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Art3_Highland_FY15_BikePed_Connector_EnviroPermitApp HIGHLAND/REDLANDS REGIONAL CONNECTOR PROJECT SUPPLEMENT TO THE APPLICATION FOR INCIDENTAL TAKE OF ENDANGERED SPECIES SECTION 2081 Per the California Endangered Species Act IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 14, DIVISION 1, SUBDIVISION 3, CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 1, SECTION 783.2 Prepared for: Leslie MacNair Regional Manager, Inland Deserts Region California Department of Fish and Wildlife 3602 Inland Empire Blvd, Suite C-220 Ontario, CA 91764 909.484.0167; leslie.macnair@wildlife.ca.qov Prepared by: The City of Highland 27215 Base Line Highland, CA 92346 Contact: Greg Hoisington 949.333.6622; greg.hoisington@icf.com JANUARY 2020 Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project i TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE NO. 1.0 Applicant Information .......................................................................................................1 2.0 Species Covered by the Amendment to the Permit.........................................................1 3.0 Description of the Project or Activity for Which the Amendment to the Permit is Sought..................................................................................................................................2 3.1 Construction Activities ................................................................................................. 3 3.2 Bikeway and Pedestrian Trail ....................................................................................... 3 3.3 Pre-Fabricated Bridge Installation ................................................................................ 4 3.4 Construction and Staging Areas .................................................................................... 4 3.5 Post-Construction Activities ......................................................................................... 4 4.0 Location Where the Project or Activity Is to Occur or to Be Conducted ....................4 5.0 Impact Analysis of Proposed Taking of the Species .......................................................5 5.1 Potential Impacts on the Species from Development of the Project ....................... 5 5.1.1 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat .................................................................... 6 6.0 Analysis of Take on the Species ........................................................................................7 7.0 Jeopardy Analysis ..............................................................................................................8 8.0 Proposed Measures to Minimize and Fully Mitigate the Impacts of the Proposed Taking .................................................................................................................................9 9.0 Monitoring Compliance and Funding Assurances .......................................................18 10.0 Funding Source and the Level of Funding Available ...................................................18 11.0 Certification of Amendment to Application ..................................................................19 12.0 Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (14 CCR 783.3(b)) ......19 13.0 References .........................................................................................................................20 Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project ii LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Impacts on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Suitable Habitat ..............................................6 Table 2. Mitigation Credits to Offset Impacts on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Suitable Habitat ..................................................................................................................17 LIST OF FIGURES (in Appendix A) Figure 1. Regional Vicinity Map Figure 2. Project Location Figure 3. Project Impact Areas Figure 4. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys APPENDICES Appendix A. Figures Appendix B. Biological Assessment Appendix C. Biological Opinion Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 1 1.0 APPLICANT INFORMATION Applicant: City of Highland Principal Officer: Dennis Barton Principal Project Manager Contact: Greg Hoisington Southern California Biology Manager ICF 949.333.6622; greg.hoisington@icf.com Mailing Address: 27215 Base Line Highland, CA 92346 2.0 SPECIES COVERED BY THE AMENDMENT TO THE PERMIT On August 7, 2019, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) determined that listing San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) as threatened or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) may be warranted (CDFW 2019). This commences a one-year status review of the species, during which time San Bernardino kangaroo rat is protected under the CESA as a Candidate Species. An Incidental Take Permit (ITP) application was submitted to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project (Project) on July 10, 2019 requesting take authorization for state endangered Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium; CDFW 2019). Because San Bernardino kangaroo rat is now listed as a Candidate Species, the purpose of this supplemental permit application is to seek coverage of San Bernardino kangaroo rat under the same anticipated ITP for the project. The common and scientific names of the species to be covered by the permit and the species’ status under the CESA, including whether the species is the subject of rules and guidelines pursuant to Sections 2112 and 2114 of the Fish and Game Code, is as follows: Species: San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) Status: Candidate Species Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 2 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT OR ACTIVITY FOR WHICH THE AMENDMENT TO THE PERMIT IS SOUGHT The City of Highland, in cooperation with the City of Redlands and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is proposing the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project (hereafter referred to as the project). The project is a proposed non-motorized bikeway and walkway that will occur in and serve the cities of Highland and Redlands in San Bernardino County. The project covers a distance of 4.7 miles and extends from the City of Highland at Base Line in the north and to the south in the City of Redlands at Pioneer Avenue (Figures 1 and 2, Appendix A). The purpose of the project is to improve the existing non-motorized transportation network within the cities of Highland and Redlands by constructing regional bikeways and walkway trails. Currently, the bikeways and walkways within the cities of Highland and Redlands do not provide connectivity and portions of the existing pavement require repairs and upgrades. The proposed project is needed to provide recreational, community, and safety-related benefits to bicyclists and pedestrians in the cities of Highland and Redlands. The proposed project is also needed to provide connectivity to the regional trail networks, including the Greenspot Road Trail, which traverses the southern portion of the City of Highland, the Pole Line Trail in the City of Highland, and the Santa Ana River Trail which would traverse the northern portion of the City of Redlands. Proposed infrastructure improvements will require permits, agreements, and authorizations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and CDFW because the activities will affect waters, riverbeds, or banks within the jurisdictional limits of the USACE and CDFW and will potentially affect listed threatened or endangered species, thereby requiring USFWS and CDFW approval. The project will not require the acquisition of new permanent right-of-way. Temporary Construction Easements will likely be needed during the construction period for construction access. The project is located within the Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan (Wash Plan HCP) plan area and is identified as a Covered Activity under the plan (ID: High.23 and Redl.17). The Wash Plan HCP is a draft Habitat Conservation Plan that has been submitted by the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District (Conservation District) to the USFWS on behalf of all participating parties. The Wash Plan HCP is intended to balance various project activities with natural community and species conservation (ICF 2019). These projects include various Covered Activities, including transportation, mining, trails, and water infrastructure and conservation. USFWS has been consulted to authorize incidental take and coverage for the following plant and animal species: Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium), slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras), coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), San Bernardino kangaroo rat, and cactus wren (Campylorhynchus Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 3 brunneicapillus). The Wash Plan HCP document has been prepared, and notification in the Federal Register and the start of the 90-day public review period began on December 9, 2019 (USFWS 2019a). The public review period will close on January 23, 2020 and the federal take permits are expected to be issued in mid-2020 following response to public comments and approval of the Wash Plan HCP Environmental Impact Review. Although the Wash Plan HCP is still under review and awaiting the issuance of the take permit, the project has undergone independent Section 7 consultation with USFWS and is underway with 2081 authorization with CDFW, and has considered provisions in the plan throughout the environmental planning process in an effort to fully comply with the Wash Plan HCP. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in Summer 2020 and may last up to a year and a half in duration. Ground disturbance activities that are associated with the project components are described in more detail in Sections 3.1–3.5 below. Project limits of disturbance, impact type (i.e., permanent and temporary), and staging areas are illustrated on Figure 3 in Appendix A. 3.1 Construction Activities Construction activities will include site grading, trail construction, pre-fabricated bicycle and pedestrian bridge installation, abutment construction, landscaping, and demobilization. Typical construction equipment to be used will include, but is not limited to, graders, backhoes/dozers, compaction machines, a crane to lower the pre-fabricated bridge, cement mixer trucks with concrete, pavers, water trucks, and similar heavy equipment. All project activities will take place during the daylight hours; no nighttime construction work will occur. The new bikeway and pedestrian trail and new bridge installation are detailed in Sections 3.2 and 3.3 below. 3.2 Bikeway and Pedestrian Trail The new bikeway and pedestrian trail will be added along the existing roadways within the city right-of-way, and for portions of the project, particularly in the north and south, the trail will be added to existing paved roads. In these locations, pavement repairs will be made and slurry seal applied, wherever required. In other portions of the project, primarily in the central part of the project, the roadway will be widened to accommodate the new class 2 bike trail (Figure 3, Appendix A). In these locations, trail construction will require clearing and grubbing of vegetation, earth moving equipment to flatten out the trail, and a paver to pave the new trail. The project avoids the Santa Ana River by placing the new trail on the existing Orange Street Bridge over the Santa Ana River; no bridge construction or work within the channel will occur. Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 4 Curbs, gutters, curb ramps, median curbs, guard rails, sidewalks, crosswalks, and a rest area will be constructed along the new trail. Bike racks, bollards, bike signals, in-roadway bicycle detection, pedestrian heads, sharrows, warning beacons, signage, lighting, and speed feedback will be installed along the new trail throughout the project. 3.3 Pre-Fabricated Bridge Installation A single span bikeway and pedestrian path bridge will be installed over Plunge Creek. The bridge will be pre-fabricated and lowered into place using a crane. Abutments will be placed outside of the Plunge Creek channel. All bridge work would take place outside of Plunge Creek, with no equipment to be placed within the streambed. 3.4 Construction and Staging Areas All construction-related activities by contractors, subcontractors or their agents, and equipment (including vegetation removal, grading, equipment lay-down and storage, and contractor parking) will be restricted to the designated limits of construction, which will be delineated and marked to be clearly visible to all personnel prior to the start of any ground disturbance. Construction staging areas will be located outside of the project footprint within developed areas on the Cemex Redlands Quarry property (Figure 3, Appendix A). No construction staging areas will be located within native vegetation communities. All movement of contractors, subcontractors or their agents, and equipment will be restricted to the limits of construction and staging areas. 3.5 Post-Construction Activities Post-construction activities are expected to include standard roadside and trail maintenance, including shoulder weed maintenance, litter removal, and bike trail appurtenance repair (e.g., crack and pothole repair, signage, bike racks, rest areas, etc.). 4.0 LOCATION WHERE THE PROJECT OR ACTIVITY IS TO OCCUR OR TO BE CONDUCTED The project is located in San Bernardino County, within the jurisdiction of Caltrans District 8. The project occurs in the following United States Geological Survey 7.5-Minute topographic quadrangles: • Township 1S, Ranges 3W and 7W, Sections 2, 3, 10, 15, and 16 of the Redlands United States Geological Survey The proposed trail extends from Base Line to the north, then southerly along Streater Avenue to Glenheather Drive where a spur trail terminates to the east at Arroyo Verde Elementary School Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 5 (Figure 3, Appendix A). Additionally, the proposed trail extends west from Glenheather Drive along a thin piece of open space between two residential communities to Orange Street where the trail then turns south and runs along Orange Street to Pioneer Avenue, passing over Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River. Additionally, a spur trail extends west from Orange Street south of the Santa Ana River along Domestic Avenue within a combination of open space, public streets, Southern California Edison easements, and residential communities to Texas Street where the trail turns south again and terminates north of Pioneer Avenue at Citrus Valley High School. The total length of the proposed project limits is approximately 4.7 miles. The project area occurs within historical active floodplain and public and residential land use types. The central portion of the project is located within and crosses the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek floodplains, which are comprised of open space lands dominated by native alluvial scrub vegetation with some mining roads, associated mining infrastructure, and ground water recharge basins occurring in the floodplain areas. The floodplains of both of these systems have been restricted by the current roadway and mining operations in the vicinity. The northern portion of the project is located in predominately residential areas of the City of Highland with some public land use intermixed. The southern portion of the project is located in the City of Redlands in a predominately residential area with some public and agricultural land uses intermixed. The central portion of the project, which consists of the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek floodplains, occurs within the Wash Plan HCP boundary. 5.0 IMPACT ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED TAKING OF THE SPECIES Impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat were analyzed as part of the environmental reporting for the project (Biological Assessment [Caltrans 2019a, Appendix B] and Natural Environment Study [Caltrans 2018]). Most recently, the effects of the project on San Bernardino kangaroo rat were thoroughly analyzed by the USFWS in the Biological Opinion (USFWS 2019b), attached to this permit application as Appendix C. The analysis in this section addresses pre-construction, construction, and post-construction activities. 5.1 Potential Impacts on the Species from Development of the Project The following sections follow the Biological Assessment [Caltrans 2019a, Appendix B) and Biological Opinion (USFWS 2019b, Appendix C) prepared for the proposed project. They present the various impacts that will occur to San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat, present impacts that have the potential to result in take of San Bernardino kangaroo rat, and reflect the USFWS conclusions regarding impacts on this species. Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 6 5.1.1 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Direct Effects The project will result in permanent and temporary impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its occupied suitable habitat due to the creation of new bikeway/pedestrian paths and pavement widening, as well as temporary work areas and access. Temporary and permanent impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupied and suitable habitat are provided in Table 1, respectively, and are shown on Figure 4 in Appendix A. The temporary impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupied and suitable habitat along Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River are based on conservative preliminary design estimates to allow for flexibility of temporary construction work areas during the final design phase of the project. The actual temporary impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat habitat will likely be refined smaller than those described in this report during the PS&E phase of the project and are not expected to exceed the current estimates. Table 1. Impacts on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Suitable Habitat Habitat Suitability Classification Permanent Impact (acre)1 Temporary Impact (acre)1 High 0.02 0.08 Medium 0.02 0.29 Low 0.69 0.81 Very Low 4.55 3.85 Ecological Process Area 0.00 <0.01 Total 5.28 5.04 1Impact acreages are from the Biological Assessment (Caltrans 2019a) and Biological Opinion (USFWS 2019b) for the project. Project construction and vegetation clearing could result in direct mortality, injury, or harassment of individual San Bernardino kangaroo rat as a result of construction vehicles and heavy equipment. Other direct impacts may include individuals being crushed or entombed in their burrows, take by project personnel, and injury or mortality from opportunistic predators during construction activity. Activities associated with construction, including disturbance by noise or vibrations from the heavy equipment, may result in disruption of San Bernardino kangaroo rat behavior. If construction occurs during the breeding season, it could disturb breeding behavior, resulting in negative impacts on reproduction. Other potential direct impacts include the compaction of soil due to construction activities, which may decrease the availability of friable soils for burrow creation. Capturing, handling, and relocating San Bernardino kangaroo rat that occur within the construction area could cause injury or death if proper handling and relocation techniques are not used. Artificial lighting could affect Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 7 nocturnal activities, including foraging. In addition, artificial lighting at night may increase predation risk by allowing predators, such as owls, to hunt more efficiently. Indirect Effects Indirect effects of construction within the project area include an increase in human activity, which could result in an increase in opportunistic predators that are attracted to litter, such as coyote (Canis latrans) and American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Construction and mechanical soil disturbance may adversely affect San Bernardino kangaroo rat habitat onsite by altering drainage patterns and encouraging the spread of invasive plant species, which could indirectly result in loss of quality habitat and an increase in fire frequency. 6.0 ANALYSIS OF TAKE ON THE SPECIES The current range of San Bernardino kangaroo rat encompasses approximately 9,797 acres within the floodplains of the Santa Ana River and its tributaries (including City Creek, Plunge Creek, and Mill Creek; 3,861 acres), Lytle and Cajon Creeks (5,161 acres), and the San Jacinto River (775 acres; USFWS 2009). The relative abundance of San Bernardino kangaroo rat within an area can vary tremendously (1–30 animal(s) per acre), with a tendency to have a higher relative abundance in pioneer and intermediate scalebroom scrub habitats compared to mature scalebroom scrub or non-native grasslands (USFWS 2009). Populations of this species typically exhibit large fluctuations in density in response to temporal variability in plant productivity and can be subjected to irregular, catastrophic events when flooding scours occupied habitat (USFWS 2009). A total of 71 San Bernardino kangaroo rats were captured during small mammal live trapping surveys in October 2017 (Figure 4, Appendix A). The study area, identified as the Biological Study Area in the Biological Assessment, extended 150 feet outward from the project limits of disturbance. Trapping was conducted along 16 trapping lines with approximately 10 traps per line within areas primarily designated as High and Medium Suitability for San Bernardino kangaroo rat as mapped by the Wash Plan HCP (ICF 2019). Of the 16 survey areas, 13 resulted in positive San Bernardino kangaroo rat occurrences, with 57 individuals identified within the trapping footprint (with 14 recaptures). Of the 57 individuals captured, 21 were in the vicinity of the proposed project footprint. Trapping survey details can be found in the Biological Assessment (Caltrans 2019a, Appendix B) and the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Survey Results Report (ICF 2018, see Appendix G in the Biological Assessment [provided in Appendix B]). Although trapping surveys established San Bernardino kangaroo rat presence within the study area, trap capture locations occurred at distances of 50 feet or more from the edge of Orange Street. The proposed trail alignment (i.e., project footprint) occurs directly adjacent to Orange Street and, depending on location, has a width of 14 to 20 feet. No trapping was done within the Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 8 project footprint due to poor quality habitat along Orange Street. Twenty-one San Bernardino kangaroo rat were captured adjacent to the project footprint within higher quality habitat. Given that the project footprint is smaller, narrower, and of overall poorer quality than the adjacent areas where trapping occurred, for the purpose of analysis, the USFWS estimated that no more than 11 individual San Bernardino kangaroo rats would be captured within the project footprint (i.e., temporary and permanent impact areas) (see the Biological Opinion [USFWS 2019b, Appendix C]). The exact distribution and population size of San Bernardino kangaroo rat is difficult to estimate due to the dynamic conditions associated with their habitat and biology. Although the level of take that would occur is uncertain, the USFWS determined that the disturbance of suitable habitat not to exceed 29.3 acres, the removal from the exclusionary fence area not exceeding 11 unique individuals, and no more than 1 injured or killed San Bernardino kangaroo rat while being held during capture/release efforts would not result in jeopardy to the species with the inclusion of avoidance/minimization and mitigation measures (USFWS 2019b). Although the proposed project may affect San Bernardino kangaroo rat through both the temporary impact/permanent loss of occupied suitable habitat and direct take during vegetation clearing, the potential impacts are limited to a small subset of the San Bernardino kangaroo rat population. There are currently six conservation areas within the greater Santa Ana River floodplain that were established to offset development impacts, including the Cajon Creek Habitat Conservation Management Area, the Lytle Creek Conservation Bank, and the Woolly- star Preserve Area. These lands are managed for the benefit of multiple species, including San Bernardino kangaroo rat. In addition, the proposed project occurs within the boundaries of the Wash Plan HCP and is a Covered Activity (ICF 2019). The Wash Plan HCP is currently undergoing public review, with approval and final adoption anticipated in mid-2020. Although the Wash Plan will allow take for authorized projects, it will also set aside conservation lands for permanent preservation of San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Because impacts from the proposed project are largely temporary with minimal permanent impacts on high quality habitats (see Table 1), and because the project will have only minor effects on the existing population within the local or regional populations, take resulting from the proposed project will not result in a significant decline in the local or regional population. 7.0 JEOPARDY ANALYSIS Based on the above analysis of take on San Bernardino kangaroo rat relative to local and regional populations and recovery and preservation efforts, the project would not result in jeopardy of the species. The USFWS Biological Opinion (USFWS 2019b, Appendix C) concluded that issuing incidental take per the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 for the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of San Bernardino Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 9 kangaroo rat. This determination was based on a review of the current status of the species, the environmental baseline for the action area, effects of the proposed action, and cumulative effects. San Bernardino kangaroo rat take will be minimized and effects minimized through the implementation of conservation measures (see Section 8.0). The purchase of long-term conservation of occupied habitat to offset the impacts of the proposed action will support the range-wide conservation (recovery) of the species. In addition, temporary impacts to habitat will be restored as mandated in the Biological Opinion and anticipated in the ITP, thus minimizing effects to species habitat within the project area. Therefore, it is unlikely that the authorization of take associated with these activities will jeopardize the continued existence of San Bernardino kangaroo rat in the immediate project area or throughout the species’ range. 8.0 PROPOSED MEASURES TO MINIMIZE AND FULLY MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED TAKING Caltrans will implement avoidance and minimization measures to protect San Bernardino kangaroo rat as specified in the Biological Opinion for the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project, San Bernardino County, California (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) (USFWS 2019b, Appendix C) and the Environmental Commitments Record (Caltrans 2019b). These current measures were designed to effectively reduce the potential adverse effects on San Bernardino kangaroo rat from implementation of the project and are consistent with the conservation measures outlined in the Wash Plan HCP (Section 5.5 of the Wash Plan HCP [ICF 2019]). The measures are considered a part of the proposed project by the USFWS, and therefore, implementation is required under the terms of the consultation between Caltrans and USFWS. In addition, general provisions and monitoring, notification, and reporting provisions included in the anticipated ITP for the project (original permit application submitted on July 10, 2019 for Santa Ana River woollystar) will be implemented. Conservation measures included below generally, and to the extent feasible, adhere to the proposed suggestions for future management activities to protect existing San Bernardino kangaroo rat populations that were included in the petition to CDFW to list the species: 1) enhancing sediment transport, 2) non-native plant management, 3) translocation of San Bernardino kangaroo rat, 4) restoration of hydrological processes, and 5) captive propagation (White et. al 2019). Decompacting soils and recontouring grades (Measure 31) will help to ensure that active fluvial processes remain constant within the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek where they cross the project. Measures to control the introduction of non-native plant species during and after construction, including a weed abatement plan (Measure 13), and restoration of temporarily disturbed areas (Measure 31) will reduce the cover of non-native plant species within the project area and promote native plant species and quality habitat. Erecting exclusion fencing around the project limits of disturbance and trapping and relocating any San Bernardino kangaroo rats occurring within the exclusion area (Measure 15) will ensure that individuals are moved to suitable unoccupied habitat. The recontouring and terracing of disturbed project impact areas to original Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 10 grade (Measure 31) will ensure that channelization of the portions of Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River located within the project area does not occur. The cities of Highland and Redlands are not engaging in captive propagation programs for San Bernardino kangaroo rat; however, the primary threat to this species is habitat loss (White et al. 2019) and suitable Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat to support San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be conserved in perpetuity to mitigate project impacts (Measure 31). In addition, other suitable and occupied Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat will be preserved in perpetuity as a part of the Wash Plan HCP, of which the project is a Covered Activity (ID: High.23 and Redl.17, ICF 2019). In addition to the anticipated ITP measures, the avoidance and minimization measures, as stated in the Biological Opinion (USFWS 2019b, Appendix C), Environmental Commitments Record (Caltrans 2019b), and Wash Plan HCP (ICF 2019), include the following: General Species Conservation Measures 1. Caltrans, the local applicants, and/or the project contractor will retain a biologist familiar with San Bernardino kangaroo rat, Santa Ana River woollystar, and their habitats within the project area. This individual will function as the Designated Biologist for the duration of project related activities. The Designated Biologist will monitor habitat conditions and project related activities at a frequency necessary to ensure compliance with the Biological Opinion, including Conservation Measures and Terms and Conditions identified in the document, and have the authority to halt/suspend all project related activities in non-compliance until appropriate corrective measures have been taken. Caltrans and the USFWS will periodically evaluate whether additional monitoring needs, if any, are required. In addition: a. At least 15 days prior to the start of project-related activities, Caltrans will submit to the USFWS Palm Springs Office (PSFWO) for approval the name(s), and résumés of the Designated Biologist, in addition to other prospective biological monitors. b. The Designated Biologist will have expertise with federally listed San Bernardino kangaroo rat and Santa Ana River woollystar and their associated habitats within the project area. c. Prior to vegetation clearing or construction, the limits of project disturbance will be delineated with highly visible barriers (such as orange construction fencing) and identified as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) and installed under the supervision of the Designated Biologist (see also Measures 5, 6, and 18). d. To avoid incidental disturbance of habitat and species of concern outside the project footprint, the Designated Biologist will be present daily during exclusionary and ESA fencing installation, vegetation clearing, and grading. Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 11 Following grading or clearing of the project footprint to mineral soil, the presence of Designated Biologist may be reduced to one or more days per week. 2. A Biological Resource Information program intended for all construction personnel would be developed and implemented prior to construction. At a minimum, the program would include information related to: (1) the biology, conservation, and legal status of federally and state listed species and Wash Plan HCP Covered Species occurring or potentially occurring within the project site; (2) responsibilities of the biological monitor; (3) purpose of delineating and flagging of adjacent habitat; (4) limitations on all movement of onsite personnel, including ingress and egress of equipment to designated construction zones (personnel shall not be allowed access to adjacent sensitive habitats); (5) onsite pet prohibitions; (6) the use of trash containers for disposal and removal of trash; and (7) project features designed to reduce the impacts on listed species and habitat and promote continued successful occupation of adjacent habitat. Supporting materials will be provided to all construction personnel during the training program. 3. A preconstruction notification will be provided to PSFWO, CDFW, and the Conservation District in writing at least 5 days prior to project initiation. 4. The limits of disturbance will be confined to the smallest practical area, considering topography, placement of facilities, location of habitat for special-status species and Covered Species, public health and safety, and other limiting factors, and will be located in previously disturbed areas to the maximum extent practicable. 5. No grading or fill activity of any type will be permitted within the ESAs. All construction equipment will be operated in a manner to prevent accidental damage to nearby avoidance areas. Silt fence barriers will be installed at the ESA boundary to prevent accidental deposition of fill material in areas where vegetation is immediately adjacent to planned grading activities. ESA fencing and exclusion fencing will remain in place and will be maintained until project construction is completed. 6. No construction activities, materials, or equipment will be allowed within the ESAs. Construction personnel will strictly limit their activities, vehicles, equipment, and construction materials to the limits of disturbance and designated staging areas and routes of travel. Cross-country travel by vehicles and equipment will be prohibited. The construction area(s) will be the minimal area necessary to complete the project and will be specified in the construction plans. Employees will be instructed that their activities are restricted to the construction areas. Access to sites will be from pre-existing access routes to the greatest extent possible. 7. Equipment storage, fueling, and staging areas shall be located on upland sites with minimal risks of direct drainage into Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub or other natural areas. These designated areas shall be located in such a manner as to prevent any runoff from entering sensitive habitat. Necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent the Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 12 release of cement or other toxic substances into surface waters. Project-related spills of hazardous materials shall be reported to appropriate entities, including but not limited to, applicable jurisdictional city (i.e., City of Highland or City of Redlands), USFWS, CDFW, and Regional Water Quality Control Board and shall be cleaned up immediately and contaminated soils removed to approved disposal areas. 8. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a soil erosion and sedimentation plan will be developed prior to construction to minimize erosion and identify specific pollution prevention measures that will eliminate or control potential point and nonpoint pollution sources onsite during and following the project construction phase. The plan will ensure that no pollutants or sediment from construction will enter waterways or ESA fenced areas. The SWPPP will identify specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) to be implemented during project construction to avoid causing or contributing to any water quality standard exceedances. In addition, the SWPPP will contain provisions for changes to the plan such as alternative mechanisms, if necessary, during project design and/or construction to achieve the stated goals and performance standards. Sediment and erosion control measures will be implemented until such time that soils are determined to be successfully stabilized. 9. Project activities near or within the Wash Plan HCP Preserve or other natural areas will incorporate plans to ensure that runoff discharged is not altered in an adverse way when compared with existing conditions, which includes landscape irrigation. Stormwater systems will be designed to prevent the release of sediments, toxins, chemicals, petroleum products, exotic plant materials, or other elements that might degrade or harm biological resources or ecosystem processes within the Wash Plan HCP Preserve. 10. Prior to construction, the biological monitor will perform a preconstruction survey for sensitive plant and wildlife species to avoid. Surveys will focus on special-status species having a potential to occur within the work area. Any populations to be avoided, as feasible, will be flagged with ESA fencing and crews will be instructed to avoid these areas. The qualified project biologist will monitor construction activities for the duration of the proposed project at a frequency necessary to ensure that practicable measures are being employed and avoid incidental disturbance of habitat and species of concern outside the project footprint. Ongoing monitoring and reporting will occur for the duration of the construction activity to ensure implementation of BMPs and avoidance and minimization measures. 11. When work is conducted during the fire season (as identified by the San Bernardino County Fire Department), appropriate fire-fighting equipment (e.g., extinguishers, shovels) and a water tender will be available on the project site during all phases of project construction to help minimize the chance of human-caused wildfires. Shields, Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 13 protective mats, and/or other fire preventative methods will be used during grinding, welding, and other spark-inducing activities near vegetated areas. 12. Active construction areas shall be watered regularly to control dust and minimize impacts on adjacent vegetation. Dust control measures may include wetting work areas, the use of soil binders on dirt surfaces, and wetting or covering stockpiles. If water trucks are to be used, pooling of water will be avoided to minimize the potential of attracting opportunistic predators. 13. A weed abatement plan will be developed to minimize the spread and importation of non- native plant material during and after construction in compliance with Executive Order 13112 and would include the following: a. Any exotic species removed during construction will be properly handled to prevent sprouting or regrowth. Care shall be taken to not spread exotic plant seeds during plant removal and plants will be removed prior to flowering, if feasible. b. Equipment (e.g., passenger vehicles, trucks, and heavy equipment) will be cleaned of mud or other debris that may contain invasive plants and/or seeds and inspected prior to entering the worksite and between worksites to reduce the potential of spreading noxious weeds. Cleaning of equipment will occur in a designated area at least 300 feet from ESA fencing. c. Trucks carrying loads of vegetation that will be removed from the project footprint will be covered and disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. d. Only certified weed-free straw, mulch, and/or fiber rolls will be used for erosion control. Fill material will be obtained from weed-free sources. 14. Wildlife-friendly lighting, including low-pressure sodium or amber LED overhead lights, will ensure any lighting illuminates only paved areas and not adjacent habitat. If glare from lighting fixtures directly illuminates adjacent habitat, Caltrans or the City of Highland will either replace lamps within the alternative lighting fixtures or install shielding to direct light onto paved surfaces. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat 15. Caltrans will submit a San Bernardino kangaroo rat exclusion fencing plan design to PSFWO for review and approval a minimum of 60 days prior to the onset of ground disturbing activities: a. Exclusion fence installation will be overseen by the Designated Biologist or other PSFWO-approved biologist with small mammal expertise. During fence construction, the Designated Biologist, or other PSFWO-approved biologist, will hand-excavate detected kangaroo rat burrows within 20 feet in advance of Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 14 trenching for fence installation. Any San Bernardino kangaroo rat captured will be held for no more than 24-hours and deposited into adjacent habitat at dusk. b. Following exclusionary fence installation, and prior to the commencement of other ground disturbance, a PSFWO-approved biologist will trap for San Bernardino kangaroo rat within suitable habitat areas subject to disturbance; any trapped San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be released outside the construction limits into suitable habitat areas within the immediate project vicinity. Trapping will continue for a minimum of five consecutive nights, or until there have been two consecutive nights with no San Bernardino kangaroo rat captured. c. Within 30 days following trapping in the exclusion area, the Designated Biologist will submit a report to Caltrans, PSFWO, and CDFW describing the trapping effort and results. 16. The biological monitor with San Bernardino kangaroo rat expertise will be present during vegetation clearing, grading, and during construction activities that could result in take of San Bernardino kangaroo rat within areas where the species is present or within 100 meters of San Bernardino kangaroo rat habitat that is classified as Low, Medium, or High suitability to monitor construction impacts. 17. Prior to grading any areas including existing dirt roads within the project area, other than roads within mining operations areas, a qualified biologist will trap the area (as well as 50 feet on either side of any existing dirt roads) during the five nights preceding the grading. Trapped San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be held until the completion of grading and then returned to the location where they were trapped. 18. The ESA fencing and San Bernardino kangaroo rat exclusionary fencing will be inspected daily by the Designated Biologist, or other approved by Caltrans or the local applicants, to ensure that it is in place and properly maintained. A record of the daily inspection will be made and provided to the Designated Biologist during weekly site visits. 19. All project activities will take place during the daylight hours; no nighttime construction work will occur. 20. Except on paved roads with posted speed limits and in aggregate mining operations areas with established speed limits per their mining plan, vehicle speeds will not exceed 15 miles per hour during travel associated with the project. 21. No open trenches or holes (aggregate mining activities excepted) will be left overnight without covering, fencing, or providing escape ramps with a minimum 3:1 slope. If trenches are not covered, they will be inspected for trapped wildlife by a qualified biologist or biological monitor. Animals found will be captured and moved to the nearest safe location outside the construction area by a qualified biologist. Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 15 22. Unburied pipes or conduit laid in trenches overnight will be capped. Uncapped pipes or conduits will be thoroughly inspected for the presence of San Bernardino kangaroo rat before the pipe is subsequently buried, capped, or otherwise used or moved in any way. If San Bernardino kangaroo rat are discovered inside a pipe, a qualified biologist will supervise movement or relocation of the pipe until the animal has been removed and released to the nearest safe location outside the construction area. 23. Soil stockpiles will be located outside of San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat and ESA areas, to the maximum extent feasible. ESA fencing and San Bernardino kangaroo rat exclusionary fencing will be placed around any soil stockpiles that must be located within these areas to prevent this species from entering the stockpiles. The ESA fencing and San Bernardino kangaroo rat exclusionary fencing will be inspected by the biological monitor to ensure that it is in place and properly maintained and that no San Bernardino kangaroo rat are present. If sign of this species is found, then a qualified biologist will conduct trapping within these areas and release any captured individuals into suitable habitat areas, outside the construction limits, in the immediate project vicinity. Stockpiles will be removed no more than 45 days after construction. This measure will not apply to stockpiles in permanently impacted areas and areas adjacent to trace habitat (e.g., active mining areas, groundwater recharge basins adjacent to San Bernardino kangaroo rat trace habitat). 