
projects. The CDFG further classifies some species under the following categories: "fully protected",
"protected fur-bearer", "protected amphibian", and "protected reptile". The designation "protected" indicates
that a species may not be taken or possessed except under special permit from the CDFG; "fully protected"
indicates that a species can be taken for scientific purposes by permit only.
Of the 36 special-status animal species identified as potentially occurring in the vicinity of the project area,
including within a 3 mile radius (CNDDB 2010), several additional species were evaluated for their potential
to occur within the study area, based on: 1) review of the CNDDB, 2) the "Special Animals" list (CDFG
2010) that includes those wildlife species whose breeding populations are in serious decline, and 3) the
habitat present on site. See Appendix C for a list of the 44 species evaluated. Several of these species have a
high potential for occurrence at the project site and are discussed below.
California Red-legged Frog Site Assessment
The California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) (CRF) is listed Threatened by the USFWS and a
California Special Concern species by the CDFG. Breeding habitat for this frog is primarily in ponds, but
they will also breed in slow moving streams, or deep pools in intermittent streams. Inhabited ponds are
typically permanent and contain emergent and shoreline vegetation. Sufficient pond depth and shoreline
cover are both critical, because they provide means of escape from predators for the frogs (Stebbins 1985,
Tatarian 2008). Additionally, emergent vegetation is necessary for the deposition of eggs. The breeding
period begins during heavy rains, from early to late winter, usually November through early May. The larvae
mature in 11 to 20 weeks.
Non-breeding CRF have been found in both aquatic and upland habitats. The majority of individuals prefer
dense, shrubby or emergent vegetation, closely associated with deep (>0.7 meters) still, or slow moving
water. However, some individuals use habitats that are removed from aquatic habitats, seeking cover in
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ground squirrel burrows, under boulders and logs and in non-native grasslands (Tatarian 2005). Aestivation
habitat includes areas up to 90 meters from a stream corridor and includes natural features, such as boulders,
rocks, trees, shrubs, and logs. Incised stream channels with portions narrower than 18 inches and depths
greater than 18 inches may also provide aestivation habitat. In general, densely vegetated terrestrial areas
within the riparian corridor provide important sheltering habitat during the winter flooding of the streams
(Tatarian 2008).
The primary constituent elements for the CRF, as described in the Designation of Critical Habitat for the
California Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii) (USFWS 2006), consist of four components:
(1) Breeding aquatic habitat with a permanent water source with pools (i.e., water bodies) having a
minimum depth of 0.5 m (20 in) for breeding and which can maintain water during the entire tadpole
rearing season, for a minimum of 20 weeks;
(2) Non-breeding aquatic habitat that provides food, space and cover that is spatially distinct from
breeding habitat;
(3) Upland areas up to 90 m (300 ft) from the water’s edge associated with the above aquatic habitat
that will provide for shelter, forage, maintenance of the water quality of the aquatic habitat, and
dispersal; and
(4) Upland barrier-free dispersal habitat that is at least 90 m (300 ft) in width that connect at least two
(or more) suitable breeding locations defined by the aquatic habitat above, all within 2 km (1.25 miles)
of one another.
California red-legged frog movements, typically occur from breeding aquatic habitat to non-breeding aquatic
habitat. Movement may occur after egg laying, instead of egg laying or as a result of the breeding pond
drying. Radio-tracking in Marin County (Fellers and Kleeman 2007) reveal that distances varied between
320 meters to 2.8 kilometers and were typically in a straight line. While many movements occurred across
open grasslands, for 100-200 meters in distance, other movements taking more than one night were along
riparian corridors (Fellers and Kleeman 2007). While movements of CRF along the coast may occur in the
summer because summer fog reduces the chance of desiccation, movements of CRF in inland areas of
California occur with the onset of more than 0.5 cm of rain (Tatarian 2008).
Historic Range of CRF in Marin County
Based on the lack of development in the area, the CRF population in the northern portion of coastal Marin
County is similar to the historic range. Fellers and Kleeman (2007) state the following, “In parts of the
Central Coast Range, there are large, vigorous populations, some of which probably rival those present 200
years ago.” Based on the strong population Western Marin County, areas located west of Highway 1 are
designated as Unit 2- Point Reyes Peninsula of the Critical Habitat areas and consists entirely of National
Park Service lands (USFWS 2006).
Habitats Within the Project Site
No suitable breeding habitat occurs within the drainages observed along the proposed trails or along the
alternatives. Although the three drainages appear to be perennial, the headwaters are fast moving in velocity
and the plunge pools are relatively shallow, ranging between 6 inches and 12 inches. No ponded water, such
as cattle stock ponds that may provide suitable breeding habitat, occurs within the proposed project area.
The three perennial drainages with 100% canopy cover may provide suitable refugia habitat for CRF when
and if the lower portions of the creek dry up. Suitable upland habitat also occurs within the "bowl" area of
the Western Alternative Trail. This area of saturated soils and surface flows may provide refugia for the
species when downstream habitat has dried.
Suitable breeding habitat, such as pools within a stream corridor with a depth of 0.5 meters that remain for a
minimum of 20 weeks, may occur downstream of the project areas. However, these creeks occur on private
property and no habitat assessment or surveys have been conducted.
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Habitats Within One Mile
The nearest pond that may provide breeding habitat is located approximately 2,085 feet northeast of the
project. However, previous surveys of this pond revealed only rough skinned newt (Taricha granulosa)
larvae, no CRF were observed (Tatarian, pers. obs.). Miller Creek occurs within one mile north of the project
site; however, no CRF have been reported in this drainage. No CRF have been reported in Fairfax Creek,
located 1.5 miles south of the project site (CNDDB 2010).
Reported Occurrences
The project site is located on the Novato 7.5-minute U.S.G.S. topographic quadrangle and, after querying
San Geronimo, Bolinas, Novato and San Rafael topographic quadrangles, one CRF location was identified
from the CNDDB (CNDDB 2010). Of the 432 specimens represented for Rana aurora draytonii on the
internet site of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of Berkeley
(www.mvzarctos.berkeley.edu) (2010), a total of 1 occurrence (MVZ 40546) of CRF has been reported in
this portion Marin. Recorded locations, in Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates (meters), and a
description of the sighting, are provided in Table 6. The closest reported sighting is located 3.3 miles west of
the study area.
Table 6: Reported CRF Occurrences, CNDDB
I.D.
Coordinates
(UTM)
Location
Distance from Site
892
Outflow from Kent Lake, upstream from the
confluence with Lagunitas Creek, west of
Lagunitas.
N 4206161
E 525583
>5 miles west
MVZ
40546
Lagunitas Creek, 0.5 mi SW of Point Reyes Station
(1944)
N 4213000
E 0516618
>5 miles northwest
Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) (FYF)
Status: State Species of Special Concern
General Ecology and Distribution: This native frog ranges in size between 1.5 to 3.5 inches in length.
Indistinct dorso-lateral skin folds occur behind the eyes. The dorsal coloring typically matches the
background habitat and can be gray, brown to olive in color, with dark mottling on the granular skin. The
ventral coloring is white on the abdomen, with yellow on the legs and black mottle under the buccal cavity.
This species typically inhabits rocky streams, preferring streams with cobble sized substrates (Jennings and
Hayes 1994). Occupied drainages range from sea level to 2,040 meters (6,700 feet) (Jennings and Hayes
1994). Streams in woodland, chaparral or forest with little to no bank vegetation cover are also preferred
(Stebbins 1985). Breeding occurs from mid-March to May, depending on rains, with tadpoles
metamorphosing in June or July.
Project Area Occurrence: No surveys were conducted for this species as part of this habitat assessment. This
species is not expected to occur within the Proposed Trail alignment or in the Alternatives based on the
closed canopy of the streams and the lack of depth of the ponding water. This species has been reported
occurring more than 2.5 miles northwest of the project area in Miller Creek (CNDDB 2010).
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) (WPT)
Status: Federal and State Species of Concern
General Ecology and Distribution: This medium sized turtle ranges in size to just over 8 inches (21cm) with
a low carapace that is generally olive, brownish or blackish (Stebbins 1985, Jennings and Hayes 1994).
Primary habits include permanent water sources such as ponds, streams and rivers. It is often seen basking on
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logs, mud banks or mats of vegetation, although wild populations are wary and individuals will often plunge
for cover after detecting movement from a considerable distance. Although it is an aquatic species with
webbed feet, it can move across land in response to fluctuating water level, an apparent adaptation to the
variable rainfall and unpredictable flows that occur in many coastal California drainage basins (Rathbun, et
al. 1993). In addition, it can over-winter on land or in water or remain active in the winter, depending on
environmental conditions (Rathbun, et al. 1993; Jennings and Hayes 1994). Females travel from aquatic sites
into open, grassy areas to lay eggs in a shallow nest (Holland 1992; Rathbun, et al. 1993). Nests have been
reported from 2-400 meters or more away from water bodies (Jennings and Hayes 1994).
Project Area Occurrence: No surveys were conducted for this species as part of this habitat assessment. The
hydrology of the drainages is too steep to support this species. The closest reported sighting more than 5
miles northwest (CNDDB 2010).
Nesting Passerines – including western meadowlark and song sparrow, among others
Status: Protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Fish and Game Code 3503.
General Ecology and Distribution: As early as February, passerines begin courtship and once paired, they
begin nest building, often around the beginning of March. Nest structures vary in shapes, sizes and
composition and can include stick nests, mud nests, matted reeds and cavity nests. For example, black
phoebes may build a stick nest under the eaves of a building. Depending on environmental conditions, young
birds may fledge from the nest as early as May and, if the prey base is large, the adults may lay a second
clutch of eggs.
Project Area Occurrence: No surveys were conducted for these species as part of this habitat assessment.
Several passerine (perching birds) species may nest on the site in the various habitats, including, but not
limited to, western meadowlark in the grasslands, song sparrows along the coastal scrub, and white-breasted
nuthatch in the oak trees. A nesting bird survey shall be conducted before removal of any of these habitats,
and seasonal restrictions put into place for occupied habitats, to ensure no take of individuals will occur.
Nesting Raptors –red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter lineatus), northern
harrier (Circus cyaneus), white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus)
Status: Protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Fish and Game Code 3503.5
General Ecology and Distribution: Raptors nest in a variety of substrates including, cavities, ledges and stick
nests. For example, Cooper's hawks are small bird hunters, hunting on the edges of forests in broken forest
and grassland habitats where passerines forage for seeds and insects. Nests occur in heavily forested areas
near a water source. Research sites on nesting Cooper's hawks rarely show the nests more than a quarter of a
mile away from water, whether it is a cattle tank, stream or seep (Snyder and Snyder 1975). Trees typically
used by Cooper's hawks include coast live oaks, cottonwoods, and black oaks (Call 1978), as well as second
growth conifer stands or deciduous riparian areas. In general, the breeding season for raptors occurs in late
March through June, depending on the climate, with young fledging by early August.
