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05 Natural Resources Assessment (2000)FOCUSED BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Ar � jd�} •� NYU f �I� a"� � - . —� - - ► � �I` Jam" " �; ` MF AL . UL Table of Contents Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Page List of Figures 1 Regional Location............................................................................................................................2 2 Abandoned agricultural lands.......................................................................................................8 Summary..................................................................................................................................................1 3 Creosote bush scrub, Section 28.................................................................................................... 3 Plant Communities..........................................................................................................................7 2 Introduction............................................................................................................................................. Project Location and Description......................................................................................................... 2 7 View of Santa Rosa Mountains to the west of the project, Section 28 ................................... 2 Methods................................................................................................................................................... 9 Palm grove and limited wetland area along Monroe and 60th Avenues .............................17 6 Results...................................................................................................................................................... Discussion..............................................................................................................................................16 References..............................................................................................................................................19 List of Figures 1 Regional Location............................................................................................................................2 2 Abandoned agricultural lands.......................................................................................................8 2 Project Vicinity.................................................................................................................................3 3 Creosote bush scrub, Section 28.................................................................................................... 3 Plant Communities..........................................................................................................................7 4 Creosote bush scrub off site, Section 28...................................................................................... 9 4 Site Drainages and Wetlands.......................................................................................................15 List of Pictures 1 Abandoned agricultural lands.......................................................................................................8 2 Abandoned agricultural lands.......................................................................................................8 3 Creosote bush scrub, Section 28.................................................................................................... 9 4 Creosote bush scrub off site, Section 28...................................................................................... 9 5 Desert saltbush scrub, Section 34................................................................................................10 6 Abandoned agricultural lands and trash dumping on site, Section 34 .................................11 7 View of Santa Rosa Mountains to the west of the project, Section 28 ................................... 13 8 View of berm bordering the western side of the property, Section 28 .................................16 9 Palm grove and limited wetland area along Monroe and 60th Avenues .............................17 Appendices Appendix A - Plant Species Observed Appendix B - Animal Species Observed March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. (NRA, Inc.) was contacted to conduct a focused biological assessment for sensitive biological resources on the proposed Coral Mountain (formerly Rancho La Quinta) development project. The project property consists of 1,280± acres located in the Coachella Valley south of the City of La Quinta, Riverside County, California. The work was focused on the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and triple -ribbed milkvetch (Astragalus tricarinatus ), but also included a general biological assessment of the entire site, a delineation of potential jurisdictional drainages and wetlands, and an evaluation of habitat and site usage for the Peninsular bighorn (Ovis canadensis nelsoni). Neither the desert tortoise nor the triple -ribbed milkvetch were located during the surveys. Based on the habitat evaluation, the site is of no importance to Pensinsular bighorn sheep, and there is a corresponding high potential value