24. Any personnel who finds a dead, injured, or entrapped San Bernardino kangaroo rat will promptly contact the biological monitor, who will notify PSFWO and CDFW immediately, and in writing within two working days. 25. Any personnel who inadvertently kills or injures a San Bernardino kangaroo rat shall immediately report the incident to the designated biological monitor and/or designated biologist, who will notify the PSFWO and CDFW immediately and in writing within three working days. Notification must include the date, time, and location of the incident or of the finding of a dead or injured animal, as well as any other pertinent information. 26. No firearms or pets will be allowed in, or adjacent to, the project site. Firearms carried by authorized security and law enforcement personnel are exempt. 27. Rodenticides, herbicides, insecticides, or other chemicals that could potentially harm San Bernardino kangaroo rat will not be used within areas that could support San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Project construction activities outside of the Wash Plan HCP Preserve or other natural areas that use chemicals or generate byproducts that are potentially toxic or may adversely affect wildlife and plant species, habitat, or water quality will incorporate measures to ensure that application of such chemicals does not result in any discharge into the Wash Plan HCP Preserve or other natural areas. 28. Litter control measures will be implemented. Trash and food items will be stored in closed containers so not readily accessible to scavengers and will be removed from the Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 16 construction site on a daily basis so as not to attract potential San Bernardino kangaroo rat predators. 29. Spoils and rubble will not be deposited outside the identified limits of construction and material waste generated by the project will be disposed of offsite. 30. For ground excavations within suitable San Bernardino kangaroo rat habitat, the top 20 inches of soil/substrate will be segregated, preserved, and placed back in the same location and approximate configuration when the trench is backfilled. It will be compacted to within 5% of the average compaction of the natural substrate. If significant (over 30%) invasive weed cover is found, the topsoil will not be replaced in the top uncompacted fill, but will be used for lower compacted backfill. In all cases the top 20 inches will be uncompacted and as suitable for San Bernardino kangaroo rat burrowing as possible. The contractor will ensure that excavated cut material is stored at a location where it is not an attractive nuisance to San Bernardino kangaroo rat. To offset project impacts on state-listed species, the following compensatory mitigation will be implemented for project impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Permanent project impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its occupied, suitable habitat will be mitigated on lands protected by conservation within a 30-acre patch of land owned by the Conservation District that is within the planned Wash Plan HCP Preserve (Measure 31). The 30 acres are to be set aside via a Conservation Easement and are located approximately one mile east of the project. They are bordered by conservation lands to both the east and south, including Conservation District managed lands and Woolly-star Preserve Area conservation lands. The area consists of Intermediate and Intermediate/Mature Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat that is occupied by San Bernardino kangaroo rat. 31. Project impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its occupied, suitable habitat (i.e., Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub) will be mitigated by acquiring Conservation District- owned lands located within a 30-acre area approximately one mile east of the project. These are Wash Plan HCP Preserve easement lands that are bordered by conservation lands to the south and east. Permanent impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be mitigated at a minimum 1:1 ratio for a total of 5.61 acres of occupied habitat. The compensatory mitigation for project impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its occupied, suitable habitat will be the same as those necessitated by the Wash Plan HCP. Onsite restoration of temporarily disturbed areas will occur in-kind at their current locations upon completion of construction and will consist of returning affected areas to original contour grades, decompacting the soil, and replanting with a plant palette composed of the species found onsite prior to the disturbance. Seed will be collected onsite and in adjacent areas to the extent feasible in coordination with the Wash Plan HCP Preserve Manager. If additional seed is needed, it will be obtained from the closest location to the project site that is available from a commercial vendor. All revegetated Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 17 areas will avoid the use of species listed in the California Invasive Plant Council’s California Invasive Plant Inventory. Restoration will also include weed control. Restoration performance standards and remediation measures (if necessary) will be developed by the Conservation District and reviewed and approved by the PSFWO and CDFW. Such restoration plans will be implemented within 24 months of the completion of major construction. 32. Monetary compensation provided by the City of Highland and City of Redlands to the Conservation District for project impacts on Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat and the special-status species that it supports will be put towards maintenance of the Wash Plan HCP Preserve. Funding will be contributed prior to the start of construction. A total of 5.61 acres of mitigation credits will be acquired for the project (Table 2), which will be within the 30-acre patch of land owned by the Conservation District, as described above. Because mitigation credits address project impacts on both San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its critical habitat, as required in the Biological Opinion (USFWS 2019b), as well as Santa Ana River woollystar, this mitigation acreage is more than what is required for project impacts on occupied San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat (5.28 acres, as mapped based on the Habitat Suitability Classification for San Bernardino kangaroo rat [ICF 2019]; see Table 1 in Section 5.1.1). Table 2. Mitigation Credits to Offset Impacts on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Suitable Habitat Permanent Impact Type Impact Amount (acres)2 Mitigation Ratio3 Mitigation Credits Needed (acres)2 San Bernardino kangaroo rat and Santa Ana River woollystar occupied and suitable habitat, San Bernardino kangaroo rat critical habitat with PCEs1 2.44 1:1 2.44 Additional San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupied and suitable habitat, San Bernardino kangaroo rat critical habitat with PCEs 3.17 1:1 3.17 Total 5.61 1:1 5.61 1 PCE = Primary Constituent Elements. Only permanent impacts on critical habitat containing PCEs will be mitigated for. Critical habitat not containing PCEs includes developed areas and paved roads. 2The amount of acres to be impacted and mitigation required for the project has been calculated to avoid double counting impacts on the same area. 3Compensatory mitigation for project impacts will be the same as those necessitated by the Wash Plan HCP. Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 18 9.0 MONITORING COMPLIANCE AND FUNDING ASSURANCES Project impacts on state-listed species will be offset by acquiring Conservation District-owned Wash Plan HCP Preserve easement lands as described in Section 8.0 above. In addition, as described in Section 8.0, a restoration plan will be developed for onsite restoration of temporary impacts. The restoration plan will be compliant with Wash Plan HCP performance standards for habitat enhancement and restoration activities as part of the Adaptive Management and Monitoring Program for the Wash Plan HCP. It will be implemented within 12 months of the completion of major construction and will include onsite temporary impact site preparation; installation; site visits and monitoring; performance standards (e.g., native percent cover, non- native percent cover); maintenance; reporting requirements; remedial measures and adaptive management plan; annual cost and financial assurance; and contingency measures. All habitat management and maintenance activities under the Wash Plan HCP will include ongoing coordination with the wildlife agencies. The restoration plan will be developed by the Conservation District and approved by USFWS and CDFW. Finally, during construction, biological monitoring will be utilized as mandated by the Biological Opinion (USFWS 2019b, Appendix C) and 404, 401, and 1602 authorizations and regulated by USACE, USACE, and CDFW. The implementation of construction monitoring, the purchase of Conservation-District owned Wash Plan HCP mitigation lands, and the implementation of a restoration plan that is compliant with Wash Plan HCP performance standards and remediation measures will ensure that a sufficient plan to monitor compliance and ensure the effectiveness of mitigation and avoidance measures is in place. 10.0 FUNDING SOURCE AND THE LEVEL OF FUNDING AVAILABLE As required by the Wash Plan HCP, monetary compensation provided by the City of Highland and the City of Redlands to the Conservation District for project impacts on Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat and San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be put towards the purchase of Conservation District-owned Wash Plan HCP mitigation lands for permanent impacts and funding for restoration of temporarily impacted areas, as well as the maintenance and management of the Wash Plan HCP Preserve. Mitigation for onsite temporary impacts will be implemented pursuant to the Conservation District, USFWS, and CDFW approved restoration plan, which will be funded in its entirety by the City of Highland and the City of Redland who are required to provide the funding as a cooperating stakeholder with Caltrans. Funding will be contributed prior to the start of construction. Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 19 11.0 CERTIFICATION OF AMENDMENT TO APPLICATION I certify that the information submitted in this supplemental application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any false statement herein may subject me to suspension or revocation of this permit and to civil and criminal penalties under the laws of the State of California. Dennis Barton Principal Project Manager City of Highland 12.0 COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (14 CCR 783.3(B)) Section 783.3 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) lays out California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)-compliance requirements where CDFW is the responsible or lead agency for purposes of issuing an ITP. Subsection 783.3(a) does not apply here because CDFW is the lead agency and not the responsible agency. Subsection 783.3(b) applies here because CDFW is the CEQA lead agency. Section 783.3(b) requires submittal of information by the project applicant showing compliance with CEQA requirements. The submission of compliance information does not need to be concurrent with the submission of the ITP application: “[t]he analysis and information required by this section shall be provided to the Department [CDFW] as soon as reasonably practicable following the submission of a permit application” (14 CCR 783.3[b]). Pursuant to Section 783.3(b), an applicant must submit the following information in addition to that information required by 14 CCR 783.2. First, the applicant must provide information to CDFW regarding whether the project may result in significant adverse environmental effects in addition to those impacts of taking analyzed in the ITP. Second, if additional significant adverse environmental effects are found to exist, the applicant must state whether feasible alternatives or mitigation measures would avoid or lessen those significant adverse effects. Third, the applicant must analyze all potentially significant adverse environmental effects resulting from the project and include a discussion of the feasible alternatives and mitigation measures that will be used to avoid or substantially lessen those significant adverse environmental effects with documentation to support that analysis. Fourth, if the analysis identifies significant adverse environmental effects for which feasible mitigation measures are not available, the applicant must also include a statement describing specific environmental, economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits that might justify the significant environmental effects created by the project. Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 20 An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (Caltrans 2019c) has been completed and supplies all of the information required by Title 14 CCR 783.3(b). Supporting technical studies, including biological surveys, have been prepared regarding the species proposed to be covered by the ITP, as well as regarding all other environmental issues triggered by the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project. 13.0 REFERENCES 14 CCR 783.2. Incidental Take Permit Applications. CDFW (California Department of Fish and Wildlife). 2019. California Fish and Game Commission Notice of Findings, San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat. August 13, 2019. Available: https://fgc.ca.gov/CESA#sbkr. Accessed: August 2019. Caltrans (California Department of Transportation). 2018. Natural Environment Study, Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project. District 8 - 08-SBd-0. Federal Project Number ATPL-5449(035). November 2018. Caltrans. 2019a. Biological Assessment, Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project. District 8 - 08-SBd-0. Federal Project Number ATPL-5449(035). April 2019. Caltrans. 2019b. Environmental Commitments Record for the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project. District 8 - 08-SBd-0. Federal Project Number ATPL-5449(035). December 2019. Caltrans. 2019c. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project. District 8 - 08-SBd-0. Federal Project Number ATPL-5449(035). December 2019. ICF. 2018. Results of San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project, San Bernardino County, California. Prepared for Cities of Highland and Redlands. January 2018. ICF. 2019. Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan. Public Review, Final Draft. (ICF 00544.13.) San Diego, CA. Prepared for San Bernardino County Valley Water Conservation District, Redlands, CA. May 2019. USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2009. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Five Year Review. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office. Carlsbad, California. August 14, 2009. 32 pp. Supplement, Application for Incidental Take of Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species January 2020 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 21 USFWS. 2019a. Proposed Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement; San Bernardino County, CA. Federal Register 84(236): 67292–67294. USWFS. 2019a. Biological Opinion for Highland-Redlands Regional Connector Project, San Bernardino County, California. FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598. October 29, 2019. White, M., G. Braden, and D. Silver. A Petition to the State of California Fish and Game Commission, San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat. Los Angeles, California. March 14, 2019. APPENDICES INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK APPENDIX A. FIGURES Project Location 79 18 66 259 138 210 206 189 91 330 60 38 173 15 215 10 MorenoMoreno ValleyValley RiversideRiverside SanSan BernardinoBernardino BeaumontBeaumont BloomingtonBloomington ColtonColton CrestlineCrestline GrandGrand TerraceTerrace HighlandHighland LomaLoma LindaLinda RedlandsRedlands RialtoRialto RubidouxRubidoux YucaipaYucaipa Figure 1 Regional Vicinity Map Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project San Bernardino Riverside ImperialSan Diego Orange Los Angeles Kern Pacific Ocean USA MEXICO8 215 405 15 5 CALIFORNIACALIFORNIA K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ J D \ F i g 0 1 _ R e g i o n a l _ V i c i n i t y . m x d D a t e : 1 2 / 6 / 2 0 1 7 30 1 3 6 Source: USGS 7.5' Redlands Quadrangle (1988) N 0 2 41 Miles Project Location REDLANDS Figure 2 Project Location Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: USGS 7.5' Redlands Quadrangle (1988) 0 1,200 2,400600 Feet K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ J D \ F i g 0 2 _ L o c a t i o n . m x d D a t e : 1 2 / 6 / 2 0 1 7 3 0 1 3 6 N Figure 3 - Sheet 1 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Legend Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 3 - Sheet 2 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Legend Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 3 - Sheet 3 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Legend Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 3 - Sheet 4 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Legend Permanent Impacts Temporary ImpactsSource: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 3 - Sheet 5 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Legend Staging Area Permanent Impacts Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 3 - Sheet 6 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Legend Permanent Impacts Temporary ImpactsSource: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 3 - Sheet 7 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Legend Permanent Impacts Temporary ImpactsSource: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 3 - Sheet 8 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Legend Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Trap Line 1 Trap Line 2 Trap Line 3 Trap Line 4 Vi l l a g e L a k e s R d Greenspot Rd Or a n g e S t 5th St B o u l d e r A v e 1 2 4 3 Figure 4 - Sheet 1 of 4 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance SBKR Survey Area (150-foot buffer) Wash Plan HCP Boundary SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines Trap Results SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture N Trap Line 7 Trap Line 8 Trap Line 6 Trap Line 5 Dishong St Or a n g e S t 1 2 4 3 Figure 4 - Sheet 2 of 4 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance SBKR Survey Area (150-foot buffer) Wash Plan HCP Boundary SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines Trap Results SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture N Trap Line 16 Trap Line 12 Trapline 10 Trap Line 11 Trap Line 15 Trap Line 9 Trap Line 13 Trap Line 14 Or a ng e S t Lasheart Dr 1 2 4 3 Figure 4 - Sheet 3 of 4 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance SBKR Survey Area (150-foot buffer) Wash Plan HCP Boundary SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines Trap Results SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture N E Pioneer Ave Wa s h in g t o n S t Cl ay S t Dubois St We b s t e r S t Oh i o S t Mountain View Cir Al t a S t Or a ng e S t Yvette Ct Beattie Ln Hubbard Ct Waters Ct W Pioneer Ave Re id S t Bra n do n St Virginia St Midway St 1 2 4 3 Figure 4 - Sheet 4 of 4 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance SBKR Survey Area (150-foot buffer) Wash Plan HCP Boundary SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines Trap Results SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture N INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK APPENDIX B. BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA Biological Assessment Cities of Highland and Redlands San Bernardino County, California 08-SBd-0 Federal Project Number: ATPL-5449(035) April 2019 This page intentionally left blank This page intentionally left blank Table of Contents Chapter 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Purpose and Need of the Proposed Action ...................................................... 1 1.2. Threatened, Endangered, Proposed Threatened or Proposed Endangered Species, Critical Habitat .......................................................................... 1 1.2.1. Candidate Species ............................................................................ 3 1.2.2. Critical Habitat ................................................................................... 3 1.3. Consultation History .......................................................................................... 3 1.4. Description of Proposed Action ....................................................................... 4 1.4.1. Project Summary ............................................................................... 4 1.4.2. Authorities and Discretion .................................................................. 5 1.4.3. Project Location ................................................................................. 5 1.4.4. Define Action Area ............................................................................. 5 1.4.5. Conservation Measures ..................................................................... 6 1.4.6. Interrelated and Interdependent Actions ...........................................11 Chapter 2. Study Methods ................................................................................................... 13 2.1. Summary .......................................................................................................... 13 2.2. Personnel and Survey Dates ........................................................................... 13 2.2.1. Rare Plant Focused Surveys ............................................................16 2.2.2. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys ..............................16 2.3. Resource Agency Coordination and Professional Contacts ........................ 17 2.4. Limitations and Assumptions that May Influence Results............................ 20 Chapter 3. Environmental Baseline ..................................................................................... 21 3.1. Habitat Conditions in the Action Area ............................................................ 21 3.2. Summary of Environmental Baseline ............................................................. 21 3.3. Action Area Description .................................................................................. 22 3.3.1. Physical Conditions ..........................................................................23 3.3.2. Biological Conditions in the Study Area ............................................24 3.3.3. Invasive Species ...............................................................................26 3.3.4. Habitat Connectivity ..........................................................................26 Chapter 4. Federally-Listed/Proposed Species and Designated Critical Habitat within Action Area ................................................................................................................... 27 4.1. Federally-Listed Plant Species ....................................................................... 27 4.1.1. Discussion of Slender-Horned Spineflower .......................................27 4.1.2. Discussion of Santa Ana River Woollystar ........................................28 4.2. Federally-Listed Wildlife Species.................................................................... 29 4.2.1. Discussion of Santa Ana Sucker .......................................................29 4.2.2. Discussion of Coastal California Gnatcatcher ...................................30 4.2.3. Discussion of San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat ....................................31 Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA i Table of Contents Chapter 5. Effects of the Project on the Action Area ............................................................ 33 5.1. Deconstruct Action .......................................................................................... 33 5.1.1. Construction Scenario ......................................................................33 5.1.2. Sequencing and Schedule ................................................................33 5.1.3. Stressors from Project Actions ..........................................................34 5.1.4. Project Operation and Maintenance ..................................................36 5.2. Exposure to Stressors from the Action .......................................................... 37 5.2.1. Exposure to Stressors to Slender-horned Spineflower ......................37 5.2.2. Exposure to Stressors to Santa Ana River Woollystar ......................37 5.2.3. Exposure to Stressors to Santa Ana Sucker .....................................37 5.2.4. Exposure to Stressors to Coastal California Gnatcatcher .................38 5.2.5. Exposure to Stressors to San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat ..................38 5.3. Response to the Exposure .............................................................................. 39 5.3.1. Response of Slender-Horned Spineflower to Exposure ....................39 5.3.2. Response of Santa Ana River Woollystar to Exposure .....................39 5.3.3. Response of Santa Ana Sucker to Exposure ....................................39 5.3.4. Response of Coastal California Gnatcatcher to Exposure ................40 5.3.5. Response of San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat to Exposure .................40 5.4. Effects of the Action ........................................................................................ 40 5.4.1. Effect of the Action on Slender-horned Spineflower ..........................40 5.4.2. Effect of the Action on Santa Ana River Woollystar ..........................41 5.4.3. Effect of the Action on Santa Ana Sucker .........................................41 5.4.4. Effect of the Action on Coastal California Gnatcatcher ......................41 5.4.5. Effect of the Action on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat ......................42 5.5. Conservation Measures and Compensation Proposal .................................. 42 5.5.1. Conservation Measures ....................................................................42 5.5.2. Compensation ..................................................................................50 5.6. Effects of Interrelated and Interdependent Actions....................................... 53 5.7. Cumulative Effects ........................................................................................... 53 5.7.1. Cumulative Effects on Slender-horned Spineflower ..........................54 5.7.2. Cumulative Effects on Santa Ana River Woollystar ...........................54 5.7.3. Cumulative Effects on Santa Ana Sucker .........................................54 5.7.4. Cumulative Effects on Coastal California Gnatcatcher ......................54 5.7.5. Cumulative Effects on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat .......................54 5.8. Determination ................................................................................................... 55 5.8.1. Species and Critical Habitat Determination .......................................55 5.8.2. Discussion of Supporting Determination ...........................................55 Chapter 6. Literature Cited .................................................................................................. 57 Appendices Appendix A. Project Figures Appendix B. USFWS Official Species List Appendix C. Listed Species Potentially Occurring within the Action Area Appendix D. Site Photos Appendix E. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Survey Report Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA ii Table of Contents Appendix F. Plant Species Observed Appendix G. Wildlife Species Observed Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA iii Table of Contents This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA iv Table of Contents List of Tables and Figures Tables Table 1. Federally-Listed Species Potentially Affected by the Project ........................................ 1 Table 2. Action Areas for Federally-Listed Species .................................................................... 6 Table 3. Field Personnel Qualifications .....................................................................................14 Table 4. Survey Dates, Personnel, and Conditions for the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys ................................................................................................................17 Table 5. Soil Series Occurring within the BSA ...........................................................................23 Table 6. Vegetation Communities/Land Cover Types within the BSA ........................................24 Table 7. Impacts on Santa Ana River Woollystar Suitable Habitat.............................................34 Table 8. Impacts on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Suitable Habitat ........................................36 Table 9. Impacts on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Critical Habitat ..........................................36 Table 10. Anticipated Mitigation Credits Required for the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project ..............................................................................................................51 Figures (in Appendix A) Figure 1. Regional Vicinity Figure 2. Project Location Figure 3. Conservation Lands and Critical Habitat Figure 4. Project Impact Areas Figure 5. Biological Study Area Figure 6. Rare Plant Focused Surveys Figure 7. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Figure 8. NRCS Soils Figure 9. Vegetation Communities Figure 10. Project Impact Areas Requiring Mitigation Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA v Table of Contents This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA vi Table of Contents Acronym List BMP Best Management Practices BSA Biological Study Area Cal-IPC California Invasive Plant Council Caltrans California Department of Transportation CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife CFR Code of Federal Regulations CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database CNPS California Native Plant Society Conservation District San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District ESAs Environmentally Sensitive Areas FESA Federal Endangered Species Act IPaC USFWS Information, Planning, and Conservation System KOA KOA Corporation NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service PBFs Physical and Biological Features PCEs Primary Constituent Elements Project Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project SBCDPW San Bernardino County Department of Public Works SBCFCD San Bernardino County Flood Control District SR State Route SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USC United State Code USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey Wash Plan HCP Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan WSPA Woollystar Preserve Area Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA vii Table of Contents This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA viii Executive Summary The City of Highland, in cooperation with the City of Redlands and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is proposing a non-motorized bikeway and walkway project that will occur in and serve the cities of Highland and Redlands in San Bernardino County (project). The project extends from the City of Highland at Base Line in the north and to the south in the City of Redlands at Pioneer Avenue. The project covers a distance of 4.7 miles. The purpose of the project is to improve the existing non-motorized transportation network within the cities of Highland and Redlands by constructing regional bikeways and walkway trails. The purpose of this Biological Assessment is to provide technical information and to review the proposed project in sufficient detail to determine to what extent the proposed project may affect threatened, endangered, or proposed species. Caltrans, as assigned by the Federal Highway Administration, has prepared this Biological Assessment under its assumption of responsibility at 23 United States Code (USC) 326 or 23 USC 327. The biological assessment is also prepared in accordance with 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 402, legal requirements found in Section 7 (a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (16 USC 1536(c)) and with Federal Highway Administration and Caltrans regulation, policy and guidance. The document presents technical information upon which later decisions regarding project effects are developed. The project is located within the Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan (Wash Plan HCP) area. The Wash Plan HCP is a draft Habitat Conservation Plan that has been submitted by the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on behalf of all participating parties. Because the Wash Plan HCP is still under review and awaiting the issuance of the Incidental Take Permit, it will not be implemented in time to cover the project. As such, this Biological Assessment is being prepared and the project will undergo independent Section 7 consultation. However, the project will consider provisions in the plan throughout the environmental planning process in an effort to fully comply with the Wash Plan HCP. The project is identified as a Covered Activity under the Wash Plan HCP (ID: High.23 and Redl.17, Section 2.2). In order to identify and determine potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects on federally- listed species within, and adjacent to, the project, a Biological Study Area (BSA) was established, which included 100-foot, 150-foot, and 300-foot buffers from the edge of proposed permanent disturbance limits determined from preliminary engineering design. Buffer distance ranged by resource type. Reconnaissance studies and surveys conducted within the BSA determined that potential habitat occurs for five federally-listed species: slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras), Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum), Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae), coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), and San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus). Focused and protocol field surveys determined that Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat are present within the BSA. The remaining species were not detected and are considered absent from the BSA. In accordance with Section 7 of the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA ix Executive Summary Endangered Species Act, Caltrans will request a determination of may affect, likely to adversely affect for Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its critical habitat, due to the potential for direct effects on these species. Caltrans has determined that the proposed project would have no effect on the remaining federally-listed species and no further consultation for these species is anticipated. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA x Chapter 1. Introduction 1.1. Purpose and Need of the Proposed Action The City of Highland, in cooperation with the City of Redlands and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is proposing the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project (project). The project is a proposed non-motorized bikeway and walkway that will occur in and serve the cities of Highland and Redlands in San Bernardino County. The project extends from the City of Highland at Base Line in the north and to the south in the City of Redlands at Pioneer Avenue (Appendix A, Figures 1 and 2). The project covers a distance of 4.7 miles. The City of Highland is the lead agency and the project is federally funded. The purpose of the project is to improve the existing non-motorized transportation network within the cities of Highland and Redlands by constructing regional bikeways and walkway trails. Currently, the bikeways and walkways within the cities of Highland and Redlands do not provide connectivity and portions of the existing pavement require repairs and upgrades. The proposed project is needed to provide recreational, community, and safety-related benefits to bicyclists and pedestrians in the cities of Highland and Redlands. The proposed project is also needed to provide connectivity to the regional trail networks, including the Greenspot Road Trail, which traverses the southern portion of the City of Highland, the Pole Line Trail in the City of Highland, and the Santa Ana River Trail which would traverse the northern portion of the City of Redlands. 1.2. Threatened, Endangered, Proposed Threatened or Proposed Endangered Species, Critical Habitat An updated species list was provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for the action area of this project (see Appendix B). The following listed and proposed species and/or designated critical habitats were identified on the updated federal species list and were considered during this analysis (Table 1). Table 1. Federally-Listed Species Potentially Affected by the Project Common Name Scientific Name Status Determination Species Nevin’s barberry Berberis nevinii E No effect San Diego ambrosia Ambrosia pumila E No effect Santa Ana River woolly- star Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum E May affect, likely to adversely affect Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 1 Chapter 1 Introduction Common Name Scientific Name Status Determination Slender-horned spineflower Dodecahema leptoceras E No effect Santa Ana sucker Catostomus santaanae T No effect Coastal California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica T No effect Least Bell’s vireo Vireo bellii pusillus E No effect Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus E No effect San Bernardino kangaroo rat Dipodomys merriami parvus E May affect, likely to adversely affect Stephens' kangaroo rat Dipodomys tephensi E No effect Critical Habitat Santa Ana sucker critical habitat N/A CH No effect San Bernardino kangaroo rat critical habitat N/A CH May affect, likely to adversely affect E = Federally Endangered, T = Federally Threatened, CH = Critical Habitat In order to identify and determine potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects on federally- listed species within, and adjacent to, the project, a Biological Study Area (BSA) was established, which included 100-foot, 150-foot, and 300-foot buffers from the edge of proposed permanent disturbance limits determined from preliminary engineering design. Buffer distance ranged by resource type. Reconnaissance studies and surveys conducted within the BSA determined that potential habitat may occur for five federally-listed species (Appendix C): slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras), Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum), Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae), coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), and San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus). Focused and protocol field surveys determined that Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat are present within the BSA. The remaining species were not detected and are considered absent from the BSA. In accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Caltrans will request a determination of may affect, likely to adversely affect for Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its critical habitat, due to the potential for direct effects on these species. Caltrans has determined that the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 2 Chapter 1 Introduction proposed project would have no effect on the remaining federally-listed species and no further consultation for these species is anticipated. 1.2.1. Candidate Species No federal candidate species will be affected by the project. 1.2.2. Critical Habitat The proposed action addressed within this document is within critical habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Appendix A, Figure 3). In addition, areas of the BSA outside of the project footprint are within critical habitat for Santa Ana sucker. 1.3. Consultation History The following coordination with agencies and other partners for this project has occurred (see Section 2.3 for details): • March 14, 2017. General project design and footprint, natural resources and species present in the area, general regulatory requirements, and survey requirements for the project were discussed at the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District (Conservation District) Upper Santa Ana River Wash Plan Habitat Conservation Plan (Wash Plan HCP) Meeting (see Section 3.2 for a description of the Wash Plan HCP). • July 18, 2017. An official USFWS species list of proposed, threatened, and endangered species and critical habitat within and adjacent to the BSA was obtained through the USFWS Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPaC) system. • December 4, 2017. The California National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Species List Tool was queried for the project quadrangle (Redlands). No NMFS resources are located within the project area; thus, a NMFS species list was not obtained from NMFS for the project. • February 22, 2018. The project design team revised the trail alignment along the Santa Ana River to avoid all direct impacts on Santa Ana sucker critical habitat. Impacts on the Woollystar Preserve Area (WSPA) in terms of the Wash Plan HCP and possible avoidance and mitigation options were discussed (see Section 3.2 for a description of the WSPA). • March 2, 2018. Project impacts and possible avoidance, minimization, and mitigation options for the WSPA were discussed. • May 24, 2018. Impacts on the project from the delayed approval schedule for the Wash Plan HCP were discussed. It was determined by USFWS that because the Wash Plan HCP will not be approved in time to cover the project, the project will have to go through Section 7 consultation and a Biological Assessment will be written for the issuance of a Biological Opinion. Requirements when selecting conservation lands for mitigation for project impacts were described by USFWS. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 3 Chapter 1 Introduction • June 4, 2018. Options were reviewed for potential mitigation lands for the project based on requirements outlined by USFWS. • June 11, 2018. Conservation lands were selected for project mitigation. It was decided that a 30-acre patch of land approximately one mile east of the project would be the best fit (see Section 2.3 and 5.1.3.2 for details). Mitigation for project impacts on jurisdictional waters through the Conservation District Plunge Creek Mitigation Project was discussed and preliminary project aquatic resource impacts were provided to the Conservation District. • October 4, 2018. Possible options for mitigation lands for project impacts on the WSPA, future seed collection for Santa Ana River woollystar, and the status of the Wash Plan HCP were discussed. • April 29, 2019. An updated official USFWS species list was obtained (Appendix B). 1.4. Description of Proposed Action 1.4.1. Project Summary The cities of Highland and Redlands jointly plan to improve the non-motorized transportation network by constructing regional bikeways and walkways. Bicycle and pedestrian improvements will be constructed along 4.7 contiguous miles of streets and easements in the cities of Highland and Redlands. Work will include pavement widening, curb and gutter, curb ramps, median curbs, sidewalks, pavement repairs, slurry seal, Class I, II, & III bikeway/pedestrian paths, bicycle/pedestrian bridge, bike racks, bollards, bike signals, in-roadway bicycle detection, pedestrian heads, sharrows (shared lane markings), enhanced crosswalks, warning beacons, roadway and bikeway signage, lighting, and speed feedback signs. A single span bikeway and pedestrian path pre-fabricated bridge will be installed over Plunge Creek, with abutments placed outside of the Plunge Creek channel. Staging areas will be located outside of the project footprint within the Cemex Redlands Quarry property on the east side of Orange Street. Project impact areas and staging areas are illustrated on Figure 4 (provided in Appendix A). The proposed project is planned to commence construction in 2019 and complete construction in 2020. There is only one proposed Build Alternative being considered as part of this proposed project. The proposed trail extends from Base Line to the north, then southerly along Streater Avenue to Glenheather Drive where a spur trail terminates to the east at Arroyo Verde Elementary School. Additionally, the proposed trail extends west from Glenheather Drive along a thin piece of open space between two residential communities to Orange Street where the trail then turns south and runs along Orange Street to Pioneer Avenue, passing over Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River. Additionally, a spur trail extends west from Orange Street south of the Santa Ana River along Domestic Avenue within a combination of open space, public streets, Southern Edison easements, and residential communities to Texas Street where the trail turns south Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 4 Chapter 1 Introduction again and terminates north of Pioneer Avenue at Citrus Valley High School (Appendix A, Figure 2). 