Project Area Occurrence: No surveys were conducted for these species as part of this habitat assessment.
However, several nests from previous years were observed along the eastern segment of the Proposed trail
that could support nesting sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper's hawk. Northern harrier, white-tailed kite and
red-shouldered hawk were observed foraging within the study area.
San Francisco dusky -footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes riparia)
Status: A Species of Special Concern
General Ecology and Distribution: This nocturnal species is active year round in forest habitats of moderate
canopy and moderate to dense understory and in chaparral communities. Requires woody plants for nest
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building and for foraging, with fungi, flowers, grasses and acorns supplementing their diet. Breeding occurs
from December to September with a peak in mid-spring (Zeiner, et al. 1990).
Project Area Occurrence: Observed primarily along the eastern proposed alignment within the coast live oak
woodland habitat and the madrone forest habitat.
Roosting bats – including pallid bat, western red bat, Myotis species and others
Status: California Species of Concern, as well as Fish and Game Code Sections 86, 2000, 2014, 3007, Title
14, Sections 15380, 15382.
General Ecology and Distribution : Bats that use trees fall into three categories; 1) solitary, obligate treeroosting bats that roost in the foliage or bark such as Western red-bat (Lasiurus blossevillii), a California
Special Concern (CSC) species, or hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus); 2) frequent tree-roosting bats that form
colonies of varying size in tree cavities, such as silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagens), and 3) more
versatile bat species that will use a wide variety of roosts from buildings to bridges to trees, such as various
Myotis species, pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), another CSC species, and others. Solitary-roosting bats
consist either of single males or females either alone or with young. Colonial-roosting bats form maternity
colonies in cavities or crevices where young are left behind while females forage, then return to nurse their
young. Greater impacts can occur as a result of removal of trees that support cavity-roosting bat species than
those that provide habitat for solitary foliage-roosting species.
Project Area Occurrence: A total of 19 trees provided potentially suitable habitat for cavity or creviceroosting bats. Other snags and trees with marginally suitable roost features were observed, but were not
considered to provide suitable habitat and were not included in this list because they either contained cavities
that were open at the top (permitting light and moisture into the cavity from above), were too small, too low
to the ground, or were within excessive clutter, preventing access by bats. Please refer to Table 7 for all
habitat trees and locations.
Table 7: Potential Bat Habitat Trees and Locations
Roost Tree
Number
Species
Roost Habitat Type
Trail Location
B1
Oak
Limb cavities
Eastern proposed
B2
Oak
Several small cavities in branches
Eastern proposed
B3
Oak
Snag with exfoliating bark and cavities
Eastern proposed
B4
Oak
Cavities in trunk
Eastern proposed
B5
Oak
Cavities in limbs
Eastern proposed
B6
Oak
Cavities in limbs
Eastern proposed
B7
bay
Cavities in higher large branches
Eastern proposed
B8
bay
Cavities in limbs
Central proposed
B9
Oak
Cavities in limbs
Central proposed
B10
Oak
Snag with many several shallow
cavities, exfoliating bark 2-5' from
ground
Central proposed
B11
Oak
Snag with many several shallow
cavities, exfoliating bark 2-5' from
ground
Central proposed
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Roost Tree
Number
Species
Roost Habitat Type
Trail Location
B12
Oak
Fissures in co-dominant trunks
Central proposed
B13
Oak
Cavity in trunk
Central proposed
B14
Bay and
Oak
Many trees throughout rock formation,
holes in bay, crevices in rock
Western alternative
B15
Oak
Cavities in branches, exfoliating bark
Western proposed
B16
Bay
Cavities in trunk
Western proposed
B17
Oak
Crevice on trunk
Western proposed
B18
Oak
Cavity in trunk
Western proposed
B19
Oak
Exfoliating bark
Western proposed
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IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
This section summarizes the potential biological impacts within the study area. The analysis of these impacts
is based on two reconnaissance-level surveys of the study area, a review of existing databases and literature,
and personal professional experience with biological resources of the region. Mitigations for these biological
impacts are provided below and a synopsis is provided in Table 8.
Table 8: Synopsis of Mitigation Measures to Prevent Impacts
Trail Name
Potential Impact
Mitigation Measure
Eastern Trail
Proposed
Special-Status Plants
Waters of the US
California red-legged frog
Nesting Birds
Roosting Bats
Dusky footed woodrats
Surveys required
Permits required: USACE, RWQCB, CDFG
Permit required: Section 7
Surveys required, unless outside nesting season
Phased removal of trees
Phased removal of nests
Alternative
Special-Status Plants
Waters of the US
Nesting birds
Surveys required
Permits required: USACE, RWQCB, CDFG
Surveys required, unless outside nesting season
Proposed
Special- Status Plants
Waters of the US
California red-legged frog
Nesting Birds
Roosting Bats
Surveys required
Permits required: USACE, RWQCB, CDFG
Permit required: Section 7
Surveys required, unless outside nesting season
Phased removal of trees
Alternative
None
Central Trail
Western Trail
Proposed
Special -Status Plants
Waters of the US
Nesting Birds
Burrowing owls
Roosting Bats
Surveys required
Permits required: USACE, RWQCB, CDFG
Surveys required, unless outside nesting season
Surveys required, unless outside nesting season (2/1-8/31)
Phased removal of trees
Alternative
Special-Status Plants
Waters of the US
Special-status invertebrates
California red-legged frog
Nesting Birds
Burrowing owls
Roosting Bats
Surveys required
Permits required: USACE, RWQCB, CDFG
Habitat Suitability Analysis
Permit required: Section 7
Surveys required, unless outside nesting season
Surveys required, unless outside nesting season
Surveys required and Phased removal of trees
Project Impact 1: All of the Proposed Trails and Alternatives, except the Central Trail Alternative #2,
traverse through undisturbed vegetation communities of forest, woodland, shrub and grasslands that may
support special-status plant species. Based on known occurrences within the region, seven special-status
plants have a moderate potential to occur within these habitats and another 11 species have a low potential to
occur, with additional species potentially occurring that have not been recorded for the region but occur in
the communities listed above.
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CDFG protocols for special-status plant surveys require that surveys be conducted for all potential specialstatus plants and that they be conducted at the time of year when these plants are most identifiable, which is
typically when they are in flower. It is recommended that surveys be conducted in March, April, May and
July. This site assessment was conducted in late February and early March when some plants were in flower
but many species were still in the very early vegetative stages so an additional March survey is
recommended. If additional surveys can be conducted during this 2010 flowering season a late March or
early April survey is recommended to capture the early flowering plants, such as fritillary.
Recommendation 1: If special-status plant species are found within a trail alignment the first
recommendation is to avoid the population, which would require adjusting the trail to avoid the population
along with an adequate buffer. If the population cannot be avoided then MCOSD would need to work with
CDFG, or USFWS for federally listed plants, to develop a mitigation plan that would compensate for any
loss of this species and its habitat. Potential mitigation measures may include, but not be limited to,
transplanting the population to a suitable, protected, location; establishment of a conservation easement, or
mitigation banking (if available). The most appropriate mitigation measures for that species would depend
on the life history, status, and population size of the species and on the type of impact expected. This will
require consultation with the appropriate regulatory agency (CDFG and/or USFWS).
Project Impact 2: Development of the Proposed and Alternate Trails may impact sensitive natural
vegetation communities within the study area, including Madrone-California Bay-Coast Live Oak Forest
(1104), California Bay Alliance (1110), California Bay Pure Stands (1111), California Bay-Coast Live Oak
(1115), and Purple Needle Grass Grassland Alliance (4520). According the MCOSD very few trees will
actually be removed as part of trail development. The one exception to this could potential be the rock
outcrop with bay trees located along the Western Alternate Trail where the proposed trail will go directly
through a cluster of bay trees growing on the rock outcrop. It is not known at this time what the direct and
indirect impacts would be to trees at this location.
Recommendation 2A: In general, impacts to tree species will be mostly a result of pruning of limbing to
allow for equestrian riders. In addition MCOSD will attempt to minimize impacts to root systems. The
following permits and/or authorizations will be required:
•
Mitigation for impacts to individual trees shall be mitigated in accordance with the Marin County
Tree Ordinance. Permits to remove trees will take into account the environmental effects of
removal, possible alternatives to removal, and whether preservation unreasonably interferes with
development of the parcel. Required mitigation may include: 1) establishment and maintenance of
replacement trees; 2) a detailed mitigation management plan; 3) removal of invasive exotics; and 4)
posting of a bond to cover the cost of an inspection to ensure the success of these measures described
in 1-3.
•
Most of the drainages within the proposed trail alignments have a dense overstory of California bay
and/or bay and oak trees. These communities would be considered riparian tree communities as they
are associated with the drainage. CDFG has jurisdiction over streams and riparian communities
associated with these streams. A Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement will be require all
stream/drainage trail crossings and CDFG may have additional mitigation measures in addition to
those required by the Marin County Tree Ordinance.
•
In addition, the Marin County Countywide Plan (2007) has a Stream Conservation Area (SCA)
designation that includes all natural watercourses shown as a blue-line on USGS quadrangles or
along watercourses that support riparian vegetation for a length of 100 feet or more. The SCA
includes the stream channel itself from the top of bank to the area extending laterally out from the
top of both banks. Development that may occur within a SCA are closely regulated by the County
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and require consideration of impacts of proposed developments on species and habitats during the
environmental review process.
•
Although not specifically stated in the Marin County Tree Ordinance or the Section 1600 Streambed
Alteration Agreement, the County or CDFG may require or request that a certified arborist review
the forested and woodland areas for recommendations on how to minimize impacts to native trees
and also to evaluate the trees for their health and vigor as well as for any potential for sudden oak
death.
Recommendation 2B: Impacts to Purple Needle Grass Grassland may be reduced through avoidance, as
recommended by CDFG and CNPS guidelines and policies. If avoidance is not possible then a detailed
mitigation plan to minimize impacts and compensate for the loss of any habitat must be developed in
consultation with CDFG. The mitigation plan may call for restoration of areas indirectly impacted by the
trail development and/or restoration of areas within the project that are currently dominated by annual
grasses to restore these communities to native, perennial grassland habitat that includes purple needle grass.
Project Impact 3: With the exception of the Central Alternate Trail, which is on existing fire roads, all the
trails would impact numerous drainages within the study area, and all of these drainages would qualify as
waters of the U.S. and waters of the State, regulated by the USACE and the RWQCB. Several potential
wetland areas were also identified. No formal delineation of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, was
conducted for this report.