for human use of the project site. Good quality bighorn habitat exists off site to the west, within visual and auditory range of the proposed project. Therefore, it is plausible that limited and temporary impacts to potential bighorn populations in the adjacent Santa Rosa Mountains could occur during project construction due to increases in noise levels and human activities. Peninsular bighorn sheep, however, can tolerate a fair degree of human presence, especially when the area of use is located above areas of human activity. The primary impact to bighorn sheep would the temporary movement of animals further away from the vicinity of the project site in order to avoid human disturbances. Since no critical water sources have been identified adjacent to the project site, any avoidance reaction should not constitute a long-term adverse impact to animals in the Santa Rosa Mountains. The survey located a number of small drainage crossing the site and the adjacent properties. None of these drainage contain definable bed and banks, nor do they have a clear connection to navigable waters. A small area (approximately 900 square feet) is located on the northeast side of the intersection of Monroe and 60th Avenue, on the eastern side of the property. This area contains wetland habitat and limited riparian mulefat. This habitat is an atypical wetland in that it was created by irrigation overflow from the adjacent palm grove and a nearby nursery operation. Since the time of the survey, the project proponent has indicated that the overflow was caused by a leaking pipe that has since been repaired. It is likely that this small wetland area has since disappeared due to a lack of available water (John Gamlin, Coral Mountain Development, pers. comm. 2000). Based on these findings, we determined that there is limited Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) jurisdiction over the drainages. Permitting requirements should be covered under one or more Nationwide permits. There is no California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) jurisdiction over these areas and no Notification of Streambed Alteration will be required. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 1 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. INTRODUCTION Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. (NRA, Inc.) was contacted by Coral Mountain Development, LLC to conduct a focused assessment for sensitive biological resources on the proposed Coral Mountain development project. The biological resources of concern include desert tortoise, bighorn sheep, and triple -ribbed milkvetch. The proposed Coral Mountain development project is located in the Coachella Valley, south of the City of La Quinta, in Riverside County, California. The proposed project covers an estimated 1,280± acres. The work focused on the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) and the triple -ribbed milkvetch (Astragalus tricarinatus), but also included a general biological assessment of the entire site, a delineation of potential jurisdictional drainage and wetlands, and a habitat survey and usage evaluation for the Peninsular bighorn (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) . PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION The project is located south of Avenue 58 in La Quinta, north of Avenue 62, east and adjacent to Lake Cahuilla County Park, and west to approximately halfway between Monroe and Jackson Streets (Figure 1). The property is in the unincorporated area of Riverside County The proposed acreage of take is an area estimated at 1,280 acres. The site is surrounded by agricultural lands and developments on the north, east and south, and open space on the west. It lies in Sections 28, Township 6 south and Range 7 east of the La Quinta 7.5' quadrangle; Sections 27, 26, 34 and 35, Township 6 south and Range 7 east of the Valerie 7.5' quadrangle; and Section 28, Township 6 south and Range 7 east of the Martinez Mountain 7.5' quadrangle. All quadrangles are based on the San Bernardino baseline and meridian (Figure 2). The project calls for the development of a master plan community with golf course and support structures. No project plans were available at the time of the field surveys, and therefore no comparisons could be made between proposed development areas and sensitive biological resources. METHODS Research NRA, Inc. reviewed the following: • Available graphics and documents on the distribution of desert tortoise habitat and the classification of tortoise habitats in the area; • The specimen collection for triple -ribbed milkvetch (Astragalus tricarinatus) at the University of California, Riverside Herbarium; Available information on the Peninsular bighorn sheep for the Santa Rosa Mountain range, with particular emphasis on mountainous areas near the project location. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 2 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 4f VALLfy HsrA 0 Sky V. I N D PARK rw Slim- 0 for OWN www 4COMM OWAII00 NEW0.0 awdop WOOR&CZE 9 "1 vi'. 