1.4.2. Authorities and Discretion The project is being proposed by the City of Highland, in coordination with the City of Redlands and Caltrans. The project is located within the Wash Plan HCP area (Appendix A, Figure 3). The Wash Plan HCP is a draft Habitat Conservation Plan that has been submitted by the Conservation District to the USFWS on behalf of all participating parties (see Section 3.2 for details). Although the Wash Plan HCP is still under review and awaiting the issuance of the Incidental Take Permit, and as such the project will undergo independent Section 7 consultation, the project will consider provisions in the plan throughout the environmental planning process in an effort to fully comply with the Wash Plan HCP. The project is identified as a Covered Activity under the Wash Plan HCP (ID: High.23 and Redl.17, Section 2.2). 1.4.3. Project Location The project is located in the cities of Highland and Redlands, San Bernardino County, California. It extends from the City of Highland at Base Line in the north and to the south in the City of Redlands at Pioneer Avenue (Appendix A, Figures 1 and 2). The project is located within the jurisdiction of Caltrans District 8 within Township 1S, Ranges 3W and 7W, Sections 2, 3, 10, 15, and 16 of the Redlands United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-Minute topographic quadrangle (USGS 1967; Appendix A, Figure 2). Coordinates of the center of the work site are 34°05’42.66”N, 117°10’56.83” W. 1.4.4. Define Action Area The overall action area for the project includes the project footprint and the 300-foot BSA buffer (Appendix A, Figures 4 and 5). However, each federally-listed species had its own action area based on direct and indirect impacts specific to that species (Table 2). Action areas were determined based on project limits of disturbance, locations for construction staging and access areas, and the types of construction activities that are planned for the project. Factors considered when determining the action areas for federally-listed species included potential for direct and indirect impacts from project construction, including vegetation removal, as well as degradation of suitable habitat from sedimentation, erosion, pollutants, dust, and invasive plant species. Action areas covered all areas that are to be affected both directly and indirectly by the proposed project action. Any areas containing suitable habitat that were outside of the action area were not included in the analyses for this Biological Assessment as they would not be impacted directly or indirectly by the project. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 5 Chapter 1 Introduction Table 2. Action Areas for Federally-Listed Species Action Area Federally-Listed Species Project limits of disturbance plus a 100-foot buffer Santa Ana River woollystar, slender- horned spineflower Project limits of disturbance plus a 150-foot buffer San Bernardino kangaroo rat Project limits of disturbance plus a 300-foot buffer Vegetation mapping for potentially suitable habitat for federally-listed species 1.4.5. Conservation Measures 1.4.5.1. Project Design Modifications for Avoidance and Minimization A number of features were incorporated into the project design to avoid and minimize impacts on federally-listed species and critical habitat to the maximum extent feasible. Construction work will utilize the existing roadway and city right-of-way and avoid sensitive vegetation communities to the maximum extent possible. Staging areas will be placed within developed areas located on the Cemex Redlands Quarry property and will avoid areas that contain sensitive resources. The trail alignment to the northwest of the northern bridge abutment over the Santa Ana River was revised so that it fell entirely outside of the Santa Ana River channel to avoid direct impacts on Santa Ana sucker critical habitat. All work will take place outside of the creeks and channels located within the action area, including Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River, and no structures or equipment will be placed within the streambeds. The new bikeway and pedestrian path that will cross over Plunge Creek is a single span, pre-fabricated bridge that will be installed over the creek, with abutments placed outside of the Plunge Creek channel. In addition, the measures summarized in Section 1.4.5.2 below and detailed in Sections 5.5.1.2 through 5.5.1.5 will avoid and minimize impacts on slender-horned spineflower, Santa Ana River woollystar, Santa Ana sucker unoccupied critical habitat, and San Bernardino kangaroo rat and critical habitat. 1.4.5.2. Species Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures The following summarized avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented to avoid impacts on slender-horned spineflower, Santa Ana River woollystar, Santa Ana sucker unoccupied critical habitat, and San Bernardino kangaroo rat and critical habitat (see Sections 5.5.1.2 through 5.5.1.5 for detailed measures). Avoidance and minimization measures are based off of requirements for Covered Activities under the Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5. Slender-horned Spineflower • BIO-1 Prior to ground disturbance in areas containing suitable habitat for slender- horned spineflower, surveys will be conducted if the area has not been surveyed within the last five years to determine if the plant is present (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 6 Chapter 1 Introduction • BIO-2 If construction activities are to take place within 165 feet of known occurrences of slender-horned spineflower, ESA fencing will be erected to protect them and will be monitored by a qualified botanist and/or biological monitor (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-3 If slender-horned spineflower is detected during pre-project surveys, seeds will be collected at the appropriate time of year (generally in the fall) prior to ground disturbance (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). If California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW ) and USFWS determine that seed collection is not possible for this species, then written concurrence from these agencies will be obtained to fulfill this measure. • BIO-4 Surface soils will be removed and sequestered at the beginning of any ground disturbing construction activities where slender-horned spineflower is present (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-5 If slender-horned spineflower is present, the replanting site will be monitored and maintained for five years or until the species is re-established (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). Santa Ana River Woollystar • BIO-6 A Biological Resource Information program for all construction personnel would be developed and implemented prior to construction. • BIO-7 A preconstruction notification will be provided to USFWS, CDFW, and the Conservation District in writing at least 5 days prior to project initiation. • BIO-8 Prior to clearing or construction, Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) fencing would be installed around designated Santa Ana River woollystar population boundaries adjacent to the project footprint to designate ESAs to be avoided. • BIO-9 An authorized biologist will be present onsite during construction within or adjacent to Santa Ana River woollystar suitable habitat. • BIO-10 Before ground disturbance or other activities, a qualified botanist will survey all proposed construction and access areas containing suitable habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar to document locations of this species for avoidance and ESA fencing. If construction starts prior to the appropriate season and it is unfeasible to conduct preconstruction surveys, then plant documentation will rely on previous survey areas of populations. • BIO-11 Populations of Santa Ana River woollystar will be clearly mapped and recorded. • BIO-12 If Santa Ana River woollystar is detected during pre-project surveys, seeds will be collected at the appropriate time (usually fall) prior to ground disturbance (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-13 Sites where temporary impacts occur will be replanted with the previously collected Santa Ana River woollystar seed over consecutive years following ground disturbance (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-14 The replanting site will be monitored and maintained for two years or until Santa Ana River woollystar is considered to be re-established (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 7 Chapter 1 Introduction • BIO-15 The project limits of disturbance will be confined to the smallest practical area (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-16 Prior to clearing or construction, highly visible barriers (such as orange construction fencing) will be installed at all Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitats that will be avoided and are adjacent to the project limits of disturbance to designate ESAs to be preserved. • BIO-17 No construction activities, materials, or equipment will be allowed within the ESAs. • BIO-18 The ESA fencing will be inspected by the biological monitor at a frequency necessary to ensure that it is in place and properly maintained. • BIO-19 Equipment storage, fueling, and staging areas shall be located on upland sites with minimal risks of direct drainage into Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub or other natural areas (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-20 A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a soil erosion and sedimentation plan will be developed prior to construction to minimize erosion and identify specific pollution prevention measures that will eliminate or control potential point and nonpoint pollution sources onsite during and following the project construction phase. • BIO-21 Project activities near or within the Wash Plan HCP Preserve or other natural areas will incorporate plans to ensure that runoff discharged is not altered in an adverse way when compared with existing conditions (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-22 Prior to construction, the biological monitor will perform a preconstruction survey for sensitive plant and wildlife species to avoid. Surveys will focus on special-status species having a potential to occur within the work area. • BIO-23 When work is conducted during the fire season, appropriate fire-fighting equipment and a water tender will be available on the project site during all phases of project construction. • BIO-24 Active construction areas shall be watered regularly to control dust and minimize impacts on adjacent vegetation. • BIO-25 A weed abatement plan will be developed to minimize the spread and importation of non-native plant material during and after construction in compliance with Executive Order 13112 and would include Measures BIO-26 through BIO-29. • BIO-26 Any exotic species removed during construction will be properly handled to prevent sprouting or regrowth. • BIO-27 Equipment will be cleaned of mud or other debris that may contain invasive plants and/or seeds and inspected prior to entering the worksite and between worksites to reduce the potential of spreading noxious weeds. • BIO-28 Trucks carrying loads of vegetation that will be removed from the project footprint will be covered and disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 8 Chapter 1 Introduction • BIO-29 Only certified weed-free straw, mulch, and/or fiber rolls will be used for erosion control. Fill material will be obtained from weed-free sources. Santa Ana Sucker • BIO-30 No erodible materials will be deposited into watercourses or areas demarcated with ESA fencing. Vegetation, mud, silt, or other debris material or pollutants from construction activities will not be stockpiled within stream channels or on adjacent banks or allowed to enter a flowing stream. • BIO-31 All portable toilets will be placed on a vegetated or dirt surface away from any streams, storm drains, or drainage swales. • BIO-32 No equipment will be placed within a flowing stream or on directly adjacent banks. • BIO-33 An authorized biologist will monitor construction adjacent to critical habitat at a frequency necessary to ensure that avoidance and minimization measures are in place according to specifications and are being properly followed. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat • BIO-34 A USFWS-authorized biologist with knowledge of San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its habitat will function as a biological monitor. • BIO-35 The biological monitor will be present during vegetation clearing, grading, and during construction activities that could result in take of San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-36 Exclusion fencing will be installed around all areas with suitable habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat that will be impacted by project construction. Exclusionary trapping for San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be conducted preceding ground disturbance by a qualified biologist within San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat areas where exclusionary fence is installed (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-37 Prior to grading any existing dirt roads within the project area, other than roads within mining operations areas, a qualified biologist will trap the existing dirt road and 50 feet on either side for San Bernardino kangaroo rat during the five nights preceding the grading (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-38 The ESA fencing and San Bernardino kangaroo rat exclusionary fencing will be inspected by the biological monitor at a frequency necessary to ensure that it is in place and properly maintained. • BIO-39 All project activities will take place during the daylight hours; no nighttime construction work will occur. Permanent nighttime lighting of facilities within the Wash Plan HCP Preserve should be avoided (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-40 Except on paved roads with posted speed limits and in aggregate mining operations areas with established speed limits per their mining plan, vehicle speeds will not exceed 15 miles per hour during travel associated with the project (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 9 Chapter 1 Introduction • BIO-41 No open trenches or holes (aggregate mining activities excepted) will be left overnight without covering, fencing, or providing escape ramps with a minimum 3:1 slope. • BIO-42 Unburied pipes or conduit laid in trenches overnight will be capped. Uncapped pipes or conduits will be thoroughly inspected for the presence of San Bernardino kangaroo rat before the pipe is subsequently buried, capped, or otherwise used or moved in any way. • BIO-43 Soil stockpiles will be located outside of San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat and ESA areas, to the maximum extent feasible. ESA fencing and San Bernardino kangaroo rat exclusionary fencing will be placed around any soil stockpiles that must be located within these areas to prevent this species from entering the stockpiles (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-44 A USFWS-approved biological monitor and/or designated biologist will serve as the contact source for any personnel who might inadvertently kill or injure a San Bernardino kangaroo rat or who finds a dead, injured, or entrapped individual. • BIO-45 Any personnel who inadvertently kills or injures a San Bernardino kangaroo rat shall immediately report the incident to the designated biological monitor and/or designated biologist, who will notify the USFWS immediately and in writing within three working days. • BIO-46 No firearms or pets will be allowed in, or adjacent to, the project site. Firearms carried by authorized security and law enforcement personnel are exempt (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-47 Rodenticides, herbicides, insecticides, or other chemicals that could potentially harm San Bernardino kangaroo rat will not be used within areas that could support San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-48 Litter control measures will be implemented. • BIO-49 Spoils and rubble will not be deposited outside the identified limits of construction and material waste generated by the project will be disposed of offsite. • BIO-50 In areas where temporary ground disturbance occurs, including trenching, in San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat, the top 20 inches of soil/substrate will be segregated, preserved, and placed back in the same location and approximate configuration when the trench is backfilled (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). 1.4.5.3. Compensation Project impacts will be mitigated by acquiring 5.61 acres of Conservation District-owned lands located within a 30-acre area located approximately one mile east of the project (see Section 5.5.2 for details). These are planned Wash Plan HCP Preserve lands that are to be acquired and managed in perpetuity via an easement. They are adjacent to other conservation lands and are composed of Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat that is occupied by Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Permanent impacts will be mitigated at a minimum 1:1 ratio or as determined by the resource agencies. Compensatory mitigation ratios will be the same as those necessitated by the Wash Plan HCP. In addition, avoidance and Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 10 Chapter 1 Introduction minimization measures to avoid impacts on slender-horned spineflower, Santa Ana River woollystar, Santa Ana sucker unoccupied critical habitat, and San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its critical habitat will be implemented, as summarized in Section 1.4.5.2 above and detailed in Sections 5.5.1.2 through 5.5.1.5. 1.4.6. Interrelated and Interdependent Actions No interrelated or interdependent actions are associated with the project. The project is a non- motorized bikeway and walkway that is not part of a larger action. No additional interdependent activities outside of the specified project construction will occur as a result of the proposed action. Although there are other Covered Activities in the Wash Plan HCP boundary that occur within the same area (e.g., the Orange Street Bridge over Plunge Creek Overflow Project), the project is an independent action that is not a part of a larger action. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 11 Chapter 1 Introduction This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 12 Chapter 2. Study Methods 2.1. Summary Prior to conducting field surveys, literature and databases relevant to the BSA were reviewed. Information reviewed included: • California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB; CDFW 2017a). • California Native Plant Society (CNPS) On-Line Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (CNPS 2017). • USFWS List of Proposed, Threatened, and Endangered Species, and Critical Habitats for the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project, 08ECAR00-2018-SLI-0285 (Appendix B; USFWS 2019). • Wash Plan HCP (ICF 2018a). Surveys were conducted within the BSA in 2017 and included a reconnaissance biological survey, vegetation mapping, analysis of habitats for special-status species, and a jurisdictional delineation for aquatic resources. During the habitat assessment, photos of the study area were also taken (Appendix D). Focused surveys were conducted for slender-horned spineflower and Santa Ana River woollystar and protocol surveys were performed for San Bernardino kangaroo rat. The portion of the Santa Ana River within the BSA is unoccupied by Santa Ana sucker due to a drop structure located approximately 9.5 miles downstream of the BSA, which creates an impassible barrier that prohibits this species from swimming upstream (see Section 4.2.1). As a result, focused surveys were not performed for this species. Because the potential for coastal California gnatcatcher to occur within the BSA is very low due lack of preferred habitat (see Section 4.2.2) and the BSA is only suitable for foraging and dispersal, protocol surveys for this species were not performed. Survey methodology, survey dates, and personnel for all focused and protocol surveys are detailed in Section 2.2 below. Species information and assessment is based on the Natural Environment Study (August 2018) that was prepared for the project (ICF 2018b). 2.2. Personnel and Survey Dates Surveys for the project included focused surveys for slender-horned spineflower and Santa Ana River woollystar, and protocol surveys for San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Information on field personnel and their qualifications are provided in Table 3 and study methods are described in the subsections below. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 13 Chapter 2 Study Methods Table 3. Field Personnel Qualifications Name Company Years of Experience Field Skillset Permits Surveys Performed for Project Danny Cuellar ICF 10 Freshwater invertebrate taxonomist; stream ecologist; rare plant surveys; small mammal surveys; biological monitor. N/A Rare plant focused surveys James Hickman ICF 12 Wildlife biologist; extensive experience conducting surveys for various southern California species including bats, coastal California gnatcatcher, burrowing owl, and small mammals. TE-060218B- 0 Rare plant focused surveys; San Bernardino kangaroo rat protocol surveys Shawn Johnston ICF 16 Botanical surveys; restoration ecology. N/A Rare plant focused surveys Kolby Olson ICF 7 Experience with general biological surveys; construction monitoring; burrowing owl focused surveys; nesting bird surveys. N/A San Bernardino kangaroo rat protocol surveys (assist) Phillip Richards ICF 17 General biology; small mammals; riparian birds; general avian; general botanical; habitat assessment. TE-095896 San Bernardino kangaroo rat protocol surveys Paul Schwartz ICF 14 Botanical surveys; biological restoration; burrowing owl focused studies; jurisdictional delineation. N/A Rare plant focused surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 14 Chapter 2 Study Methods This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 15 Chapter 2 Study Methods 2.2.1. Rare Plant Focused Surveys 2.2.1.1. HABITAT ASSESSMENT A habitat assessment was conducted for special-status plants on June 5, 2017 by Paul Schwartz. Determinations of the presence of suitable habitat for special-status plants were based on each species natural life history requirements, which included hydrology, existing habitat, tolerance to disturbance, elevation range, soil types, current land uses, and/or disturbances. The assessment was conducted by a biologist experienced with the habitat requirements for locally-occurring, special-status plant species (Table 3). 2.2.1.2. FOCUSED SURVEYS Rare plant focused surveys were conducted on April 13, 2017 by Shawn Johnston and James Hickman, and on June 9, 2017 by Shawn Johnston and Danny Cuellar (see Table 3 for personnel qualifications). Focused survey methods were derived from the standardized guidelines issued by USFWS (USFWS 2000a), CDFW (CDFW 2000, 2009), and CNPS (CNPS 2001). Surveys were completed by walking meandering belt transects throughout suitable habitat. The distance between transects was adjusted when necessary to provide adequate coverage and to account for ground surface visibility, terrain, vegetation density, and access. Surveys were targeted within unique portions of the BSA where microhabitats had an increased potential to support special- status species. Plants were identified to the lowest taxonomic level sufficient to determine whether the plant species observed was invasive, non-native, native, or special-status. Plants of uncertain identity were subsequently identified from taxonomic keys (Baldwin et al. 2012). Scientific and common species names were recorded according to Baldwin et al. (2012). The rare plant focused surveys were conducted during the appropriate blooming season for all special-status plant species potentially occurring within the BSA that require flowers for detection. Known reference populations for slender-horned spineflower and Santa Ana River woollystar were visited on April 13, 2017 and June 9, 2017, respectively, prior to examination of the BSA. Rare plant focused surveys were conducted for those species having suitable habitat present within the project limits of disturbance plus a 100-foot buffer (Appendix A, Figure 6). 2.2.2. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Focused trapping surveys for San Bernardino kangaroo rat were performed between October 23 and October 27, 2017 by federal 10(a)1(A) permitted biologists Phillip Richards (permit # TE- 095896) and James Hickman (permit # TE-060218B-0) (see Table 3 for personnel qualifications). The BSA for this work was the limits of disturbance and a 150-foot buffer (Appendix A, Figure 7). Trapping was conducted along 16 trapping lines with approximately 10 traps per line. Areas designated as High and Medium Suitability for San Bernardino kangaroo rat, as mapped in the Wash Plan HCP (ICF 2018a), were targeted but some areas mapped as lesser quality were Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 16 Chapter 2 Study Methods also trapped where habitat was appropriate. Traps were set roughly 10 meters apart in a meandering transect within the habitat determined to be the most suitable (Appendix A, Figure 7). Sherman live-traps with doors modified to prevent tail damage were used throughout the survey. Traps were opened and baited with bird seed within one hour of sunset and checked beginning at sunrise, at which time captured wildlife were identified and released unharmed immediately at the point of capture. All trapping efforts complied with trapping and handling requirements for the species. Survey dates, personnel, and weather conditions are presented in Table 4. Detailed survey methodology can be found in the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Survey Report in Appendix E. Table 4. Survey Dates, Personnel, and Conditions for the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Survey Night Date Temperature (Start, Stop, °F) Wind Speed (mph) Cloud Cover Personnel 1 10/23/2017 65, 70 0–3 Clear James Hickman, Phillip Richards, Kolby Olson 2 10/24/2017 70, 80 1–6 Clear James Hickman, Phillip Richards, Kolby Olson 3 10/25/2017 76, 78 0–3 Clear James Hickman, Kolby Olson 4 10/26/2017 63, 73 0–5 Clear Phillip Richards, Kolby Olson 5 10/27/2017 62, 70 0–3 Clear Phillip Richards, Kolby Olson F=Fahrenheit; mph=miles per hour James Hickman: TE-060218B-0; Phillip Richards: TE-095896; Kolby Olson: assist 2.3. Resource Agency Coordination and Professional Contacts On March 14, 2017, representatives from the cities of Highland and Redlands, Conservation District, KOA Corporation (KOA), and ICF attended the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District Wash Plan HCP Meeting. Attendees included Dennis Barton (City of Highland), Ernie Wong (City of Highland), Carlos Zamano (City of Highland), Kjeld Lindsted (City of Redlands), Jason Montgomery (City of Redlands), Jeff Beehler (Conservation District), Chuck Stephen (KOA), Brian Calvert (ICF), and Greg Hoisington (ICF). During the meeting, discussions were conducted regarding general project design and footprint, natural resources and species present in the area, general regulatory requirements, and survey requirements for the project. It was confirmed by all parties that only areas designated as High and Medium Suitability by the Wash Plan HCP needed to be trapped for San Bernardino kangaroo rat. On July 18, 2017, an official USFWS List of Proposed, Threatened, and Endangered Species, and Critical Habitats was obtained through the USFWS IPaC system. During the drafting of the Natural Environment Study and Biological Assessment, over 90 days had elapsed since the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 17 Chapter 2 Study Methods original USFWS Official Species List was obtained for the project, so an updated list was generated on April 29, 2019 (Appendix B; USFWS 2019). On February 22, 2018, a meeting was held with Brian Calvert (ICF), Dennis Barton (City of Highland), Jason Montgomery (City of Redlands), and Kjeld Lindsted (City of Redlands) to discuss project impacts on Santa Ana sucker critical habitat and the WSPA (see Section 3.1.2 for a description of the WSPA). It was determined that the trail alignment to the northwest of the northern bridge abutment over the Santa Ana River would be revised to outside of the Santa Ana River channel to avoid impacts on Santa Ana sucker critical habitat. The meeting also discussed impacts on the WSPA in terms of the Wash Plan HCP and possible avoidance and mitigation options. On March 2, 2018, Jeff Beehler (Conservation District), Brian Calvert (ICF), Dennis Barton (City of Highland), Jason Montgomery (City of Redlands), and Kjeld Lindsted (City of Redlands) met to discuss project impacts on the WSPA. It was confirmed that there is no mechanism in the Wash Plan HCP to cover impacts on the WSPA, so possible avoidance, minimization, and mitigation options were discussed. It was determined that the best approach would be to do a land swap with the Alabama Street Improvements Project, another Wash Plan HCP Covered Activity (ID: High.01 & Redl.14, Section 2.2). The Alabama Street Improvements Project will have excess allotted impact lands following project construction and land trades are allowed in the Wash Plan HCP project-specific impact allotments. However, this option was subsequently eliminated (see below). On May 24, 2018, Dennis Barton (City of Highland), Karin Cleary-Rose (USFWS), John Taylor (USFWS), Aaron Burton (Caltrans), Joseph Long (City of Redlands), Ming Guan (KOA), Brian Calvert (ICF), Greg Hoisington (ICF), and Colleen Martin (ICF) had a conference call to discuss how the delayed approval schedule for the Wash Plan HCP will impact the project. It was determined that because the Wash Plan HCP will not be approved in time to cover the project, the project will have to go through Section 7 consultation and a Biological Assessment will be written for the issuance of a Biological Opinion. However, although the project cannot depend on the Wash Plan HCP because a Biological Opinion cannot be based on a future action, it was agreed upon that the language, avoidance and minimization measures, and compensatory mitigation from the Wash Plan HCP could be used in the Biological Assessment. USFWS expressed the need to strategically place mitigation lands for the project in a location that will be adjacent to other conservation lands so that there are not orphan conservation lands surrounded by non-conservation lands that would be difficult to manage and protect and would have reduced functions and values for listed species. These mitigation lands would occur within the Wash Plan HCP boundary. On June 4, 2018, Dennis Barton (City of Highland), Jeff Beehler (Conservation District), David Lovell (San Bernardino County Department of Public Works [SBCDPW]), Joseph Long (City of Redlands), Jason Montgomery (City of Redlands), Andrew Osaki (KOA), Brian Calvert (ICF), and Greg Hoisington (ICF) had a meeting to discuss possible options for mitigation lands for the project. The land swap with the Alabama Street Improvement Project for impacts on the WSPA Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 18 Chapter 2 Study Methods was discussed further, and it was determined that this option would not be feasible due to right- of-way encroachment and project boundaries associated with the Alabama Street Improvement Project. The Conservation District noted that they had a few other areas within the Wash Plan HCP boundaries that may work for mitigation lands for the project, as well as impacts on the WSPA, and agreed that they would investigate these options prior to the next meeting. The possibility of putting a retaining wall back into the project design to avoid impacts on the WSPA was also discussed. On June 11, 2018, Dennis Barton (City of Highland), Joseph Long (City of Redlands), Jeff Beehler (Conservation District), Katelyn Scholte (Conservation District), David Lovell (SBCDPW), Andrew Osaki (KOA), and Greg Hoisington (ICF) had a follow-up meeting to the June 4, 2018 meeting. The Conservation District identified a few possible areas within the Wash Plan HCP boundary that are available for mitigation lands for the project and it was decided that a 30-acre patch of land approximately one mile east of the project would be the best fit. The 30 acres are extra Wash Plan HCP conservation lands owned by the Conservation District that are outside of the Wash Plan HCP Preserve but within the Wash Plan HCP boundary. They are bordered by conservation lands to both the east and south and contain native habitats that support Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat (see Section 5.5.2.2 for details). During the meeting, it was also decided that a retaining wall would not be included in the design plan due to cost. Mitigation for project impacts on jurisdictional waters through the Conservation District Plunge Creek Mitigation Project was also discussed and preliminary project aquatic resource impacts were provided to the Conservation District. On October 4, 2018, Dennis Barton (City of Highland), Joseph Long (City of Redlands), Jeff Beehler (Conservation District), Ming Guam (KOA), Andrew Osaki (KOA), Brian Calvert (ICF), Greg Hoisington (ICF), and two unnamed attendees had a meeting to discuss possible options for mitigation lands for project impacts on the WSPA. It was determined that two separate mitigation areas would be required for the project because WSPA impacts cannot be mitigated on lands located within the Wash Plan HCP as the WSPA is not a component of the Wash Plan HCP. As such, other potential conservation lands besides the 30-acre Conservation District- owned area that will be used as mitigation for project impacts were identified. Future seed collection for Santa Ana River woollystar and the status of the Wash Plan HCP were also discussed. No portion of San Bernardino County is located within the NMFS jurisdictional boundary (Caltrans 2015), which includes the project area. A query of the California NMFS Species List Tool for this project confirmed that there are no NMFS resources located within the project area (NMFS-WCRC 2017). Furthermore, none of the species under the jurisdiction of NMFS are listed on the USFWS Official Species List generated for the project (Appendix B; USFWS 2019). The USFWS Official Species List will generally include anadromous fish and sea turtles, both of which are under the jurisdiction of NMFS, if potential NMFS resources are present. For this reason, an NMFS species list was not obtained from NMFS for the project and NMFS species will not be affected. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 19 Chapter 2 Study Methods To date, no consultation has taken place with CDFW for this project, but authorization from CDFW under Section 2081 would be required for the state definition of “take” of Santa Ana River woollystar. 2.4. Limitations and Assumptions that May Influence Results Standard USFWS, CDFW, CNPS, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) survey protocols were used for all biological field surveys. No limitations were encountered that would influence the results of this Biological Assessment. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 20 Chapter 3. Environmental Baseline The Environmental Baseline describes the setting in which the project will occur and includes the effects from past and present federal, state, private actions; proposed federal projects with completed Section 7 consultations; and contemporaneous state or private actions with consultation in progress. The environmental baseline also considers non-permitted actions (i.e., other nonfederal actions occurring within the action area). 3.1. Habitat Conditions in the Action Area The environmental setting within the central portion of the BSA is comprised of open space lands that are dominated by native alluvial scrub vegetation with some mining roads, associated mining infrastructure, and ground water recharge basins occurring in the floodplain areas. The native alluvial scrub vegetation is relatively undisturbed and composed primarily of native species. It provides suitable habitat for federally-listed species, including Santa Ana River woollystar, slender-horned spineflower, and San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River, both natural waterways, flow from east to west through this section of the BSA. The northern portion of the BSA is located in predominately residential areas of the City of Highland with some public land use intermixed. The southern portion of the BSA is located in the City of Redlands in a predominately residential area with some public and agricultural land uses intermixed. Unoccupied critical habitat for Santa Ana sucker and occupied critical habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat occurs within the BSA (USFWS 2019; Appendix A, Figure 3). Primary Constituent Elements (PCEs)/Physical and Biological Features (PBFs) for Santa Ana sucker are absent from the portion of the Santa Ana River that occurs within the BSA. This stretch of the Santa Ana River is unoccupied by Santa Ana sucker due to a drop structure located 9.5 miles downstream of the BSA that prohibits the species from swimming upstream. PCEs/PBFs for San Bernardino kangaroo rat occur within the alluvial scrub habitat throughout the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek floodplain portions of the BSA. 3.2. Summary of Environmental Baseline The central portion of the BSA consists of open natural habitats, whereas developed lands occur in the northern and southern portions of the BSA. The Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek floodplains portion of the proposed project occurs within the boundaries of the Wash Plan HCP (Appendix A, Figure 3). The Wash Plan HCP is a draft Habitat Conservation Plan that has been submitted by the Conservation District to the USFWS on behalf of all participating parties (ICF 2018a). USFWS has been consulted to authorize incidental take and coverage for the following plant and animal species: • Coastal California gnatcatcher • San Bernardino kangaroo rat Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 21 Chapter 3 Environmental Baseline • Cactus wren 1 • Santa Ana River woollystar • Slender-horned spineflower The Wash Plan HCP is intended to balance various project activities with natural community and species conservation. These projects include various Covered Activities, including the proposed project (ID: High.23 and Redl.17, Section 2.2). The Wash Plan HCP Preserve includes three preserve area types (i.e., District Conserved Lands, District Managed Lands, and San Bernardino County Flood Control District [SBCFCD] Conserved Lands), which are identified as the mitigation lands that will offset the impacts of the Covered Activities (ICF 2018a). The Wash Plan HCP has been prepared, and notification in the Federal Register and the start of the 90-day public review period is anticipated for early spring 2019, with an issuance of the Incidental Take Permit expected in mid-late 2019 following response to public comments and approval of the Wash Plan HCP Environmental Impact Review (SBVWCD 2017). Once the Incidental Take Permit is received under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), Covered Activities will be allowed to commence. Although the Wash Plan HCP is still under review, the proposed project will consider provisions in the plan throughout the environmental planning process in an effort to fully comply with the Wash Plan HCP. A total of 16.19 acres of WSPA lands occur within the BSA along the Santa Ana River floodplain to the west and east of Orange Street just north of River View Drive (Appendix A, Figure 3). Additional WSPA lands occur 1.5 miles west and 0.7 mile east of the BSA within the Santa Ana River floodplain. The W SPA is a 764 acre preserve that was established in the 1990’s by the USACE to address impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar related to the construction and operation of the Seven Oaks Dam on the Santa Ana River (SARWRA 2004; SBCDPW 2018). The WSPA falls within the boundaries of the Wash Plan HCP but is managed by SBCFCD under a separate habitat management plan (ICF 2018a). 3.3. Action Area Description This section describes the existing biological and physical conditions of the BSA, action area, and surrounding area. The project impact areas and action area are depicted in Figures 4 and 5 (provided in Appendix A), respectively. Although the project BSA and action area extends 300- feet from the project limits of disturbance in order to accommodate all biological resources, each federally-listed species had its own study area and action area based on direct and indirect impacts specific to that species (see Sections 1.4.4, 2.2.1, and 2.2.2). Because indirect impacts were considered when determining the survey areas for each species, the survey area and action area for an individual species is the same for the purposes of this Biological Assessment. Action areas were determined by considering stressors that may occur from the construction phase of the project, including both pre-construction preparation and construction activities; no 1 Although cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) is not state or federally-listed, it was included as a Covered Species under the Wash Plan HCP in the event that it is listed during the 30-year permit term. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 22 Chapter 3 Environmental Baseline stressors are anticipated to listed species as a result of project operation and maintenance (see Section 5.1.4). Pre-construction preparation included vegetation clearing, and the creation of access routes. Construction activities included the proposed Build Alternative improvements (e.g., creation of bikeways and walkways, curbs and curb ramps, gutters, bike racks, sidewalks), sedimentation, erosion, pollutants, dust, and invasive plant species. Potential noise and vibration impacts to wildlife were included in the action areas. 3.3.1. Physical Conditions The BSA is located within the Redlands USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle. It extends approximately 4.7 linear miles from Base Line south to Pioneer Avenue. The BSA is dominated by residential development in the northern and southern portions, with open natural areas in the central portion. Land use within the BSA includes residential and commercial development, open areas, mining, and public infrastructure. 3.3.1.1. Topography The topography within the BSA consists of mostly flat lands in the northern and southern portions and the lower elevation floodplains associated with Plunge Creek and the larger Santa Ana River floodplain. The BSA gently slopes down from the north towards Plunge Creek and from the south toward the Santa Ana River, with elevations ranging between approximately 1,250 and 1,350 feet. 3.3.1.2. Soils Soils in the BSA are all generally sandy and are associated with the alluvial fan geology that extends from the San Bernardino Mountains to the north down to the project site. All soils have high drainage capacity. Soil series identified in the BSA are listed in Table 5 and shown on Figure 8 (provided in Appendix A; USDA-NRCS 2017). Table 5. Soil Series Occurring within the BSA Soil Series Greenfield sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes Hanford coarse sandy loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes; Hanford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Psamments and fluvents, frequently flooded Saugus sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes Soboba gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 9 percent slopes; Soboba stony loamy sand, 2 to 9 percent slopes Tujunga loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes 3.3.1.3. Hydrology and Aquatic Resources The BSA is located in the Santa Ana River Hydrologic Unit in the Upper Santa Ana Hydrological Area, which contains the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek (both of which the BSA overlaps) and their tributaries. The Santa Ana River eventually drains into the Pacific Ocean in Orange County to the southwest of the BSA. The portions of the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 23 Chapter 3 Environmental Baseline located within the BSA are active channels and naturally vegetated, with some land modification (i.e., mining and water treatment operations) occurring in the upper terraces of the floodplain in the Santa Ana River adjacent to the BSA (Appendix D, Photos 1–4). During the time of field surveys, the portions of both the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek within the BSA were dry. Six potentially jurisdictional water features were mapped within the BSA, including one unnamed ephemeral channel, one unnamed perennial pond, two unnamed ephemeral streams, Plunge Creek, and the Santa Ana River (ICF 2018b). 