Recommendation 3: A formal delineation conducted in accordance with USACE guidelines should be
conducted to identify the jurisdictional areas within the trail alignments. This includes the ordinary high
water mark of the drainages and any adjacent wetlands, as well as seeps. Once the jurisdictional areas have
been identified this information can be used to obtain the necessary permit authorizations from the USACE
and RWQCB. The placement of fill into waters of the U.S., including wetlands, requires authorization under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This authorization can be obtained from the USACE. In addition, a
Section 401 water quality certification would need to be obtained from the state RWQCB.
The federal and state governments have a “no net loss” of wetland policy. The Section 404 and 401 permit
authorizations will require the development of a detailed mitigation and monitoring plan to compensate for
any loss of stream channel and any wetlands. Mitigation could include creating or expanding on existing
wetland habitats, restoration of degraded stream channels, and purchase of credits in an approved wetland
mitigation bank.
Project Impact 4: The Proposed and Alternate Trails will impact 20 different drainages, which would be
classified as streams and are regulated by the CDFG. The term stream, which includes creeks and rivers, is
defined in the California Code of Regulations (CCR) as follows: “a body of water that flows at least
periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life.
This includes watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian
vegetation” (14 CCR 1.72). In addition, the term stream can include ephemeral streams, dry washes,
watercourses with subsurface flows, canals, aqueducts, irrigation ditches, and other means of water
conveyance if they support aquatic life, riparian vegetation, or stream-dependent terrestrial wildlife (CDFG
ESD 1994). Riparian is defined as, “on, or pertaining to, the banks of a stream;” therefore, riparian
vegetation is defined as, “vegetation which occurs in and/or adjacent to a stream and is dependent on, and
occurs because of, the stream itself” (CDFG ESD 1994). Under Sections 1600-1616 of the State Fish and
Game Code CDFG has jurisdiction over streams and lakes, as habitat for fish and wildlife species.
Alterations to or work within or adjacent to streambeds or lakes generally require a Section 1602 Lake and
Streambed Alteration Agreement.
Recommendation 4: A Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement must be obtained from
CDFG for all the stream crossings. CDFG provide a list of conditions under which the stream channel work
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can occur. Work is typically restricted to the dry season between April 15 to October 15th. Erosion and
sediment control measures will be implemented to protect the downstream resources. Compensation or
mitigation for impacts to the riparian vegetation may also be require such as planting additional trees or
restoring degraded sections of the channel up or downstream from the crossing.
Project Impact 5: Creating new trails in undisturbed areas would open natural areas to allow for
establishment of invasive, non-native and weedy plant species. The Marin Countywide Plan (2007), the
California Invasive Pest Plant Council (Cal-IPC) and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), along with
CDFG and other agencies recognize the adverse impacts that invasive, non-native plants have on the
environment. Several invasive plants have already established along the existing fire roads and also along
some of the existing trails, specifically in the grassland areas along the Proposed Western Trail (Indian
Warrior (Solstice) Trail) and the Alternative Western Trail (Meditation Trail).
Recommendation 5: A detailed and comprehensive weed control and management plan should be developed
to reduce or eliminate weed establishment along any new trails and to control weeds within the existing trails
and along the fire roads. The plan could include manual removal such as mowing and weed wrenching,
biological controls (if applicable) such as using insects or fungi that reduce seed production, and, if allowed,
chemical control. Weed control could also include washing of equipment and boots and tools used in the
area to prevent seed dispersal.
Project Impact 6: Invertebrates, such as the Marin hersperian, a land snail, may occur within the seep areas
along the Alternate Western Trail. Trail creation activities in seep areas may impact special-status
invertebrates.
Recommendation 6: A Habitat Suitability analysis by an entomologist should be conducted of the Proposed
and Alternative Trail areas. The top 4 inches of soil shall be scraped slowly so that invertebrates will not be
crushed. This layer shall be set aside so that it becomes the top layer on any shelf or berm that is created
alongside the trail.
Project Impact 7: California red-legged frogs may occur within the Eastern Proposed, Central Proposed and
Western Alternative study areas and may use the proposed trail for upland habitat and as movement
corridors. Trail construction may impact individual CRF and result in loss of habitat.
Recommendation 7a: The project proponent shall implement the following measures to minimize and avoid
take of individual CRF, measures that would additionally benefit western pond turtle, if present.
•
•
•
•
Immediately prior to the start of work, a pre-construction survey will be conducted in the
construction area for CRF by a Service –approved biologist. If CRF are found the USFWS shall be
notified and the individual shall be allowed to move out of the project area.
A USFWS-approved biologist shall conduct an Employee Education Program for all construction
personnel. At a minimum, the training will include a description of the CRF and their habitat, the
importance of the species and their habitats, and the general measures that are being implemented to
protect the CRF as they relate to the project. Instruction shall include the appropriate protocol to
follow in the event CRF are found onsite.
The number of access routes, number and size of staging areas and the total area of activity shall be
limted to the minimum necessary to achieve the project goal. The Service-approved biological
monitor will identifiy the boundaries of the work and staging area and ensure that that contractor
does not disturb any ground outside the designated construction area.
A USFWS-approved biologist shall be present during initial grading activities. Thereafter, an onsite
person shall be designated to monitor onsite compliance with all minimization measures. The
USFWS-approved biologist shall ensure that this individual receives training consistent with that
outlined in the Biological Opinion.
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•
•
•
Best Management Practices will be implemented during construction to prevent any construction
debris or sediment from impacting adjacent habitat.
During all phases of project operations, all trash that may attract CRF predators shall be properly
contained and removed from the site.
The fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment shall occur at least 20 meters from any
riparian habitat or water body.
Recommendation 7b: To mitigate for loss of potential red-legged frog upland habitat consultation with the
USFWS, under a Section 7, will be required to ascertain where suitable off-site mitigation lands could be
purchased.
Project Impacts 8: Passerines and raptors nesting in the mixed oak woodland, chaparral and riparian trees
and the lowlands throughout all of the proposed and alternative alignments and could be impacted if
construction occurs during the nesting season (March through August). Impacts include direct mortality
through nest removal or indirect mortality caused by nest abandonment by adults through nearby disturbance.
Recommendation 8: The following mitigation measures should be followed in order to avoid or minimize
impacts to passerines and raptors that may potentially nest in the trees:
1) Grading or removal of nesting trees should be conducted outside the nesting season, which occurs
between approximately February 15 and August 15.
2) If grading between August 15 and February 15 is infeasible and groundbreaking must occur within
the nesting season, a pre-construction nesting bird (both passerine and raptor) survey of the
grasslands and adjacent trees shall be performed by a qualified biologist within 7 days of ground
breaking. If no nesting birds are observed no further action is required and grading shall occur within
one week of the survey to prevent “take” of individual birds that could begin nesting after the survey.
3) If active bird nests (either passerine and/or raptor) are observed during the pre-construction survey, a
disturbance-free buffer zone shall be established around the nest tree(s) until the young have fledged,
as determined by a qualified biologist.
4) The radius of the required buffer zone can vary depending on the species, (i.e., 75-100 feet for
passerines and 200-300 feet for raptors), with the dimensions of any required buffer zones to be
determined by a qualified biologist in consultation with CDFG.
5) To delineate the buffer zone around a nesting tree, orange construction fencing shall be placed at the
specified radius from the base of the tree within which no machinery or workers shall intrude.
After the fencing is in place there will be no restrictions on grading or construction activities outside the
prescribed buffer zones.
Project Impacts 9: Although not found on the site, burrowing owls may become established on the site prior
to ground breaking. If burrowing owls become established prior to ground breaking, disturbance, such as
grading and earthmoving activities, within project site grasslands during the nesting season (February 1
through August 31) may result in the potential nest abandonment and mortality of young, resulting in
“take” of individuals
Recommendation 9: To prevent “take” of individual BUOW nesting on site, the following measures are
recommended:
A. If ground disturbance must occur within the nesting season (February 1 to August 31), a preconstruction nesting burrowing owl survey following CDFG protocols should be performed by a
qualified biologist prior to disturbance. Protocol surveys include conducting four crepuscular (early
morning or late evening) surveys. If owls are found but no courtship behavior is observed then
exclusion of the owls from the burrows may occur. Any early season active nests, as shown by
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courtship behavior or food transfers between adults, must not be disturbed until the young have
fledged.
B. Ground squirrel burrows within the area of proposed ground disturbance will have exclusion devises
put on them for 48 hours to ensure any owls have left the burrows before excavation.
C. All burrows with active nests with owls exhibiting courtship behavior or food transference shall be
identified by flagging and be protected by a no disturbance buffer zone of 75 meters (approximately
250 feet). No further disturbance to these areas shall occur until the young have fledged and exclusion
has been implemented.
D. Areas of bare ground or with grass less than six inches in height may attract burrowing owls during
the winter season. If construction is to occur after a period of inactivity and soil is left barren, a
burrowing owl habitat evaluation to determine occupancy of the site should be conducted prior to
ground disturbance the following season.
Project Impact 10: Construction activities at the project site could affect known habitat for the San
Francisco dusky-footed woodrat, a CDFG Species of Special Concern, and could result in direct mortality
to woodrats in the construction area. (Potentially Significant)
Recommendation 10: Avoid nests during construction if possible. If avoidance is not feasible, a qualified
biologist shall dismantle the nest by hand and relocate the materials to an area adjacent to the trail that will
not be directly impacted. Preferred habitats for the relocated material include scrub, chaparral, and/or oak
woodlands. Removal of the nest will encourage any resident woodrats to disperse into adjoining areas of
vegetative cover.
Project Impact 11: Direct mortality of bats roosting could occur as a result of tree removal or trimming,
and rock blasting within the Madrone-California Bay-Coast Live Oak Forest (1104), California Bay Alliance
(1110), California Bay Pure Stands (1111), and California Bay-Coast Live Oak (1115) that occur on the site,
if construction occurs during either the maternity roosting season (about April 15 through August 31), or
during winter torpor months (October through February).
The greatest potential for mortality to bats exists with removal of trees containing cavities that could support
colonies, because young are not able to fly from the roost. One group of trees and associated rocks located
within a California Bay pure stand (1111) on the Alternative Western Trail, contains cavities and crevices
that are suitable to support a greater diversity and population of day-roosting bats than the individual trees
located elsewhere along the trail alignments. In addition, bats are likely to be more site-faithful to the
rock/tree feature than individual trees. To better determine the potential impacts to bats at this location and
develop more appropriate mitigation strategies in the event the rocks and associated trees are occupied,
focused surveys must be conducted by a qualified bat biologist possessing a Scientific Collection Permit and
Memorandum of Understanding for work with bats. Surveys must be conducted during seasonal periods of
greatest activity (May - August), to ensure detection of bats, if present. No other mitigation measures can be
provided until this data has been collected.