4p 6kcs 01 t n V �71 PALM t? I 10, _71 J I V j I A o !e! *Iowa. Project Sit 'Tw r I vw ow D14 AAI OAXTA\F2 1 411 Rau i�l wu "OtwTm IOAWG�NAI_ k -o b r 1 tl 106 In, 'VIII> 1 -1 14 Ro V rodu dam of thea map or comtltufts of no "N" ow S,a Ilt 0 TI WM WSA %*seem$ S. Source: Automobile Club of Southem California, 1996 Figure 1 Regional Location N Miles 0 2.5 5.0 March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 Coral Mountain La Quinta, California 3 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Source: AEI-CASC Engineering, n.d. pigure L 1'rojeCi V 1CIIllly N Feet 0 1000 2WO March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 Coral Mountain La Quinta, California Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. • The California Desert Native Plants Act of 1982 regulating the taking of desert native plants for researching, harvesting and other activities. This regulation addresses the requirements for the removal of cactus and yucca species which might occur on site. Field Surveys Field surveys were conducted by Mr. Philippe Vergne from May 25 to June 6, 1999. The field surveys were focused on the desert tortoise, triple -ribbed milkvetch, and potential use of the property and adjacent mountains by the Peninsular bighorn sheep. The surveys included observations of potential habitat for other sensitive biological resources. Desert tortoise surveys were conducted using standard survey techniques, belt transects approximately 10 meters (30 feet) wide were walked in parallel along a west to east orientation over the potentially occupied areas of the property. These areas included disturbed scrub, desert saltbush, and creosote bush scrub. The surveyed areas encompassed a total of 558 acres out of the total 1,280+ acre site. The line of survey within each belt transect followed an approximate zig zag pattern. The pattern was based on the location of suitable habitat within the transect and to identify sign within suitable habitat areas. The abandoned agricultural fields were also spot checked for desert tortoise sign. Ten meter wide transects were also walked at the standard Zone of Influences distances of 30 meters (100 feet), 100 meters (300 feet), 200 meters (600 feet) and 400 meters (1200 feet). Portions of the 800 meters (2400 feet) line were walked in in Sections 28 and 33 of the Martinez Mountain 7.5' quadrangle, in areas where relatively undisturbed open space remains. Sign surveyed for included nests, tracks, scat, burrows, skeletal and shell remains, and live animals. During the surveys, notes were made on the plant and animal species observed, the surface characteristics and topography of the project area, and the suitability of the habitat for the desert tortoise. During the course of the tortoise survey, particular attention was also given to the search for the triple - ribbed milkvetch. Survey efforts were especially concentrated in the less disturbed exposed rocky slopes and sandy areas, rocky outcrops, and washes favored by this species. Random transects were walked on established game trails at the base of canyons within a mile of the property boundary. Binocular and spotting scope surveys for bighorn sheep were conducted from high points adjacent to the property. In addition, the property habitat was evaluated for its plausible importance to bighorn sheep. The evaluation addressed components required by standard methodologies, including topography, vegetation type, water sources, crossing and corridor potential, range competition, and human use in the area. 5 March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. RESULTS Research Information provided by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) indicate that the site is located in a habitat area for desert tortoise and is adjacent to bighorn sheep habitat located in the Santa Rosa Mountains. No known populations of triple -ribbed milkvetch were recorded from the project site. Weather The weather was hot, in the mid nineties degrees Fahrenheit, with occasional winds in the afternoon ranging from 2-5 miles per hour. The skies were clear for most of the survey period, except for the last two days of the survey when overcast conditions and a slight rain prevailed in the early morning hours. Soils and Topography The soils are fairly uniform over the project site, consisting primarily of sandy loams, with sandy soils in the western portion of Section 28. The site is relatively flat, with elevations ranging from sea level to minus 60 feet below sea level. Small washes mostly created by irrigation practices and sheet flow intersect the terrain. Plant Communities The plant communities (Figure 3) had been previously identified in a report prepared by LSA Associates, Inc. (1998). In order of decreasing size, these communities are: • Abandoned agricultural lands - 667 acres (Pictures 1 and 2) • Desert saltbush scrub - 411 acres (Picture 5) • Creosote bush scrub - 101 acres (Pictures 3 and 4) • Mesquite thicket - 27 acres • Paloverde grove - 7 acres • Disturbed scrub - 8 acres The creosote bush scrub community forms a medium quality habitat on the site. The dominant plant species include creosote bush (Larrea tridentate) and burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa). The desert saltbush scrub community is dominated by four -winged saltbush (Atriplex canescens). Scrub cover is approximately 40 percent, with an average shrub height of 1 meter (3 feet). Cactus species observed during the survey include mostly silver cholla (Opuntia echinocarpa) and introduced species around abandoned farm houses. Annual cover included desert plantain (Plantago ovata), popcorn flower (Cryptantha micrantha), and desert fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata). Weedy invasives such as red brome (Bromus madritensis) and abu-mashi (Schismus barbatus) were also part of the annual cover. Annual cover was approximately 20 percent at the time of the survey, with most of the cover concentrated around shrubs, at the edges of dirt roads and washes or along irrigation lines. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 6 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. } " J ,� • / .... AVER 28 27 26 LakeCohnilla ... 1': r .:-• �' Len... �..... -'•� A. ,.av__�� r .. �;�A s • ... . L end �. Project Boundary 1 Abandoned Agricultuer Disturbed Habitat % mn �nq Fdul 3 r L t:Y11 DisWftd Scrub 'k' l _ Desert Salthmeh Scrub t r x Creasow Hush Scrub r ,c- rx }' MesquiteThickeL% t Tamarisk Groves i . " .' • • ; ZPCETI Palo Verde Grove Source: LSA Associates, Inc. 1998 Figure 3 Plant Communities Legend (1) Approximate location of site pictures N j, Feet T0 1056 2112 March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 Coral Mountain La Quinta, California 7 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Picture 1. Abandoned agricultural lands. Picture 2. Abandoned agricultural lands. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Picture 3. Creosote bush scrub, Section 28. Picture 4. Creosote bush scrub off site, Section 28. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 9 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Picture 5. Desert saltbush scrub, Section 34. Wildlife Wildlife observations made during the survey were dominated by mammal and reptile species. Observations of wildlife included scat, tracks, burrows, nests, calls, and individual animals. No amphibians were observed due to the limited availability of surface water. Side -blotched lizard, western whiptail and zebra -tailed lizard were some of the reptile species observed. Common mammal species observed included Audubon's cottontail, black -tailed jackrabbit, kangaroo rat (species unknown), antelope ground squirrel, California ground squirrel, kit fox and coyote. Disturbances Disturbances to the property are limited mainly to off-road vehicle use, mostly on the dirt roads, and mountain bike and horseback riding activity in Section 28 adjacent to the Lake Cahuilla County Park. The level of disturbance is low. The site is also very slightly impacted by trash dumping throughout the survey area, with the level of trash increasing relative to the proximity to existing roads and abandoned structures (Picture 6). Sensitive Biological Resources Desert Tortoise The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is a desert dwelling reptile that occurs throughout the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. It is found in California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Animals construct underground March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 10 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. _ x _ .C.; •-�' Picture 6. Abandoned agricultural lands and trash dumping on site, Section 34. burrows as living quarters, and spend most of the year down in the burrows. They come out for forage in the early spring (February and March) and remain active above ground until early June, when they retreat to their burrows for most of the summer, fall and winter months. They will emerge and be active during the fall months of September and October, depending upon late summer weather conditions. Although they stay underground for most of the year, tortoises can be found active above ground at all times of the year. The adult burrows are distinctly shaped, forming a half moon with a flat bottom surface and a large sloping mound in front of the entrance. Animals typically bask on this mound in the morning hours. Juvenile burrows are not as distinctive and are not easily distinguished from small rodent burrows. Tortoises forage on spring annual wildflowers and grasses. During the foraging season, they also breed and lay eggs in preparation for the next spring. The tortoise has been undergoing a decline in population due to a number of factors. These include loss or destruction of habitat, killing and harming of animals in the wild, collection of individual animals, raven predation and disease. The California Department of Fish and Game listed the tortoise as threatened on June 22, 1989. The tortoise was emergency listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on August 4, 1989. The Service listing was later changed to threatened. Both listings were made on the basis of declining populations due to the factors listed above. The discovery that the tortoise was rapidly disappearing throughout its range as a result of a disease known as Upper Respiratory Disease Syndrome (URDS) was a critical part of the listing decisions. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 11 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. No tortoise sign was found on the project site, on the access road, or along the transects of the Zone of Influence. The lack of sign indicates that this species is currently absent from the project site. Triple -Ribbed Milkvetch Triple -ribbed milkvetch is a perennial plant that occurs on gravelly soils in creosote bush scrub and Joshua tree woodland plant communities. It is a loose, bushy plant, generally greenish. The upper surface of the leaflets are silvery (Muni, 1974). The flowers are whitish, drying to an ochroleucous (yellowish white) color. The historical distribution of this species extends from the head of the Coachella Valley to the Orocopia Mountains. It occurs on exposed, rocky slopes and canyon walls from 450 to 550 meters (1400 to 4000 feet) in elevation. The triple -ribbed milkvetch was listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in November 1988. The listing occurred because the preferred habitat of this species always has been relatively limited, and much of the more level sites have undergone development over time. The triple -ribbed milkvetch was not found on the property. Since this species is a perennial shrub, it would be observable year round. Peninsular Bighorn Sheep The Peninsular bighorn sheep prefers rugged terrain in mountainous areas. The desert populations of bighorn sheep can be found from near the valley floor to the tops of desert mountain ranges. The Peninsular bighorn sheep race is confined to the Peninsular Ranges, including the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. The Peninsular bighorn sheep is present year round in the Santa Rosa Mountains. Movement by herds and individuals is seasonal, with animals spending summer in the high elevations and drifting to the lower slopes in winter. There are no Peninsular bighorn sheep sightings recorded on the La Quinta quadrangle by the CDFG or the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Peninsular bighorn sheep was listed as threatened by the California Fish and Game Commission in June 1971, and as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in March 1998. The state listed this species because of notable declines in the distinct Peninsular bighorn sheep population. The evaluation of bighorn habitat is based on a series of components which influence the suitability of an area for usage or occupancy by the species. In general, these components are cover, food and water. Secondary factors which influence usage are weather and activities of man. The site of the proposed project is essentially flat and has been used for agriculture, housing and livestock related activities. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 12 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Based on categories and values described by Hansen (1981), the following component ratings were obtained from the evaluation of the property: • Natural Topography - Level but within 1.6 km of steep terrain (4 points) • Vegetation - Creosote bush and other desert scrub (8 points) • Annual Precipitation - Predominately winter (3 points) • Water Evaporation per week - 13 centimeters or more (1 point ) • Water Sources - None (0 points) • Terrain and obstructions - Flat with obstructions (1 point) • Competition with other animals - Some livestock (2 points) • Desert Bighorn Use - Irregular use adjacent to site (2 points) • Human Use -Medium use and economic potential (4 points) The total of 25 points indicates that the site is of no importance to bighorn sheep, and it has a corresponding high potential value for human use. It should be noted, however, that good quality potential bighorn habitat exists off site in the steeper Santa Rosa Mountains, within visual and auditory range of the project site. It is plausible that limited and temporary impacts to potential bighorn populations in the Santa Rosa Mountains adjacent to the site could occur. These impacts would result during temporary project construction from noise and increased human activities (Picture 7). However, the adjacent area of potential habitat is not occupied. Without occupancy, the proposed project should not have any direct or indirect impact on Peninsular bighorn sheep unless animals move into this area. Picture 7. View of Santa Rosa Mountains to the west of the project, Section 28. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 13 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Cactus Species The California Desert Native Plants Act regulates the taking of desert plant species for commercial purposes. It also regulates the permitting process for the taking of desert plant species in general, making it unlawful for "any person to destroy, dig up, mutilate or harvest any living native plant, or the living or dead parts of any native plant, except its fruit, without obtaining written permission from the landowner and a permit ...." (State of California 1982, Division 23, Chapter 5, Section 80111). Several cactus species are scattered throughout the site. At least some individuals appear to meet the size and health requirements of the Act for protection from loss. Drainages and Wetlands Regulatory Background Corps of Engineers The Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulates discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. These waters include wetlands and non -wetland bodies of water that meet specific criteria. Corps regulatory jurisdiction pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act is founded on a connection or nexus between the water body in question and interstate (waterway) commerce. This connection may be direct, through a tributary system linking a stream channel with traditional navigable waters used in interstate or foreign commerce, or may be indirect, through a nexus identified in the Corps regulations. C lifor is pepaqtment of Fish Game The California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), through provisions of the State of California Administrative Code, is empowered to issue agreements for any alteration of a river, stream or lake where fish or wildlife resources may adversely be affected. Streams (and rivers) are defined by the presence of a channel bed and banks, and at least an intermittent flow of water. CDFG regulates wetland areas only to the extent that those wetlands are part of a river, stream or lake as defined by CDFG. Determining the limits of wetlands is not typically done in obtaining CDFG Agreements. The reason for this is that CDFG generally includes, within the jurisdictional limits of streams and lakes, any riparian habitat present. Riparian habitat includes willows, mulefat and other vegetation typically associated with the banks of a stream or lake shoreline. In most situations, wetlands associated with a stream or lake would fall within the limits of riparian habitat. Thus, defining the limits of CDFG jurisdiction based on riparian habitat will automatically include any wetland areas. Property Drainage and Wetlands As part of the surveys, an brief evaluation was made of the various drainage and wetlands on site (Figure 4). There are a number of small drainages crossing the site and the adjacent areas, but none of these drainage contain definable bed and banks, nor do they have a clear connection to navigable waters. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 14 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Source: AEI-CASC Engineering, n.d. Figure 4 Site Drainages and W etlanQs Legend 0 Wetland developing from irigation overflow 0 Drainage on the east side of the dike © Small sump area collecting irrigation overflow ® Irrigation ponds © Irrigation overflow/ drainage N Feet t I- 0 1000 2000 Coral Mountain La Quinta, California 15 March 31, 2000 C2*4D99-101 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. 4— 4i Picture 8. View of berm bordering the western side of the property, Section 28. Two small ponds totaling less than one acre in size were found on the property. Both ponds are used for irrigation purposes, and had water in them during the time of the survey. These ponds have some limited wildlife use because they function as a water source for birds and small mammals in the area. A small area (900 square feet) square feet) is located on the northeast side of the intersection of Monroe and 60th Avenue, on the eastern side of the property. This area contains wetland habitat and limited riparian mulefat. This habitat is an atypical wetland in that it was created by irrigation overflow from the palm grove and a nursery operation (Picture 9). DISCUSSION Desert Tortoise No evidence of desert tortoise is found on or near the project site. Based on these findings, the species is assumed to be absent from the proposed project. No impacts will occur to this species and no mitigation is required. It should be noted that the general practice of the USFWS is to recognize the validity of the surveys findings for a period of one year, after which time the findings are considered to be outdated. Triple -Ribbed Milkvetch The triple -ribbed milkvetch was not found on the property and therefore this species does not occur on the project site. No impacts will occur to this species and no mitigation is required. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 16 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Picture 9. Palm grove and limited wetland area along Monroe and 60th Avenues. Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Based on the habitat evaluation, the site is of no importance to Pensinsular bighorn sheep, and there is a corresponding high potential value for human use of the project site. Good quality potential bighorn habitat exists off site to the west, within visual and auditory range of the proposed project. Therefore, it is plausible that limited and temporary impacts to potential bighorn populations in the adjacent Santa Rosa Mountains could occur during temporary project construction due to increases in noise levels and human activities. However, since the adjacent area appears to support unoccupied potential habitat, no direct take, harm or harassment should occur. The primary impact to bighorn sheep would the temporary movement of animals further away from the vicinity of the site in order to avoid human disturbances. Since no critical water sources have been identified adjacent to the project site and no Peninsular bighorn sheep have been recorded in this area, any avoidance reaction should not constitute a long-term adverse impact to animals in the Santa Rosa Mountains. Therefore, no significant impacts to Peninsular bighorn sheep are expected, and no mitigation is required. Drainages and Wetlands There are a number of small drainages crossing the site and the adjacent areas, but none of these drainage contain definable bed and banks, nor do they have a clear connection to navigable waters. The small irrigation ponds are not considered jurisdictional wetlands. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 17 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. The small area (900 square feet) located on the northeast side of the intersection of Monroe and 60th Avenue contains atypical wetland habitat created by irrigation overflow from the palm grove and a nursery operation. Since the time of the survey, the project proponent has indicated that the overflow was caused by a leaking pipe that has since been repaired. It is likely that this small wetland area has since disappeared due to a lack of available water (John Gamlin, Coral Mountain Development, pers. comm. 2000). Based on these findings, we determined that there is limited Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction over the drainages. Permitting requirements should be covered under one or more Nationwide permits. There is no California Department of Fish and Game jurisdiction over these areas and no Notification of Streambed Alteration will be required. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 18 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. REFERENCES Burt, W. H., 1986. A Field Guide to the Mammals in North American North of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Massachusetts. Hall, E.R., 1981. The Mammals of North America, Volumes I and II. John Wiley and Sons, New York, New York. Hansen, C., 1981. "Chapter 21, Habitat Evaluation in The Desert Bighorn Its Life History, Ecology, and Management, Gale Monson and Lowell Sumner, eds. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona. Jennings, M.R. and M.P. Hayes, 1994. Amphibians and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California. Inland Fisheries Division, California Department of Fish and Game. LSA Associates, Inc., 1998. Supplemental Biological Assessment for the Coral Mountain (Rancho La Quinta) Specific Plan. Prepared for AEI-CASC Engineering. Laudenslayer, Jr., W.F., W.E. Grenfell, Jr., and D.C. Zeiner, 1991. "A Check -list of the Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals of California". California Fish and Game 77:109-141. Munz, P.A., 1974. A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. Stebbins, R.C., 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1996. Review of plant and animal taxa for listing as endangered or threatened species; notice of review. Federal Register Vol. 61, No. 40. 19 March 31, 2000 CM099-101 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Appendix A - Plant Species Observed " Indicates non-native species ANGIOSPERMAE: DICOTYLEDONES DICOT FLOWERING PLANTS Asteraceae Sunflower family Ambrosia dumosa Burrobush Bebbia juncea Sweetbush Encelia farinosa Desert brittlebush Xylorhiza tortifolia Mojave aster Boraginaceae Borage family Amsinckia tessellate Desert fiddleneck Crypiantha sp. Popcorn flower Tiquilia plicata Desert coldenia Brassicaceae Mustard family Brassica tournefortii Sahara mustard Cactaceae Cactus family Escobaria vivipara spp. alversonii Alverson's foxtail Opuntia echinocarpa Golden cholla Opuntia ramosissima Beavertail cactus Chenopodiaceae Saltbush family Salsola tragus Russian thistle Euphorbiaceae Spurge family Chamaesyce polycarpa Desert spurge Fabaceae Pea family Acacia greggii Catclaw Cercidium floridum Palo verde Olneya tesota ironwood Psorothamnus emoryi Indigo bush Psorothamnus spinosa Smoketree Fouquieriaceae Ocotillo family Fouquieria splendens Ocotillo Malvaceae Mallow family Sphaeralcea ambigua Desert mallow March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 A-1 Plantaginaceae Plantago ovata Polygonaceae Chorizanthe rigida Eriogonum sp. Eriogonum fasciculatum Eriogonum infiatum Solanaceae Lycium cooperi Zygophyllaceae Larrea tridentata Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Plantain family Desert plantain Buckwheat family Desert spiny -herb Buckwheat Flat -top buckwheat Desert trumpet Nightshade family Box thorn Caltrop family Creosote bush ANGIOSPERMAE: MONOCOTYLEDONAE MONOCOT FLOWERING PLANTS Poaceae * Bromus madritensis * Lolium perenne * Schismus barbatus Grass family Red brome Perennial ryegrass Abu-mashi Taxonomy and nomenclature follow Hickman 1993 and Munz 1974. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 A-2 Natural Resources Assessment, Inc. Appendix B - Animal Species Observed REPTILIA REPTILES Iguanidae Iguanas and their allies Uta stansburiana Side -blotched lizard Teiidae Whiptails and their allies Cnemidophorus tigris tigris Great Basin whiptail AVES BIRDS Cathartidae Vultures Cathartes aura Turkey vulture Phasianidae Quails and pheasants Callipepla gambelii Gambel's quail Columbidae Pigeons and doves Zenaida macroura Mourning dove Trochlidae Hummingbirds Calypte anna Anna's hummingbird Troglodytidae Wrens Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Cactus wren Fringillidae Finches Carpodacus neomexicanus House finch MAMMALIA MAMMALS Leporidae Rabbits and hares Sylvilagus audubonii Audubon's cottontail Lepus californicus Black -tailed jackrabbit Geomyidae Pocket gophers Thomomys umbrinus Botta's pocket gopher Canidae Foxes, wolves and relatives Canis latrans Coyote Vuipes macrotis Kit fox -� Nomenclature follows Hall 1981, Laudenslayer et al. 1991, and Stebbins 1966. March 31, 2000 CMD99-101 B-1