3.3.2. Biological Conditions in the Study Area The BSA is dominated by biologically sensitive alluvial scrub habitat areas within the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek floodplains portion of the BSA. Natural vegetation communities provide suitable habitat for a variety of native plant and wildlife species, including federally threatened and endangered species (see Chapter 4). Developed lands occur in the northern and southern portions of the BSA. 3.3.2.1. Natural Communities and Vegetation Three vegetation communities/land use types were identified in the BSA. According to CDFW (2017), one of the vegetation communities (Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub) is a depleted natural community and habitat of concern (see the Natural Environment Study for details [ICF 2018b]). Each community is listed in Table 6, along with its acreage in the BSA. Figure 9, provided in Appendix A, illustrates the vegetation community locations in the BSA and Appendix D includes representative photos. Table 6. Vegetation Communities/Land Cover Types within the BSA Vegetation Communities Biological Study Area Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub N/A Pioneer 8.90 Intermediate 19.63 Intermediate/Mature 46.54 Disturbed Intermediate 4.17 Non-Native Grassland 21.09 Developed/Disturbed 257.53 Total 357.86 Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is a shrubland dominated by scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum) with an open to continuous canopy and variable understory. It is most often associated with alluvial soils along benches within the flood zone of washes and rivers in arid zones. Within the BSA, this was the dominant vegetation type throughout the Plunge Creek and Santa Ana River floodplains (Appendix D, Photos 4–8). Associated species included California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), white sage (Salvia apiana), Our Lord’s candle Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 24 Chapter 3 Environmental Baseline (Heperoyucca whipplei), yerba santa (Eriodictyon trichocalyx), and California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). Disturbance was varied within the BSA and noted by the presence of a lower canopy cover and dominance of non-native grasses in the understory. Holland (1986) describes three subclassifications, or phases, for this vegetation community that are based on variations in flooding frequency and intensity: Pioneer, Intermediate, and Mature (ICF 2018a). The Pioneer phase of Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is found along the edge of active river channels within areas that are frequently flooded. Vegetative cover is often sparse (1−48% cover) and composed of early successional species, including scalebroom, California buckwheat, and mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). The Intermediate phase of Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is found along the mid-elevation terraces of floodplains (i.e., above the active channel) and only experiences occasional flooding. Vegetative cover is generally dense (49−65%) and composed primarily of mid-successional subshrubs, including scalebroom, white sage, yerba santa, California buckwheat, senecio (Senecio spp.), sweetbush (Bebbia juncea), cane cholla (Cylindropuntia californica var. parkeri), and coast prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis). The Mature phase of Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is found along the highest elevated terraces of floodplains and where flooding rarely occurs. Vegetative cover is dense (66−88%) and composed of late-successional subshrubs, including California sagebrush, yerba santa, California buckwheat, chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), and California juniper (Juniperus californica). Areas that are an intergrade of Intermediate and Mature phases are classified as Intermediate/Mature (ICF 2018a). CDFW classifies Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub as a sensitive vegetation community (CDFW 2017a). Non-Native Grassland Non-native grassland is a non-native vegetation community that occurs within the BSA along the edges of the Plunge Creek and Santa Ana River floodplains in areas that have been disturbed by human activities (e.g., mowing, discing, scraping; Appendix D, Photos 9–11). Dominant species within this vegetation community consist of non-native grasses and forbs such as ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), Mediterranean schismus (Schismus barbatus), cheat grass (Bromus tectorum), longbeak filaree (Erodium botrys), prickly Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), and Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus ssp. pycnocephalus). Developed/Disturbed Areas mapped as developed/disturbed include roadways, buildings, residential housing, and mining pits, as well as previously graded areas and landscaped areas (Appendix D, Photo 12). Within the BSA, these land use types are found to the north and south of the Plunge Creek and Santa Ana River floodplains. The developed/disturbed land cover type is typically unvegetated or is composed of non-native, ornamental species. 3.3.2.2. Common Plant and Wildlife Species A total of 109 plant species and 58 wildlife species, including 41 birds, 11 mammals, and six reptiles, were observed or detected within the BSA during surveys. Wildlife species detected include both uncommon species to the region that are dependent on native vegetation communities and were only observed within the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek floodplains Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 25 Chapter 3 Environmental Baseline portion of the BSA, as well as species that are common and have adapted and thrive in areas with human-made habitats or disturbances and were detected throughout the BSA. Common wildlife species observed include mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii), ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens), desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), and western side- blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana elegans). Complete lists of plant and wildlife species observed are provided in Appendices F and G, respectively. 3.3.3. Invasive Species Twenty invasive plant species were identified per the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) plant inventory within the BSA as weeds and ornamental landscape vegetation (Cal-IPC 2017). Common species observed included ripgut brome, Mediterranean schismus, cheat grass, and Italian thistle. Non-native and invasive plant species observed within the BSA are listed in Appendix F. 3.3.4. Habitat Connectivity Historically, the Santa Ana River channel in the BSA was likely to have supported substantial regional wildlife movement. In addition, the Santa Ana River watershed, including Plunge Creek, provided wildlife corridors among its major tributaries converging in a relatively short section of the river. In recent years, however, loss of habitat due to development on the floodplain and surrounding lowlands are likely to have greatly reduced the amount of regional movement throughout the BSA. The detrimental effects on wildlife movement from State Route (SR) 210 to the west of the BSA and the surrounding residential and commercial development have long been in place. Nevertheless, the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek do provide a long linear stretch of open space with native habitats for regional wildlife movement and migration, including many species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small- to medium-sized mammals such as coyote (Canis latrans), opossum (Didelphis virginiana), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and skunk (Mephitis mephitis). In addition, existing bridges provide a substantial undercrossing for any terrestrial wildlife species in the area. Due to an increase in impediments to wildlife movement in the BSA and surrounding areas, the remaining corridors between regional open habitats have become increasingly important. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 26 Chapter 4. Federally-Listed/Proposed Species and Designated Critical Habitat within Action Area 4.1. Federally-Listed Plant Species Based on literature reviews and field surveys, the federally-listed slender-horned spineflower and Santa Ana River woollystar were determined to occur or potentially occur within the BSA. These species are discussed in detail below. 4.1.1. Discussion of Slender-Horned Spineflower Slender-horned spineflower was listed as an endangered species by CDFW in January 1982 (CDFW 2017b) and by the USFWS in September 1987 (USFWS 1987). No critical habitat for this species has been designated by USFWS. Slender-horned spineflower is a small, spreading annual herb in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). It is a California endemic species and occurs in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,280 feet. Slender-horned spineflower occurs in sandy and gravelly soils on alluvial benches and floodplain terraces with alluvial scrub vegetation. It most often occurs in areas that are drought prone and rarely experience flood events. Slender-horned spineflower grows in small, isolated patches and is often found with its indicator species, scalebroom. It has a very limited geographic distribution and is known from only isolated populations (USFWS 1987), including adjacent to the project. Germination for this species is related to rainfall and densities of slender-horned spineflower may be low during drought conditions (USFWS 2010a). The primary threats to this species include development, mining activities, flood control measures, and trash dumping (USFWS 2010a). 4.1.1.1. Survey Results Suitable habitat for slender-horned spineflower occurs in the BSA along the terraces of the Plunge Creek and Santa Ana River floodplains. Botanical surveys conducted within the rare plant survey area (i.e., project limits of disturbance plus a 100-foot buffer) in April and June 2017 during the blooming period for this species were negative. No known extant records of occurrence for this species are reported within the rare plant survey area (CDFW 2017a, ICF 2018a). Reference populations for slender-horned spineflower located just outside of the western and eastern border of the BSA (approximately 200-feet and 170-feet, respectively) within undisturbed gravelly benches of the Santa Ana River wash were visited on April 13, 2017. This species was observed blooming in the reference populations during the visit. Because slender-horned spineflower was known to be blooming in the area in 2017, but was not detected during focused surveys, it is considered absent from the BSA. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 27 Chapter 4 Federally-Listed/Proposed Species and Designated Critical Habitat within Action Area 4.1.1.2. Status of Designated Critical Habitat in the Action Area for Slender-horned Spineflower No critical habitat has been designated by USFWS for slender-horned spineflower. 4.1.2. Discussion of Santa Ana River Woollystar Santa Ana River woollystar was listed as an endangered species by CDFW in January 1987 (CDFW 2017b) and by the USFWS in September 1987 (USFWS 1987). No critical habitat for this species has been designated by USFWS. Santa Ana River woollystar is a short-lived, sub-shrub perennial herb in the phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is a California endemic species and occurs in Riverside and San Bernardino counties at elevations ranging from 298 to 2,000 feet. Santa Ana River woollystar is found in chaparral and coastal scrub, usually in sandy or gravelly soils on river floodplains or terraced fluvial deposits. It is a pioneer species that grows in disturbed areas that experience periodic flooding, scouring, and sediment deposition (USFWS 2010b). It is often found with California buckwheat and scalebroom. The primary threats to Santa Ana River woollystar include encroaching developments within floodplains, sand and gravel mining, and herbicide spraying (USFWS 2010b). 4.1.2.1. Survey Results Suitable habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar occurs in the BSA along the terraces of the Plunge Creek and Santa Ana River floodplains. This species is well-documented within the project vicinity, especially within the Santa Ana River (CDFW 2017a, ICF 2018a). Botanical surveys conducted within the rare plant survey area (i.e., project limits of disturbance plus a 100-foot buffer) in April and June 2017 during the blooming period for this species were positive. Approximately 34 Santa Ana River woollystar individuals were found on terraced floodplains associated with the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek. The majority of observations were on the west side of Orange Street between Plunge Creek and Dishong Street within intermediate Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub. Six individuals were detected within the project limits of disturbance and the remainder occurred within the 100-foot survey area buffer outside of the project limits of disturbance (Appendix A, Figure 6). No Santa Ana River woollystar were observed within the WSPA conservations lands that overlap with the BSA during the April and June 2017 botanical surveys for the project and no CNDDB records of occurrence are reported in this portion of the WSPA (CDFW 2017a). One observation for Santa Ana River woollystar within the WSPA portion of the BSA is reported in the Wash Plan HCP (ICF 2018a). The record is from 1996/1997 for the Sunwest Materials Project and the number of individuals detected is unknown. The sighting was within the Santa Ana River channel, which is outside of the limits of disturbance for this project. No individuals were observed in this location during the April and June 2017 focused rare plant surveys. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 28 Chapter 4 Federally-Listed/Proposed Species and Designated Critical Habitat within Action Area 4.1.2.2. Status of Designated Critical Habitat in the Action Area for Santa Ana River Woollystar No critical habitat has been designated by USFWS for Santa Ana River woollystar. 4.2. Federally-Listed Wildlife Species Based on literature reviews and field surveys, the federally-listed Santa Ana sucker, coastal California gnatcatcher, and San Bernardino kangaroo rat were determined to occur or potentially occur within the BSA. These species are discussed in detail below. 4.2.1. Discussion of Santa Ana Sucker The Santa Ana sucker was listed as a threatened species by USFWS in April 2000 (USFWS 2000b). Critical habitat for this species was originally designated in January 2005 (USFWS 2005) and was revised in December 2010 (USFWS 2010c). Santa Ana sucker was historically found throughout the Los Angeles, San Gabriel, and Santa Ana rivers. However, potential habitat destruction, natural and human-induced changes in streamflows, urban development and related land-use practices, recreation, introduction of nonnative competitors and predators, and demographics associated with small populations threatens this species (USFWS 2000b). As part of the Revised Critical Habitat for the Santa Ana Sucker, the USFWS has identified the following seven physical and biological features as PCEs essential for the conservation of the Santa Ana sucker (USFWS 2010c): 1) A functioning hydrological system within the historical geographic range of the Santa Ana sucker that experiences peaks and ebbs in the water volume (either naturally or regulated) that encompasses areas that provide or contain sources of water and coarse sediment necessary to maintain all life stages of the species, including adults, juveniles, larvae, and eggs, in the riverine environment. 2) Stream channel substrate consisting of a mosaic of loose sand, gravel, cobble, and boulder substrates in a series of riffles, runs, pools, and shallow sandy stream margins necessary to maintain various life stages of the species, including adults, juveniles, larvae, and eggs, in the riverine environment. 3) Water depths greater than 1.2 inches and bottom water velocities greater than 0.01 feet per second. 4) Clear or only occasionally turbid water. 5) Water temperatures less than 86° F. 6) Instream habitat that includes food sources (such as zooplankton, phytoplankton, and aquatic invertebrates), and associated vegetation such as aquatic emergent vegetation and adjacent riparian vegetation to provide: (a) shading to reduce water temperature when Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 29 Chapter 4 Federally-Listed/Proposed Species and Designated Critical Habitat within Action Area ambient temperatures are high; (b) shelter during periods of high water velocity; and (c) protective cover from predators. 7) Areas within perennial stream courses that may be periodically dewatered, but that serve as connective corridors between occupied or seasonally occupied habitat and through which the species may move when the habitat is wetted. 4.2.1.1. Survey Results A drop structure located south of La Cadena Drive, approximately 9.5 miles downstream of the BSA, creates an impassible barrier that prohibits Santa Ana sucker from swimming upstream. In addition, this portion of the Santa Ana River is dry and does not contain PCEs to support this species (e.g., permanent water with a depth greater than 1.2 inches; riffles, runs, and pools; aquatic emergent vegetation and adjacent riparian vegetation). As a result, it is unlikely that Santa Ana sucker would occur within this portion of the Santa Ana River. However, this area was historically occupied (USFWS 2010c). USFWS determined that the portions of the Santa Ana River (which includes the BSA), as well as City Creek and Mill Creek north of Tippecanoe Avenue, are essential for the conservation of Santa Ana sucker because they provide stream and storm waters that transport coarse sediment materials necessary to maintain substrate conditions in occupied areas for the species (USFWS 2010c). 4.2.1.2. Status of Designated Critical Habitat in the Action Area for Santa Ana Sucker The project limits of disturbance does not contain any critical habitat for Santa Ana sucker. Critical habitat for this species passes underneath the Orange Street Bridge over the Santa Ana River, but this area is not a part of the project footprint as no bridge work is proposed and no construction will occur within the Santa Ana River channel; the addition of a bikeway/pedestrian path will be done on the existing bridge without any physical modification to the bridge (Appendix A, Figures 3 and 4). The Santa Ana sucker critical habitat occurring adjacent to the project limits of disturbance is located within the 2010 final critical habitat Subunit 1A. Subunit 1A is outside of the geographical distribution area of Santa Ana sucker and is not currently occupied by this species (USFWS 2010c). 4.2.2. Discussion of Coastal California Gnatcatcher The coastal California gnatcatcher was listed as a threatened species by the USFWS in March 1993 (USFWS 1993). Critical habitat for this species was originally designated in October 2000 (USFWS 2000c) and was re-designated in December 2007 (USFWS 2007). The coastal California gnatcatcher is a small, gray songbird that is uncommon, endemic, and an obligate resident of arid coastal scrub habitat in southern California. The USFWS describes coastal California gnatcatcher as typically occurring in, or near, sage scrub habitats and is typically found in California sage scrub having a canopy cover greater than 50% (USFWS 2007). This species occurs below 1,500 feet elevation and ranges from eastern Orange and southwestern Riverside counties south through the coastal foothills of San Diego County. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 30 Chapter 4 Federally-Listed/Proposed Species and Designated Critical Habitat within Action Area Threats to coastal California gnatcatcher include habitat destruction and fragmentation resulting from human development. 4.2.2.1. Survey Results Potentially suitable habitat to support non-breeding coastal California gnatcatcher is present within the BSA; however, the potential for this species to occur within the BSA is very low due to the atypical shrub species composition and overall poor quality of habitat for the species. The habitat within the BSA is only suitable for foraging and dispersal, not nesting. Suitable nesting habitat occurs approximately 2 miles upstream of the BSA. Although protocol surveys were not conducted for coastal California gnatcatcher for this reason, numerous visits to the BSA throughout the 2017 breeding season yielded no detections. In addition, protocol focused surveys conducted one mile downstream of the BSA in spring 2012 for the State Route 210 Mixed Flow Lane Addition from Highland Avenue to San Bernardino Avenue Project for this species, where relatively high quality habitat is present, were negative (URS 2015). The closest known extant records of occurrence are located between one to three miles upstream in areas that contain suitable wintering and/or nesting habitat (CDFW 2017a, ICF 2018a). Because coastal California gnatcatcher was not observed within the BSA, there are no known records of occurrence within the BSA, and the BSA does not support suitable nesting habitat for this species, it is considered absent from the BSA. 4.2.2.2. Status of Designated Critical Habitat in the Action Area for Coastal California Gnatcatcher No critical habitat for coastal California gnatcatcher occurs within the BSA. 4.2.3. Discussion of San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat San Bernardino kangaroo rat was listed by the USFWS as an endangered species in 1998 (USFWS 1998). It is also a CDFW state-listed species of special concern (CDFW 2017b). Critical habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat was originally designated in 2002 (USFWS 2002). The 2002 final rule was proposed for revision in June 2007, reducing the acreage of critical habitat from 33,290 to 7,779 acres, and a final designation was issued in 2008 (USFWS 2008). In a federal district court ruling on January 8, 2011, Center for Biological Diversity v. USFWS, the 2008 final critical habitat designation was found to be invalid and the 2002 final critical habitat designation and acreage was reinstated. San Bernardino kangaroo rat is a small, burrowing rodent. It is one of 19 subspecies of the Merriam kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami), which is a widespread species ranging from the western United States to northwestern Mexico in arid habitats (USFWS 2009). The San Bernardino kangaroo rat occurs primarily in the Santa Ana River and its tributaries north of Interstate10 within San Bernardino County in inland valley scrub communities, and more particularly, scrub communities occurring along rivers, streams, and drainages. San Bernardino kangaroo rat prefers sandy and gravelly soils of alluvial fans, river channels, and terraces. Species occurrence appears to be more dependent on soils type and hydrologic Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 31 Chapter 4 Federally-Listed/Proposed Species and Designated Critical Habitat within Action Area regime than any other habitat conditions (USFWS 2009). As part of the Final Rule Designation of Critical Habitat for the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat, the USFWS has identified the following three PCEs as being essential for the conservation of San Bernardino kangaroo rat (USFWS 2008): 1) Alluvial fans, washes, and associated floodplain areas containing soils consisting predominately of sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, and loam, which provide burrowing habitat necessary for sheltering and rearing offspring, storing food in surface caches, and movement between occupied patches. 2) Upland areas adjacent to alluvial fans, washes, and associated floodplain areas containing alluvial sage scrub habitat and associated vegetation, such as coastal sage scrub and chamise chaparral, with up to approximately 50% canopy cover providing protection from predators, while leaving bare ground and open areas necessary for foraging and movement of this subspecies. 3) Upland areas adjacent to alluvial fans, washes, and associated floodplain areas, which may include marginal habitat such as alluvial sage scrub with greater than 50% canopy cover with patches of suitable soils that support individuals for repopulation of wash areas following flood events. These areas may include agricultural lands, areas of inactive aggregate mining activities, and urban/wildland interfaces. The primary threats to San Bernardino kangaroo rat include construction and operation of flood- control facilities, sand and aggregate mining activities, agriculture (e.g., citriculture), urban development and fragmentation of habitat, and off-road vehicle activity (USFWS 2009). 4.2.3.1. Survey Results Suitable habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat is present in the Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat located within the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek floodplains portion of the BSA. A total of 71 San Bernardino kangaroo rats were captured during small mammal live trapping surveys in October 2017 (Appendix A, Figure 7; Appendix D, Photo 13). Of the 71 captures, 57 were unique individuals and 14 were recaptures. San Bernardino kangaroo rats were captured at 13 of the 16 trap lines within areas classified as High, Medium, Low, and Very Low suitability by the Wash Plan HCP, with the majority of captures within the High and Medium habitat suitability categories. Detailed survey results are provided in the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Survey Report in Appendix E. 4.2.3.2. Status of Designated Critical Habitat in the Action Area for San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat The BSA is located within the 2008 final critical habitat Unit 1 for San Bernardino kangaroo rat, which encompasses approximately 3,258 acres within the Santa Ana River wash along portions of Plunge Creek, Mill Creek, City Creek, and the Santa Ana River on lands within the cities of San Bernardino, Redlands, and Highland in San Bernardino County (USFWS 2008). The BSA contains 173.36 acres of federally designated critical habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Appendix A, Figure 3). Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 32 Chapter 5. Effects of the Project on the Action Area 5.1. Deconstruct Action 5.1.1. Construction Scenario The new bikeway and pedestrian trail will be added along the existing roadways within the city right-of-way. For portions of the project, particularly in the north and south, the trail will be added to existing paved roads. In these locations, pavement repairs will be made and slurry seal applied, wherever required. In other portions of the project, primarily in the central part of the project, the roadway will be expanded to add the new trail. In these locations, trail construction will require clearing and grubbing of vegetation, earth moving equipment to flatten out the trail, and a paver to pave the new trail. A single span bikeway and pedestrian path pre-fabricated bridge will be installed over Plunge Creek, with abutments placed outside of the Plunge Creek channel. Curbs, gutters, curb ramps, median curbs, sidewalks, and crosswalks will be constructed along the new trail. Bike racks, bollards, bike signals, in-roadway bicycle detection, pedestrian heads, sharrows, warning beacons, signage, lighting, and speed feedback will be installed along the new trail throughout the project. During project construction a variety of equipment will be used, including the following: • Graders • Backhoes/dozers • Compaction machine • Crane to lower pre-fabricated bridge • Cement mixer trucks with concrete • Paver • Water truck Construction staging areas will be located outside of the project footprint within developed areas on the Cemex Redlands Quarry property. No construction staging areas will be located within native vegetation communities. Project limits of disturbance, impact type (i.e., permanent and temporary), and staging areas are illustrated on Figure 4 in Appendix A. 5.1.2. Sequencing and Schedule The proposed project is currently planned to commence construction in 2019 and complete construction in 2020. All project activities will take place during the daylight hours; no nighttime construction work will occur. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 33 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area 5.1.3. Stressors from Project Actions Stressors induce an adverse response in an organism by any physical, chemical, or biological alteration of the environment (or resource) that can lead to a response from the individual. Stressors can act directly on an individual, or indirectly through effects to a resource. 5.1.3.1. Stressors from Project Actions to Slender-horned Spineflower Stressors to slender-horned spineflower would not occur because this species was not identified during focused surveys and is considered absent from the rare plant action area. 5.1.3.2. Stressors from Project Actions to Santa Ana River Woollystar The project action could result in direct stressors on suitable and occupied habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar. The project would permanently remove and temporarily disturb suitable Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub as a result of construction of new bikeway/pedestrian paths and pavement widening (Table 7). Much of the habitat in these locations is previously disturbed from roadway and mining activities, but it is nonetheless suitable. Suitable habitat would also be impacted by temporary construction activities required to provide adequate work space to construct the project. The temporary impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar within the Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River floodplains are based on conservative preliminary design estimates to allow for flexibility of temporary construction work areas during the final design phase of the project. The actual temporary impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar will likely be refined lower from those described in this report during further design. Any increase in impact areas will be provided to USWFS, CDFW, and the Conservation District. Table 7. Impacts on Santa Ana River Woollystar Suitable Habitat Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub Permanent Impact (acre) Temporary Impact (acre) Pioneer 0.04 0.28 Intermediate 0.76 0.92 Intermediate/Mature 1.40 1.47 Disturbed Intermediate 0.55 0.37 Total 2.75 3.04 Direct effects on individual Santa Ana River woollystar from project construction could occur from the use of construction equipment, machinery, and vehicles. Clearing and grading activities would disturb and compress soils. Construction could increase the potential for fire in the area, which could directly and indirectly impact Santa Ana River woollystar. These effects could be both short- and long-term in nature. The project action could also result in indirect stressors on Santa Ana River woollystar and its suitable habitat, including increased dust, erosion, pollutants associated with vehicles and Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 34 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area machinery, additional impervious runoff from new bikeway/pedestrian paths, and introduction of invasive plant species. The project action would also result in 0.15 acre of permanent removal and 0.29 acre of temporary disturbance of WSPA conservation lands located to the west of Orange Street, which are composed of Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub. The portions of WSPA conservation lands that will be impacted by the project occur along the roadway and consist of habitat dominated by dense non-native grasses and other non-native vegetation (Appendix A, Figure 3; Appendix D, Photo 14). The majority of the impacted area contains less than 2% native cover and has very little open areas (<10%) to support Santa Ana River woollystar. A constructed grade increase runs along the edge of the WSPA parallel to the west side of Orange Street and separates the roadway and shoulder from the quality native habitat below and west of the elevated grade. The project limits of disturbance overlaps with the WSPA only on the eastern side of the road grade, with a small area encroaching partially up the eastern side of the slope. 5.1.3.3. Stressors from Project Actions to Santa Ana Sucker No direct stressors would occur to Santa Ana sucker from project action as the BSA is unoccupied by the species and the project limits of disturbance do not contain any critical habitat for Santa Ana sucker. The bikeway/pedestrian path does cross over Santa Ana sucker unoccupied critical habitat, but the addition of the new trail will be done on the existing Orange Street Bridge over the Santa Ana River and no bridge construction or work within the channel will occur. Thus, no direct stressors on Santa Ana sucker or its critical habitat as a result of the project are anticipated. The project does have the potential to indirectly affect unoccupied critical habitat adjacent to the project limits of disturbance from construction-related activities. Indirect stressors may include erosion of sediments, chemical spills, and runoff resulting from project construction. 5.1.3.4. Stressors from Project Actions to Coastal California Gnatcather Stressors to coastal California gnatcatcher would not occur because this species was not identified during field surveys and is considered absent from the project action area. 5.1.3.5. Stressors from Project Actions to San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat The project action could result in direct stressors on occupied habitat and critical habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat. The project would permanently remove and temporarily disturb suitable occupied habitat and critical habitat due to the creation of new bikeway/pedestrian paths and pavement widening, as well as temporary work areas and access. Temporary and permanent impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupied habitat are shown in Table 8 and impacts on critical habitat are shown in Table 9. The temporary impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupied habitat and critical habitat along Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River are based on conservative preliminary design estimates to allow for flexibility of temporary construction work areas during the final design phase of the project. The actual temporary impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupied habitat and critical habitat may be refined Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 35 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area lower from those described in this report during further design. Any increase in impact areas will be provided to USWFS, CDFW, and the Conservation District. Table 8. Impacts on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Suitable Habitat Habitat Suitability Classification Permanent Impact (acre) Temporary Impact (acre) High 0.02 0.08 Medium 0.02 0.29 Low 0.69 0.81 Very Low 4.55 3.85 Ecological Process Area 0.00 <0.01 Total 5.28 5.04 Table 9. Impacts on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Critical Habitat Critical Habitat Permanent Impact (acre) Temporary Impact (acre) Critical habitat with PCEs1 5.61 5.32 Critical habitat without PCEs1 6.29 6.68 Total 11.90 12.00 1PCEs = Primary Constituent Elements. Critical habitat containing PCEs includes natural land cover types. Critical habitat without PCEs includes developed areas and paved roads. Direct effects on individual San Bernardino kangaroo rat from project construction could occur from the use of construction equipment, machinery, and vehicles. Clearing and grading activities would disturb and compress soils. Unburied pipes and conduits and uncovered trenches and holes could create areas of entrapment. Construction activities could increase the potential for fire in the area, which could directly and indirectly impact San Bernardino kangaroo rat. These effects could be both short- and long-term in nature. The project action could also result in indirect stressors on San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its suitable habitat. Heavy equipment and machinery could produce loud noises and vibrations. The presence of construction personnel could disturb individuals occupying the area and attract opportunistic predators. Construction and mechanical soil disturbance may adversely affect San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupied habitat and critical habitat onsite by increased dust, erosion, and encouraging the spread of invasive plant species. 5.1.4. Project Operation and Maintenance No major stressors to listed species are anticipated as a result of project operation and maintenance. There could be minor indirect impacts in the form of habitat degradation through risk of litter, noise, night lighting, and increased pedestrian and bike usage. However, the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 36 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area operation of the project would not be substantially different from current conditions and would not pose an increase in risk. Any new street lighting would be directed onto the trail and away from natural areas and the Wash Plan HCP Preserve (see BIO-39 in Section 5.5.1.5). Because listed species utilizing the area are already acclimated to street lighting, traffic noise, and other road disturbances, no appreciable increases in impacts from project operation and maintenance are anticipated. The wider roadway would also create a less permeable surface and, thus, could alter surface flows into storm drain facilities and Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitats. Drainage design and water quality BMPs proposed and required as part of the project, including a SWPPP and water quality control measures, would reduce the amount of roadway pollutants entering native alluvial scrub habitats, as well as federal and state jurisdictional water features. 5.2. Exposure to Stressors from the Action Exposures are defined as the interaction of the species, their resources, and the stressors that result from the project action. 5.2.1. Exposure to Stressors to Slender-horned Spineflower Slender-horned spineflower would not be exposed to stressors as a result of project action because this species was not identified during focused surveys and is considered absent from the rare plant action area. 5.2.2. Exposure to Stressors to Santa Ana River Woollystar The permanent and temporary removal of suitable habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar (i.e., Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub) would result in a loss of available and occupied habitat for the species. Vegetation removal and ground disturbance could damage and destroy seed banks. The use of construction equipment, machinery, and vehicles within areas supporting Santa Ana River woollystar could cause individual plants to be ran over during construction work, leading to either injury or mortality. Use of construction equipment and machinery could expose Santa Ana River woollystar and its suitable habitat to indirect stressors such as dust, erosion, chemical spills, and increased risk of fire. It could also expose suitable occupied habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar to invasive species via mud or other debris tracked in from other project sites that may contain invasive plants and/or seeds. These exposures could indirectly affect Santa Ana River woollystar by degrading potentially suitable habitat. 5.2.3. Exposure to Stressors to Santa Ana Sucker Exposure to indirect stressors such as erosion, chemical spills, and runoff from the project action could result in reduced water quality, including increased turbidity and pollution, on Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 37 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area downstream portions of the Santa Ana River outside of the BSA that are occupied by Santa Ana sucker and contain critical habitat for the species. Santa Ana sucker would not be exposed to direct stressors as a result of project action because this species does not occur within the BSA, the project avoids work within critical habitat, and Santa Ana sucker is considered absent from the project action area. 5.2.4. Exposure to Stressors to Coastal California Gnatcatcher Coastal California gnatcatcher would not be exposed to stressors as a result of project action because this species was not identified during field surveys and is considered absent from the project action area. 5.2.5. Exposure to Stressors to San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat The permanent and temporary removal of suitable habitat and critical habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat would result in a loss of available and occupied habitat for the species. Compaction of soil due to construction vehicles could decrease the availability of friable soils for burrow creation. The use of construction equipment, machinery, and vehicles within areas occupied by San Bernardino kangaroo rat could cause individuals to be struck during construction work, leading to injury or mortality. Ground disturbance could crush or entomb individuals in their burrows. Should any San Bernardino kangaroo rat become trapped in pipes, conduits, holes, or trenches, they could be injured or killed. If they were unharmed, they would require capturing, handling, and relocation. Exclusionary trapping for San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be conducted preceding ground disturbance within San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat areas where exclusionary fencing is installed. Capture and relocation associated with exclusionary trapping could cause strain and stress on, and displacement of, individual San Bernardino kangaroo rat. The project action would expose San Bernardino kangaroo rat to indirect stressors as well. Use of heavy equipment and machinery would result in increased noise levels and vibrations, which could cause stress and strain to individuals. Increased human activity could produce trash and construction-related debris piles, which could draw opportunistic predators that are attracted to litter to the area, such as coyote and American crow. Project personnel could collect individuals or bring pets onsite, which could harass or kill San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Construction activities could expose suitable habitat and critical habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat to indirect stressors such as dust, erosion, and increased risk of fire. It could also expose suitable occupied habitat and critical habitat to invasive plant species via mud or other debris tracked in from other project sites that may contain invasive plants and/or seeds. These exposures could indirectly affect San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its critical habitat by degrading potentially suitable habitat. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 38 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area 5.3. Response to the Exposure 5.3.1. Response of Slender-Horned Spineflower to Exposure Slender-horned spineflower would not be exposed, and thus respond, to stressors as a result of project action because this species was not identified during focused surveys and is considered absent from the rare plant action area. 5.3.2. Response of Santa Ana River Woollystar to Exposure If areas that are temporarily disturbed are not successfully restored and suitable habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar (i.e., Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub) does not re-establish, then there will be a less available habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar and the species may not occur in areas that it had previously occupied. Plants that are injured by construction equipment, machinery, or vehicles may not produce as many flowers or seeds due to injury-induced physiological stressors. Exposure of Santa Ana River woollystar to construction-related dust could potentially decrease the ability of plants to photosynthesize. Invasive plant species could out-compete Santa Ana River woollystar for resources such as water and space. Degradation of habitat from exposure to indirect stressors (e.g., dust, chemical spills, erosion, increased fire risk, invasive plant species) could result in an alteration of the plant community structure where it no longer provides the habitat features required by Santa Ana River woollystar, preventing or reducing colonization of the area by the species. Invasive plant species could also make suitable habitat monotypic, reducing the quality and diversity of Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub communities onsite. 5.3.3. Response of Santa Ana Sucker to Exposure Poor water quality resulting from exposure to construction-related indirect stressors (e.g., erosion, chemical spills, runoff) could lead to reduced quality of critical habitat and occupied breeding habitat for Santa Ana sucker located within the Santa Ana River downstream of the BSA. Erosion of sediment can increase turbidity within waterways, which can degrade spawning beds, reduce visibility for fish and other aquatic life during feeding and other movement, and reduce the food supply. Increased turbidity can affect the function of fish gills by clogging the gills. Chemical spills and runoff from construction activities can cause water pollution, which can be harmful to Santa Ana sucker and cause physiological damage. Degraded habitat and water quality could put strain and stress on Santa Ana sucker inhabiting the area or displace individuals. Santa Ana sucker would not be exposed, and thus respond, to direct stressors as a result of the project action because this species does not occur within the BSA, the project avoids work within critical habitat, and Santa Ana sucker is considered absent from the project action area. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 39 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area 5.3.4. Response of Coastal California Gnatcatcher to Exposure Coastal California gnatcatcher would not be exposed, and thus respond, to stressors as a result of the project action because this species was not identified during field surveys and is considered absent from the project action area. 5.3.5. Response of San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat to Exposure If areas that are temporarily disturbed are not successfully restored and suitable habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat does not re-establish, then there will be a less available habitat and the species may not occur in areas that it had previously occupied. Soil that is not decompacted following construction so that it is friable enough for digging burrows could prevent San Bernardino kangaroo rat from moving back into the area. Capturing, handling, and relocating San Bernardino kangaroo rat that occur within the construction area could cause injury or death if proper handling and relocation techniques are not used. Exposure of San Bernardino kangaroo rat to increased noise levels and vibrations as a result of project construction could lead to various behavioral modifications, including habitat avoidance and burrow abandonment. Increased stress could result in negative physiological effects. Masking (i.e., the inability to hear environmental cues and animal signals) could limit individuals ability to communicate and receive important cues from the environment and other wildlife. Depending on what time of year construction is done, all life stages of San Bernardino kangaroo rat associated with the breeding season could be exposed to noise and vibration stressors. Harassment from project personnel, pets brought onsite, or increased risk of predation could also cause negative physiological effects resulting from increased stress and strain and/or burrow abandonment. Indirect effects from dust, erosion, increased fire risk, and invasive plant species could cause San Bernardino kangaroo rat to cease using the area if habitat degradation was severe enough to diminish resources needed for foraging and burrow creation. 5.4. Effects of the Action An effect is a description of the manner in which the action may affect any listed species or critical habitat and an analysis of any cumulative effect (50 Code of Federal Regulations 402.02). The effect of the action is the consequence (behavioral, physical, or physiological) of a response to a stressor. 5.4.1. Effect of the Action on Slender-horned Spineflower The project action would not affect slender-horned spineflower because this species was not identified during focused surveys and it is considered absent from the rare plant action area. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 40 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area 5.4.2. Effect of the Action on Santa Ana River Woollystar Loss of suitable habitat and diminished habitat quality could result in less available habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar in the region. The permanent removal of suitable habitat as a result of the project action means that areas that once supported this species would no longer exist. Areas that are degraded due to indirect stressors may experience a reduction in the number of individuals that it supports, or the species may no longer occur. Loss of individual plants, either from project-related mortality or not successfully re-establishing temporarily disturbed areas, could cause a decline in population numbers in the region. Negative physiological stressors resulting from construction-related injury, competition with invasive plant species, or reduced photosynthesis could lead to energetic losses and increased stressors to Santa Ana River woollystar, potentially resulting in lowered reproductive performance, increased susceptibility to diseases, and death. Although the use of construction equipment has the potential to result in plant injury or death should an individual be ran over, all six of the Santa Ana River woollystar occurring within the project limits of disturbance are located along the very edge of the construction work area within locations that will only be temporarily disturbed from construction activities (e.g., equipment movement and staging, temporary access routes, incidental disturbances); no individuals were observed within areas that will be permanently impacted. Wherever possible, construction activities will circumvent Santa Ana River woollystar and individuals will be avoided to the maximum extent feasible. 5.4.3. Effect of the Action on Santa Ana Sucker Exposure of Santa Ana sucker occurring downstream of the BSA to poor water quality as a result of project-related indirect stressors could lead to various behavioral modifications, including habitat avoidance. Increased stress could result in negative physiological effects, including reduced growth rate, poor gill function, diminished resistance to diseases, and reduced reproductive output. Poor water quality could cause decreased reproductive success by preventing the successful development of fish eggs and larvae and degrading breeding habitat. A reduction in the food supply could lead to starvation, death, or displacement. If strain and physiological stresses from poor water quality was severe enough, it could result in displacement of Santa Ana sucker from occupied critical habitat or death of individuals. The project action would not directly affect Santa Ana sucker because this species does not occur within the BSA, the project avoids work within critical habitat, and Santa Ana sucker is considered absent from the project action area. 5.4.4. Effect of the Action on Coastal California Gnatcatcher The project action would not affect coastal California gnatcatcher because this species was not identified during field surveys and it is considered absent from the project action area. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 41 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area 5.4.5. Effect of the Action on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Loss of suitable habitat and diminished habitat quality could result in less available habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat in the region. The permanent removal of suitable habitat and critical habitat as a result of the project action means that areas that once supported this species would no longer exist. Areas that are degraded due to indirect stressors may experience a reduction in the number of individuals that it supports, or the species may no longer occur. Loss of individual San Bernardino kangaroo rat, either from project-related mortality or not successfully re-establishing temporarily disturbed areas, could cause a decline in population numbers in the region. Negative physiological stressors resulting from construction-related injury or behavioral modifications could lead to energetic losses and increased stressors to San Bernardino kangaroo rat, potentially resulting in lowered reproductive performance, increased susceptibility to diseases, and death. 5.5. Conservation Measures and Compensation Proposal 5.5.1. Conservation Measures 5.5.1.1. Conservation Measures for Slender-horned Spineflower Although slender-horned spineflower was not observed within the rare plant action area and is considered absent from the project area, because this species occurs just outside of the western and eastern border of the BSA and suitable habitat is present within the BSA, the following avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented per requirements for Covered Activities under the Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5 to ensure that slender-horned spineflower does not subsequently occur within the BSA prior to project construction, and if so, impacts to the species does not occur: • BIO-1 Prior to ground disturbance in areas containing suitable habitat for slender- horned spineflower (i.e., Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub), surveys will be conducted if the area has not been surveyed within the last five years to determine if the plant is present. Surveys will be conducted in accordance with CDFW protocols (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5; CDFW 2000, 2009). • BIO-2 If construction activities are to take place within 165 feet of known occurrences of slender-horned spineflower, ESA fencing will be erected to protect them. A qualified botanist and/or biological monitor will monitor construction activities, maintain the markers limiting construction, and maintain the ESA fence protecting slender-horned spineflower to prevent accidental disturbance (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-3 If slender-horned spineflower is detected during pre-project surveys, seeds will be collected at the appropriate time of year (generally in the fall) prior to ground disturbance. Seed collection and storage will be by an entity which has a Memorandum of Understanding with the USFWS to process and handle the seeds of endangered plant Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 42 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area taxa (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). If CDFW and USFWS determine that seed collection is not possible for this species, then written concurrence from these agencies will be obtained to fulfill this measure. • BIO-4 Surface soils will be removed and sequestered at the beginning of any ground disturbing construction activities where slender-horned spineflower is present. If cryptogamic soil crust is also present, it will be harvested in blocks, preserved, and placed back on the site after construction. If the impacts are permanent, an alternate site in suitable habitat will be selected in consultation with a qualified botanist or restoration biologist. After the sequestered soil is returned to the site, it will be replanted with the previously collected slender-horned spineflower seed over consecutive years following the ground disturbance. The timing and methods of planting will be determined in consultation with the Conservation District and a restoration biologist and will incorporate adaptive management (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-5 If slender-horned spineflower is present, the replanting site will be monitored and maintained (e.g., weed control) for five years or until the slender-horned spineflower is considered to be re-established to target values established by the Wash Plan HCP Preserve Management Committee. Maintenance weeding will continue after the restoration weeding as part of the annual maintenance program (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). 5.5.1.2. Conservation Measures for Santa Ana River Woollystar To ensure that direct and indirect impacts from project construction will not negatively affect individual Santa Ana River woollystar, the following avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented: • BIO-6 A Biological Resource Information program for all construction personnel would be developed and implemented prior to construction. At a minimum, the program would include the following topics: (1) biology, conservation, and legal status of federally and state listed species and Wash Plan HCP Covered Species occurring or potentially occurring within the project site; (2) responsibilities of the biological monitor; (3) delineation and flagging of adjacent habitat; (4) limitations on all movement of those employed onsite, including ingress and egress of equipment and personnel, to designated construction zones (personnel shall not be allowed access to adjacent sensitive habitats); (5) onsite pet prohibitions; (6) use of trash containers for disposal and removal of trash; and (7) project features designed to reduce the impacts on listed species and habitat and promote continued successful occupation of adjacent habitat areas. Supporting materials will be provided to all construction personnel during the training program. • BIO-7 A preconstruction notification will be provided to USFWS, CDFW, and the Conservation District in writing at least 5 days prior to project initiation. • BIO-8 Prior to clearing or construction, ESA fencing would be installed around designated Santa Ana River woollystar population boundaries adjacent to the project footprint to designate ESAs to be avoided (see BIO-16 through BIO-18). Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 43 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area • BIO-9 An authorized biologist will be present onsite during construction within or adjacent to suitable habitat to ensure that avoidance and minimization measures are in place according to specifications and monitor construction within the vicinity of the Santa Ana River woollystar populations at a frequency necessary to ensure that avoidance and minimization measures are properly followed. The biological monitor will report any non- compliance within 24 hours to the USFWS and CDFW. • BIO-10 Before ground disturbance or other activities, a qualified botanist will survey all proposed construction and access areas for presence of Santa Ana River woollystar. Preconstruction surveys will occur during the appropriate season and in accordance with established protocols up to one year in advance of construction, provided temporary construction easements have been granted to construction areas. These surveys will be conducted in all construction areas that contain suitable habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar (i.e., Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub). These surveys will be for the purpose of documenting plant locations relative to the construction areas and avoidance, where feasible. If construction starts prior to the appropriate season and it is unfeasible to conduct preconstruction surveys, then plant documentation for avoidance and ESA fencing will rely on previous survey areas of populations. • BIO-11 Populations of Santa Ana River woollystar will be clearly mapped and recorded along with the approximate numbers of individuals in each population and their respective condition. To the maximum extent feasible, construction areas and access roads will be adjusted to avoid loss of individual Santa Ana River woollystar and damage to habitats supporting this species. • BIO-12 If Santa Ana River woollystar is detected during pre-project surveys, seeds will be collected at the appropriate time (usually fall) prior to ground disturbance. Seed collection and storage will be by an entity that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the USFWS to process and handle the seeds of endangered plant taxa. In areas of temporary impacts, the seed will be replanted in the temporarily disturbed area. The seed planting time and location for seeds collected from permanent impact areas will be at the discretion of the land manager. The cost of seed collection, up to two years of storage, and planting will be borne by the permittee (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-13 Sites where temporary impacts occur will be replanted with the previously collected Santa Ana River woollystar seed over consecutive years following the ground disturbance. The timing and methods of planting will be determined in consultation with the Conservation District and a qualified botanist or restoration biologist with Santa Ana River woollystar experience, and will incorporate adaptive management. If the impacts are permanent, an alternate site in suitable habitat will be selected by a qualified restoration biologist or botanist (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-14 The replanting site will be monitored and maintained (e.g., weed control) for two years or until the Santa Ana River woollystar is considered to be re-established to target values established by the Wash Plan HCP Preserve Management Committee. Maintenance weeding will continue after the restoration weeding as part of the annual maintenance program (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 44 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area In addition, to ensure that indirect impacts from project construction will not negatively affect suitable habitat for Santa Ana River woollystar (i.e., Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub), the following avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented: • BIO-15 The limits of disturbance will be confined to the smallest practical area, considering topography, placement of facilities, location of habitat for special-status species and Covered Species, public health and safety, and other limiting factors, and will be located in previously disturbed areas to the maximum extent practicable (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-16 Prior to clearing or construction, highly visible barriers (such as orange construction fencing) will be installed at all Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitats that will be avoided and are adjacent to the project limits of disturbance to designate ESAs to be preserved. The Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub communities that occur within the BSA are dynamic and can change depending on precipitation events, associated scour, and flood-control maintenance activities. As such, ESA fencing in areas to be avoided may need to be field adjusted and installed just prior to construction. No grading or fill activity of any type will be permitted within these ESAs. All construction equipment will be operated in a manner to prevent accidental damage to nearby avoidance areas. Silt fence barriers will be installed at the ESA boundary to prevent accidental deposition of fill material in areas where vegetation is immediately adjacent to planned grading activities. • BIO-17 No construction activities, materials, or equipment will be allowed within the ESAs. Construction personnel will strictly limit their activities, vehicles, equipment, and construction materials to the limits of disturbance and designated staging areas and routes of travel. Cross-country travel by vehicles and equipment will be prohibited. The construction area(s) will be the minimal area necessary to complete the project and will be specified in the construction plans. Employees will be instructed that their activities are restricted to the construction areas. Access to sites will be from pre-existing access routes to the greatest extent possible. • BIO-18 The ESA fencing will be inspected by the biological monitor at a frequency necessary to ensure that it is in place and properly maintained. ESA fencing and exclusion fencing will remain in place and will be maintained until project construction is completed. • BIO-19 Equipment storage, fueling, and staging areas shall be located on upland sites with minimal risks of direct drainage into Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub or other natural areas. These designated areas shall be located in such a manner as to prevent any runoff from entering sensitive habitat. Necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent the release of cement or other toxic substances into surface waters. Project- related spills of hazardous materials shall be reported to appropriate entities, including but not limited to, applicable jurisdictional city (i.e., City of Highland or City of Redlands), USFWS, CDFW, and Regional W ater Quality Control Board and shall be cleaned up immediately and contaminated soils removed to approved disposal areas (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 45 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area • BIO-20 A SWPPP and a soil erosion and sedimentation plan will be developed prior to construction to minimize erosion and identify specific pollution prevention measures that will eliminate or control potential point and nonpoint pollution sources onsite during and following the project construction phase. The plan will ensure that no pollutants or sediment from construction will enter waterways or ESA fenced areas. The SWPPP will identify specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) to be implemented during project construction to avoid causing or contributing to any water quality standard exceedances. In addition, the SWPPP will contain provisions for changes to the plan such as alternative mechanisms, if necessary, during project design and/or construction to achieve the stated goals and performance standards. Sediment and erosion control measures will be implemented until such time that soils are determined to be successfully stabilized. • BIO-21 Project activities near or within the Wash Plan HCP Preserve or other natural areas will incorporate plans to ensure that runoff discharged is not altered in an adverse way when compared with existing conditions, which includes landscape irrigation. Stormwater systems will be designed to prevent the release of sediments, toxins, chemicals, petroleum products, exotic plant materials, or other elements that might degrade or harm biological resources or ecosystem processes within the Wash Plan HCP Preserve (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-22 Prior to construction, the biological monitor will perform a preconstruction survey for sensitive plant and wildlife species to avoid. Surveys will focus on special-status species having a potential to occur within the work area. Any populations will be flagged with ESA fencing and crews will be instructed to avoid these areas. The qualified project biologist will monitor construction activities for the duration of the proposed project at a frequency necessary to ensure that practicable measures are being employed and avoid incidental disturbance of habitat and species of concern outside the project footprint. Ongoing monitoring and reporting will occur for the duration of the construction activity to ensure implementation of BMPs and avoidance and minimization measures. • BIO-23 When work is conducted during the fire season (as identified by the San Bernardino County Fire Department), appropriate fire-fighting equipment (e.g., extinguishers, shovels) and a water tender will be available on the project site during all phases of project construction to help minimize the chance of human-caused wildfires. Shields, protective mats, and/or other fire preventative methods will be used during grinding, welding, and other spark-inducing activities near vegetated areas. • BIO-24 Active construction areas shall be watered regularly to control dust and minimize impacts on adjacent vegetation. Dust control measures may include wetting work areas, the use of soil binders on dirt surfaces, and wetting or covering stockpiles. If water trucks are to be used, pooling of water will be avoided to minimize the potential of attracting opportunistic predators. • BIO-25 A weed abatement plan will be developed to minimize the spread and importation of non-native plant material during and after construction in compliance with Executive Order 13112 and would include Measures BIO-26 through BIO-29. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 46 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area • BIO-26 Any exotic species removed during construction will be properly handled to prevent sprouting or regrowth. Care shall be taken to not spread exotic plant seeds during plant removal and plants will be removed prior to flowering, if feasible. • BIO-27 Equipment (e.g., passenger vehicles, trucks, and heavy equipment) will be cleaned of mud or other debris that may contain invasive plants and/or seeds and inspected prior to entering the worksite and between worksites to reduce the potential of spreading noxious weeds. Cleaning of equipment will occur in a designated area at least 300 feet from ESA fencing. • BIO-28 Trucks carrying loads of vegetation that will be removed from the project footprint will be covered and disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. • BIO-29 Only certified weed-free straw, mulch, and/or fiber rolls will be used for erosion control. Fill material will be obtained from weed-free sources. 5.5.1.3. Conservation Measures for Santa Ana Sucker To ensure that indirect impacts from project construction will not negatively affect unoccupied Santa Ana sucker critical habitat or water quality that could affect occupied habitat downstream of the BSA, the following avoidance and minimization measures will be implemented: • BIO-30 No erodible materials will be deposited into watercourses or areas demarcated with ESA fencing. Vegetation, mud, silt, or other debris material or pollutants from construction activities will not be stockpiled within stream channels or on adjacent banks or allowed to enter a flowing stream. • BIO-31 All portable toilets will be placed on a vegetated or dirt surface away from any streams, storm drains, or drainage swales. • BIO-32 No equipment will be placed within a flowing stream or on directly adjacent banks. • BIO-33 An authorized biologist will monitor construction adjacent to critical habitat at a frequency necessary to ensure that avoidance and minimization measures are in place according to specifications and are being properly followed. The biological monitor will report any non-compliance within 24 hours to USFWS. 5.5.1.4. Conservation Measures for Coastal California Gnatcatcher The project action would not affect coastal California gnatcatcher; thus, no conservation measures are proposed for this species. 5.5.1.5. Conservation Measures for San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat To ensure that direct and indirect impacts from project construction will not negatively affect individual San Bernardino kangaroo rat, BIO-6, BIO-7, and BIO-33 above and the following avoidance and minimization measures below will be implemented: • BIO-34 A USFWS-authorized biologist with knowledge of San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its habitat will function as a biological monitor. Prior to initiating project activities, the name(s) and resumes of all prospective biological monitors will be submitted to the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 47 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area USFWS. The biological monitor will ensure compliance with the project avoidance and minimizations measures and will have the authority to halt/suspend all activities until appropriate corrective measures have been taken. The biological monitor will report any noncompliance within 24 hours to the USFWS. • BIO-35 The biological monitor will be present during vegetation clearing, grading, and during construction activities that could result in take of San Bernardino kangaroo rat within areas where the species is present or within 100 meters of San Bernardino kangaroo rat habitat that is classified as Low, Medium, or High suitability to monitor construction impacts (Wash Plan HCP, Volume 5.5). • BIO-36 Exclusion fencing will be installed around all areas with suitable habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat that will be impacted by project construction. The exclusion fencing must meet USFWS standards. The qualified biologist experienced with San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be present onsite when the fence is installed to minimize the disturbance of San Bernardino kangaroo rat burrows from the fence installation. Exclusionary trapping for San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be conducted during the five nights preceding ground disturbance by a qualified biologist within San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat areas where exclusionary fence is installed to remove all San Bernardino kangaroo rat prior to the start of any ground disturbance. San Bernardino kangaroo rat trapped in these areas will be released in suitable habitat areas, outside the construction limits, in the immediate project vicinity (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-37 Prior to grading any areas including existing dirt roads within the project area, other than roads within mining operations areas, a qualified biologist will trap the area (as well as 50 feet on either side of any existing dirt roads) during the five nights preceding the grading. Trapped San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be held until the completion of grading and then returned to the location where they were trapped (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-38 The ESA fencing and San Bernardino kangaroo rat exclusionary fencing will be inspected by the biological monitor at a frequency necessary to ensure that it is in place and properly maintained. ESA fencing and exclusion fencing will remain in place and will be maintained until project construction is completed within suitable habitat. • BIO-39 All project activities will take place during the daylight hours; no nighttime construction work will occur. Permanent nighttime lighting of facilities within the Wash Plan HCP Preserve should be avoided. If permanent lighting is determined to be unavoidable, a nighttime lighting plan will be prepared by the affected Participating Entity (i.e., City of Highland) and presented to USFWS and the Conservation District for review and approval. To minimize effects on the Wash Plan HCP Preserve, the plan will include fixtures that shield the light away from the Wash Plan HCP Preserve, are mounted as low as possible, and use the least intrusive type of lighting available (e.g., LED or low sodium lighting) (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-40 Except on paved roads with posted speed limits and in aggregate mining operations areas with established speed limits per their mining plan, vehicle speeds will Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 48 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area not exceed 15 miles per hour during travel associated with the project (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-41 No open trenches or holes (aggregate mining activities excepted) will be left overnight without covering, fencing, or providing escape ramps with a minimum 3:1 slope. If trenches are not covered, they will be inspected for trapped wildlife by a qualified biologist or biological monitor. Animals found will be captured and moved to the nearest safe location outside the construction area by a qualified biologist. • BIO-42 Unburied pipes or conduit laid in trenches overnight will be capped. All other pipes or conduit with a bore-diameter of 1.5 inches or greater stored overnight within the construction site for one or more nights will be thoroughly inspected for the presence of San Bernardino kangaroo rat before the pipe is subsequently buried, capped, or otherwise used or moved in any way. If San Bernardino kangaroo rat are discovered inside a pipe, a qualified biologist will supervise movement or relocation of the pipe until the animal has been removed and released to the nearest safe location outside the construction area. • BIO-43 Soil stockpiles will be located outside of San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat and ESA areas, to the maximum extent feasible. ESA fencing and San Bernardino kangaroo rat exclusionary fencing will be placed around any soil stockpiles that must be located within these areas to prevent this species from entering the stockpiles. The ESA fencing and San Bernardino kangaroo rat exclusionary fencing will be inspected by the biological monitor to ensure that it is in place and properly maintained and that no San Bernardino kangaroo rat are present. If sign of this species is found, then a qualified biologist will conduct trapping within these areas and release any captured individuals into suitable habitat areas, outside the construction limits, in the immediate project vicinity. Stockpiles will be removed no more than 45 days after construction. This measure will not apply to stockpiles in permanently impacted areas and areas adjacent to trace habitat (e.g., active mining areas, groundwater recharge basins adjacent to San Bernardino kangaroo rat trace habitat) (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-44 A USFWS-approved biological monitor and/or designated biologist will serve as the contact source for any personnel who might inadvertently kill or injure a San Bernardino kangaroo rat or who finds a dead, injured, or entrapped individual. The designated biological monitor and/or designated biologist will be identified within the Biological Resource Information program. The designated biological monitor’s and/or designated biologist’s name and telephone number shall be provided to the USFWS. • BIO-45 Any personnel who inadvertently kills or injures a San Bernardino kangaroo rat shall immediately report the incident to the designated biological monitor and/or designated biologist, who will notify the USFWS immediately and in writing within three working days. Notification must include the date, time, and location of the incident or of the finding of a dead or injured animal, as well as any other pertinent information. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 49 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area • BIO-46 No firearms or pets will be allowed in, or adjacent to, the project site. Firearms carried by authorized security and law enforcement personnel are exempt (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-47 Rodenticides, herbicides, insecticides, or other chemicals that could potentially harm San Bernardino kangaroo rat will not be used within areas that could support San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Project construction activities outside of the Wash Plan HCP Preserve or other natural areas that use chemicals or generate byproducts that are potentially toxic or may adversely affect wildlife and plant species, habitat, or water quality will incorporate measures to ensure that application of such chemicals does not result in any discharge into the Wash Plan HCP Preserve or other natural areas (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). • BIO-48 Litter control measures will be implemented. Trash and food items will be stored in closed containers so not readily accessible to scavengers and will be removed from the construction site on a daily basis so as not to attract potential San Bernardino kangaroo rat predators. • BIO-49 Spoils and rubble will not be deposited outside the identified limits of construction and material waste generated by the project will be disposed of offsite. • BIO-50 In areas where temporary ground disturbance occurs, including trenching, in San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat, the top 20 inches of soil/substrate will be segregated, preserved, and placed back in the same location and approximate configuration when the trench is backfilled. It will be compacted to within 5% of the average compaction of the natural substrate. If significant (over 30%) invasive weed cover is found, the topsoil will not be replaced in the top uncompacted fill, but will be used for lower compacted backfill. In all cases the top 20 inches will be uncompacted and as suitable for San Bernardino kangaroo rat burrowing as possible (Wash Plan HCP, Volume 5.5). The contractor will ensure that excavated cut material is stored at a location where it is not an attractive nuisance to San Bernardino kangaroo rat. In addition, to ensure that indirect impacts from project construction will not negatively affect San Bernardino kangaroo rat suitable habitat or critical habitat, avoidance and minimization measures BIO-15 through BIO-29 will be implemented (described in Section 5.5.1.2 above). 5.5.2. Compensation A total of 5.61 acres of mitigation lands will be acquired for compensation for permanent impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its critical habitat (Table 10). The amount of mitigation required for the project takes into account overlapping resources and has been calculated to avoid double counting impacts on the same area. Figure 10, Appendix A, illustrates the biological resources located within the project footprint and the areas that would require mitigation. Permanent project impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its critical habitat will be mitigated on lands protected by conservation within a 30-acre Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 50 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area patch of land owned by the Conservation District that are within the planned Wash Plan HCP Preserve (BIO-51 and BIO-54). The 30 acres are to be set aside via an easement and will include the 5.61 acres to be managed as mitigation for this project. The lands are located approximately one mile east of the project and are bordered by conservation lands to both the east and south, including Conservation District managed lands and WSPA conservation lands. The area consists of Intermediate and Intermediate/Mature Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat that is occupied by Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Table 10. Anticipated Mitigation Credits Required for the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Permanent Impact Type Impact Amount (acres)2 Mitigation Ratio3 Mitigation Credits Needed (acres)2 Santa Ana River woollystar occupied and suitable habitat, San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupied and suitable habitat, San Bernardino kangaroo rat critical habitat with PCEs1 2.44 1:1 2.44 Additional San Bernardino kangaroo rat occupied and suitable habitat, San Bernardino kangaroo rat critical habitat with PCEs 3.17 1:1 3.17 Total 5.61 1:1 5.61 1 PCE = Primary Constituent Elements. Only permanent impacts on critical habitat containing PCEs will be mitigated for. Critical habitat not containing PCEs includes developed areas and paved roads. 2The amount of acres to be impacted and mitigation required for the project has been calculated to avoid double counting impacts on the same area. 3Compensatory mitigation for project impacts will be the same as those necessitated by the Wash Plan HCP. 5.5.2.1. Compensation for Slender-horned Spineflower The project action would not affect slender-horned spineflower; thus, no compensation is proposed for this species. 5.5.2.2. Compensation for Santa Ana River Woollystar The following compensatory mitigation will be implemented for project impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar: • BIO-51 Project impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar and its occupied, suitable habitat (i.e., Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub) will be mitigated by acquiring Conservation District-owned lands located within a 30-acre area approximately one mile east of the project. These are Wash Plan HCP Preserve easement lands that are bordered by conservation lands to the south and east. Permanent impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar will be mitigated at a minimum 1:1 ratio or as determined by the resource agencies. The compensatory mitigation for project impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar and its occupied, suitable habitat will be the same as those necessitated by the Wash Plan HCP. Onsite restoration of temporarily disturbed areas will occur in-kind at their current locations upon completion of construction and will consist of returning affected areas to original contour grades, decompacting the soil, and replanting with a Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 51 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area plant palette composed of the species found onsite prior to the disturbance. Seed will be collected onsite and in adjacent areas to the extent feasible in coordination with the Wash Plan HCP Preserve Manager. If additional seed is needed, it will be obtained from the closest location to the project site that is available from a commercial vendor. All revegetated areas will avoid the use of species listed in Cal-IPC’s California Invasive Plant Inventory. Restoration will also include weed control. Restoration performance standards and remediation measures (if necessary) will be developed by the Conservation District and reviewed and approved by the USFWS and CDFW (Wash Plan HCP, Section 5.5). Such restoration plans will be implemented within 24 months of the completion of major construction. • BIO-52 Monetary compensation provided by the City of Highland and City of Redlands to the Conservation District for project impacts on Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat and the special-status species that it supports will be put towards maintenance of the Wash Plan HCP Preserve. Funding will be contributed prior to the start of construction. In addition, BIO-53 below will be implemented for project impacts on the WSPA. Project impacts on WSPA conservation lands located within the project limits of disturbance are anticipated to be mitigated by acquiring a one acre patch of land that is outside of the Wash Plan HCP Preserve but within the planned Wash Plan HCP boundary. The one acre area is located approximately 2.7 miles east of the project and is bordered by Conservation District managed lands to the east and west, WSPA conservation lands to the south, and future flood control mitigation areas to the north. The area contains suitable Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat that is comparable or higher quality than the WSPA conservation lands that will be impacted by the project, which primarily consists of dense non-native vegetation and is separated from quality habitat by the road grade along Orange Street (see Section 5.1.3.2; Appendix D, Photo 14). The one acre patch of land consists of Intermediate and Intermediate/Mature Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat that is occupied by Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Consequently, trading impacted WSPA conservation lands along the Orange Street roadway would result in an improved habitat acquisition for the WSPA and USACE. The land will be acquired at a 1:1 ratio and will be coordinated with the Conservation District, SBCFCD, USACE, USFWS, and CDFW. • BIO-53 Project impacts on WSPA conservation lands will be mitigated by acquiring native open lands within a one acre area that is outside of the Wash Plan HCP Preserve but within the planned Wash Plan HCP boundary approximately 2.7 miles east of the project, or other similar mitigation land acquisition. The land will be acquired at a minimum 1:1 in-kind ratio and will be coordinated with the Conservation District, SBCFCD, USACE, USFWS, and CDFW. The compensatory mitigation ratio for project impacts on WSPA conservation lands may increase following future consultation with the resource agencies. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 52 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area 5.5.2.3. Compensation for Santa Ana Sucker The effects of the action are limited to temporary indirect effects that would occur to Santa Ana sucker unoccupied critical habitat adjacent to the project limits of disturbance, which would be minimized with the implementation of avoidance and minimization measures, as described in Section 5.5.1.2 above. The project is not expected to directly affect Santa Ana sucker or its critical habitat. Consequently, no compensation is proposed for Santa Ana sucker. 5.5.2.4. Compensation for Coastal California Gnatcatcher The project action would not affect coastal California gnatcatcher; thus, no compensation is proposed for this species. 5.5.2.5. Compensation for San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat The following compensatory mitigation, along with BIO-52 above, will be implemented for project impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its critical habitat: • BIO-54 Project impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be mitigated by acquiring Conservation District-owned Wash Plan HCP Preserve lands (see BIO-51), as necessitated by the Wash Plan HCP. Permanent impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat will be mitigated at a minimum 1:1 ratio or as determined by the resource agencies. 5.6. Effects of Interrelated and Interdependent Actions Interrelated actions are actions that are part of a larger action and depend on the larger action for their justification [50 CFR §402.02]( i.e., this project would not occur “but for” a larger project). Interrelated actions are typically associated with the proposed action. Interrelated actions are those that are part of a larger action and depend on the larger action for their justification. Interdependent actions are actions having no independent utility apart from the proposed action. [50 CFR §402.02]. Interdependent actions are those that have no independent utility apart from the action under consideration. No interrelated or interdependent actions are associated with the project. The project is a non- motorized bikeway and walkway that is not part of a larger action. No additional interdependent activities outside of the specified project construction will occur as a result of the proposed action. 5.7. Cumulative Effects Cumulative effects include the effects of future state, tribal, local or private actions that are reasonably certain to occur in the action area described in this Biological Assessment. Future federal actions that are unrelated to the proposed action are not considered in this section because they require separate consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the Act. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 53 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area 5.7.1. Cumulative Effects on Slender-horned Spineflower Slender-horned spineflower was determined to be absent from the BSA, and as a result, the project does not add any cumulative effects, now or in the reasonably foreseeable future, that contribute to the loss of slender-horned spineflower in the region. 5.7.2. Cumulative Effects on Santa Ana River Woollystar Because the project consists of creating a narrow, linear bikeway/pedestrian path on or adjacent to existing roadways within the Wash Plan HCP, it will have relatively small permanent impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar that will be mitigated per the stipulations of the Biological Opinion issued for the project. As a result, no cumulative impacts on this species are anticipated. Future transportation and infrastructure projects are planned in the area, including the SR-210 Mixed Flow Lane Addition Project and other Covered Activities under the Wash Plan HCP (ICF 2018a). Implementation of avoidance and minimization measures for impacts on Santa Ana River woollystar for all future projects would ensure that impacts on this species are mitigated and that Santa Ana River woollystar would be sustained in perpetuity within the region. 5.7.3. Cumulative Effects on Santa Ana Sucker Because Santa Ana sucker is considered absent from the BSA and critical habitat for this species does not occur within the project footprint, the project will not contribute to cumulative effects, now or in the reasonably foreseeable future, on Santa Ana sucker in the region. 