In regards to removal of individual trees containing suitable potential crevice or cavity roost habitat; because
many bats frequently switch tree roosts, relying on negative results from night emergence surveys may be
ineffective. This is because night emergence surveys of trees often must be repeated several times on
different nights to establish a reasonable confidence in negative results. Also, bats could begin roosting in
trees previously established as unoccupied; removal of those trees or roost limbs without suitable precautions
would then cause direct mortality. As a result, night surveys would be of minimal value and are therefore not
recommended for this project. Sometimes, it is possible to inspect tree cavities and crevices using video or
optical probes, however more commonly, it is not physically possible to access these features due to tree
height, condition, ground slope or other conditions.
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Instead, presence of roosting bats should be assumed, and tree removal conducted only when all bats are
active (no winter torpid bats, no non-volant young), and then by following a two-stage process over two
consecutive days. In this method, branches and small limbs identified by a qualified bat biologist to contain
no suitable roost habitat are removed first on Day 1, using chainsaws only (no dozers, backhoes, etc.). On
Day 2, the remainder of the tree is removed. The disturbance caused by chainsaw noise and vibration,
coupled with the physical alteration, has the effect of causing bats to abandon the roost tree after nightly
emergence for foraging. Removing the tree the next day prevents re-habituation and reoccupation of the altered tree.
Recommendation 11a: Avoidance. To every extent feasible, avoid removal of individual trees, as well as the
rock outcrop and associated trees, through realignment of the trail. If this is not possible, then the following
recommendations must be implemented:
Recommendation 11b: Phased removal of trees.
1) Conduct tree removal only during seasonal periods of activity; starting about March 1 (or when night
temperatures are above 45F and when rains have ceased) until April 15 (when females begin to give
birth to young), or from August 15 (when young bats are self-sufficiently volant) until about October
15 (before night temperatures fall below 45F and rains begin).
2) Fall trees only when no rain is occurring or is forecast to occur for 3 days and when daytime
temperatures are at least 50F.
3) Trees to be completely removed must be removed using a two-stage. The two stage process must be
conducted over two consecutive days.
a. On Day 1, under supervision of a qualified bat expert, selected branches and limbs not
containing cavities are to be removed using only chainsaws (no excavators, etc.).
Specifically, late in the afternoon on Day 1 (e.g. Tuesday) only small branches (<4” dia.) not
containing cavities or fissures are removed using chainsaws (no heavy equipment). Only
branches with leaves should be removed, which can include the crown or perimeter leafy
canopy of each tree.
b. The following day (Day 2), the remainder of the tree is removed, either using chainsaws or
other equipment. Supervision is required to provide identification of branches and limbs safe
for removal and instruction to tree cutters in suitable procedures.
4) No diesel or gas-powered equipment shall be stored or operated directly beneath trees with potential
roosts, except chainsaws that are used for removal of those trees.
Recommendation 11c: Limbing/branching of trees. Trees that will not need to be removed may require
trimming of limbs and/or branches. The initial assessment showed that all trees identified for trimming
contained no suitable cavities in the limbs and/or branches to be removed. However, many trees did contain
suitable potential roost cavities in either the trunk or other limbs which should be avoided to prevent take of
roosting bats.
1) Conduct trimming using only chainsaws. No seasonal constraints are imposed, because potential
roost features will not be removed, and disturbance during trimming will be of short duration.
2) No diesel or gas-powered equipment shall be stored or operated directly beneath trees with potential
roosts, except chainsaws that are used for removal of those trees.
Direct mortality is easily avoided, as discussed below in Table 9.
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Table 9: Tree Number and Removal Recommendations
Roost Tree
(Numbered with
paint)
Recommendations
B1
Avoid if possible. Phased removal if necessary.
B2
Avoid if possible. Phased removal if necessary.
B3
Avoid if possible. Phased removal if necessary.
B4
OK to remove lower limbs.
B5
Minimize noise -if possible, do not remove limbs. If not, phased removal
B6
Avoid if possible. Phased removal if necessary.
B7
OK to remove small lower branch only - keep tree.
B8
Avoid if possible. Phased removal if necessary.
B9
Avoid if possible, but OK to remove smaller limbs if needed - leave remainder.
B10
Phased removal.
B11
Phased removal.
B12
Phased removal.
B13
Avoid if possible. Phased removal if necessary.
B14
Emergence surveys required to determine potential impacts and suitable mitigations.
B15
OK to remove smaller limbs.
B16
Phased removal.
B17
Phased removal.
B18
OK to remove small limb - leave remainder.
B19
Phased removal.
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BIOLOGICAL RECOMMENDATIONS
This section discusses the evaluations of the various Proposed and Alternative Trails for the 680 Trail and
recommends the least environmentally damaging location for trail placement.
All of the proposed trails, which include the Eastern, Central and Western trails, traverse steep slopes in
relatively natural environments that support special-status vegetation communities. Although focused
surveys for special-status plants and animals have not been conducted, the initial assessment established that
there is a Low Potential for eleven plants species and 4 animals species to occur within the alignments, a
Moderate Potential for 6 plant and 6 animal species to occur with the alignments and a High Potential for one
plant and 8 animal species to occur within the alignments. Table 10 presents the known and potential
Special-Status Biological Resources per Trail Segment.
Table 10: Special-Status Biological Resources Per Trail Segment
Number of Biological Resources
Drainages
Vegetation
Communities
Plants
Animals
(potential)
(potential)
Proposed
6
2
12
7
Alternative
1
2
14 (due to proximity
to chaparral)
2
Proposed
5
5
14
12
Alternative
0
2
2 (plants that occur
along roadsides)
0
Proposed
11
7
15
11
Alternative
3
4
14
10
Trail Segments
Eastern Trail
Central Trail
Western Trail
A review of Table 10 shows that the Western Proposed Trail crosses 11 drainages and 7 special-status
vegetation communities, and the potential to effect 15 special-status plants and 11 special-status animals
which shows the highest biological resources for all the segments. This portion of the trail goes through the
“bowl” area that has the potential to be a large wetland based on the presence of saturated soils and water
seepage at the time of the site visits. All creek crossings and wetland areas are considered to be sensitive
areas and would require multiple permits from various agencies along with appropriate mitigation.
It was also observed during the initial assessment along this trail, that the grassland areas are dominated by
non-native species and in particular several invasive plants such as milk thistle, yellow and purple star thistle,
and romulea. There would also be the potential to increase invasive plants if they are not properly controlled
after completion of the trail.
The Central Proposed Trail crosses 5 drainages and 5 special-status vegetation communities along with the
potential to impact 14 special-status plants and 12 special-status animals. This trail segment does not have
the same kinds of wetland areas as along the Western Proposed Trail, but as stated previously, all creek
crossings are considered to be sensitive areas and would require multiple permits from various agencies
along with appropriate mitigation.
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The Eastern Proposed Trail crosses 6 drainages, 2 special- status plant communities and has the potential to
affect 12 special-status plans and 7 special-status animals. This trail segment does not have the same kinds
of wetland areas as along the Western Proposed Trail. However, the number of creek crossings gives this
trail segment a higher risk and sensitivity rating than one with fewer crossings and potential to affect plants
and animals.
Only one trail segment has the lowest impacts to drainages, vegetation communities, plants and animals - the
Central Alternative Trail - as this trail utilizes the existing fire roads.
Permits for work impacting these biological resources will have to be obtained from both federal and State
agencies and typically take one year to obtain. Also, required mitigation measures include setting aside
suitable off-site habitat to replace lost biological resources , such as Waters of the U.S. and State, and
upland habitat for California red-legged frog.
To reduce impacts to special-status biological resources, we recommend that MCOSD utilize existing roads
and trails, such as the Central Alternative #2 Trail on the Loma Alta and San Domenico Fire Roads, as much
as possible. We recommend trails with the least effects to biological resources, such as the Western
Alternative #2 Trail, which only crosses three drainages instead of 11. There is little to no difference between
the Eastern Proposed Trail and the Eastern Alternative #2 Trail as the alternative Trail is a small segment to
the entire trail.
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REFERENCES
AERIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS [AIS], INC. 2008. PHOTO INTERPRETATION AND MAPPING CLASSIFICATION
REPORT. TECHNICAL REPORT PREPARED FOR MARIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE DISTRICT.
BAICICH, P. AND C. HARRISON. 1997. A GUIDE TO NESTS, EGGS AND NESTLINGS OF NORTH AMERICAN
BIRDS. SECOND EDITION. NATURAL WORLD ACADEMIC PRESS. SAN DIEGO. 347 PP.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME (CDFG). 2010. SPECIAL ANIMALS. NATURAL DIVERSITY
DATA BASE, WILDLIFE AND HABITAT DATA ANALYSIS BRANCH. FEBRUARY.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME (CDFG). 2010. STATE AND FEDERALLY LISTED
ENDANGERED AND THREATENED ANIMALS OF CALIFORNIA. NATURAL DIVERSITY DATA BASE,
WILDLIFE AND HABITAT DATA ANALYSIS BRANCH. JANUARY.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION (ESD). 1994. A FIELD
GUIDE TO LAKE AND STREAMBED ALTERATION AGREEMENTS, SECTIONS 1600-1607, CALIFORNIA FISH
AND GAME CODE.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME (CDFG). 1988B. CALIFORNIA'S WILDLIFE - AMPHIBIANS
AND REPTILE. VOLUME I. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME. EDITORS, ZEINER, D.C., W.F.
LAUDENSLAYER, JR., AND K.E. MAYER.
CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY. 2010. ELECTRONIC INVENTORY OF RARE AND ENDANGERED
VASCULAR PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA. CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA.
CALIFORNIA NATURAL DIVERSITY DATA BASE (CNDDB). 2010. REPORTED OCCURRENCES FOR THE
NOVATO, SAN GERONIMO, BOLINAS AND SAN RAFAEL 7.5-MINUTE TOPOGRAPHIC QUADRANGLES.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DIVISION. SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. FEBRUARY.
CALL, MAYO W. 1978. NEST SURVEYS. TECHNICAL NOTES-316. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY. 1987. CORPS OF ENGINEERS WETLANDS DELINEATION MANUAL.
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, WATERWAYS EXPERIMENT STATION, VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI 391800631.
FELLERS, G. AND P. KLEEMAN. 2007. CALIFORNIA RED-LEGGED FROG (RANA DRAYTONII) MOVEMENT AND
HABITAT USE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION. J. OF HERPETOLOGY VOL .41 (2): 271-281.
GRINNELL, J. AND A. MILLER. 1944. THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA. ARTEMESIA PRESS,
LEE VINING, CALIFORNIA.
HICKMAN, J.C. (ED.) 1993. THE JEPSON MANUAL: HIGHER PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA. UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA PRESS.
HOLLAND, D.C. 1992. A SYNOPSIS OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND CURRENT STATUS OF THE WESTERN POND
TURTLE (CLEMMYS MARMORATA) IN OREGON. REPORT PREPARED FOR NON-GAME DIVISION OREGON
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE.
JENNINGS, M.R. AND M.P. HAYES. 1994. AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN IN
CALIFORNIA. PREPARED FOR THE CALIF. DEPT. OF FISH AND GAME INLAND FISHERIES DIV. RANCHO
CORDOVA, CALIF. NOVEMBER 1. 255 PP.
MARIN COUNTY. 2007. MARIN COUNTYWIDE PLAN: ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ELEMENT. ADOPTED
JANUARY, 1994 AND UPDATED IN 2007.
MAYER, K.E. AND W. F. LAUDENSLAYER, JR. EDS. 1988. A GUIDE TO WILDLIFE HABITATS OF CALIFORNIA.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION. SACRAMENTO. 166 PP.
MCCULLOUGH, D. 1996. METAPOPULATIONS AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION. ISLAND PRESS. 429PP.
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RATHBUN, G.B., M.R. JENNINGS, T.G. MURPHEY AND N.R. SIEPEL. 1993. STATUS AND ECOLOGY OF
SENSITIVE AQUATIC VERTEBRATES IN LOWER SAN SIMEON AND PICO CREEKS, SAN LUIS OBISPO
COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. UNPUBLISHED REPORT, NATIONAL ECOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER, PIEDRAS
BLANCAS RESEARCH STATION, SAN SIMEON, CALIFORNIA. UNDER COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT (14-160009-91-1909).
REMSEN, H.V. 1988. BIRD SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN IN CALIFORNIA: AN ANNOTATED LIST OF
DECLINING OR VULNERABLE BIRD SPECIES. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME, THE
RESOURCES AGENCY.
SAWYER, JOHN O., TODD KEELER-WOLF, JULIE M EVENS. 2009. A MANUAL OF CALIFORNIA VEGETATION.
SECOND EDITION. CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY PRESS, SACRAMENTO, CA. 1300 PAGES.
STEBBINS, R. C. 1985. A FIELD GUIDE TO WESTERN REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS. HOUGHTON MIFFLIN
COMPANY.
STETSON ENGINEERS INC. 2010. GEOTECHNICAL AND GEOMORPHIC ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED 680
TRAIL CORRIDOR, MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. DRAFT TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM PREPARED FOR
MARIN COUNTY OPEN SPACE JANUARY 29.
TATARIAN, P. 2008. MOVEMENT PATTERNS OF CALIFORNIA RED-LEGGED FROG (RANA DRAYTONII) IN AN
INLAND CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENT. HERPETOLOGICAL CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 3(2):155-169
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS). 2010. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES SYSTEM
(TESS) AND CANDIDATE SPECIES AS OF 2/2010.
WELSH, H. 1994. BIOREGIONS: AN ECOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE AND A PROPOSAL FOR
CALIFORNIA. CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME (80) 3:97-124.
WHITTAKER, R. 1998. ISLAND BIOGEOGRAPHY: ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION AND CONSERVATION. OXFORD
UNIVERSITY PRESS. 285PP.
WILLIAMS, D.F. 1986. MAMMALIAN SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN IN CALIFORNIA. CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DIVISION ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT 86-1.
112 PP.
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FIGURE 1: LOCATION MAP
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Figure 2 - Biological Resources
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Figure 3. Drainage 3 - Eastern Proposed Trail.
Figure 4. Drainage 8 - Central Proposed Trail.
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Figure 5. Drainage 10 - Central Proposed Trail.
Figure 6. Drainage 12, looking upstream - Western Proposed, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2.
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Figure 7: Drainage 12, looking downstream - Western Proposed, Alternative 1 and Alternative 2.
Figure 8: Drainage 14 - Western Alternative 1.
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APPENDIX A: FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL PLANS, POLICIES,
REGULATIONS AND ORDINANCES
Federal Endangered Species Act - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pursuant to ESA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has regulatory authority over federally listed
species. Under ESA, a permit to “take” a listed species is required for any federal action that may harm an
individual of that species. Take is defined under Section 9 of ESA as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot,
wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Under federal regulation,
take is further defined to include habitat modification or degradation where it would be expected to result in
death or injury to listed wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding,
feeding, or sheltering. Section 7 of ESA requires all federal agencies to consult with USFWS to ensure that
their actions are not likely to “jeopardize the continued existence” of any listed species or “result in the
destruction or adverse modification” of designated critical habitat. No federal approvals or other actions are
anticipated as being required to implement the project at this time. Therefore, consultation under Section 7 of
ESA is not expected. However, if USACE determines that wetlands and/or other waters of the United States
on the project site are subject to protection under Section 404 of the CWA, or any other federal action
becomes necessary, consultation under Section 7 of ESA would be required.
For projects where federal action is not involved and take of a listed species may occur, the project proponent
may seek to obtain a permit for incidental take under Section 10(a) of ESA. Section 10(a) of ESA allows
USFWS to permit the incidental take of listed species if such take is accompanied by a habitat conservation
plan (HCP) that includes components to minimize and mitigate impacts associated with the take. The permit
is known as an incidental take permit. The project proponent must obtain a permit before conducting any
otherwise-lawful activities that would result in the incidental take of a federally listed species.
Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USACE regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States under Section 404
of the CWA. Waters of the United States are defined as waters where use, degradation, or destruction could
affect interstate or foreign commerce, tributaries to any of these waters, and wetlands that meet any of these
criteria or that are somehow connected to any of these waters or their tributaries. Wetlands are defined as
areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient
to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted to
life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands falling under USACE jurisdiction must demonstrate the presence
of three specific wetland parameters: hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and sufficient wetland hydrology.
Generally, wetlands include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Lakes, rivers, and streams are defined
as “other waters.” Jurisdictional limits of these features are typically noted by the ordinary high-water mark
(OHWM). The OHWM is the line on the shore or bank that is established by the fluctuations of water and
indicated by physical characteristics, such as a clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in
soils, lack of woody or terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter or debris, or other characteristics of the
surrounding areas.
Isolated ponds or seasonal depressions had been previously regulated as waters of the United States.
However, in Solid Waste Agency of Northwestern Cook County (SWANCC) v. United States Army Corps
of Engineers et al. (January 8, 2001), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that certain “isolated” wetlands (e.g.,
nonnavigable, isolated, and intrastate) do not fall under the jurisdiction of the CWA and are no longer under
USACE jurisdiction (although isolated wetlands are regulated by the State of California under the PorterCologne Water Quality Control Act—see discussion below). Some circuit courts (e.g., U.S. v. Deaton, 2003;
U.S. v. Rapanos, 2003; Northern California River Watch v. City of Healdsburg, 2006), however, have ruled
that the SWANCC opinion does not prevent CWA jurisdiction if a “significant nexus” such as a hydrologic
connection exists, whether it be human-made (e.g., roadside ditch) or natural tributary to navigable waters, or
direct seepage from the wetland to the navigable water, a surface or underground hydraulic connection, an
ecological connection (e.g., the same bird, mammal, and fish populations are supported by both the wetland
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and the navigable water), and changes to chemical concentrations in the navigable water due to water from
the wetland.
Section 404 prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States (including
wetlands) without a permit from USACE. With respect to the proposed project, the discharge of dredged or
fill material includes the following activities:
•
•
•
•
placement of fill that is necessary for the construction of any structure or infrastructure in a water of
the United States;
the building of any structure, infrastructure, or impoundment requiring rock, sand, dirt, or other
material for its construction;
site-development fills for recreational, industrial, commercial, residential, or other uses; and
construction of causeways or road fills.
The regulations and policies of USACE, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and USFWS
mandate that the filling of wetlands be avoided unless it can be demonstrated that no practicable alternatives
(to filling wetlands) exist. If the placement of fill into waters of the U.S., including wetlands, meets certain
criteria the project be permitted under one of the Nation Wide Permits (NWP), which is an expedited permit
process.
Section 401 of the CWA requires an applicant for any federal permit that may result in a discharge into
waters of the United States to obtain a certification from the state that the discharge will comply with
provisions of the CWA. The regional water quality control boards (RWQCBs) administer this program. Any
condition of water quality certification would be incorporated into the USACE permit. The state has a policy
of no net loss of wetlands and typically requires mitigation for impacts on wetlands before it will issue a
water quality certification.
Essential Fish Habitat - National Marine Fisheries Service
Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) is regulated through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a division
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Protection of EFH is mandated through
changes implemented in 1996 to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
(Magnuson-Stevens Act) to protect the loss of habitat necessary to maintain sustainable fisheries in the
United States. The Magnuson-Stevens Act defines EFH as "those waters and substrate necessary to fish for
spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity" (16 U.S.C. 1802(10)). NMFS further defines essential
fish habitat as areas that "contain habitat essential to the long-term survival and health of our nation's
fisheries" (NMFS 2007). EFH can include the water column, bottom substrate types such as gravels suitable
in size for salmonid spawning, and vegetation and woody structures that provided habitat for rearing. Under
regulatory guidelines issued by NMFS, any federal agency that authorizes, funds, or undertakes action that
may affect EFH is required to consult with NMFS (50 CFR 600.920).
Waters of the State - California Regional Water Quality Control Board
The term “Waters of the State” is defined by the Porter-Cologne Act as “any surface water or groundwater,
including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state.” The Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB) protects all waters in its regulatory scope, but has special responsibility for wetlands, riparian
areas, and headwaters. These waterbodies have high resource value, are vulnerable to filling, and are not
systematically protected by other programs. RWQCB jurisdiction includes “isolated” wetlands and waters
that may not be regulated by the USACE under Section 404. “Waters of the State” are regulated by the
RWQCB under the State Water Quality Certification Program which regulates discharges of fill and dredged
material under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act.
Projects that require a USACE permit, or fall under other federal jurisdiction, and have the potential to
impact “Waters of the State,” are required to comply with the terms of the Water Quality Certification
determination.
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If a proposed project does not require a federal permit, but does involve dredge or fill activities that may
result in a discharge to “Waters of the State,” the RWQCB has the option to regulate the dredge and fill
activities under its state authority in the form of Waste Discharge Requirements.
Streams, Lakes, and Riparian Habitat - California Department of Fish and Game
Streams and lakes, as habitat for fish and wildlife species, are subject to jurisdiction by CDFG under Sections
1600-1616 of the State Fish and Game Code. Alterations to or work within or adjacent to streambeds or lakes
generally require a 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement. The term stream, which includes creeks
and rivers, is defined in the California Code of Regulations (CCR) as follows: “a body of water that flows at
least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic
life. This includes watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian
vegetation” (14 CCR 1.72). In addition, the term stream can include ephemeral streams, dry washes,
watercourses with subsurface flows, canals, aqueducts, irrigation ditches, and other means of water
conveyance if they support aquatic life, riparian vegetation, or stream-dependent terrestrial wildlife (CDFG
ESD 1994). Riparian is defined as, “on, or pertaining to, the banks of a stream;” therefore, riparian
vegetation is defined as, “vegetation which occurs in and/or adjacent to a stream and is dependent on, and
occurs because of, the stream itself” (CDFG ESD 1994). Removal of riparian vegetation also requires a
Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFG.
Native Tree Protection and Preservation - Marin County
Pursuant to the Marin County Native Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance, Chapter 22.27, the County
will strive to protect large native trees, trees with historical importance, and oak woodland habitat. The
County limits removal of native trees in the non-agricultural unincorporated areas of Marin County. Permits
to remove trees will take into account the environmental effects of removal, possible alternatives to removal,
and whether preservation unreasonably interferes with development of the parcel. Required mitigation may
include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
establishment and maintenance of replacement trees;
a detailed mitigation management plan;
removal of invasive exotics; and
posting of a bond to cover the cost of an inspection to ensure the success of measures
described above.
Stream Conservation Areas - Marin County
In Marin County, a Stream Conservation Area (SCA) is designated along all natural watercourses shown as a
solid or dashed blue line on the most recent appropriate USGS quadrangle map, or along watercourses
supporting riparian vegetation for a length of 100 feet or more (Marin Countywide Plan 1994). The SCA
consists of the watercourse itself between the tops of the banks and a strip of land extending laterally
outward from the top of both banks. Development activities that may occur within a SCA are closely
regulated by the County and require consideration of impacts of proposed developments on species and
habitats during the environmental review.
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Appendix B: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Plant Species in the Study Area
Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG/
CNPS list
Alopecurus aequalis var.
sonomensis
Sonoma alopecurus
FE/-/1B
Amorpha californica var.
napensis
Napa false indigo
-/-/1B
Amsinckia lunaris
Bent-flowered fiddleneck
-/-/1B
Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp.
Montana
Mt. Tamalpais manzanita
Arctostaphylos virgata
Marin manzanita
Carex lyngbyei
Lyngbye’s sedge
Castilleja affinis ssp.
neglecta
Tiburon paintbrush
Freshwater marshes and swamps, riparian
scrub. May-July.
Low. Typical habitat
not present in study
area.
Openings in broadleafed upland forest,
chaparral, cismontane woodland. AprilJuly.
Moderate. Potential
habitat is present in
study area.
Coastal bluff scrub, cismontane woodland,
valley and foothill grassland. March-June.
-/-/1B
Broadleafed upland forest, closed-cone
coniferous forest, chaparral, North Coast
coniferous forest on sandstone or granitic
substrates. January-March.
Low. Potential habitat
in study area but none
were observed during
surveys.
Coastal dunes, coastal scrub, coastal salt
marshes and swamps and streamsides.
April-October.
None. No habitat in
study area.
North Coast coniferous forest. AprilAugust.
None. No habitat in
study area.
Brackish or freshwater marshes and
swamps. May-August.
Low. Typical habitat
not present in study
area.
Serpentinite valley and foothill grassland.
April-June.
None. No serpentinite
in study area
-/-/2
FE/CT/1B
Chaparral, rocky, serpentinite. March-April.
Ceanothus masonii
Mason’s ceanothus
-/CR/1B
Chorizanthe cuspidata var.
cuspidata
San Francisco Bay
spineflower
-/-/1B
Cirsium hydrophilium var.
vaseyi
Mt. Tamalpais thistle
-/-/1B
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
Habitat and CRF Site Assessment
Moderate. Potential
habitat is present in
study area.
None. No serpentinite
habitat in study area.
None observed during
survey.
Chaparral, valley and foothill
grassland/serpentinite, rocky. FebruaryApril.
-/-/2
Boschniakia hookeri
Small groundcone
Potential for
Occurrence
-/-/1B
-/-/1B
Astragalus pycnostachyus
var. pycnostachyus
Coastal marsh milk-vetch
Habitat Affinities and Blooming
Period/Life Form
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal
prairie, coastal scrub/sandy. April-July.
Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral,
meadows and seeps/serpentinite seeps.
May-August.
45
None. No serpentinite
habitat in study area.
No ceanothus species
observed during
surveys.
None. No habitat in
study area.
None. No serpentinite
in study area.
Wildlife Research Associates
Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG/
CNPS list
Cordylanthus maritimus ssp.
palustris
Point Reyes bird’s-beak
Dirca occidentalis
Western leatherwood
Habitat Affinities and Blooming
Period/Life Form
Potential for
Occurrence
-/-/1B
Coastal salt marshes and swamps. JuneOctober.
None. No habitat in
study area.
-/-/1B
Broadleafed upland forest, closed-one
coniferous forest, chaparral, cismontane
woodland, North Coast coniferous forest,
riparian forest, riparian woodland/mesic.
January-March.
Low. Typical habitat
not in study area.
None observed during
survey.
Entosthodon kochii
Koch’s cord moss
-/-/1B
Eriogonum luteolum var.
caninum
Tiburon buckwheat
-/-/1B
High. Potential habitat
in study area. CNDDB
occurrence recorded
for Lucas Valley Road
about 2 to 3 miles east
of Nicasio.
Cismontane woodland.
Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal
prairie, valley and foothill grassland on
serpentinite, sandy to gravelly sites. MaySeptember.
None. No serpentinite
in study area.
Fissidens pauperculus
Minute pocket moss
-/-/1B
North Coast coniferous forest in damp
coastal soils.
None. No habitat in
study area.
Fritillaria lanceolata var.
tristulis
Marin checker lily
-/-/1B
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie, coastal
scrub. February-May.
None. No habitat in
study area.
-/-/1B
Cismontane woodland, coastal prairie,
coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland
often on serpentinite or clay soils.
February-April.
Low. Typical habitat is
not present in study
area-no serpentine or
clays soils present.
Coastal dunes, coastal scrub. April-July.
None. No habitat in
study area.
-/-/1B
Coastal bluff scrub, rocky outcrops. MayJuly.
None. No habitat in
study area.
Helianthella castanea
Diablo helianthella
-/-/1B
Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral,
cismontane woodland, coastal scrub,
riparian woodland, valley and foothill
grassland. March-June.
Moderate. Potential
habitat in study area.
Hemizonia congesta ssp.
congesta
Seaside tarplant
-/-/1B
Valley and foothill grassland, sometimes
along roadsides. April-November.
Moderate. Potential
habitat in study area.
Hesperolinon congestum
Marin western flax
FT/CT/1B
Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland on
serpentinite. April-July.
None. No serpentinite
in study area.
Fritillaria liliacea
Fragrant fritillary
Gilia capitata ssp.
chamissonis
Blue coast gilia
Gilia capitata ssp.
tomentosa
Woolly-headed gilia
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
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-/-/1B
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Wildlife Research Associates
Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG/
CNPS list
Habitat Affinities and Blooming
Period/Life Form
Potential for
Occurrence
Holocarpha macradenia
Santa Cruz tarplant
FT/CE/1B
Coastal prairie, coastal scrub, valley and
foothill grassland in light, sandy soil or
sandy clay. June-October.
None. No sandy or
sandy clay soils in
study area.
Horkelia tenuiloba
Thin-lobed horkelia
-/-/1B
Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, valley
and foothill grassland on sandy soils, mesic
openings. May-July.
None. No sandy soils
in study area.
Leptosiphon croceus
Coast yellow leptosiphon
-/-/1B
Coastal bluff scrub, coastal prairie. AprilMay.
None. No habitat in
study area.
Lessingia micradenia var.
micradenia
Tamalpais lessingia
-/-/1B
Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland,
usually on serpentinite, often on roadsides.
July-October.
Low. Typical habitat
not in study area (no
serpentinite).
Microseris paludosa
Marsh microseris
-/-/1B
Closed-cone coniferous forest, cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothill
grassland. April-June.
Moderate. Potential
habitat in study area.
Mielichhoferia elongata
Elongate copper moss
-/-/2
Cismontane woodland –moss growing on
metamorphic rock, usually vernally mesic
at 500 to 1300 meters elevation.
Low to None. Study
area is not within the
elevation range of this
species. However the
CNDDB record is from
Bolinas.
Navarretia leucocephala ssp.
bakeri
Baker’s navarretia
-/-/1B
Cismontane woodland, lower montane
coniferous forest, meadows and seeps,
valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools
and swales, adobe or alkaline soils, mesic
sites. April-July.
Navarretia rosulata
Marin County navarretia
-/-/1B
Closed-cone coniferous forest and
chaparral on serpentinite. May-July.
None. No serpentinite
in study area.
Pentachaeta bellidiflora
White-rayed pentachaeta
FE/CE/1B
Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill
grassland on open, dry rocky slopes and
grassy areas, often on serpentinite. MarchMay.
Low to None. No
serpentinite in study
area.
Plagiobothrys glaber
Hairless popcorn-flower
-/-/1A
Alkaline meadows and seeps; coastal salt
marshes and swamps. March-May.
None. No alkaline
areas or coastal salt
marsh in study area.
Pleuropogon hooverianus
North Coast semaphore
grass
-/CT/1B
Broadleafed upland forest, meadows and
seeps, North Coast coniferous forest in
open areas and mesic sites. April-June.
Low. Typical habitat
not present in study
area.
Polygonum marinense
Marin knotweed
-/-/3
Coastal salt or brackish marshes and
swamps. May-August.
None. No habitat in
study area.
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
Habitat and CRF Site Assessment
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Low to None. Typical
habitat is not present
in study area. No
adobe or alkaline soils.
Wildlife Research Associates
Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG/
CNPS list
Quercus parvula var.
tamalpaisensis
Tamalpais oak
Sidalcea calycosa ssp.
rhizomata
Point Reyes checkerbloom
Sidalcea hickmanii ssp.
viridis
Marin checkerbloom
-/-/1B
-/-/1B
-/-/1B
Habitat Affinities and Blooming
Period/Life Form
Lower montane coniferous forest. MarchApril.
Freshwater marshes and swamps near
coast. April-September.
Chaparral on serpentintie. May-June.
Stebbinsoseris decipiens
Santa Cruz microseris
-/-/1B
Broadleafed upland forest, closed-cone
coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal prairie,
coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland
in open areas, sometimes on serpentinite.
April-May.
Streptanthus batrachopus
Tamalpais jewel-flower
-/-/1B
Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral on
serpentinite. April-July.
Streptanthus glandulosus
ssp. pulchellus
Mount Tamalpais bristly
jewel-flower
-/-/1B
Trifolium amoenum
Showy rancheria clover
FE/-/1B
Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland on
serpentinite. May-July.
Coastal bluff scrub, valley and foothill
grassland, sometimes on serpentinite.
April-June.
Potential for
Occurrence
None. No habitat in
study area. Not
observed during
survey.
None. Typical habitat
not present in study
area.
None. No serpentinite
in study area.
Low to None. Typical
habitat not in study
area.
None. No serpentinite
in study area.
None. No serpentinite
in study area.
Moderate. Potential
habitat in grassland
areas.
SPECIAL NATURAL COMMUNITIES
Coastal Brackish Marsh
None
Coastal Terrace Prairie
None
Northern Coastal Salt Marsh
None
Serpentine Bunchgrass
None
Madrone-California Bay-Coast Live Oak Forest
Yes
California Bay Alliance
Yes
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Scientific Name
Common Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG/
CNPS list
Habitat Affinities and Blooming
Period/Life Form
Potential for
Occurrence
California Bay Pure Stands
Yes
California Bay-Coast Live Oak Woodland/Forest
Yes
Purple Needle Grass Grassland
Yes
NOTES:
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
FE = federally listed Endangered
FT = federally listed Threatened
CALIFORNIA DEPT. OF FISH AND GAME
CE = California listed Endangered
CR = California listed as Rare
CT = California listed as Threatened
CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY List 1:
Plants of highest priority
List 1A:
Plants presumed extinct in California
List 1B:
Plants rare and endangered in California and elsewhere
List 2:
Plants rare and endangered in California but more common elsewhere
List 3:
Plants about which additional data are needed
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
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Appendix C: Potentially Occurring Special-Status Animal Species in the Project Area
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG
Habitat Affinities and Reported
Localities in the Project Area
Occurrence for
Potential
Invertebrates
Tomales isopod
Caecidotea tomalensis
-/-
Inhabits localized fresh-water ponds or streams
with still or near still water.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Marin blind
harvestman
Calicina diminua
-/-
Occurs in dry, nutrient-poor, serpentine soil
grasslands under rocks
None: No suitable
habitat present.
San Bruno elfin
butterfly
Callophrys mossii
bayensis
FE/-
The adult flight period is late February to midApril, with the peak flight period occurring in
March and early April. Eggs are laid in small
clusters or strings on the upper or lower surface
of broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium).
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Marin elfin butterfly
Callophrys mossii
marinensis
-/-
Found only in the redwood forest areas of Marin
County. Larvae collected and reared on Sedum
spathulifolium.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Sandy beach tiger
beetle
Cicindela hirticollis
gravida
-/-
Inhabits areas adjacent to non-brackish water
along the cost of California on clean, dry lightcolored sand in the upper zone. Subterranean
larvae prefer moist sand no affected by wave
action.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Monarch butterfly
-/-
Roosts during winter migration in dense stands of
large trees such as eucalyptus and Monterey
pines that provide shelter from the wind. Roosts
in groves close to nectar and water sources.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Ricksecker’s water
scavenger beetle
Hydrochara rickseckeri
SC/-
Robust walker
Pomatiopsis binneyi
-/-
This aquatic species has been recorded in lakes,
lagoons and vernal pools. Members of this Family
(Hydrophilidae) are scavengers whose larvae are
predaceous. Nothing is known about the habits
specific to this taxon.
Freshwater springs. Reported at Potrero Meadow
Spring (CNDDB 2010).
California freshwater
shrimp
Syncaris pacifica
FE/CE
Endemic to Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties in
low elevation and low gradient streams with
moderate to heavy riparian cover.
A leaf cutter bee
Trachusa gummifera
-/-
Found on Carson Ridge (CNDDB 2010).
Mimic tryonia
Tryonia imitator
-/-
Inhabits coastal lagoons, estuaries and salt
marshes. Found only in permanently submerged
areas in a variety of sediment types and able to
withstand a wide range of salinities.
Danaus plexippus
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
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None: No suitable
habitat present.
Moderate: Suitable
habitat present.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Low: Suitable
habitat present.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Wildlife Research Associates
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG
Habitat Affinities and Reported
Marin hersperian
Vespericola marinensis
-/-
Ubick's gnaphosid
spider
Talanites ubicki
-/-
Found in moist spots in coastal brush and
chaparral in Marin County. Under leaves of
cowparsnip, around spring seeps, in leafmold
along streams, in alder woods and mixed
evergreen forest. Found near San Geronimo Creek
(CNDDB 2010).
Serpentine endemic. Known only from Mount
Burdell (CNDDB 2010).
Localities in the Project Area
Occurrence for
Potential
Moderate: suitable
habitat occurs on
the site.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Fish
Tidewater goby
Eucyclogobius
newberryi
FE/SSC
Tomales roach
Lavinia symmetricus
ssp. 2
-/SSC
Coho salmon - Central
California Coast ESU
Onchorhynchus kisutch
FT/SE
steelhead - Central
California Coast ESU
Onchorhynchus mykiss
FT/-
Occurs discontinuously throughout California,
along areas of precipitous coastlines that preclude
the formation of lagoons at stream mouths have
created three natural gaps in the distribution of
the goby.
Habitat generalists, found in warm intermittent
streams as well as cold, well-aerated streams.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Occurs from Punta Gorda, in northern California,
to the San Lorenzo River, in Santa Cruz County,
and includes coho salmon populations from
several tributaries of San Francisco Bay (e.g.,
Corte Madera and Mill Valley Creek).
Requires beds of loose, silt-free, coarse gravel for
spawning. Also needs cover, cool water and
sufficient dissolved oxygen. Occurs in 3 tributaries
to Monterey Bay (Pajaro, Salinas and Carmel
Rivers), in the small streams of the Big Sur Coast
and small intermittent streams in San Luis Obispo
County, south to Point Conception.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Amphibians
foothill yellow-legged
frog
Rana boylii
-/SSC
Prefers permanent stream pools, and creeks with
emergent and/or riparian vegetation.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
California red-legged
frog
Rana draytonii
FT/-
Prefers semi-permanent and permanent stream
pools, ponds and creeks with emergent and/or
riparian vegetation. Occupies upland habitat
especially during the wet winter months. Species
occurs more than 5 miles SW (CNDDB 2010).
High: suitable
habitat present.
SC/SSC
Prefers permanent, slow-moving creeks, streams,
ponds, rivers, marshes and irrigation ditches with
basking sites and a vegetated shoreline. Requires
upland sites for egg-laying.
Low: suitable
habitat present.
Reptiles
western pond turtle
Actinemys marmorata
marmorata
Birds
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
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Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG
Habitat Affinities and Reported
Cooper's hawk
Accipiter cooperi
MB/SSC
sharp-shined hawk
Accipiter striatus
MB/SSC
Nests primarily in deciduous riparian forests. May
also occupy dense canopied forests from gray
pine-oak woodland to ponderosa pine. Forages in
open woodlands.
Dense canopy pine or mixed conifer forest and
riparian habitats. Water within one mile required.
Sage sparrow
Amphispiza belli
MB
Nests in dense stands of chamise and chaparral.
Moderate: suitable
habitat present.
Great egret
Ardea alba
MBTA/-
Nests colonially in large trees near water
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Great blue heron
Ardea herodius
MBTA/-
Nests colonially in large trees near water
None: No suitable
habitat present.
burrowing owl
Athene cunicularia
hypugea
SC, MB/SSC
Open, dry grasslands, deserts, prairies, farmland
and scrublands with abundant active and
abandoned mammal burrows. Prefers short
grasses and moderate inclined hills.
Low: suitable
habitat present.
Red-shouldered hawk
Buteo lineatus
MBTA
Nests in trees along riparian corridors and open
fields.
High: Potential
nests observed
along the eastern
Proposed Trail.
Western snowy plover
Charadrius
alexandrinus nivosus
FT/-
Nests typically occur in flat, open areas with sandy
or saline substrates. Vegetation and driftwood are
usually sparse or absent
None: No suitable
habitat present.
northern harrier
Circus cyaneus
MB/SSC
Low: suitable
habitat present.
Black swift
Cypseloides niger
MBTA/-
White-shouldered kite
Elanus leucurus
MB/FP
Pacific-slope flycatcher
Empidonax difficilis
SC, MB/CSC
saltmarsh common
yellowthroat
Geothylpis trichas
sinuosa
MB/SSC
Nests and forages in grasslands and open
marshland, both salt and fresh. Nests consist of a
thin to thick layer of small sticks and reeds, lined
with grasses.
Nests made of moss bound with mud or simply a
cushion of grass or bare mud, are often built on
small ledges with overhanging moss or grass near
seashore and waterfalls.
Inhabits low rolling foothills and valley margins
with scattered oaks and river bottom- lands or
marshes adjacent to deciduous woodlands.
Prefers open grasslands, meadows and marshes
for foraging close to isolated, dense-topped trees
for nesting and perching
Found in a variety of habitats including cliff,
conifer, forest, hardwood, mixed, and woodland.
Nests along streams, in tree cavities, in cliffs,
crotch of branch, earth banks, or buildings.
Nests in fresh and salt marshes in tall grasses, tule
patches and willows and forages in thick,
continuous cover down to the water surface.
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
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Localities in the Project Area
52
Occurrence for
Potential
High: Potential
nests observed
along the eastern
Proposed Trail.
High: Potential
nests observed
along the eastern
Proposed Trail.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Moderate: suitable
habitat present.
Moderate: suitable
habitat present.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Wildlife Research Associates
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG
Habitat Affinities and Reported
California black rail
Laterallus jamaicensis
coturniculus
-/ST
San Pablo song
sparrow
Melospiza melodia
samuelis
California clapper rail
Rallus longirostris
obsoletus
MB/SSC
western meadowlark
Sturnella neglecta
MB/-
Inhabits saltwater, brackish, and freshwater
marshes. Known from the San Francisco Bay area
and the delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin
rivers south along the coast to northern Baja
California and in Yuba County.
Inhabits tidal sloughs in the Salicornia marshes,
nesting in Grindelia bordering slough channels
along the north side of the San Francisco and San
Pablo bays.
Occur in south and central San Francisco Bay and
along the perimeter of San Pablo Bay. Occupies
salt and brackish marshes dominated by
pickleweed (Salicornia virginica) and Pacific
cordgrass (Spartina foliosa).
Nests in grasslands removed from trees and
shrubs. Nest is domed in structure.
FE/SE
Localities in the Project Area
Occurrence for
Potential
None: No suitable
habitat present.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
High: suitable
nesting habitat
occurs on site.
Mammals
Pallid bat
Antrozous pallidus
-/SSC
Day roosts include rock outcrops, mines, caves,
buildings, bridges, and hollows and cavities in a
wide variety of tree species. High reliance on oak
woodland habitat in many portions of its range in
California. Forages on larger prey taken on the
ground or in the air, usually within 6-km of the
day roost.
High: suitable
habitat present.
Point Reyes Mountain
beaver
Aplodontia frufa phaea
-/SSC
Live in underground burrows dug in forest
openings and dense thickets, feeding on various
plants, including nettles, blackberry, poison oak,
and coyote brush. Found on cool, moist, northfacing slopes in moderately dense coastal scrub.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Townsend's big-eared
bat
Corynorhinus
townsendii
-/SSC
Roosting sites include caves, mine tunnels,
abandoned buildings and other structures.
Forages in a variety of plant communities
including coastal conifer and broad-leaf forests,
oak and conifer woodlands, arid grasslands and
deserts.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
Western red bat
Lasiurus blossevillii
SC/-
San Francisco Duskyfooted woodrat
Neotoma fuscipes
annectens
-/SSC
Roosts singly (except female-young association) in
broad leaved trees, especially cottonwoods and
willows in the foothills and lower mountains of
the southwest and in the fruit and nut orchards of
the west. Winters along California coast, some
move inland in summer; sexes separate zonally.
Significant loss of breeding areas in California has
elevated this to CSC species.
The nest is usually occupied by a female and her
young. One woodrat occupies one or two nests,
and may use a nest for up to nine months.
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High: suitable
habitat present.
High: Observed
nests in the eastern
Proposed Trail.
Wildlife Research Associates
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
USFWS/
CDFG
Habitat Affinities and Reported
Salt-marsh harvest
mouse
Reithrodontomys
raviventris
FE/SE
Prefers dense cover of native pickleweed
(Salicornia virginica). Seldom found in cordgrass
or alkali bulrush. Will use upper zone of peripheral
halophytes (salt-tolerant plants) to escape the
higher tides, and also move into the adjoining
grasslands during the highest winter tides.
None: No suitable
habitat present.
American badger
Taxidea taxus
-/SSC
Inhabits open grasslands, savannas and mountain
meadows near timberline. Requires abundant
burrowing mammals, their principal food source,
and loose, friable soils.
Moderate: no
burrows observed
on either parcel but
reported adjacent
to the site.
Localities in the Project Area
Occurrence for
Potential
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
FE = federally listed Endangered
FT = federally listed Threatened
FC = federal candidate for listing
FSC = federal Species of Concern
MBTA = Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
CALIFORNIA DEPT. OF FISH AND GAME
CE = California listed Endangered
CT = California listed as Threatened
SSC = Species of Special Concern
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
Habitat and CRF Site Assessment
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Wildlife Research Associates
Appendix D: Plant species observed during February 25 and March 5, 2010,
Loma Alta Proposed and Alternate Trail Alignments.
Scientific Name
Acaena pinnatifida var. californica
Achillea millefolium
Adenostema fasciculatum
Adiantum jordanii
Aesculus californica
Anagallis arvensis*
Anthemis cotula*
Aphanes occidentalis
Arbutus menziesii
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. glandulosa
Artemisia californica
Artemisia douglasiana
Avena sp.*
Baccharis pilularis
Barbarea orthoceras*
Briza maxima*
Briza minor*
Bromus diandrus*
Bromus hordeaceus*
Calochortus sp.
Cardamine californica
Carduus pycnocephalus*
Carex sp.
Castilleja foliolosa
Centaurea calcitrapa*
Centaurea solstitialis*
Cerastium sp.*
Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. pomeridianum
Cirsium vulgare*
Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata
Convolvulus arvensis*
Crassula connata
Cynoglossum grande
Cynosurus echinatus*
Daucus carota*
Dichelostemma capitatum ssp. capitatum
Dodecatheon hendersonii
Dryopteris arguta
Elymus glaucus
Erodium botrys*
Erodium cicutarium*
Erodium moschatum*
Eschscholzia californica
Evernia prunastri
Festuca californica
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
Habitat and CRF Site Assessment
55
Common Name
California acaena
Yarrow
Chamise
California maidenhair
California buckeye
Scarlet pimpernel
Dog fennel
Lady’s mantle
Madrone
Eastwood manzanita
California Sagebrush
Mugwort
Wild oats
Coyote brush
Winter cress
Large quaking grass
Small quaking grass
Ripgut brome
Soft chess
Mariposa lily
Milk maids
Italian thistle
Sedge
Wooly Indian paintbrush
Purple star-thistle
Yellow star-thistle
Chickweed
Soaproot
Bull thistle
Miner’s lettuce
Bindweed
Pigmy-weed
Hound’s-tongue
Dogtail grass
Queen Anne’s lace
Blue dicks
Shooting star
Coastal wood fern
Blue wildrye
Broad-leaf filaree
Red-stemmed filaree
White-stemmed filaree
California poppy
Oak moss
California fescue
Wildlife Research Associates
Scientific Name
Flavopunctelia sp.
Foeniculum vulgare*
Galium aparine
Galium sp.
Geranium dissectum*
Geranium molle*
Gnaphalium sp.
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum*
Hypochaeris glabra*
Hypochaeris radicata*
Iris douglasiana
Juncus (xiphioides)
Juncus effusus var. pacificus
Juncus patens
Juncus sp.
Lithophragma affine
Lolium multiflorum*
Lomatium dasycarpum
Lomtium utriculatum
Lonicera hispidula var. vacillans
Lotus corniculatus*
Lotus scoparius var. scoparius
Lupinus bicolor
Luzula comosa
Lythrum hyssopifolium*
Medicago polymorpha
Melica spp.
Mentha pulegium*
Mimulus aurantiacus
Monardella sp.
Nasella pulchra
Nemophila heterophylla
Osmorhiza chilensis
Pedicularis densiflora
Pentagramma triangularis ssp. triangularis
Phalaris aquatica*
Phoradendron villosum
Picris echioides*
Plabiobothrys nothofulvus
Plantago lanceolata*
Poa annua*
Poa secunda ssp. secunda
Polystichum munitum
Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens
Quercus agrifolia
Quercus wislizeni var. wislizeni
Ranunculus californicus
Raphanus sativus*
Romulea rosea var. australis*
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
Habitat and CRF Site Assessment
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Common Name
Lichen
Fellen
Goose grass
Bedstraw
Cut-leaf geranium
Dove-leaf geranium
Cudweed
Toyon
Hare barley
Smooth cat’s-ear
Rough cat’s-ear
Douglas iris
Iris leaved rush
Soft rush
Spreading rush
Rush
Woodland star
Annual wildrye
Hog fennel
Yellow hog fennel
California honeysuckle
Bird’s-foot trefoil
Deerweed
Dwaf lupine
Wood-rush
Hyssop loosestrife
Bur clover
Onion grass
Pennyroyal
Bush or Sticky monkey flower
Monardella
Purple needle grass
Baby blue eyes
Sweet cicely
Indian warrior
Goldback fern
Harding grass
Oak mistletoe
Bristly ox-tongue
Popcorn flower
English plantain
Annual bluegrass
One-sided bluegrass
Western sword fern
Bracken fern
Coast live oak
Interior live oak
California buttercup
Radish
Rosy sandcrocus
Wildlife Research Associates
Scientific Name
Rorippa nasturium-aquaticum
Rosa gymnocarpa
Rubus ursinus
Rumex acetosella*
Rumex crispus*
Salix lasiolepis
Sambucus mexicana
Saniclue crassicaulis
Sanicula bipinnatifida
Sanicula laciniata
Scandix pectin-veneris*
Senecio vulgaris*
Sidalcea sp.
Silybum marianum*
Sisyrinchium bellum
Soliva sessilis*
Stachys ajugoides var. ajugoides
Stachys ajugoides var. rigida
Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus
Tauschia kelloggii
Thermopsis sp.
Torilis arvensis*
Torilis nodosa*
Toxicodendron diversilobum
Trifolium spp.
Umbellularia californica
Usnea arizonica
Vicia americana var. americana
Vicia sativa ssp. nigra*
Vicia sativa ssp. sativa*
Vinca major*
Vulpia myuros var. hirsuta*
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
Habitat and CRF Site Assessment
Common Name
Water cress
Wood rose
California blackberry
Sheep sorrel
Curly dock
Arroyo willow
Elderberry
Pacific sanicle
Purple saicle
Coast sanicle
Shepherd’s needle
Common groundsel
Checkerbloom
Milk-thistle
Blue-eyed grass
South American soliva
Bugle hedge-nettle
Rigid hedge-nettle
Snowberry
Yellow parsley
Thermopsis
Field hedge parsley
Knotted hedge parsley
Poison oak
Clover
California bay laurel
Western bushy beard lichen
American vetch
Hairy vetch
Spring vetch
Periwinkle
Annual fescue
57
Wildlife Research Associates
Appendix E: Wildlife species observed during February 25 and March 5, 2010,
Loma Alta Proposed and Alternate Trail Alignments.
Scientific Name
Pseudacris regilla
Cathartes aura
Buteo jamaicensis
Buteo lineatus
Circus cyaneus
Elanus leucurus
Falco sparverius
Callipepla californica
Callipepla californica
Zenaida macroura
Calypte anna
Selasphorus sasin
Picoides nuttallii
Picoides villosus
Sayornis saya
Aphelocoma californica
Cyanocitta stelleri
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Corvus corax
Poecile rufescens
Thryomanes bewickii
Junco hyemalis
Pipilo crissalis
Pipilo maculatus
Sturnella neglecta
Carpodacus mexicanus
Canis latrans
Odoicoileus hemionius californicus
Mephitis mephitis
680 Trail and Alternatives Project
Habitat and CRF Site Assessment
Common Name
Pacific treefrog
Turkey vulture
Red-tailed hawk
Red-shouldered hawk
Northern harrier
White-tailed kite
American kestrel
California quail
Band-tailed pigeon
Mourning dove
Anna's hummingbird
Allen's hummingbird
Nuttall's woodpecker
Hairy woodpecker
Say's phoebe
Western scrub jay
Steller's jay
American crow
Common raven
Chestnut backed chickadee
Bewick's wren
Dark-eyed junco
California towhee
Spotted towhee
Western meadowlark
House finch
coyote
Black-tailed deer
skunk
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Wildlife Research Associates