5.7.4. Cumulative Effects on Coastal California Gnatcatcher Coastal California gnatcatcher was determined to be absent from the BSA, and as a result, the project does not add any cumulative effects, now or in the reasonably foreseeable future, that contribute to the loss of coastal California gnatcatcher in the region. 5.7.5. Cumulative Effects on San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Because the project consists of creating a narrow, linear bikeway/pedestrian path on or adjacent to existing roadways within the Wash Plan HCP, it will have relatively small permanent impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat that will be mitigated per the stipulations of the Biological Opinion issued for the project. As a result, no cumulative impacts on this species or its critical habitat are anticipated. Future transportation and infrastructure projects are planned in the area, including the SR-210 Mixed Flow Lane Addition Project and other Covered Activities under the Wash Plan HCP (ICF 2018a). Implementation of avoidance and minimization measures for impacts on San Bernardino kangaroo rat for all future projects would ensure that impacts on this species are mitigated and that San Bernardino kangaroo rat would be sustained in perpetuity within the region. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 54 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area 5.8. Determination 5.8.1. Species and Critical Habitat Determination No Effect A no effect determination was made for the following species. No consultation is required. • Nevin’s barberry • San Diego ambrosia • Slender-horned spineflower • Santa Ana sucker • Coastal California gnatcatcher • Least Bell’s vireo • Southwestern willow flycatcher • Stephen’s kangaroo rat May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect (LAA) A may affect, likely to adversely affect determination was made for the following species. Formal consultation is required. • Santa Ana River woollystar • San Bernardino kangaroo rat 5.8.2. Discussion of Supporting Determination Under provisions of Section 7(a)(2) of the FESA, a federal agency (e.g., Federal Highway Administration) that permits, licenses, funds, or otherwise authorizes a project activity must consult with the USFWS to ensure that its actions would not jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. This Biological Assessment addresses proposed project’s impacts on and avoidance and minimization measures for federally-listed plant and wildlife species. 5.8.2.1. No Effect A no effect determination was made for eight federally-listed species obtained from USFWS. While potentially suitable habitats occur for four of the federally-listed species within their respective action areas, discussed in this Biological Assessment, no suitable habitat to support Nevin’s barberry, San Diego ambrosia, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, and Stephen’s kangaroo rat exists within the project action area. Slender-horned spineflower, Santa Ana sucker, and coastal California gnatcatcher were not detected during 2017 reconnaissance, Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 55 Chapter 5 Effects of the Project on the Action Area focused, or protocol surveys. As such, all are considered absent from the action area and it was determined that no effect would occur. 5.8.2.2. May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect A may affect, likely to adversely affect determination was made for Santa Ana River woollystar and San Bernardino kangaroo rat based on the permanent loss of occupied habitat for both of these species, as well as the permanent loss of critical habitat for San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 56 Chapter 6. Literature Cited Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, D. J. Keil, R. Patterson, T. J. Rosatti, and D. H. Wilken, eds. 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, 2nd Ed. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2000. Guidelines for Assessing the Effects of Proposed Projects on Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants and Plant Communities. Unpublished. Sacramento, CA. CDFW. 2009. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities. Sacramento, CA: State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Wildlife. CDFW. 2017a. California Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, CA. Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch. Element reports for the Redlands and immediately surrounding USGS 7.5-Minute quadrangle maps. Accessed: December 2017. CDFW. 2017b. Special Animals List. Sacramento, CA: State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Wildlife. October 2017. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2015. Caltrans District and National Marines Fisheries Service Map. Division of Environmental Analysis. April 20, 2015. Caltrans. 2018. Biological Assessment Template. Standard Environmental Reference, California Department of Transportation. May 3, 2018. California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC). 2017. California Invasive Plant Inventory. Available: www.cal-ipc.org. Berkeley, CA. Accessed: December 2017. California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2001. Botanical Survey Guidelines of the California Native Plant Society. Fremontia 29(3-4):64-65. CNPS. 2017. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition, v8-03 0.39). Sacramento, CA: California Native Plant Society. Available: http://www.cnps.org/inventory. Accessed: December 2017. Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Resources Agency, ed., p. 156. Sacramento, CA. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 57 Chapter 6 Literature Cited ICF. 2018a. Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan. Public Review Draft. (ICF 00544.13.) San Diego, CA. Prepared for San Bernardino County Valley Water Conservation District, Redlands, CA. January 2018. ICF. 2010b8. Natural Environment Study, Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project. August. Irvine, CA. National Marine Fisheries Service – West Coast Region California (NMFS-WCRC). 2017. California Species List Tools. Available: http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/maps_data/california_species_list_tools.html. Accessed: December 2017. San Bernardino County Department of Public Works (SBCDPW). 2018. Santa Ana River Woolly Star. County of San Bernardino Department of Public Works. Available: http://cms.sbcounty.gov/dpw/Land/especies/WoollyStar.aspx. Accessed: January 2018. San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District (SBVWCD). 2017. Wash Plan Update, December 2017. Available: http://www.sbvwcd.org/wash-plan.html. Accessed: February 2018. Santa Ana River Water Rights Application (SARWRA). 2004. Draft Environmental Impact Report, Santa Ana River Water Right Applications for Supplemental Water Supply. October 2004. San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and Western Municipal Water District. 648 pp. URS Corporation (URS). 2015. Natural Environment Study, State Route 210 Mixed Flow Lane Addition from Highland Avenue to San Bernardino Avenue. November. Santa Ana, CA. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Soil Survey Staff. 2017. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for Riverside County, California. USFWS. 1987. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status for Santa Ana River Woolly-star and Slender-horned Spineflower. Federal Register 52(187):36265-36270. USFWS. 1993. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Threatened Status for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher. Federal Register 58(59):16742-16757. USFWS. 1998. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule To List the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat as Endangered. Federal Register 63(185):51005-51017. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 58 Chapter 6 Literature Cited USFWS. 2000a. Guidelines for Conducting and Reporting Botanical Inventories Federally Listed, Proposed and Candidate Plants. U.S. Department of the Interior, USFWS. USFWS. 2000b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status for the Santa Ana Sucker. Federal Register 65(71):19686-19698. USFWS. 2000c. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Determination of Critical Habitat for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher. Federal Register 65:63680-63743. USFWS. 2002. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designation of Critical Habitat for the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat. Federal Register 67(78):19812-19845. USFWS. 2005. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule to Designate Critical Habitat for the Santa Ana Sucker. Federal Register 70(2):426-458. USFWS. 2007. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher. Federal Register 72(243):72010- 72213. USFWS. 2008. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat. Federal Register 73(202):61936-62002. USFWS. 2009. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Five Year Review. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office. Carlsbad, California. August 14, 2009. 32 pp. USFWS. 2010a. Dodecahema leptoceras (Slender-horned Spineflower) Five Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office. Carlsbad, California. October 1, 2010. 37 pp. USFWS. 2010b. Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum (Santa Ana River Woollystar) Five Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office. Carlsbad, California. October 29, 2010. 30 pp. USFWS. 2010c. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Critical Habitat for the Santa Ana Sucker. Federal Register 75(239): 77962-78027. USFWS. 2019. Carlsbad Field Office List of Proposed, Threatened, and Endangered Species, and Critical Habitats for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project. 08ECAR00- 2018-SLI-0285. April 29, 2019. United States Geological Survey (USGS). 1967. 7.5-Minute Redlands, San Bernardino North, Harrison Mountain, Keller Peak, San Bernardino South, Yucaipa, Riverside East, Sunnymead, and El Casco. Topographic Quadrangle Map. Photo revised 1979, 1980, 1988. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 59 Chapter 6 Literature Cited This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA 60 Appendix A. Project Figures Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA A-1 Appendix A Project Figures This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA A-2 Project Location 79 18 66 259 138 210 206 189 91 330 60 38 173 15 215 10 MorenoMoreno ValleyValley RiversideRiverside SanSan BernardinoBernardino BeaumontBeaumont BloomingtonBloomington ColtonColton CrestlineCrestline GrandGrand TerraceTerrace HighlandHighland LomaLoma LindaLinda RedlandsRedlands RialtoRialto RubidouxRubidoux YucaipaYucaipa Figure 1 Regional Vicinity Map Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project San Bernardino Riverside ImperialSan Diego Orange Los Angeles Kern Pacific Ocean USA MEXICO8 215 405 15 5 CALIFORNIACALIFORNIA K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ J D \ F i g 0 1 _ R e g i o n a l _ V i c i n i t y . m x d D a t e : 1 2 / 6 / 2 0 1 7 30 1 3 6 Source: USGS 7.5' Redlands Quadrangle (1988) N 0 2 41 Miles Project Location REDLANDS Figure 2 Project Location Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: USGS 7.5' Redlands Quadrangle (1988) 0 1,200 2,400600 Feet K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ J D \ F i g 0 2 _ L o c a t i o n . m x d D a t e : 1 2 / 6 / 2 0 1 7 3 0 1 3 6 N [N Figure 3 Conservation Lands and Critical Habitat Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: Bing 2013; ESRI 2013 0 1,200 2,400600 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Wash Plan HCP Boundary San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Critical Habitat Santa Ana Sucker Critical Habitat Woollystar Preserve Area Figure 4, Sheet 1 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland / Redlands Regional Connector Legend Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 4, Sheet 2 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland / Redlands Regional Connector Legend Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 4, Sheet 3 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland / Redlands Regional Connector Legend Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 4, Sheet 4 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland / Redlands Regional Connector Legend Permanent Impacts Temporary ImpactsSource: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 4, Sheet 5 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland / Redlands Regional Connector Legend Staging Area Permanent Impacts Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 4, Sheet 6 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland / Redlands Regional Connector Legend Permanent Impacts Temporary ImpactsSource: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 4, Sheet 7 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland / Redlands Regional Connector Legend Permanent Impacts Temporary ImpactsSource: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d Figure 4, Sheet 8 of 8Project Impact AreasHighland / Redlands Regional Connector Legend Temporary Impacts Source: KOA 2017; BING 2017 0 120 24060 Feet N \\ P D C C I T R D S G I S 1 \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 3 _ P r o j e c t _ I m p a c t _ A r e a s _ v _ 2 . m x d N Figure 5 Biological Study Area and Action Area Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: Bing 2013; ESRI 2013 0 1,200 2,400600 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (100-foot buffer): Rare plants Survey Area (150-foot buffer): San Bernardino kangaroo rat Survey Area (300-foot buffer): Vegetation communities N Figure 6 Rare Plant Focused Surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: Bing 2013; ESRI 2013 0 600 1,200300 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Rare Plant Survey Area (100- foot buffer) Potentially Suitable Habitat Woollystar Observation Woollystar Observation Trap Line 1 Trap Line 2 Trap Line 3 Trap Line 4 Vi l l a g e L a k e s R d Greenspot Rd Or a n g e S t 5th St B o u l d e r A v e 1 2 4 3 Figure 7 - Sheet 1 of 4 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance SBKR Survey Area (150-foot buffer) Wash Plan HCP Boundary SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines Trap Results SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture N Trap Line 7 Trap Line 8 Trap Line 6 Trap Line 5 Dishong St Or a n g e S t 1 2 4 3 Figure 7 - Sheet 2 of 4 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance SBKR Survey Area (150-foot buffer) Wash Plan HCP Boundary SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines Trap Results SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture N Trap Line 16 Trap Line 12 Trapline 10 Trap Line 11 Trap Line 15 Trap Line 9 Trap Line 13 Trap Line 14 Or a ng e S t Lasheart Dr 1 2 4 3 Figure 7 - Sheet 3 of 4 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance SBKR Survey Area (150-foot buffer) Wash Plan HCP Boundary SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines Trap Results SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture N E Pioneer Ave Wa s h in g t o n S t Cl ay S t Dubois St We b s t e r S t Oh i o S t Mountain View Cir Al t a S t Or a ng e S t Yvette Ct Beattie Ln Hubbard Ct Waters Ct W Pioneer Ave Re id S t Bra n do n St Virginia St Midway St 1 2 4 3 Figure 7 - Sheet 4 of 4 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Protocol Surveys Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance SBKR Survey Area (150-foot buffer) Wash Plan HCP Boundary SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines Trap Results SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture N N Figure 8 NRCS Soils Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Source: SURRGO 2017; Bing 2013; ESRI 2013 0 900 1,800450 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (300-foot buffer) NRCS Soils GtC: GREENFIELD SANDY LOAM, 2 TO 9 PERCENT SLOPES HaC: HANFORD COARSE SANDY LOAM, 2 TO 9 PERCENT SLOPES HbA: HANFORD SANDY LOAM, 0 TO 2 PERCENT SLOPES Ps: PSAMMENTS AND FLUVENTS, FREQUENTLY FLOODED SoC: SOBOBA GRAVELLY LOAMY SAND, 0 TO 9 PERCENT SLOPES SpC: SOBOBA STONY LOAMY SAND, 2 TO 9 PERCENT SLOPES TuB: TUJUNGA LOAMY SAND, 0 TO 5 PERCENT SLOPES K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 1 0 _ S o i l s . m x d D a t e : 4 / 1 8 / 2 0 1 8 3 0 1 3 6 Figure 9 - Sheet 1 Vegetation Communities Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 1 1 _ V e g e t a t i o n . m x d ; U s e r : 3 0 1 3 6 ; D a t e : 4 / 1 8/ 2 0 1 8 0 10050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (300-foot Buffer) Developed/Disturbed Non-Native Grassland Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Pioneer Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate/Mature Disturbed Riversidean Alluvail Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate So u r c e : K O A ; E S R I S t r e e t m a p 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 1:2,400N Figure 9 - Sheet 2 Vegetation Communities Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 1 1 _ V e g e t a t i o n . m x d ; U s e r : 3 0 1 3 6 ; D a t e : 4 / 1 8/ 2 0 1 8 0 10050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (300-foot Buffer) Developed/Disturbed Non-Native Grassland Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Pioneer Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate/Mature Disturbed Riversidean Alluvail Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate So u r c e : K O A ; E S R I S t r e e t m a p 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 1:2,400N Figure 9 - Sheet 3 Vegetation Communities Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 1 1 _ V e g e t a t i o n . m x d ; U s e r : 3 0 1 3 6 ; D a t e : 4 / 1 8/ 2 0 1 8 0 10050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (300-foot Buffer) Developed/Disturbed Non-Native Grassland Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Pioneer Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate/Mature Disturbed Riversidean Alluvail Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate So u r c e : K O A ; E S R I S t r e e t m a p 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 1:2,400N Figure 9 - Sheet 4 Vegetation Communities Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 1 1 _ V e g e t a t i o n . m x d ; U s e r : 3 0 1 3 6 ; D a t e : 4 / 1 8/ 2 0 1 8 0 10050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (300-foot Buffer) Developed/Disturbed Non-Native Grassland Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Pioneer Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate/Mature Disturbed Riversidean Alluvail Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate So u r c e : K O A ; E S R I S t r e e t m a p 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 1:2,400N Figure 9 - Sheet 5 Vegetation Communities Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 1 1 _ V e g e t a t i o n . m x d ; U s e r : 3 0 1 3 6 ; D a t e : 4 / 1 8/ 2 0 1 8 0 10050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (300-foot Buffer) Developed/Disturbed Non-Native Grassland Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Pioneer Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate/Mature Disturbed Riversidean Alluvail Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate So u r c e : K O A ; E S R I S t r e e t m a p 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 1:2,400N Figure 9 - Sheet 6 Vegetation Communities Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 1 1 _ V e g e t a t i o n . m x d ; U s e r : 3 0 1 3 6 ; D a t e : 4 / 1 8/ 2 0 1 8 0 10050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (300-foot Buffer) Developed/Disturbed Non-Native Grassland Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Pioneer Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate/Mature Disturbed Riversidean Alluvail Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate So u r c e : K O A ; E S R I S t r e e t m a p 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 1:2,400N Figure 9 - Sheet 7 Vegetation Communities Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 1 1 _ V e g e t a t i o n . m x d ; U s e r : 3 0 1 3 6 ; D a t e : 4 / 1 8/ 2 0 1 8 0 10050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (300-foot Buffer) Developed/Disturbed Non-Native Grassland Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Pioneer Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate/Mature Disturbed Riversidean Alluvail Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate So u r c e : K O A ; E S R I S t r e e t m a p 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 1:2,400N Figure 9 - Sheet 8 Vegetation Communities Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ Do c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ N E S \ F i g 1 1 _ V e g e t a t i o n . m x d ; U s e r : 3 0 1 3 6 ; D a t e : 4 / 1 8/ 2 0 1 8 0 10050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Survey Area (300-foot Buffer) Developed/Disturbed Non-Native Grassland Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Pioneer Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate/Mature Disturbed Riversidean Alluvail Fan Sage Scrub - Intermediate So u r c e : K O A ; E S R I S t r e e t m a p 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 1:2,400N Vi l l a g e L a k e s R d Greenspot Rd Or a n g e S t 5th St B o u l d e r A v e 1 2 4 3 Figure 10 - Sheet 1 of 4Project Impact Areas Requiring MitigationHighland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Santa Ana River Woollystar Suitable Habitat SBKR Habitat Suitability Permanent Impact Areas Requiring Mitigation SBKR Critical Habitat Non-Primary Constituent Elements Primary Constituent Elements N Note: Portions of the Limits of Disturbance that are not marked as permanent impact areas requiringmitigation would be temporarily disturbed by project construction. Areas that contain suitable habitat forSanta Ana River woollystar and/or San Bernardino kangaroo rat and SBKR critical habitat with PrimaryConstituent Elements will be restored in-kind following project completion. Dishong St Or a n g e S t 1 2 4 3 Figure 10 - Sheet 2 of 4Project Impact Areas Requiring MitigationHighland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Santa Ana River Woollystar Suitable Habitat SBKR Habitat Suitability Permanent Impact Areas Requiring Mitigation SBKR Critical Habitat Non-Primary Constituent Elements Primary Constituent Elements N Note: Portions of the Limits of Disturbance that are not marked as permanent impact areas requiringmitigation would be temporarily disturbed by project construction. Areas that contain suitable habitat forSanta Ana River woollystar and/or San Bernardino kangaroo rat and SBKR critical habitat with PrimaryConstituent Elements will be restored in-kind following project completion. Or a n g e S t Lasheart Dr 1 2 4 3 Figure 10 - Sheet 3 of 4Project Impact Areas Requiring MitigationHighland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Santa Ana River Woollystar Suitable Habitat SBKR Habitat Suitability Permanent Impact Areas Requiring Mitigation SBKR Critical Habitat Non-Primary Constituent Elements Primary Constituent Elements N Note: Portions of the Limits of Disturbance that are not marked as permanent impact areas requiringmitigation would be temporarily disturbed by project construction. Areas that contain suitable habitat forSanta Ana River woollystar and/or San Bernardino kangaroo rat and SBKR critical habitat with PrimaryConstituent Elements will be restored in-kind following project completion. E Pioneer Ave Wa s h i n g t o n S t Cl a y S t Dubois St We b s t e r S t Oh i o S t Mountain View Cir Al t a S t Or a n g e S t Yvette Ct Beattie Ln Hubbard Ct Waters Ct W Pioneer Ave Re i d S t Br a n d o n S t Virginia St Midway St 1 2 4 3 Figure 10 - Sheet 4 of 4Project Impact Areas Requiring MitigationHighland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance Santa Ana River Woollystar Suitable Habitat SBKR Habitat Suitability Permanent Impact Areas Requiring Mitigation SBKR Critical Habitat Non-Primary Constituent Elements Primary Constituent Elements N Note: Portions of the Limits of Disturbance that are not marked as permanent impact areas requiringmitigation would be temporarily disturbed by project construction. Areas that contain suitable habitat forSanta Ana River woollystar and/or San Bernardino kangaroo rat and SBKR critical habitat with PrimaryConstituent Elements will be restored in-kind following project completion. Appendix B. USFWS Species List Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA B-1 Appendix B USFWS Species List This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA B-2 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Carlsbad Fish And Wildlife Office 2177 Salk Avenue - Suite 250 Carlsbad, CA 92008-7385 Phone: (760) 431-9440 Fax: (760) 431-5901 http://www.fws.gov/carlsbad/ In Reply Refer To: Consultation Code: 08ECAR00-2018-SLI-0285 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2019-E-02048 Project Name: Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Subject:Updated list of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project To Whom It May Concern: The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, and proposed species, designated critical habitat, and candidate species that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list. The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat. April 29, 2019 04/29/2019 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2019-E-02048 2 A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12. If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), and projects affecting these species may require development of an eagle conservation plan (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/ eagle_guidance.html). Additionally, wind energy projects should follow the wind energy guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to migratory birds and bats. Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communications towers (e.g., cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at: http:// www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm; http:// www.towerkill.com; and http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/ comtow.html. We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office. Attachment(s): ▪Official Species List 04/29/2019 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2019-E-02048 1 Official Species List This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action". This species list is provided by: Carlsbad Fish And Wildlife Office 2177 Salk Avenue - Suite 250 Carlsbad, CA 92008-7385 (760) 431-9440 04/29/2019 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2019-E-02048 2 Project Summary Consultation Code:08ECAR00-2018-SLI-0285 Event Code:08ECAR00-2019-E-02048 Project Name:Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Project Type:TRANSPORTATION Project Description:The cities of Highland and Redlands jointly plan to improve non- motorized transportation network by constructing regional bikeways and walkways. Bicycle and pedestrian improvements will be constructed along 4.7 contiguous miles of streets and easements in the cities of Highland and Redlands. Work will include pavement widening, curb and gutter, curb ramps, median curbs, sidewalks, pavement repairs, slurry seal, Class I and II bikeway/pedestrian paths, bicycle/pedestrian bridge, bike racks, bollards, bike signals, in-roadway bicycle detection, pedestrian heads, sharrows (shared lane markings), enhanced crosswalks, warning beacons, roadway and bikeway signage, lighting, and speed feedback signs. Project Location: Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:// www.google.com/maps/place/34.10116159841621N117.18229028941052W Counties:San Bernardino, CA 04/29/2019 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2019-E-02048 3 Endangered Species Act Species There is a total of 10 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the Department of Commerce. See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions. 1.NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. Mammals NAME STATUS San Bernardino Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys merriami parvus There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location overlaps the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2060 Endangered Stephens' Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys stephensi (incl. D. cascus) No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3495 Endangered Birds NAME STATUS Coastal California Gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8178 Threatened Least Bell's Vireo Vireo bellii pusillus There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5945 Endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6749 Endangered 1 04/29/2019 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2019-E-02048 4 Fishes NAME STATUS Santa Ana Sucker Catostomus santaanae Population: 3 CA river basins There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location overlaps the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3785 Threatened Flowering Plants NAME STATUS Nevin's Barberry Berberis nevinii There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8025 Endangered San Diego Ambrosia Ambrosia pumila There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8287 Endangered Santa Ana River Woolly-star Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6575 Endangered Slender-horned Spineflower Dodecahema leptoceras No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4007 Endangered Critical habitats There are 2 critical habitats wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. NAME STATUS San Bernardino Merriam's Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys merriami parvus https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2060#crithab Final Santa Ana Sucker Catostomus santaanae https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3785#crithab Final Appendix C. Listed Species Potentially Occurring within the Action Area Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA C-1 Appendix C Listed Species Potentially Occurring within the Action Area This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA C-2 Appendix C Listed Species Potentially Occurring within the Action Area Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA C-3 COMMON/ SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUSa FED/STATE/ CNPS/ WASH PLAN HCP SPECIES REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC HABITATb PRESENT/ ABSENT RATIONALE PLANTS San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila) E/–/1B.1/– Perennial rhizomatous herb. Occurs in open floodplain terraces, watershed margins of vernal pools, or alkali playas in a variety of associations that are dominated by sparse non-native grasslands or ruderal habitat. Elevation range: less than 1,600 ft. in known Riverside County populations and less than 600 ft. in San Diego County. Blooming period: April – October. A This species has not been documented to occur in San Bernardino County. There is only marginal habitat for this species within the BSA. This species is not expected to occur. No further constraint is present. Nevin's barberry (Berberis nevinii) E/E/1B.1/– Evergreen shrub. Sandy or gravelly soils in chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, and riparian scrub. Elevation range: 898 – 2,707 ft. Blooming period: March – June. A Potentially suitable habitat is present in the BSA; however, this species was not detected during appropriately timed surveys, and is absent within the BSA. No further constraint is present. slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras) E/E/1B.1/ Covered Species Annual herb. Sandy soils in chaparral, cismontane woodland, and alluvial fan coastal scrub. Elevation range: 656 – 2,493 ft. Blooming period: April – June. HP Potentially suitable habitat is present in the BSA; however, this species was not detected during appropriately timed surveys and is absent within the BSA. No further constraint is present. Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum) E/E/1B.1/ Covered Species Perennial herb. Sandy to gravelly soil in chaparral and coastal scrub in alluvial fans. 299 – 2,001 ft. Blooming period: April – September. P Suitable habitat is present within the BSA. This species was observed within the BSA during 2017 focused surveys. Appendix C Listed Species Potentially Occurring within the Action Area Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA C-4 COMMON/ SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUSa FED/STATE/ CNPS/ WASH PLAN HCP SPECIES REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC HABITATb PRESENT/ ABSENT RATIONALE FISH Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae) T/–/–/– Occurs in stream channels with a mosaic of loose sand, gravel, cobble, and boulder substrates in riffles, runs, pools, and shallow sandy stream margins with cool, running water. Historical range included the Los Angeles, San Gabriel, and Santa Ana river drainage systems in southern California. An introduced population also occurs in the Santa Clara River drainage system. HP CH Although suitable habitat and critical habitat for this species is present within the BSA, neither occurs within the project limits of disturbance. The addition of the new trail will be done on the existing Orange Street Bridge over the Santa Ana River and no bridge construction or work within the channel will occur. In addition, the BSA is outside of the known geographical distribution of Santa Ana sucker and is not currently occupied due to a drop structure located 9.5 mi downstream of the project site. BIRDS southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) E/E/–/– Highly restricted distribution in southern California as a breeder. Occupies extensive riparian forests, wet meadows, and lower montane riparian habitats primarily below 4,000 ft. Occurs in riparian habitats along rivers, streams, or other wetlands, where dense growths of willows (Salix spp.), Baccharis spp., arrowweed (Pluchea spp.), buttonbush (Cephalanthus spp.), tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), Russian olive (Eleagnus spp.) are present, often with a scattered overstory of cottonwood (Populus spp.). HA No suitable habitat is present within the BSA. This species is not expected to occur. No further constraint is present. coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) T/CSC/–/ Covered Species Year-round obligate, permanent resident of coastal sage scrub vegetation on mesas, arid hillsides, and in washes. Nests almost exclusively in California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). Nest placement is typically in areas with less than 40 percent slope gradient. Occurs in low-lying foothills and valleys in cismontane southwestern California and Baja California. Monogamous pairs tend to stay in the same locale. HP Potentially suitable habitat is present within the BSA; however, the potential for this species occurring within the BSA is very low considering shrub species composition is atypical and overall poor quality habitat for the species. Although protocol surveys were not conducted for this species, numerous visits to the BSA yielded no detections. Appendix C Listed Species Potentially Occurring within the Action Area Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA C-5 COMMON/ SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUSa FED/STATE/ CNPS/ WASH PLAN HCP SPECIES REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC HABITATb PRESENT/ ABSENT RATIONALE least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) E/E/–/– Found as a summer resident of southern California where it inhabits low riparian growth in the vicinity of water or in dry river bottoms below 2,000 ft. Species selects dense vegetation low in riparian zones for nesting; most frequently located in riparian stands between 5 and 10 years old; when mature riparian woodland is selected, vireos nest in areas with a substantial robust understory of willows as well as other plant species. HA No suitable habitat is present within the BSA. This species is not expected to occur. No further constraint is present. MAMMALS San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) E/CSC/–/ Covered Species Prefers soils of sandy loam, occasionally to sandy gravel, in open to moderately shrubby habitats, especially intermediate seral stages of alluvial fan sage scrub up to 1,970 ft. from active channels. P CH Confirmed present within the BSA in the Sana Ana River floodplain in 2017. Critical habitat is present within the BSA. Stephens’ kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi) E/T/–/– Found almost exclusively in open grasslands or sparse shrublands with cover of less than 50% during the summer. Species avoids dense grasses and are more likely to inhabit areas where the annual forbs disarticulate in the summer and leave more open areas. Tends to avoid rocky soils. Tends to use flatter slopes (i.e., < 30%), but may be found on steeper slopes in trace densities. HA No suitable habitat is present within the BSA. This species is not expected to occur. No further constraint is present. a Status Codes Federal E = Federally listed; Endangered T = Federally listed; Threatened State E = State listed; Endangered T = State listed; Threatened CSC = California Species of Special Concern CNPS 1A = Plants presumed extinct in California 1B = Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere 2 = Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere 3 = Plants about which we need more information 4 = Limited distribution (Watch List) 0.1 = Seriously endangered in California 0.2 = Fairly endangered in California 0.3 = Not very endangered in California CNDDB = Vegetation communities classified as depleted bHabitat Presence/Absence Codes P = The species is present. HP = Habitat is or may be present. The species may be present. HA = No habitat present and no further work needed. A = This species is absent. CH = Critical habitat is present. Appendix C Listed Species Potentially Occurring within the Action Area This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA C-6 Appendix D. Site Photos Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA D-1 Appendix D Site Photos This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA D-2 Appendix D Site Photos Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA D-3 Photo Number: 1 Photo Date: April 6, 2017 Description: View facing north from west side of Orange Street. Photo depicts dry conditions downstream from Orange Street bridge over the main channel of the Santa Ana River. Photo Number: 2 Photo Date: November 29, 2017 Description: View facing east from west side of Orange Street. Photo depicts Orange Street bridge over the main channel of the Santa Ana River. Photo Number: 3 Photo Date: November 29, 2017 Description: View facing northwest from west side of Orange Street. Photo depicts Plunge Creek downstream of Orange Street bridge as it exits the BSA. Appendix D Site Photos Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA D-4 Photo Number: 4 Photo Date: April 6, 2017 Description: View facing southwest from east side of Orange Street. Photo depicts Plunge Creek with associated Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub upstream of Orange Street bridge. Photo Number: 5 Photo Date: April 6, 2017 Description: View facing north from west side of Orange Street. Photo depicts Plunge Creek with associated Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub upstream of Orange Street bridge. Photo Number: 6 Photo Date: October 26, 2017 Description: View facing northwest from east side of Orange Street between Plunge Creek and Cemex facility. Photo depicts Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat adjacent to Orange Street. Appendix D Site Photos Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA D-5 Photo Number: 7 Photo Date: April 6, 2017 Description: View facing northwest from west side of Orange Street, north of the main Santa Ana River channel. Photo depicts Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat adjacent to Orange Street. Photo Number: 8 Photo Date: April 6, 2017 Description: View facing southwest from east side of Orange Street, north of the main Santa Ana River channel. Photo depicts Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat adjacent to Orange Street. Photo Number: 9 Photo Date: April 6, 2017 Description: View facing north near southeast corner of Orange Street and Greenspot Road. Photo depicts non-native grassland with scattered shrubs. Appendix D Site Photos Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA D-6 Photo Number: 10 Photo Date: April 6, 2017 Description: View facing south from east side of Orange Street. Photo depicts berm between Orange Street and disturbed field. Photo Number: 11 Photo Date: April 6, 2017 Description: View facing north from the west side of Orange Street, south of entrance to Redlands Shooting Park. Photo depicts vacant field adjacent to Orange Street comprised of mostly non- native annual herbaceous vegetation. Photo Number: 12 Photo Date: April 6, 2017 Description: View facing north near southwest corner of Boulder Avenue and Greenspot Road. Photo depicts vacant field. Appendix D Site Photos Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA D-7 Photo Number: 13 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Description: Photo depicts San Bernardino kangaroo rat captured and subsequently released during presence/absence trapping surveys conducted in 2017. Photo Number: 14 Photo Date: April 18, 2018 Description: W oollystar Preserve Area on the west side of Orange Street facing south. Photo depicts the road grade than runs parallel to the roadway, with dense non-native vegetation to the east and Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub to the west. Appendix D Site Photos This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA D-8 Appendix E. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Survey Report Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA E-1 Appendix E San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Report This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA E-2 RESULTS OF SAN BERNARDINO KANGAROO RAT TRAPPING FOR HIGHLAND/REDLANDS REGIONAL CONNECTOR PROJECT, SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA P REPARED FOR: Cities of Highland and Redlands San Bernardino County, California P REPARED BY: ICF International 1 Ada, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618 Contact: Greg Hoisington (949) 333‐6622 January 2018 ICF International. 2018. Results of San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping in Support of Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project in San Bernardino County, California. January. (ICF 177.17) Prepared for Cities of Highland and Redlands, San Bernardino, CA. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project i January 2018 ICF 177.17 Contents Section 1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 Section 2.0 Project Site ................................................................................................................... 1 Section 3.0 Natural History ............................................................................................................. 1 Section 4.0 Methods ....................................................................................................................... 2 Section 5.0 Results .......................................................................................................................... 3 Section 6.0 Certification .................................................................................................................. 5 Section 7.0 References .................................................................................................................... 5 Appendix A Photographic Log San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project ii January 2018 ICF 177.17 Tables and Figures Tables 1 Dates, Personnel, and Weather Conditions for Trapping ................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 2 Summary of Captures ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figures Follows Page 1 Regional Vicinity ............................................................................................................................... 1 2 Project Site ....................................................................................................................................... 1 3 Trap Locations .................................................................................................................................. 2 4 Results .............................................................................................................................................. 4 San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 1 January 2018 ICF 177.17 1.0 Introduction This report summarizes the findings of a focused trapping effort for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat (SBKR, Dipodomys merriami parvus) in support of the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector (Project), located in the Cities of Highland and Redlands, San Bernardino County, California (Figure 1). The Cities of Highland and Redlands jointly plan to improve the non‐motorized transportation network by constructing regional bikeways and walkways. Bicycle and pedestrian improvements will be constructed along 4.7 contiguous miles of streets and easements in the cities of Highland and Redlands. Work will include pavement widening, curb and gutter, curb ramps, median curbs, sidewalks, pavement repairs, slurry seal, Class I and II bikeway/pedestrian paths, bicycle/pedestrian bridge, bike racks, bollards, bike signals, in‐roadway bicycle detection, pedestrian heads, sharrows (shared lane markings), enhanced crosswalks, warning beacons, roadway and bikeway signage, lighting, and speed feedback signs. 2.0 Project Site The Project extends from the City of Highland at Baseline in the north and to the south in the City of Redlands at Pioneer Avenue. Although the Project extends through the two cities, only areas along Orange Street within the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek floodplain were surveyed where suitable habitat exists for the presence or absence of SBKR. The SBKR survey area is located in Township 1 South, Range 3 West, Section 33, and Township 4 South, Range 3 West, and Sections 10 and 15 on the Redlands, California (1969) United States Geologic Survey (USGS) 7.5‐minute topographic quadrangle map (Figure 2). 3.0 Natural History The SBKR is a species of rodent in the family Heteromyidae. It is one of 19 recognized subspecies of Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) that are spread throughout the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico (Hall 1981). Like D. merriami, the SBKR has the diagnostic trait of having four toes on its hind legs. The historical range of the SBKR extends from the San Bernardino Valley in San Bernardino County to the Menifee Valley in Riverside County (Hall 1981). SBKR is typically found on alluvial fans, which are relatively flat or gently sloping masses of loose rock, gravel, and sand deposited by a stream as it flows into a valley or upon a plain. These areas consist of sand, loam, sandy loam, or gravelly soils that are associated with alluvial processes (i.e., the scour and deposition of clay, silt, sand, gravel, or similar material by running water such as rivers and streams; or debris flows). These soils allow SBKR to dig simple, shallow burrow systems for shelter and rearing offspring, and surface pits for food storage that provide for individual and population growth and for normal behavior of this subspecies (McKernan 1997). The alluvial sage scrub plant community occupied by the SBKR provides food resources for the subspecies. They emerge from their burrow systems at sunset and feed at night, when they are most active. SBKR is generally granivorous (i.e., feed on seeds and grains) and like most Merriam's Santa Ana R i v e r Project Location 79 18 66 259 138 210 206 189 91 330 60 38 173 15 215 10 MorenoMorenoValleyValley RiversideRiverside SanSanBernardinoBernardino BeaumontBeaumont BloomingtonBloomington ColtonColton CrestlineCrestline GrandGrandTerraceTerrace HighlandHighland LomaLomaLindaLinda RedlandsRedlands RialtoRialto RubidouxRubidoux YucaipaYucaipa Figure 1Regional Vicinity MapHighland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: ESRI StreetMap North America (2010) 0 2 41 Miles Santa A n a R i v e r Plunge Creek HighlandHighland East HighlandsEast Highlands 210 210 K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ B i o \ F i g 0 1 _ R e g i o n a l _ V i c i n i t y . m x d D a t e : 1 2 / 1 2 / 2 0 1 7 3 0 1 3 6 N Figure 2Project LocationHighland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: USGS 7.5' Redlands Quadrangle (1988) 0 1,200 2,400600 Feet K: \ P r o j e c t s _ 1 \ K O A \ 0 0 1 7 7 _ 1 7 _ H i g h l a n d _ R e g i o n a l _ C o n n e c t o r \ F i g u r e s \ D o c \ E I R \ 1 _ D E I R \ B i o \ F i g 2 _ P r o j e c t _ L o c a t i o n . m x d D a t e : 1 2 / 1 2 / 2 0 1 7 3 0 1 3 6 N Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 2 January 2018 ICF 177.17 kangaroo rats, often store large quantities of seeds in surface pits for later consumption. This species feeds primarily on the seeds of alluvial sage scrub species, but green vegetation and insects can also be important seasonal food sources. Insects, when available, have been documented to constitute as much as 50 percent of a kangaroo rat's diet (Genoways 1993). 4.0 Methods In discussions with the City of Highland and the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District, it was determined that only areas designated as High and Medium Suitability for SBKR in the Draft Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan (Wash Plan; ICF 2017) need to be trapped. Therefore, the survey area for SBKR trapping included the limits of disturbance plus approximately 150‐ft buffer within areas mapped as High and Medium Suitability for SBKR within the Wash Plan. Figure 3 shows the trap line locations in relation to the Wash Plan SBKR habitat suitability mapping. The trapping effort comprised 16 trap lines consisting of 10 traps each, totaling 160 sequentially‐ numbered, 12‐inch Sherman live traps. Traps were set approximately 10 meters apart in meandering transects within the habitat determined to be the most suitable. All traps used in this survey had doors that were modified to minimize potential risk of injury (e.g., tail lacerations or excisions) to kangaroo rats and other small mammals. Mixed birdseed was used as bait. Traps were initially set and baited during the early evening of October 22, 2017. Traps were systematically checked near midnight and again at dawn for five consecutive nights. All traps with SBKR captures were permanently closed for the remainder of the trapping effort so as to minimize recapturing individual SBKR. Following two nights of trapping, several trap lines with multiple SBKR captures were permanently closed for the remainder of the trapping effort so as to avoid recapturing individuals. Trap lines closed after two nights included 3 and 7 through 16. Overnight temperature did not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the duration of the trapping. All traps were removed from the study area on October 28, 2017. Each captured animal was identified to the species level. Because Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans) and SBKR are known to co‐occur in this area, identification of a 5th toe on the hind foot for Dulzura kangaroo rat was noted to differentiate between the two species. For non‐target animals, such as deer mice, animals were identified to species and released without regularly documenting sex or other information. Captured SBKR were marked with a small dot on the rump to determine if individuals were previously captured during subsequent trap checks. The handling of SBKR requires a federal 10(a)1(A) permit. All traps were checked by ICF biologists Phil Richards (permit # TE‐095896) or James Hickman (permit # TE‐060218B‐0) and assisted by ICF biologist Kolby Olson. Table 1 summarizes dates, times, and conditions during the survey. Pa l o m i n o St Meadow Ct Q u a i l R u n D r S t r e a t e r A v e Sycamore Dr Wisteria Ln Me l a n i e C t Cantebury Wa y Wil l o w W a y Kristin L n Or a n g e S t Br o wn i n g R d Sa ti n w o o d C t Au t u m n C h a s e D r Merridy Ave Ha r d i n g C t Cheroke e Rose D r Golde n O a k L n Ra i l r o a d C t Baseline St 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 3 - Sheet 1 of 8 SBKR Trap Locations Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Trails Transportation Improvements San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines N Newca s t l e R d S t r e a t e r A v e Glenheather Dr Ken t o n C t T o n n e r C i r Brad b u r y C i r C o p l e y C i r Ga rd en C i r St r a t h m o r e Rd Windha m Dr Cram Ran c h R d V i l l a g e L a k e s R d Brent o n P l Or a n g e S t W inthr op Way 5th St Hi l l s m e r e C i r Ne wc a s t l e C t Bel s hi re Pl Be c ke t t Ct Merridy Ave Wisteria Ln Eucalyptus Ave Green v i l l e Cir Bo x w o o d C t Berwi c k L n Golde n O a k L n Foxbo r o L n Fe nwick W a y F o x T a i l W a y Hilltop Dr Conco rdia C i r Tonner Dr Canyo n O a k Dr 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 3 - Sheet 2 of 8 SBKR Trap Locations Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Trails Transportation Improvements San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines N Ch u r c h S t Pa rk V i e w Ln Call e B a s t i a Ca l l e H a ci e n d a Oak Hill Ln Greenspot Rd Ro s e C t W i s t e r i a C t 5th St Ave n i d a C orsi c a Calle Riv era R u b y C t Whi t e O a k Ln River Oak Ln Be c k e t t C t Garden Ln Jac k R a b bit L n Va l e n c i a C t Garden Cir N Garden Cir S Fox T a i l C t Water St Silver Oak Ln F o x T a i l P l Sycam o r e D r Cl o v e r h i l l D r Ca l l e M i l a n Willow Oak Ln C a l l e T a l i a Canyon Oak Dr Oa k P a r k D r B o b c a t L n Hilltop D r Glenheather Dr Fo x T a i l W a y S u n n y R i d g e L o o p El d e r G u l c h R d 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 3 - Sheet 3 of 8 SBKR Trap Locations Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Trails Transportation Improvements San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines N Trap Line 1 Trap Line 2 Trap Line 3 Trap Line 4 Vi l l a g e L a k e s R d Greenspot Rd Or a n g e S t 5th St B o u l d e r A v e 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 3 - Sheet 4 of 8 SBKR Trap Locations Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Trails Transportation Improvements San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines N Trap Line 7 Trap Line 8 Trap Line 6 Trap Line 5 Dishon g S t Or a n g e S t 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 3 - Sheet 5 of 8 SBKR Trap Locations Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Trails Transportation Improvements San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines N Trap Line 16 Trap Line 12 Trapline 10 Trap Line 11 Trap Line 15 Trap Line 9 Trap Line 13 Trap Line 14 Or a n g e S t Lasheart Dr 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 3 - Sheet 6 of 8 SBKR Trap Locations Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Trails Transportation Improvements San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines N E Pioneer Ave Wa s h i n g t o n S t Cl a y S t Dubois St We b s t e r S t Oh i o S t Mountain View Cir Al t a S t Or a n g e S t Yvette Ct Beattie Ln Hubbard Ct Waters Ct W Pioneer Ave Re i d S t Br a n d o n S t Virginia St Midway St 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 3 - Sheet 7 of 8 SBKR Trap Locations Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Trails Transportation Improvements San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines N Te x a s S t We b s t e r S t Crystal Springs Ln Cr y s t a l C o v e C t Domestic Ave W Pioneer Ave Ca s t l eg a t e L n 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 3 - Sheet 8 of 8 SBKR Trap Locations Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Trails Transportation Improvements San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area Trap Lines N San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 3 January 2018 ICF 177.17 Table 1. Dates, Personnel, and Weather Conditions Date Biologist(s) Temperature (F) Cloud Cover (%) Wind (mph) 10/23/17 J. Hickman, P. Richards K. Olson 65/70 0/0 0/3 10/24/17 J. Hickman, P. Richards K. Olson 70/80 0/0 1/6 10/25/17 J. Hickman, K. Olson 76/78 0/0 0/3 10/26/17 P. Richards K. Olson 63/73 0/0 0/5 10/27/17 P. Richards K. Olson 62/70 0/0 0/3 5.0 Results The SBKR survey area included the floodplains associated with the Santa Ana River and Plunge Creek between Greenspot Road to the north and the main channel of the Santa Ana River to the south. General conditions associated with trap lines were as follows:  Trap lines 1 and 2 were located west of Orange Street and north of Plunge Creek at the top of the slope descending into the Plunge Creek floodplain. This area consisted of a mix of small shrubs, mainly California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and bromus grasses (Bromus madritensis, B. diandrus) with sand and gravel soils.  Trap line 3 was located west of Orange Street and south of Plunge Creek in the bottom of a flat inactive (hydrologically disconnected) wash. This area consisted of small scattered shrubs, including California buckwheat, California sagebrush (Aretmisia californica), and deerweed (Acmispon glaber), with soils consisting of sand, gravel, and cobbles.  Trap lines 4 through 6 were located east of Orange Street and south of Plunge Creek. This area consisted of a mix of shrubs, annuals, and bare ground. Shrubs included California buckwheat, California juniper (Juniperus californica), scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum), hairy yerba santa (Eriodictyon trichocalyx), chaparral yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei), coast prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis), cane cholla (Cylindropuntia californica var. parkeri), sweetbush (Bebbia juncea), and matchweed (Gutierrezia californica). Dominant annual plants included mostly non‐native species such as brome grasses, slender oat (Avena barbata), and wild mustard (Hirschfeldia incana). Soils included a mix of sand, gravel, and cobbles.  Trap lines 7 through 11 were located east and west of Orange Street and south of Haul Road. This area was similar to the area associated with trap lines 4 through 6 in terms of vegetation and soils; however, the size and density of shrubs was generally greater. California junipers in this area were particularly dense. San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 4 January 2018 ICF 177.17  Trap line 12 and 14 through 16 were located east and west of Orange Street and north of main channel of Santa Ana River. This area was similar to the area associated with trap lines 4 through 6 in terms of vegetation and soils; however, the size and density of shrubs was generally greater. California junipers were not present in this area.  Trap line 13 was located east of Orange Street and north of main channel of Santa Ana River. This area is very flat and appears to have been graded in the distant past. Vegetation consists of relatively small scattered shrubs, mainly California buckwheat and hairy yerba santa, and annual grasses such brome grasses and slender oat. Soils consi sted mainly of sand and gravel. Appendix A provides representative photographs of the SBKR survey area. During five nights of trapping, 71 SBKR were captured, but 14 of those were identified as recaptured animals. Figure 4 depicts the location of SBKR captures. Two California species of special concern, as designated by CDFW, were captured during the five nights of trapping: San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax) and San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma bryanti intermedia). Other species of native small mammal captured during the survey were deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), Baja mouse (Peromyscus fraterculus), and Dulzura kangaroo rat. Table 2 summarizes the capture results. Table 2. Summary of Captures Date CFAL PMAN PFRA NBRY SBKR DSIM TOTAL 10/23/17 20 55 6 3 43(4) 8 135 10/24/17 34 43 6 4 21(9) 2 110 10/25/17 12 7 0 1 1(0) 6 27 10/26/17 12 6 1 1 3(1) 7 30 10/27/17 11 11 0 1 3(0) 6 32 TOTAL 89 122 13 10 71(14) 29 334 (#) = indicates recaptured animal CFAL, San Diego pocket mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax) PMAN, deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) PFRA, Baja mouse (Peromyscus fraterculus) SBKR, San Bernardino kangroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) DSIM, Dulzura kagaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans) NBRY, San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma bryanti intermedius) Pa l o m i n o St Meadow Ct Q u a i l R u n D r S t r e a t e r A v e Sycamore Dr Wisteria Ln Me l a n i e C t Cantebury Wa y Wil l o w W a y Kristin L n Or a n g e S t Br o wn i n g R d Sa ti n w o o d C t Au t u m n C h a s e D r Merridy Ave Ha r d i n g C t Cheroke e Rose D r Golde n O a k L n Ra i l r o a d C t Baseline St 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 4 - Sheet 1 of 8 SBKR Trap Results Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Transportation Trails Trails Transportation Improvements Trap Lines SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area N Newca s t l e R d S t r e a t e r A v e Glenheather Dr Ken t o n C t T o n n e r C i r Brad b u r y C i r C o p l e y C i r Ga rd en C i r St r a t h m o r e Rd Windha m Dr Cram Ran c h R d V i l l a g e L a k e s R d Brent o n P l Or a n g e S t W inthr op Way 5th St Hi l l s m e r e C i r Ne wc a s t l e C t Bel s hi re Pl Be c ke t t Ct Merridy Ave Wisteria Ln Eucalyptus Ave Green v i l l e Cir Bo x w o o d C t Berwi c k L n Golde n O a k L n Foxbo r o L n Fe nwick W a y F o x T a i l W a y Hilltop Dr Conco rdia C i r Tonner Dr Canyo n O a k Dr 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 4 - Sheet 2 of 8 SBKR Trap Results Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Transportation Trails Trails Transportation Improvements Trap Lines SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area N Ch u r c h S t Pa rk V i e w Ln Call e B a s t i a Ca l l e H a ci e n d a Oak Hill Ln Greenspot Rd Ro s e C t W i s t e r i a C t 5th St Ave n i d a C orsi c a Calle Riv era R u b y C t Whi t e O a k Ln River Oak Ln Be c k e t t C t Garden Ln Jac k R a b bit L n Va l e n c i a C t Garden Cir N Garden Cir S Fox T a i l C t Water St Silver Oak Ln F o x T a i l P l Sycam o r e D r Cl o v e r h i l l D r Ca l l e M i l a n Willow Oak Ln C a l l e T a l i a Canyon Oak Dr Oa k P a r k D r B o b c a t L n Hilltop D r Glenheather Dr Fo x T a i l W a y S u n n y R i d g e L o o p El d e r G u l c h R d 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 4 - Sheet 3 of 8 SBKR Trap Results Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Transportation Trails Trails Transportation Improvements Trap Lines SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area N Trap Line 1 Trap Line 2 Trap Line 3 Trap Line 4 Vi l l a g e L a k e s R d Greenspot Rd Or a n g e S t 5th St B o u l d e r A v e 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 4 - Sheet 4 of 8 SBKR Trap Results Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Transportation Trails Trails Transportation Improvements Trap Lines SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area N Trap Line 7 Trap Line 8 Trap Line 6 Trap Line 5 Dishon g S t Or a n g e S t 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 4 - Sheet 5 of 8 SBKR Trap Results Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Transportation Trails Trails Transportation Improvements Trap Lines SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area N Trap Line 16 Trap Line 12 Trapline 10 Trap Line 11 Trap Line 15 Trap Line 9 Trap Line 13 Trap Line 14 Or a n g e S t Lasheart Dr 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 4 - Sheet 6 of 8 SBKR Trap Results Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Transportation Trails Trails Transportation Improvements Trap Lines SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area N E Pioneer Ave Wa s h i n g t o n S t Cl a y S t Dubois St We b s t e r S t Oh i o S t Mountain View Cir Al t a S t Or a n g e S t Yvette Ct Beattie Ln Hubbard Ct Waters Ct W Pioneer Ave Re i d S t Br a n d o n S t Virginia St Midway St 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 4 - Sheet 7 of 8 SBKR Trap Results Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Transportation Trails Trails Transportation Improvements Trap Lines SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area N Te x a s S t We b s t e r S t Crystal Springs Ln Cr y s t a l C o v e C t Domestic Ave W Pioneer Ave Ca s t l eg a t e L n 1 2 3 4 5 78 6 Figure 4 - Sheet 8 of 8 SBKR Trap Results Highland/Redlands Regional Connector ProjectSource: SBVWCD 2016; ESRI 2017; HCP Wash Plan 2017 0 100 20050 Feet Legend Limits of Disturbance 150 Foot Buffer HCP Wash Plan Boundary Transportation Trails Trails Transportation Improvements Trap Lines SBKR Capture SBKR Recapture SBKR Habitat Assessment High Suitability Medium Suitability Low Suitability Very Low Suitability Ecological Process Area N San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project 5 January 2018 ICF 177.17 6.0 Certification I hereby certify that the statements furnished above and in the attached figures present data and information required for this focused protocol survey, and that the facts, statements, and information presented are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. January 2, 2018 James Hickman Date TE‐060218B‐0 _______________ January 2, 2018 Phil Richards Date TE‐095896 7.0 References Genoways. H.H.; J.H. Brown, editors. 1993. Biology of the Heteromyidae. Special Publication No.10, The American Society of Mammalogists. Hall, E. R. 1981. The Mammals of North America, second edition. Vols. I & II. John Wiley & Sons, New York, New York. ICF. 2016. Upper Santa Ana River Wash Habitat Conservation Plan. Public Review Draft. November. (ICF 00544.13.) San Diego, CA. Prepared for San Bernardino County Valley Water Conservation District, Redlands, CA. McKernan, R.L. 1997. The status and known distribution of the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus): field surveys conducted between 1987 and 1996. Report prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Biological Science Section, San Bernardino County Museum. Appendix A Photographic Log Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project SBKR Trapping Survey 1 Photograph: 1 Photo Date: October 26, 2017 Location: West side of Orange Street, north of Plunge Creek, Trap Lines 1 &2. Direction: View facing south. Comment: Photo depicts slope ascending from Plunge Creek floodplain. Twenty traps set at top of slope within native shrubs. Photograph: 2 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Location: West side of Orange Street, south of Plunge Creek, Trap Line 3. Direction: View facing southwest. Comment: Photo depicts disconnected wash with a mix of relatively small scattered shrubs and bare ground. Photograph: 3 Photo Date: October 26, 2017 Location: East side of Orange Street, south of Plunge Creek, Trap Line 4. Direction: View facing northwest. Comment: Photo depicts mix of bare ground, scattered shrubs and juniper trees, and non-native grasses. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project SBKR Trapping Survey 2 Photograph: 4 Photo Date: October 26, 2017 Location: East side of Orange Street, south of Plunge Creek, Trap Line 6. Direction: View facing east. Comment: Photo depicts mix of bare ground, scattered shrubs and juniper trees, and non-native grasses. Photograph: 5 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Location: West side of Orange Street, south of Haul Road, Trap Line 9. Direction: View facing north. Comment: Photo depicts mix of bare ground, scattered shrubs and juniper trees, and non-native grasses. Photograph: 6 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Location: East side of Orange Street, south of Haul Road, Trap Line 10. Direction: View facing south. Comment: Photo depicts mix of bare ground, scattered shrubs and juniper trees, and non-native grasses. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project SBKR Trapping Survey 3 Photograph: 7 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Location: West side of Orange Street, north of main channel of the Santa Ana River, Trap Line 12. Direction: View facing south. Comment: Photo depicts alluvial fan sage scrub habitat. Photograph: 8 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Location: East side of Orange Street, north of main channel of the Santa Ana River, Trap Line 13. Direction: View facing north. Comment: Photo depicts flat (possibly graded in past) area with a mix of bare ground and shrubs. Photograph: 9 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Location: West side of Orange Street, north of main channel of the Santa Ana River, Trap Line 14. Direction: View facing southwest. Comment: Photo depicts alluvial fan sage scrub habitat. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project SBKR Trapping Survey 4 Photograph: 7 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Location: East side of Orange Street, north of main channel of the Santa Ana River, Trap Line 15. Direction: View facing north. Comment: Photo depicts a mix of bare ground and shrubs. Photograph: 8 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Location: West side of Orange Street, north of main channel of the Santa Ana River, Trap Line 16. Direction: View facing west. Comment: Photo depicts alluvial fan sage scrub habitat. Photograph: 9 Photo Date: October 24, 2017 Comment: Photo depicts captured then released San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Appendix F. Plant Species Observed Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA F-1 Appendix F Plant Species Observed This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA F-2 Plant Species Observed Scientific Name Common Name Special Status GYMNOSPERMS Cupressaceae - Cypress family Juniperus californica California juniper EUDICOTS Adoxaceae - Muskroot family Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea Blue elderberry Aizoaceae - Fig-marigold family Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Slender-leaved iceplant * Anacardiaceae - Sumac Or Cashew family Schinus molle Peruvian pepper tree * Apiaceae - Carrot family Anthriscus caucalis Bur-chervil * Apocynaceae - Dogbane family Nerium oleander Oleander * Asteraceae - Sunflower family Ambrosia acanthicarpa Annual bur-sage Artemisia californica California sagebrush Baccharis salicifolia ssp. salicifolia Mule fat Bebbia juncea var. aspera Sweetbush Brickellia californica California brickellbush Carduus pycnocephalus ssp. pycnocephalus Italian thistle * Centaurea melitensis Tocalote * Chaenactis glabriuscula Yellow pincushion Cotula australis Australian cotula * Dimorphotheca sinuata Namaqualand Cape marigold * Encelia farinosa Brittlebush Ericameria sp.Goldenbush Erigeron bonariensis Flax-leaved horseweed * Erigeron canadensis Horseweed Gutierrezia californica California matchweed Helianthus annuus Annual sunflower Heterotheca grandiflora Telegraph weed Heterotheca sessiliflora Sessileflower goldenaster Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce * Scientific Name Common Name Special Status Lasthenia gracilis Common goldfields Lepidospartum squamatum California broomsage Logfia filaginoides California cottonrose Logfia gallica French cottonrose * Oncosiphon piluliferum Stinknet * Senecio flaccidus Threadleaf ragwort Stephanomeria pauciflora Few flower wire-lettuce Stephanomeria virgata Rod wire-lettuce Stylocline gnaphaloides Everlasting neststraw Boraginaceae - Borage family Amsinckia menziesii Menzies's fiddleneck Cryptantha decipiens Gravel cryptantha Cryptantha micrantha Redroot cryptantha Cryptantha muricata var. denticulata Prickly-nut cryptantha Emmenanthe penduliflora Whispering bells Eriodictyon trichocalyx Hairy yerba santa Phacelia distans Wild heliotrope phacelia Brassicaceae - Mustard family Brassica tournefortii Sahara mustard * Hirschfeldia incana Shortpod mustard * Lepidium sp.Pepper-grass Sisymbrium altissimum Tumble mustard * Sisymbrium irio London rocket * Cactaceae - Cactus family Cylindropuntia californica var. parkeri Cane cholla Opuntia ficus-indica Mission prickly pear * Opuntia littoralis Coastal prickly pear Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot family Atriplex canescens Four-wing saltbush Chenopodium album Lamb's quarters * Chenopodium murale Nettleleaf goosefoot * Salsola tragus Prickly russian thistle * Convolvulaceae - Morning-glory family Calystegia macrostegia Coast morning-glory Scientific Name Common Name Special Status Crassulaceae - Stonecrop family Crassula connata Pygmyweed Dudleya lanceolata Lance-leaved dudleya Cucurbitaceae - Gourd family Marah macrocarpa Large fruit wild cucumber Euphorbiaceae - Spurge family Croton californicus California croton Croton setigerus Doveweed Ricinus communis Castorbean * Fabaceae - Legume family Acmispon americanus var. americanus Spanish-Clover Acmispon glaber Deerweed Acmispon strigosus Strigose lotus Lupinus bicolor Miniature lupine Lupinus hirsutissimus Stinging lupine Lupinus truncatus Cut leaf lupine Medicago polymorpha California burclover * Melilotus indicus Indian sweetclover * Parkinsonia aculeata Mexican palo verde * Spartium junceum Spanish broom * Fagaceae - Oak family Quercus agrifolia Coast live oak Geraniaceae - Geranium family Erodium botrys Longbeak filaree * Erodium moschatum Whitestem filaree * Lamiaceae - Mint family Salvia apiana White sage Salvia columbariae Chia Stachys ajugoides Bugle hedgenettle Malvaceae - Mallow family Malva parviflora Cheeseweed * Myrtaceae - Myrtle family Eucalyptus sp.Gum * Onagraceae - Evening Primrose family Camissoniopsis bistorta California sun cup Scientific Name Common Name Special Status Clarkia purpurea Purple clarkia Eulobus californicus False-mustard Plantaginaceae - Plantain family Plantago erecta Dot seed plantain Polemoniaceae - Phlox family Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum Santa Ana River woollystar FE, SE, CRPR 1B.1 Eriastrum sapphirinum Sapphire woollystar Gilia angelensis Chaparral gilia Polygonaceae - Buckwheat family Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat Eriogonum thurberi Thurber's buckwheat Lastarriaea coriacea Leather-spineflower Polygonum aviculare Oval Leaf knotweed * Rumex crispus Curly dock * Rubiaceae - Madder family Galium angustifolium ssp. angustifolium Narrow leaved bedstraw Salicaceae - Willow family Populus fremontii ssp. fremontii Fremont cottonwood Simaroubaceae - Quassia Or Simarouba family Ailanthus altissima Tree of heaven * Solanaceae - Nightshade family Datura wrightii Wright's jimsonweed Nicotiana glauca Tree tobacco * Solanum xanti Chaparral nightshade Tamaricaceae - Tamarisk family Tamarix ramosissima Hairy tamarix * MONOCOTS Agavaceae - Century Plant family Hesperoyucca whipplei Chaparral yucca Arecaceae - Palm family Washingtonia filifera California fan palm Poaceae - Grass family Arundo donax Giant reed * Avena barbata Slender wild oat * Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome * Bromus madritensis Compact brome * Scientific Name Common Name Special Status Bromus tectorum Cheat grass * Hordeum murinum Wall barley * Pennisetum setaceum African fountain grass * Schismus barbatus Mediterranean schismus * Stipa speciosa Desert needle grass Themidaceae - Brodiaea family Dichelostemma capitatum Blue dicks Legend Special Status: Federal: FE = Endangered FT = Threatened State: SE = Endangered ST =Threatened *= Non-native or invasive species CRPR – California Rare Plant Rank 1A. Presumed extinct in California and elsewhere 1B. Rare or Endangered in California and elsewhere 2A. Presumed extinct in California, more common elsewhere 2B. Rare or Endangered in California, more common elsewhere 3. Plants for which we need more information - Review list 4. Plants of limited distribution - Watch list Threat Ranks .1 - Seriously endangered in California .2 – Fairly endangered in California .3 – Not very endangered in California This page intentionally left blank Appendix G. Wildlife Species Observed Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA G-1 Appendix G Wildlife Species Observed This page intentionally left blank Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project BA G-2 Wildlife Species Observed Scientific Name Common Name Special Status VERTEBRATES Reptiles Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri San Diegan Whiptail Sceloporus occidentalis Western Fence Lizard Uta stansburiana elegans Western Side-blotched Lizard Coluber flagellum piceus Red Racer Crotalus oreganus helleri Southern Pacific Rattlesnake Pituophis catenifer annectens San Diego Gophersnake Birds Callipepla californica California Quail Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk Charadrius vociferus Killdeer *Streptopelia decaocto Eurasian Collared-Dove Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove Aeronautes saxatalis White-throated Swift Calypte anna Anna's Hummingbird Calypte costae Costa's Hummingbird Picoides nuttallii Nuttall's Woodpecker Falco sparverius American Kestrel Contopus sordidulus Western Wood-Pewee Sayornis nigricans Black Phoebe Sayornis saya Say's Phoebe Myiarchus cinerascens Ash-throated Flycatcher Tyrannus vociferans Cassin's Kingbird Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow Corvus corax Common Raven Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern Rough-winged Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff Swallow Psaltriparus minimus Bushtit Salpinctes obsoletus Rock Wren Troglodytes aedon House Wren Scientific Name Common Name Special Status Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's Wren Mimus polyglottos Northern Mockingbird *Sturnus vulgaris European Starling Phainopepla nitens Phainopepla Setophaga petechia Yellow Warbler CSC Melozone crissalis California Towhee Chondestes grammacus Lark Sparrow Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys White-crowned Sparrow Passerina caerulea Blue Grosbeak Quiscalus mexicanus Great-tailed Grackle *Molothrus ater Brown-headed Cowbird Icterus cucullatus Hooded Oriole Icterus bullockii Bullock’s Oriole Haemorhous mexicanus House Finch Carduelis psaltria Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis lawrencei Lawrence's Goldfinch Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch Mammals Sylvilagus audubonii Desert Cottontail Lepus californicus bennettii San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit CSC Ostospermophilus beecheyi California Ground Squirrel Thomomys bottae Botta's Pocket Gopher Chaetodipus fallax fallax Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse CSC Dipodomys merriami parvus San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat FE, CSC Dipodomys simulans Dulzura Kangaroo Rat Peromyscus fraterculus Baja Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Deer Mouse Neotoma bryanti intermedius San Diego Desert Woodrat CSC Canis latrans Coyote Scientific Name Common Name Special Status Legend Special Status: Federal: FE = Endangered FT = Threatened State: SE = Endangered ST =Threatened CSC = California Species of Special Concern CFP = California Fully Protected Species *= Non-native or invasive species INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK APPENDIX C. BIOLOGICAL OPINION In Reply Refer to: FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598 October 29, 2019 Sent by Email Aaron Burton Senior Environmental Planner Department of Transportation, District 8 464 West Fourth Street, 6th Floor San Bernardino, California 92401 Subject: Biological Opinion for Highland-Redlands Regional Connector Project, San Bernardino County, California Dear Mr. Burton: This document transmits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) biological opinion on the Highland-Redlands Regional Connector Project (Project) and its effects on the federally endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus; SBKR) and its designated critical habitat, and the federally threatened Santa Ana River woolly-star (Eriastrum densifolium subsp. sanctorum, woolly-star) in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The Project is receiving Federal funding through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has assumed FHWA’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) responsibilities for section 7 consultation pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327, and under authorities identified in the signed NEPA assignment Memorandum of Understanding between FHWA and Caltrans (effective December 23, 2016). The City of Highland, in cooperation with the City of Redlands, are the non-federal applicants for this Project. This letter is based upon information provided in the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project, Biological Assessment Cities of Highland and Redlands, San Bernardino County California; ATPL-5449(035) (Caltrans 2019), site visits, electronic correspondence, geospatial analysis, and phone conversations between our agencies. Updates to the regulations governing interagency consultation (50 CFR part 402) were effective on October 28, 2019 [84 FR 44976]. This consultation was pending at that time, and we are applying the updated regulations to the consultation. As the preamble to the final rule adopting the regulations noted, “[t]his final rule does not lower or raise the bar on section 7 consultations, and it does not alter what is required or analyzed during a consultation. Instead, it improves clarity and consistency, streamlines consultations, and codifies existing practice.” We have reviewed the information and analyses relied upon to complete this biological opinion in light of the updated regulations and conclude the opinion is fully consistent with the updated regulations. Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 2 CONSULTATION HISTORY The Project was originally envisioned as a covered activity under the planned Upper Santa Ana River Wash Plan Habitat Conservation Plan1 (HCP). However, delays in permitting and implementation of the HCP have resulted in the Project being submitted as an independent action. To ensure compatibility with eventual HCP implementation, and maintain the Project’s delivery schedule, a conference call was held with the Service, Caltrans, the cities of Highland and Redlands, and their designated representatives on May 24, 2018. During the call, all parties agreed the proposed Project would include the avoidance, minimization and offsetting measures included in the draft HCP. The Service received a copy of the Project’s biological assessment via email January 28, 2019. On April 9, 2019, the Service attended a site visit with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and officials from the City of Highland. Following input by the Service and discussions with representatives from Caltrans and the City of Highland, a revised Highland-Redlands Regional Connector Project biological assessment was provided to the Service via email May 10, 2019. During a conference call with the Service on October 7, 2019, the City provided information related to the installation of wildlife-friendly lighting along the trail’s outer shoulder, from 0.2 miles south of Greenspot Road to the southern bank of the Santa Ana River, and clarified the frequency of on-site monitoring. On October 11, 2019, we provided a draft biological opinion to Caltrans. Caltrans coordinated with the local applicants and identified minor edits to the draft biological opinion, which we have addressed in this final document. BIOLOGICAL OPINION DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION The local applicants, in cooperation with Caltrans, propose to improve the local non-motorized transportation network by constructing 4.7 miles of Class I, II, & III bikeway/pedestrian paths (trail) to service the cities of Highland and Redlands, in San Bernardino County, California. Construction activities include widening the existing pavement along Orange Street, installing sidewalks with curbs, gutters, and ADA ramps, and restriping existing roadways. The trail will extend south from Base Line Street in Highland along Streater Avenue to Glenheather Drive, then extend west from Glenheather Drive between two residential communities to Orange Street where it will turn south and run along Orange Street to Pioneer Avenue, passing over Greenspot Road, Plunge Creek, and the Santa Ana River. North of Greenspot Road, the trail alignment is within the urban matrix along existing roadways, which will be modified to include pedestrian 1 The Project is identified as High 23 in the draft HCP. The area of Project-related disturbance in the biological assessment exceeds the acreage presented in the draft HCP because portions of the Project alignment are included in the Orange Street Improvements (Redl. 15and High 02) in the draft HCP (pg. 2-24). Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 3 and bike safety features. All activities north of Greenspot Road, and south of the Santa Ana River, will have no effect on SBKR, its designated critical habitat, or woolly-star. South of Greenspot Road, the trail will transition from the developed urban landscape into an undeveloped area. At this location, the trail alignment runs along the eastern side of Orange Street from Greenspot Road to the Cemex-Redlands Quarry, where it crosses Orange Street and proceeds south along the western edge of Orange Street until it terminates south of the Santa Ana River. South of the Cemex-Redlands Quarry up to Domestic Avenue, the trail will consist of a 12-foot-wide travel lane, with a two-foot-wide paved shoulder, for a width of 14 feet. Wildlife- friendly lighting, such as low-pressure sodium or amber light emitting diode (LED) lighting, will be installed along the trail alignment from Greenspot Road to the southern bank of the Santa Ana River. Lighting will be placed along the trail’s outside shoulder, and illuminate areas from the trail’s outer edge, inwards to Orange Street. The Project design includes several elements to avoid and minimize impacts on federally-listed species and designated critical habitat. The trail alignment will utilize the existing roadway and disturbed right-of-way to the extent possible. In addition, impacts to Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River, will be avoided by the inclusion of a pre-fabricated, single-span bridge over Plunge Creek and utilization of the Orange Street Bridge over the Santa Ana River. The bridge over Plunge Creek is situated above the 100-year floodplain, with bridge abutments placed outside of the Plunge Creek channel. During project construction a variety of equipment will be used, including graders, backhoes, dozers, compaction machine, a crane to lower the pre-fabricated bridge, cement trucks, paving equipment, and water trucks. All Project activities will take place during the daylight hours; no nighttime construction work will occur. Project activities are anticipated to last one year. Offsets for San Bernardino kangaroo rat and Santa Ana River woolly-star The 23.9 acres of impacts within the undeveloped portion of the Project footprint includes permanent impacts to 5.61 acres of occupied designated SBKR critical habitat. The BA identifies 2.44 acres of occupied woolly-star habitat within the 5.61 acres of occupied SBKR habitat. In addition, Project related actions will result in temporary impacts to 6.68 acres of occupied SBKR critical habitat, within which are 3.04 acres of occupied woolly-star habitat. The remainder of the Project alignment is developed or otherwise unsuitable for either subspecies. As identified in Table 1, permanent Project related impacts will be offset by acquiring 5.61 acres of San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District-owned lands. Located within a 30-acre area, the property is situated approximately one mile east of the Project, and is identified for conservation under the draft HCP. Once acquired, the property will be protected by a conservation easement and be managed in perpetuity by the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation Trust. The acreage identified for conservation by this Project is located adjacent to existing conservation lands and is vegetated by Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub habitat occupied by both SBKR and woolly-star. Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 4 The Project alignment will affect 0.44 acres (0.15 acres of permanent impacts and 0.29 acres of temporary disturbance) of the Woolly-star Preserve Area (WSPA) in the western edge of Orange Street. The affected portion of the WSPA is vegetated by weedy ruderal plant species with very little native cover. Neither SBKR nor woolly-star are expected to be present. The affected portion of the WSPA will be replaced by the acquisition and conservation of one acre of suitable SBKR and woolly-star habitat by the City of Redlands prior to ground disturbance. Conservation acreage in excess of 0.44 acres will be utilized as future mitigation for “a future project in Redlands” (Barton 2019, pers. comm.). Conservation Measures To avoid, minimize, and offset effects to woolly-star and SBKR and the habitats upon which they depend, Caltrans and the local applicants have included the following conservation measures (CM) in the Project. A complete list of Project avoidance and minimization measures not specific to this consultation can be found within Sections 1.4.5 and 5.5.1 of the biological assessment (Caltrans 2019). Table 1. Proposed offset for the Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Permanent Impact Type Impact Area (acres) Offset Ratio Conservation (acres) Woolly-star and SBKR occupied/suitable habitat, including SBKR critical habitat with PBFs* 2.44 1:1 2.44 Additional SBKR occupied critical habitat with PBFs 3.17 1:1 3.17 Total 5.61 1:1 5.61 *PBFs = Physical and Biological Features. Only permanent impacts to designated critical habitat containing PBFs will be offset. Critical habitat not containing PBFs includes developed areas and paved roads. General Conservation Measures for federally protected species CM 1. Caltrans, the local applicants, and/or the Project contractor will retain a biologist familiar with SBKR, woolly-star and their habitats within the Project area. This individual will function as the Designated Biologist for the duration of Project related activities. The Designated Biologist will monitor habitat conditions and Project related activities at a frequency necessary to ensure compliance with this biological opinion, including Conservation Measures and Terms and Conditions identified in this document, and have the authority to halt/suspend all Project related activities in non-compliance until appropriate corrective measures have Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 5 been taken. Caltrans and the Service will periodically evaluate whether additional monitoring needs, if any, are required. In addition: a. At least 15 days prior to the start of Project-related activities, Caltrans will submit to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Palm Springs office (PSFWO) for approval the name(s), and résumés of the Designated Biologist, in addition to other prospective biological monitors; b. The Designated Biologist will have expertise with federally listed SBKR and woolly-star and their associated habitats within the Project area; c. Prior to vegetation clearing or construction, the limits of Project disturbance will be delineated with highly visible barriers (such as orange construction fencing) and identified as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) and installed under the supervision of the Designated Biologist (see also CM 5. b and CM 10.); d. To avoid incidental disturbance of habitat and species of concern outside the Project footprint, the Designated Biologist will be present daily during exclusionary and ESA fencing installation, vegetation clearing, and grading. Following grading or clearing of the Project footprint to mineral soil, the presence of Designated Biologist may be reduced to one or more days per week; CM 2. A Biological Resource Information program intended for all construction personnel will be developed and implemented prior to construction. At a minimum, the program will include information related to: (1) the biology, conservation, and legal status of SBKR and woolly-star; (2) the responsibilities of the biological monitor; (3) purpose of delineating and flagging of adjacent habitat; (4) the limitations on all movement of onsite personnel, including ingress and egress of equipment to designated construction zones (personnel shall not be allowed access to adjacent sensitive habitats); (5) onsite pet prohibitions; (6) the use of trash containers for disposal and removal of trash; and (7) Project features designed to reduce the impacts on listed species and habitat and promote continued successful occupation of adjacent habitat. Supporting materials will be provided to all construction personnel during the training program; CM 3. Pre-construction notification will be provided to the Service at least 5 days prior to Project initiation; CM 4. Wildlife-friendly lighting, including low-pressure sodium or amber LED overhead lights, will ensure any lighting illuminates only paved areas and not adjacent habitat. If glare from lighting fixtures directly illuminates adjacent habitat, Caltrans or the City of Highland will either replace lamps within the alternative lighting fixtures or install shielding to direct light onto paved surfaces. Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 6 Santa Ana River woolly-star Conservation Measures CM 5. Before ground disturbance or other activities, a qualified botanist will survey all proposed construction and access areas for presence of woolly-star. Pre- construction surveys will occur during the appropriate season and in accordance with established protocols up to one year in advance of construction, provided temporary construction easements have been granted to construction areas. Surveys will be conducted in areas containing suitable woolly-star habitat (i.e., Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub) for the purpose of documenting plant locations relative to the construction areas and identifying opportunities for avoidance, where feasible: a. Populations of woolly-star will be clearly mapped and recorded along with the approximate numbers of individuals in each population and their respective condition. To the maximum extent feasible, construction areas and access roads will be adjusted to avoid loss of individual woolly-star and damage to habitats supporting this plant; b. If surveys cannot be conducted prior to construction, then installation of ESA fencing for avoidance of woolly-star outside the project footprint will be guided by previously documented woolly-star occurrence areas ( CM 1. c.); CM 6. If woolly-star is detected during pre-Project surveys, seeds will be collected at the appropriate time (usually fall) prior to ground disturbance. Seed collection and storage will be by an entity that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Service to process and handle the seeds of endangered plant taxa. The cost of seed collection, up to two years of storage, and planting will be borne by the local applicant; CM 7. Collected woolly-star seed will be distributed in the temporary disturbance areas over consecutive years following the completion of construction. The timing and methods of planting will be determined in coordination with the Service and a qualified botanist or restoration biologist with woolly-star experience; CM 8. The replanting site will be monitored and maintained (e.g., weed control) for two years or until woolly-star is considered to be re-established to target values. San Bernardino kangaroo rat Conservation Measures CM 9. Caltrans will submit an SBKR exclusion fencing plan design to the Service for review, and approval a minimum of 60 days prior to the onset of ground disturbing activities: a. Exclusion fence installation will be overseen by the Designated Biologist or other Service-approved biologist with small mammal expertise. During Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 7 fence construction, the Designated Biologist, or other Service-approved biologist, will hand-excavate detected kangaroo rat burrows within 20 feet in advance of trenching for fence installation. Any SBKR captured will be held for no more than 24-hrs and deposited into adjacent habitat at dusk; b. Following exclusionary fence installation, and prior to the commencement of other ground disturbance, a Service approved biologist will trap for SBKR within suitable habitat areas subject to disturbance; any trapped SBKR will be released outside the construction limits, into in suitable habitat areas within the immediate Project vicinity. Trapping will continue for a minimum of five consecutive nights, or until there have been two consecutive nights with no SBKR captured; c. Within 30 days following trapping with in the exclusion area, the Designated Biologist will submit a report to Caltrans and the PSFWO describing the trapping effort and results; CM 10. The ESA fencing and SBKR exclusion fencing will be inspected daily by the Designated Biologist, or other individual approved by Caltrans or the local applicants, to ensure that it is in place and properly maintained (CM 1. c.); A record of the daily inspection will be made and provided to the Designated Biologist during weekly site visits; CM 11. All Project activities will take place during the daylight hours; no nighttime construction work will occur; CM 12. Except on paved roads with posted speed limits and in aggregate mining operations areas with established speed limits per their mining plan, vehicle speeds will not exceed 15 miles per hour during travel associated with the Project; CM 13. No open trenches or holes will be left overnight without covering, fencing, or providing escape ramps with a minimum 3:1 slope; CM 14. Unburied pipes or conduit laid in trenches overnight will be capped. Uncapped pipes or conduits will be thoroughly inspected for the presence of SBKR before the pipe is subsequently buried, capped, or otherwise used or moved in any way; CM 15. Soil stockpiles will be located outside of suitable SBKR habitat and ESA areas, to the maximum extent feasible. ESA fencing and SBKR exclusionary fencing will be placed around any soil stockpiles that must be located within these areas to prevent SBKR from entering the stockpiles; CM 16. Any personnel who finds a dead, injured, or entrapped SBKR, will promptly contact the biological monitor who will notify the Service immediately, and in writing within two working days; Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 8 CM 17. For ground excavations within suitable SBKR habitat, the biological monitor will ensure the top 20 inches of soil/substrate is segregated, preserved, and placed back in the same location and approximate configuration when any trench is backfilled; CM 18. To offset permanent impacts to SBKR habitat, 5.61 acres of occupied SBKR habitat will be acquired through purchase of San Bernardino Valley Conservation District owned lands, protected with a conservation easement and managed by the San Bernardino Valley Conservation Trust. ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK Jeopardy Determination Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act requires that Federal agencies ensure that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species. ‘Jeopardize the continued existence of” means to engage in an action that reasonably would be expected, directly or indirectly, to reduce appreciably the likelihood of both the survival and recovery of a listed species in the wild by reducing the reproduction, numbers, or distribution of that species (50 CFR 402.02). The jeopardy analysis in this biological opinion relies on four components: (1) the Status of the Species, which describes the range-wide condition of the species, the factors responsible for that condition, and its survival and recovery needs; (2) the Environmental Baseline, which analyzes the condition of the species in the action area, the factors responsible for that condition, and the relationship of the action area to the survival and recovery of the species; (3) the Effects of the Action, which are all consequences to listed species caused by the proposed action that are reasonably certain to occur; and (4) the Cumulative Effects, which evaluate the effects of future, non-Federal activities in the action area on the species. In accordance with policy and regulation, the jeopardy determination is made by evaluating the effects of the proposed Federal action in the context of the current status of the species, taking into account any cumulative effects, to determine if implementation of the proposed action is likely to cause an appreciable reduction in the likelihood of both the survival and recovery of the species in its native habitat. Adverse Modification Determination Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act requires that Federal agencies ensure that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat of listed species. “Destruction or adverse modification means a direct or indirect alteration that appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat as a whole for the conservation of a listed species” (50 CFR 402.02). In accordance with policy and regulation, the adverse modification analysis in this biological opinion relies on four components: (1) the Status of Critical Habitat, which evaluates the range- Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 9 wide condition of designated critical habitat for SBKR, the factors responsible for that condition, and the intended recovery function of the critical habitat overall; (2) the Environmental Baseline, which evaluates the condition of the critical habitat in the action area, the factors responsible for that condition, and the recovery role of the critical habitat in the action area; (3) the Effects of the Action, which are all consequences to critical habitat caused by the proposed action that are reasonably certain to occur; and (4) Cumulative Effects, which evaluates the effects of future non-Federal activities in the action area on critical habitat that are reasonably certain to occur and how that will influence the recovery role of affected critical habitat units. For purposes of the adverse modification determination, the Service evaluates the effects of the proposed Federal action on the critical habitat of the species in the context of the range-wide condition of its critical habitat, taking into account any cumulative effects, to determine if the if the proposed action is likely to appreciably reduce the value of critical habitat as a whole for the conservation of the species. STATUS OF THE SPECIES Listing Status San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat and its Critical Habitat SBKR was emergency listed as endangered on January 27, 1998 (Service 1998a), and listed as endangered on September 24, 1998 (Service 1998b). Critical habitat for SBKR was initially proposed on December 8, 2000 (Service 2000), and designated on April 22, 2002 (Service 2002). Critical habitat for the SBKR was subsequently re-proposed on June 19, 2007 (Service 2007), and a final designation of the revised critical habitat was published on October 17, 2008 (Service 2008). In 2009, a lawsuit was filed challenging the 2008 critical habitat designation. On January 8, 2011, the court vacated the 2008 critical habitat designation and reinstated the 2002 critical habitat designation. Please see our 5-year review for specific information on the description, habitat affinities, life history, status and distribution, threats, and conservation needs of the SBKR across its range (Service 2009). Santa Ana River woolly-star The Service listed the woolly-star as endangered on September 28, 1987 (52 FR 36265). A recovery plan for woolly-star has not been completed. More detailed information on the status of the subspecies can be found in the 5-year review (Service 2010). Please refer to the above documents for detailed information on the life history requirements, threats, and conservation needs of woolly-star. ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE The environmental baseline is the condition of the listed species or its designated critical habitat in the action area, without the consequences to the listed species or designated critical habitat Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 10 caused by the proposed action. The environmental baseline includes the past and present impacts of all Federal, State, or private actions and other human activities in the action area, the anticipated impacts of all proposed Federal projects in the action area that have already undergone formal or early section 7 consultation, and the impact of State or private actions which are contemporaneous with the consultation in process. The consequences to listed species or designated critical habitat from ongoing agency activities or existing agency facilities that are not within the agency’s discretion to modify are part of the environmental baseline (50 CFR 402.02). Action Area The implementing regulations for section 7(a)(2) of the Act define the “action area” as all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action and not merely the immediate area involved in the action (50 CFR 402.02). The action area for this biological opinion includes the 4.7 mile trail alignment, between Baseline Avenue and Pioneer Street. Approximately 2.98 miles of this alignment are in the urban matrix and 1.72 miles, affecting 23.9 acres, are in an undeveloped area, and includes wash habitat, Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub, disturbed habitat, and developed areas. San Bernardino kangaroo rat Status of the Species in the Vicinity of Action Area Six SBKR conservation areas have been established within the Santa Ana River watershed for the benefit of SBKR. This includes the 781-acre Santa Ana River WSPA (SAIC 2012), the majority of which is located along the northern Santa Ana River bank, and conservation banks within the Lytle and Cajon Creek areas. According to a 2011 occupancy analysis for SBKR within the WSPA, approximately 53 percent of the area is occupied (SJM 2011). The Project area is vegetated by a mixture of Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub and non- native grassland. To identify presence of SBKR in the vicinity of the action area, Caltrans performed a series of surveys in October 2017. The surveys were conducted in the biological study area (BSA), which includes the Project disturbance footprint and 150-foot buffer area. A total of 16 trap lines were set between Greenspot Road and the southern bank of the Santa Ana River, in areas identified in the draft HCP as high, medium, low, and very low quality habitat. Utilizing the most recent Service survey protocol, 71 SBKR were captured over a five-night period. Of the 71 individuals caught, 57 were unique and 14 were recaptures. The bulk of the captures occurred south of the Cemex-Redlands Quarry. Of the 57 individuals captured, 21 were in the vicinity of the proposed trail. Although the results of trapping demonstrate SBKR presence within the BSA, trap capture locations presented in the biological assessment documented occurrences at distances of 50 feet or more from the edge of Orange Street. The trail alignment occurs directly adjacent to Orange Street and, depending on location, has a width of 14 to 20 feet. Trapping and therefore capture of individual SBKR, did not occur within the Project footprint. Twenty-one SBKR were captured adjacent to the Project footprint. The Project footprint is smaller, more narrow and of overall Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 11 poorer quality habitat than the areas where the trap lines were placed. We therefore estimate that no more than 11 SBKR will be captured within the exclusion fence. With presence of low quality SBKR habitat relative to trap capture locations, and on-going disturbance from vehicular traffic and mining operations, of the 21 individuals captured in the area of trail alignment, we anticipate approximately 50 percent to occur within the Project footprint. For additional survey information, including trapline placement, please see the Results of San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat Trapping for Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project Survey Report in the biological assessment (Caltrans 2019; Appendix E). Threats to the Species in the Vicinity of Action Area SBKR are primarily threatened with habitat loss and degradation as a result of flood control activities, commercial and residential development, and changes in vegetation and soil composition in the absence of major flood events (Burk et al. 2007, Service 2010). Within the Santa Ana River floodplain, Burk et al. (2007) noted a general gradual increase in the silt/clay and organic fraction and a decrease in the relative amount of sand in alluvial soils that develops as time since the last flood-disturbance increases, and that small changes in soil texture were correlated with larger changes in Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub. Because SBKR require friable, sandy soils with low moisture retention, permanent changes in substrate characteristics are of concern. In the Santa Ana River basin, flood control levees, development, and mining operations have altered flows and narrowed the active floodplain, limiting the potential for braided channels, and increasing the percentage of mature Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub over earlier seral stages in upland habitats (Service 2009). Additionally, SBKR habitat between Plunge Creek and the Santa Ana River is actively mined for aggregate. Roadways and other mining support infrastructure has fragmented SBKR habitat and hydrologically isolated large areas of SBKR upland habitat over the years. Habitat in the vicinity of the Project footprint adjacent to Orange Street is negatively affected by non-native vegetation, unimproved dirt roads used by aggregate mining operations, and litter from vehicles passing through the area and household material dumped along the roadside. Conservation Needs in the Vicinity of Action Area Ameliorating threats such as the ongoing off-highway vehicle use on the upland terrace and within the lower channel of the Santa Ana River and within the Plunge Creek channel would benefit conservation of SBKR in the Project area. Habitat restoration, protection, and management of additional areas throughout its range are necessary for the conservation of the long term conservation of the subspecies. Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 12 Status of Critical Habitat in the Vicinity of Action Area Designated SBKR critical habitat totals approximately 33,295 acres in San Bernardino and Riverside counties (Service 2002). We identified four physical and biological features (PBFs, previously known as primary constituent elements) for SBKR critical habitat (Service 2002): 1. Soil series consisting predominantly of sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, or loam. 2. Alluvial sage scrub and associated vegetation, such as coastal sage scrub and chamise chaparral, with a moderately open canopy. 3. River, creek, stream, and wash channels; alluvial fans; floodplains; floodplain benches and terraces; and historic braided channels that are subject to dynamic geomorphological and hydrological processes typical of fluvial systems within the historical range of the San Bernardino kangaroo rat. These areas may include a mosaic of suitable and unsuitable soils and vegetation that either: a. Occur at a scale smaller than the home range of the animal, or b. Form a series of core areas and linkages between them. 4. Upland areas proximal to floodplains with suitable habitat (e.g., floodplains that support the soils, vegetation, or geomorphological, hydrological and aeolian processes essential to this species). The proposed Project and associated restoration activities are located in Critical Habitat Unit 1, the Santa Ana River, which encompasses approximately 8,936 acres, and includes one of the three remaining populations of SBKR (Service 2002). Unit 1 contains alluvial fans, floodplain terraces, and historic braided river channels, and includes Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and other vegetation types that provide habitat for SBKR on the terraces and adjacent areas with sandy soils. All of the undeveloped habitat (29.3 acres) within the Project’s action area is designated critical habitat and contains PBFs 1, 2, and 4. Santa Ana River woolly-star Status of the Species in the Vicinity of Action Area Botanical surveys were conducted in April and June of 2017 during the woolly-star blooming period in the Project footprint and a 100-foot buffer area. Nearby reference populations were visited to verify species phenology prior to survey efforts. Approximately 34 individuals were detected. Six woolly-star were detected directly within the Project footprint and the remainder within the 100-foot buffer area. The bulk of individuals occurred on the west side of Orange Street in intermediate Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub between Plunge Creek and the southern-most access road to the Cemex-Redlands Quarry. Woolly-star was not detected in the portions of the WSPA affected by the Project. Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 13 Threats to the Species in the Vicinity of Action Area The primary threats to woolly-star are habitat alteration from development, aggregate mining, flood control, off-highway vehicle activity, and hydrology changes. Seven Oaks Dam, located approximately 6.8 miles upstream of the Project area, is a Corps-built structure maintained and operated by Orange County Flood Control District. It is operated in tandem with Prado Dam to minimize the risk of flooding in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange Counties. Historically, storm-flows maintained woolly-star habitat by thinning perennial vegetation, transporting sediment, and dispersing seeds in the Santa Ana River Watershed. The natural floodplain of the river is a large alluvial fan, but Seven Oaks Dam and other flood control infrastructure have reduced the frequency and extent of flooding, thus reducing sediment transport and the creation and maintenance of woolly-star habitat. Impacts to woolly-star from Seven Oaks Dam were offset through the creation of the WSPA, located east of the action area, where woolly-star are present in large numbers. Conservation Needs in the Vicinity of the Action Area Conservation and recovery of woolly-star will depend upon the same sort of actions required to conserve and recover the subspecies within their extant range (Service 2002). These include ameliorating threats such as the ongoing off-highway vehicle use on the upland terrace and within the lower channel of the Santa Ana River and within the Plunge Creek channel, conservation of habitat, and restoration or manipulation of hydrological regimes within the Santa Ana River. EFFECTS OF THE ACTION Effects of the action refer to the direct and indirect effects of an action on the species, together with the effects of other activities that are interrelated and interdependent with that action that will be added to the environmental baseline. Interrelated actions are those that are part of a larger action and depend on the larger action for their justification. Interdependent actions are those that have no independent utility apart from the action under consideration. Indirect effects are those that are caused by the proposed action, are later in time, and still reasonably certain to occur. The removal of vegetation and replacement with an impermeable surface will lead to an increase in the amount of surface runoff during precipitation events. Conservation measures to be implemented within sensitive habitats minimize the impact to soils by clearly delineating the boundary of disturbance and entry into sensitive habitat by Project personnel and equipment. With the application of Best Management Practices as identified in the biological assessment (Caltrans 2019), impacts from erosion are expected to be negligible. Many of the Project related effects described below are identified on a species-by-species basis. The biological communities of the Santa Ana River alluvial fan have adapted to the natural processes of periodic disruption by natural flood events. The soil within the Project footprint is composed of boulders, cobbles, sands, and fine silts, washed down from higher elevations in the Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 14 San Bernardino Mountains and deposited in the channel and further into the Santa Ana River floodplain. San Bernardino kangaroo rat and its critical habitat Direct Effects The Project as proposed may result in direct mortality, or injury of individual SBKR. Direct impacts may include individuals being crushed or entombed in their burrows as a result of construction vehicles and heavy equipment use. Mortality or injury could also occur during capture and relocation outside the Project footprint by the Designated Biologist after exclusion fence installation. Unburied pipes, conduits, uncovered trenches and holes may also create areas of entrapment. Trapping for SBKR will be conducted prior to ground disturbance within SBKR suitable habitat areas where exclusionary fencing is installed. Capture and relocation associated with exclusionary trapping will minimize SBKR injury, or mortality from vegetation removal but will also cause stress from displacement and additional competition, and increased exposure to predation. Relocated individuals may not survive. The loss of 5.61 acres of occupied SBKR critical habitat will be offset by acquisition and conservation of known occupied habitat adjacent to an existing SBKR conservation area, approximately one mile east of the Project area, within the proposed HCP footprint. Indirect Effects Expected indirect effects to SBKR in the action area include 1) an increase in human presence from trail use, 2) trail lighting may increase ambient light in adjacent SBKR habitat, and 3) construction and mechanical soil disturbance may also alter drainage patterns and degrade SBKR habitat via introduction of invasive plant species from mud or other debris tracked in from other project sites. These exposures will widen the existing zone of disturbance adjacent to Orange Street, causing a reduction in adjacent habitat quality, increasing fire risk, changing vegetation composition over time, increasing the density of opportunistic predators that are attracted to litter, such as coyote (Canis latrans) and American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), and disturbing SBKR nocturnal foraging behavior. Utilization of general conservation measures, including weed management following Project completion, installation of trash cans along the trail, and the use of wildlife- friendly lighting will reduce the severity of indirect effects to SBKR and its habitat within the action area. Effect on Recovery The Service has not yet issued a recovery plan for SBKR. However, our 5-year review (Service 2009) recommends: 1) working with partners to seek habitat management, restoration, and enhancement opportunities for SBKR; 2) protecting and preserving SBKR habitat, including Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 15 upland refugia habitat utilized by SBKR during flood events; 3) monitoring SBKR populations throughout known and potentially occupied sites to track its recovery; and 4) developing a recovery plan for the SBKR. Overall, implementation of the Project will not appreciably diminish SBKR populations in the vicinity of the action area. Application of conservation measures, including installation of exclusion fencing, trapping and relocation, acquisition of occupied SBKR habitat, and implementation of the Project directly adjacent to an existing roadway is not expected to significantly diminish SBKR populations in the immediate vicinity or limit the potential to recover the species. Santa Ana River Woolly-star Direct Effects The Project will permanently remove 2.44 acres and temporarily disturb 3.04 acres of suitable and occupied woolly-star habitat during Project construction. Much of the habitat affected within the action area is previously disturbed/degraded from roadway edge effects. Although woolly- star habitat within the vicinity of the Project area has been degraded by the proximity of Orange Street, dumping and invasion of weeds, the presence of 34 individuals demonstrates it is nonetheless suitable for the subspecies. Direct effects to individual woolly-star include seed collection for restoration and crushing or uprooting of plants during trail development activities. Creation and maintenance of the proposed trail will also result in a permanent decrease in the amount of area available for subsequent woolly-star generations and may damage or destroy the existing seed bank in the project footprint. The impacts to woolly-star and woolly-star habitat will be offset by the acquisition and management of the 5.61 acres occupied by woolly-star (and SBKR) adjacent to existing conservation lands for either or both subspecies. Following trail construction, seed collected prior to construction will be used to revegetate temporary impact areas so the genetic contribution of the affected individuals to the woolly-star population will not be lost. Indirect Effects The installation of the trail can be expected to result in localized indirect effects to woolly-star and its suitable habitat such as increased dust, pollutants associated with vehicles and machinery, increased runoff from the impervious new bikeway/pedestrian paths, and introduction of invasive plant species. To limit fugitive dust and erosion during construction, a water truck will periodically wet the area to dampen soils. Best Management Practices (BMPs) including installation of silt fencing, and straw waddles made of biodegradable materials, will be used to prevent deposition of sediment and/or runoff in adjacent habitat. Temporary disturbance areas will be weeded for two years after construction to minimize the spread of weedy species after soil disturbance. Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 16 Effect on Recovery While the Service has not developed a recovery plan for the woolly-star, our conservation and recovery strategy is to follow the recommendations in the 5-year review to assist in woolly-star recovery. These recommendations include: (1) working with partners to identify conservation and preservation opportunities; (2) acquisition of lands containing woolly-star or placement of conservation easements over them; (3) ensuring natural recruitment is sufficiently documented following extreme fluvial events; (4) determining occurrences where genetic distinctness exists in the areas that comprise the range of woolly-star; and (5) developing a final recovery outline. The loss of individual plants will be offset by seed collection, reseeding, and other onsite restoration efforts, as needed. Permanent loss of occupied woolly-star habitat will be offset by acquisition and conservation of off-site occupied habitat. In addition, implementation of conservation measures for the duration of Project actions will minimize effects to the subspecies and its habitat. As a result, we do not expect woolly-star recovery to be affected by implementation of the Project. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Cumulative effects include the effects of future State, tribal, local or private actions that are reasonably certain to occur in the action area considered in this biological opinion. Future Federal actions that are unrelated to the proposed action are not considered in this section because they require separate consultation pursuant to section 7 of the Act. At this time, we have no information on plans for future State, tribal, local, or private actions that are reasonably certain to occur in the action area. CONCLUSION After reviewing the current status of woolly-star, SBKR and its critical habitat, the environmental baseline for the action area, the direct and indirect effects of the proposed action, and the cumulative effects, it is our biological opinion that the proposed action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the woolly-star, or SBKR or adversely modify designated SBKR critical habitat. Our conclusions are based on the following reasons: 1. Caltrans or the City of Highland will implement conservation measures designed to avoid and minimize effects to SBKR and woolly-star during Project construction; 2. Injury/death to SBKR within the action area will be minimized through installation and maintenance of exclusion fencing, and trapping and relocation of SBKR from inside the Project footprint prior to ground disturbing activities; 3. Following completion of Project related activities, temporary impact areas will be restored to support reintroduction of woolly-star and SBKR; and 4. Permanent impacts to 5.61 acres of occupied SBKR designated critical habitat and 2.44 acres of occupied woolly-star habitat will be offset by acquisition and conservation and Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 17 management of known occupied habitat, adjacent to existing SBKR and woolly-star conservation areas. INCIDENTAL TAKE STATEMENT Section 9 of the Act prohibits the take of endangered and threatened species, respectively, without special exemption. Take is defined as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct. Harm is further defined by us to include significant habitat modification or degradation that results in death or injury to listed species by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering. We define harass as intentional or negligent actions that create the likelihood of injury to listed species to such an extent as to significantly disrupt normal behavioral patterns which include, but are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering. Incidental take is defined as take that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity. Under the terms of section 7(b)(4) and section 7(o)(2) of the Act, taking that is incidental to and not intended as part of the agency action is not considered a prohibited taking provided that such taking is in compliance with the terms and conditions of this incidental take statement. The measures described below are non-discretionary and must be undertaken by Caltrans so that they become binding conditions of any permit or grant documents issued to the permittee, as appropriate, for the exemption in section 7(o)(2) to apply. Caltrans has a continuing duty to regulate the activity covered by this incidental take statement. If Caltrans fails to assume and implement the terms and conditions of the incidental take statement or to make them enforceable terms of permit or grant documents, the protective coverage of section 7(o)(2) may lapse. To monitor the impact of the incidental take, Caltrans must report the progress of the action and its impact on the species to the PSFWO as specified in the incidental take statement [50 CFR§ 402.14(i)(3)]. AMOUNT OR EXTENT OF TAKE San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat We expect incidental take of individual SBKR will be difficult to detect because SBKR burrow underground and Project-related injuries or deaths may be masked by seasonal or annual fluctuations in numbers. Because we lack specific information on the actual numbers, distribution, or density of SBKR within the proposed Project footprint, we cannot quantify with certainty the amount of take that will occur. Finding dead or injured animals is difficult and rarely occurs, as individuals may be crushed or buried underground in burrows. However, Caltrans is proposing to trap and remove animals from the 29.3 acre construction area and relocate individuals in suitable habitat outside the exclusionary barrier. While we cannot provide the precise number of SBKR that may be taken in the form of death or injury including the number of displaced animals due to fluctuations in population size and potential for individuals occurring in the Project footprint, we have established the following take exemptions for SBKR 1. Capture and removal of SBKR to an area outside of the exclusion fence within approximately 29.3 acres of the Project area along Boulder Avenue; the amount or Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 18 extent of incidental take will be exceeded if more than 11 SBKR are captured within 29.3-acre exclusion area or more than 1 SBKR is killed during capture and handling. 2. Death or injury of adult and/or juvenile SBKR from ground disturbance of approximately 29.3 acres resulting from installation of fencing, removal of vegetation, and grading of SBKR habitat. The amount or extent of incidental take will be exceeded if more than 29.3 acres are disturbed by Project related ground disturbance. EFFECT OF TAKE In this biological opinion, we have determined the level of anticipated take noted above will not result in an appreciable reduction in the number, distribution, or reproduction of the SBKR subspecies as a whole, and is thus not likely to result in jeopardy to SBKR or adverse modification of its designated critical habitat. REASONABLE AND PRUDENT MEASURES Caltrans shall implement the conservation measures included as part of the proposed action analyzed in this biological opinion to minimize the incidental take of SBKR. In addition to these conservation measures, we consider the following reasonable and prudent measures are necessary to minimize the effects of incidental take on SBKR: 1. Caltrans shall monitor and report on compliance with the established take thresholds for SBKR associated with the proposed action, both the size of the area of SBKR habitat disturbed and the number of SBKR captured in the exclusion area. 2. Caltrans shall monitor and report on compliance with, and the effectiveness of, the proposed action’s conservation measures. TERMS AND CONDITIONS To be exempt from the prohibitions of section 9 of the Act, Caltrans shall comply with the following terms and conditions, which implement the reasonable and prudent measures described above. These terms and conditions are non-discretionary. To implement reasonable and prudent measure number 1 (monitor and report on compliance with established SBKR take thresholds), Caltrans shall: 1.1. Implement the conservation measures as specified in the Project description evaluated in this biological opinion. If the Designated Biologist detects impacts to SBKR habitat from Project-related activities in excess of that described in the above incidental take statement, Caltrans, their agents, or the Designated Biologist will contact the PSFWO immediately. 1.2. Ensure the Designated Biologist (and any Project biologists who will trap or handle SBKR or their burrows) has small mammal handling and trapping experience and has been pre-approved by PSFWO for work on this Project. In addition to the conservation measures outlined in this biological opinion, when trapping, collecting, and releasing Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 19 any SBKR found in the construction area or vicinity during the course of work, the biological monitor/biologist will utilize the most current trapping protocols. 1.3. The Designated Biologist will provide a report to the Service on the number of SBKR captured and relocated outside the Project area. To implement reasonable and prudent measure number 2 (monitor and report on compliance/effectiveness of conservation measures), Caltrans shall: 2.1. Submit a quarterly report to the PSFWO, until construction is complete, covering exclusion fence maintenance and the results of the Designated Biologist’s visits to the Project site during all phases of construction. 2.2. Ensure Service personnel have the right to access and inspect the Project site during Project implementation (with prior notification) for compliance with the Project description, conservation measures, and terms and conditions of this biological opinion. DISPOSITION OF SICK, INJURED, OR DEAD SPECIMENS Caltrans shall notify the PSFWO within 3 working days if any endangered or threatened species is found dead or injured as a direct or indirect result of Project implementation. Notification must include the date, time, and location of the injured animal or carcass, and any other pertinent information. In addition, mark dead animals appropriately, photograph, and leave the carcass onsite; transport injured animals to a qualified veterinarian; and contact the PSFWO regarding the final disposition of any treated animals that survive. REINITIATION NOTICE This concludes formal consultation regarding the proposed Project as described in materials submitted to us. As provided in 50 CFR §402.16, reinitiation of formal consultation is required where discretionary Federal agency involvement or control over the action has been retained (or is authorized by law) and if (1) the amount or extent of incidental take is exceeded; (2) new information reveals effects of the agency action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner or to an extent not considered in this opinion; (3) the agency action is subsequently modified in a manner that causes an effect to the listed species or critical habitat not considered in this opinion; or (4) a new species is listed or critical habitat designated that may be affected by the action. In all instances where the amount or extent of incidental take is exceeded, any operations causing such take must cease pending reinitiation. For further information about this biological opinion, please contact John M. Taylor of the PSFWO at john_m_taylor@fws.gov; or 760-322-2070, extension 418. Sincerely, Scott A. Sobiech Field Supervisor Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 20 LITERATURE CITED Burk, J. H., C. E. Jones, W. A. Ryan, and J. A. Wheeler. 2007. Floodplain vegetation and soils along the upper Santa Ana River, San Bernardino County, California. Madroño 54:126– 137. [Caltrans] California Department of Transportation. 2019. Highland/Redlands Regional Connector Project, Biological Assessment Cities of Highland and Redlands, San Bernardino County California; 08-SBd-0, Federal Project Number: ATPL-5449(035). April 2019. [SAIC] Science Applications International Corporation. 2012. Santa Ana River Woolly Star Preserve Area Final Multi-Species Habitat Management Plan. Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, California. [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998a. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Emergency rule to list the San Bernardino kangaroo rat as endangered. Federal Register 63:3835-3843. [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1998b. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Final rule to list the San Bernardino kangaroo rat as endangered. Federal Register 63:51005- 51017. [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2000. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Proposed designation of critical habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Federal Register 65:77178-77208. [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Final designation of critical habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat. Federal Register 67:19812-19845. [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Revised critical habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus). Federal Register 72:33808-33842. [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2008. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Designation of critical habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus). Federal Register 73:61936-62002. [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2009. San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) 5-year review: Summary and evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 8, Carlsbad, California. 32 pp. [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. 2005-2009 San Bernardino kangaroo rat survey analyses from the Woolly Star Preserve Area, San Bernardino County, California. Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, Los Angeles Mr. Aaron Burton (FWS-SB-19B0233-19F1598) 21 California 90017 by the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, Carlsbad, California. September 2010. 159 pp. SJM Biological Consultants. 2011. San Bernardino kangaroo rat percent area occupied (PAO) survey at the Santa Ana River Woolly Star Preserve Area, May-June 2011. Prepared for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, California in coordination with Science Applications International Corporation, San Diego, California. PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS Barton, D. 2019. City of Highland, San Bernardino County, California. Email regarding offset to the Santa Ana River Woolly-star Preservation area to Karin Cleary-Rose, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Palm Springs, California. September 24, 2019. INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK