HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix+C+-+Habitat+Assessment+and+CVMSHCPDSRT SURF Specific Plan
EIR (SCH # 2019011044)
Technical Appendices
APPENDIX C
Habitat Assessment and Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan Consistency Report
Desert Willow Golf Resort Project Site
Prepared by
Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
3120 Chicago Avenue, Suite 110
Riverside, CA 92507
September 24, 2018
C-1
HABITAT ASSESSMENT AND COACHELLA VALLEY MULTIPLE SPECIES
HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN CONSISTENCY REPORT
DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT PROJECT SITE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Prepared for:
Terra Nova Planning and Research, Inc.
42635 Melanie Place, Suite 101
Palm Desert, CA 92211
Tel: (760) 341-4800
Contact: Nicole Sauviat Criste, Principal
Prepared by:
Wood Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.
3120 Chicago Avenue, Suite 110
Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 369-8060
Wood E&I Job #322520095
Principal Field Investigator:
Nathan Moorhatch
Report Author:
Nathan Moorhatch
24 September 2018
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Project Description ............................................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Site Location/Existing Conditions ............................................................. 1
1.3 Regulatory Framework ......................................................................................... 4
1.3.1 Federal ................................................................................................ 4
1.3.2 State .................................................................................................... 5
1.3.3 CVAG/Coachella Valley Conservation Commission ............................. 7
2.0 METHODS ...................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Literature Review ................................................................................................. 8
2.2 Biological Reconnaissance of the Project Site ..................................................... 8
3.0 RESULTS ....................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Vegetation Communities and Flora Species ......................................................... 9
3.2 Wildlife ............................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Sensitive Elements ............................................................................................ 11
4.0 DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................ 23
4.1 Potential Impacts of the Proposed Project.......................................................... 23
4.2 Conservation Areas ........................................................................................... 23
4.3 Suggested Mitigation Measures ......................................................................... 23
4.4 Conclusions ....................................................................................................... 26
5.0 LITERATURE CITED AND REFERENCES .................................................................. 27
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Vicinity and Location Map ............................................................................................ 2
Figure 2. Soils Map ..................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 3. Vegetation Communities ............................................................................................ 10
Figure 4. CVMSHCP Conservation Areas ................................................................................. 25
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Sensitive Plants: Desert Willow Golf Resort Project ................................................. 12
Table 2. Sensitive Habitats: Desert Willow Golf Resort Project .............................................. 14
Table 3. Sensitive Wildlife Species: Desert Willow Golf Resort Project .................................. 14
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A. Plant and Vertebrate Species List for the Project Site
Appendix B. Site Photos
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This report presents the results of a general biological resources assessment conducted by
Wood Environment and Infrastructure Inc. (Wood E&I) (formerly Amec Foster Wheeler) for the
proposed Desert Willow Golf Resort Project (project), Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APN) 620-
042-023, 620-042-024, and 620-040-008, located in the city of Palm Desert, Riverside County,
California. Wood E&I was contracted to perform this work by Terra Nova Planning and
Research (Terra Nova). Wood E&I’s role as a sub-consultant to Terra Nova, is to provide
biological studies for incorporation into the CEQA document(s). This report presents the
regulatory framework, methods, and results of a baseline biological survey f or the proposed
project.
1.1 Project Description
The proposed project includes the development of a resort complex that will include
approximately 300 hotel rooms and a surf lagoon within the existing Desert Willow Golf Resort.
1.2 Project Site Location/Existing Conditions
The project site is located east of Portola Avenue, north of Country Club Drive, west of Cook
Street, and south of Frank Sinatra Drive; within the Desert Willow Golf Resort (Figure 1).
Specifically, the project site is located within portions of Section 4, Township 5 South, Range 6
East as shown on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Myoma, California, 7.5-minute
topographic quadrangle (Figure 2). The geographic coordinates near the approximate “middle”
of the project survey area are 33°45’50.54” North latitude and -116°22’01.98” West longitudes.
The elevation at this “center point” is 260 feet above mean sea level (amsl). As mentioned
above, the project is located on three parcels. The smallest and northernmost parcel, APN 620 -
400-008 is approximately 0.88 acres and with the exception of a small area of landscaping on
the western portion, is completely developed as a parking lot. APN 620-420-024 (bordering -
008 to the south) is approximately 2.15 acres and is also almost completely developed as a
parking lot. The largest and southernmost parcel, APN 620-420-023 is approximately 14.65
acres and consists mostly of fallow, undeveloped land. This parcel appears to have been
cleared in the somewhat recent past, as evidenced by remnants of a sprinkler system, and
signs of having been graded.
The survey area lies at an elevation of approximately 247 feet to 263 feet (amsl). The average
rainfall for the area is 3.47 inches per year and no recorded snowfall (US Climate Data 2017).
Weather data was recorded at the Indio Fire Station (Latitude 33.7086, Longitude: -116.215)
approximately 9.4 miles south/southeast of the project site.
The USDA online Web Soil Survey (based on the Riverside County, Coachella Valley Area,
California Soil Survey) (Soil Survey Staff 2017) was consulted to determine the soil types
mapped as occurring within the project area. The study area contains two different soil types
(Figure 3) including:
Myoma fine sand (MaB) – A nearly level soil (0 to 5 percent slopes) that is found on
alluvial fans, lacustrine basins, and flood plains of the Coachella Valley.
Myoma fine sand (MaD) – A moderately sloping to rolling soil (5 to 15 percent slopes)
that is found on dunes and alluvial fans.
FIGURE
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Project Site
1Vicinity & LocationDesert Willow Golf Course
FIGURE
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Project Site
MaB: MYOMA FINE SAND, 0-5% SLOPES
MaD: MYOMA FINE SAND, 5-15% PERCENT SLOPES
SoilsDesert Willow Golf Course
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1.3 Regulatory Framework
1.3.1 Federal
Endangered Species Act (ESA) – The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the
National Marine Fisheries Service are the designated federal agencies accountable for
administering the ESA. The ESA defines species as “endangered” or “threatened” and provides
regulatory protection at the federal level.
Section 9 of the ESA prohibits the “take” of listed (i.e., endangered or threatened) species.
The ESA’s definition of take is “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap,
capture, collect, or attempt to engage in such conduct.” Recognizing that take cannot always
be avoided, Section 10(a) includes provisions for take that is incidental to, but not the
purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Specifically, Section 10(a) (1) (A) permits (authorized
take permits) are issued for scientific purposes. Section 10(a) (1) (B) permits (incidental take
permits) are issued for the incidental take of listed species that does not jeopardize the
species.
Section 7 (a) (2) requires federal agencies to evaluate the proposed project with respect to
listed or proposed listed, species and their respective critical habitat (if applicable). Federal
agencies must employ programs for the conservation of listed species and are prohibited
from authorizing, funding, or carrying out any action that would jeopardize a listed species or
destroy or modify its “critical habitat.”
As defined by the ESA, “individuals, organizations, states, local governments, and other non-
federal entities are affected by the designation of critical habitat only if their actions occur on
federal lands, require a federal permit, license, or other authorization, or involve federal funding.
Section 10(a) of the ESA authorizes the issuance of incidental take permits and establishes
standards for the content of habitat conservation plans (see Section 3.3 below).
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) – Treaties signed by the U.S., Great Britain, Mexico, Japan,
and the countries of the former Soviet Union make it unlawful to pursue, capture, kill, and/or
possess, or attempt to engage in any such conduct to any migratory bird, nest, egg or parts
thereof listed in the document. As with the ESA, the MBTA also allows the Secretary of the
Interior to grant permits for the incidental take of these protected migratory bird species.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – If portions of a proposed project could fall under
the jurisdiction of a federal agency (i.e., U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers) they are subject to environmental review pursuant to NEPA. NEPA establishes
certain criteria that must be adhered to for any project that is “financed, assisted, conducted or
approved” by a federal agency. The federal lead agency is required to “determine whether the
proposed action will significantly affect the quality of the human environment.”
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act – This section of the Clean Water Act, administered by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material
into “waters of the United States.” The USACE has created a series of nationwide permits that
authorize certain activities within waters of the U.S. provided that the proposed activity does not
exceed the impact threshold of 0.5 acre for nationwide permits, takes steps to avoid impacts to
wetlands and other designated U.S. waters where practicable, minimizes potential impacts to
wetlands, and provides compensation for any remaining, unavoidable impacts through activities
to restore or create wetlands. For projects that exceed the threshold for nationwide permits,
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individual permits under Section 404 can be issued. An inspection of the project site to
determine
presence or absence of potential jurisdictional wetlands and waters was conducted during the
above mentioned general biological assessment.
1.3.2 State
California Endangered Species Act (CESA) – This legislation is similar to the federal ESA, but it
is administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW – formerly Department
of Fish and Game). The CDFW is authorized to enter into “memoranda of understanding” with
individuals, public agencies, and other institutions to import, export, take, or possess state -listed
species for scientific, educational, or management purposes. CESA prohibits the take of state-
listed species except as otherwise provided in state law. Unlike the federal ESA, the CESA
applies the take prohibitions to species currently petitioned for state-listing status (candidate
species). State lead agencies are required to consult with CDFW to ensure that actions are not
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any state-listed species or result in the
destruction or degradation of occupied habitat.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) – The basic goal of CEQA is to maintain a high-
quality environment now and in the future. The specific goals are for California's public agencies
to:
1) identify the significant environmental effects of their actions; and, either
2) avoid those significant environmental effects, where feasible; or
3) mitigate those significant environmental effects, where feasible.
CEQA applies to "projects" proposed to be undertaken or requiring approval by state and local
government agencies. Projects are activities that have the potential to have a physical impact
on the environment and may include the enactment of zoning ordinances, the issuance of
conditional use permits and the approval of tentative subdivision maps. Where a project
requires approvals from more than one public agency, CEQA requires one of these public
agencies to serve as the "lead agency."
A "lead agency" must complete the environmental review process required by CEQA. The most
basic steps of the environmental review process are to:
4) Determine if the activity is a "project" subject to CEQA;
5) Determine if the "project" is exempt from CEQA;
6) Perform an Initial Study to identify the environmental impacts of the project and
determine whether the identified impacts are "significant". Based on its findings of
"significance", the lead agency prepares one of the following environmental review
documents:
a) Negative Declaration if it finds no "significant" impacts;
b) Mitigated Negative Declaration if it finds "significant" impacts but revises the project
to avoid or mitigate those significant impacts;
c) Environmental Impact Report (EIR) if it finds "significant" impacts.
While there is no ironclad definition of "significance", Article 5 of the State CEQA Guidelines
provides criteria to lead agencies in determining whether a project may have significant effects.
The Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) – The NPPA includes measures to preserve, protect,
and enhance rare and endangered native plant species. Definitions for “rare and endangered”
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are different from those contained in CESA. However, the list of species afforded protection in
accordance with the NPPA includes those listed as rare and endangered under CESA. NPPA
provides limitations on take as follows: “no person will import into this state, or take, possess, or
sell within this state” any rare or endangered native plants, except in accordance with the
provisions outlined in the act. If a landowner is notified by CDFW , pursuant to section 1903.5
that a rare or endangered plant is growing on their property, the landowner shall notify CDFW at
least 10 days prior to the changing of land uses to allow CDFW to salvage the plants.
Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Program – A NCCP, which is managed by
the CDFW, is intended to conserve multiple species and their associated habitats, while also
providing for compatible use of private lands. Through local planning, the NCCP planning
process is designed to provide protection for wildlife and natural habitats before the environment
becomes so fragmented or degraded by development that species listing are required under
CESA. Instead of conserving small, often isolated “islands” of habitat for just one listed species,
agencies, local jurisdictions, and/or other interested parties have an opportunity through the
NCCP to work cooperatively to develop plans that consider broad areas of land for conservation
that would provide habitat for many species. Partners enroll in the programs and, by mutual
consent, areas considered to have high conservation priorities or values are set aside and
protected from development. Partners may also agree to study, monitor, and develop
management plans for these high value “reserve” areas. The NCCP provides an avenue for
fostering economic growth by allowing approved development in areas with lower conservation
value. The project site is in a combined Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) / NCCP, see Section
1.3.3.
Sections 1600-1603 of the State Fish and Game Code – The California Fish and Game
(Wildlife) Code, pursuant to Sections 1600 through 1603, regulates all diversions, obstructions,
or changes to the natural flow or bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake that
supports fish or wildlife resources. Under state code, CDFW jurisdiction is assessed in the field
based on one, or a combination, of the following criteria:
7) At minimum, intermittent and seasonal flow through a bed or channel with banks and
that also supports fish or other aquatic life.
8) A watercourse having a surface or subsurface flow regime that supports or that has
supported riparian vegetation.
9) Hydrogeomorphically distinct top-of-embankment to top-of-embankment limits.
10) Outer ground cover and canopy extents of, typically, riparian associated vegetation
species that would be sustained by surface and/or subsurface waters of the
watercourse.
The CDFW requires that public and private interests apply for a “Streambed Alteration
Agreement” for any project that may impact a streambed or wetland. The CDFW has maintained
a “no net loss” policy regarding impacts to streams and waterways and requires replacement of
lost habitats on at least a 1:1 ratio.
Section 2081 of the State Fish and Game Code – Under Section 2081 of the California Fish and
Game Code, the CDFW authorizes individuals or public agencies to import, export, take, or
possess state endangered, threatened, or candidate species in California through permits or
memoranda of understanding. These acts, which are otherwise prohibited, may be authorized
through permits or “memoranda of understanding” if (1) the take is incidental to otherwise lawful
activities, (2) impacts of the take are minimized and fully mitigated, (3) the permit is consistent
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with regulations adopted in accordance with any recovery plan for the species in question, and
(4) the applicant ensures suitable funding to implement the measures required by the CDFW.
The CDFW shall make this determination based on the best scientific information reasonably
available and shall include consideration of the species’ capability to survive and reproduce.
Section 3505.5 of the State Fish and Game Code – This section makes it unlawful to take,
possess, or destroy any birds in the order Falconiformes or Strigiformes (birds-of-prey, e.g.:
owls, hawks, eagles, etc.) or to take, possess, or destroy the nest or eggs of any bird-of-prey.
1.3.3 CVAG/Coachella Valley Conservation Commission
Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP)/ NCCP –
Subsequent to the establishment of the Fringe-toed Lizard HCP in the early 1980s, continued
growth in the Coachella Valley impacted other species and their habitats. Several species that
occur in the Coachella Valley have been listed as threatened or endangered, and several more
have been proposed for listing or identified as candidates for listing. A scoping study was
prepared for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) by the Coachella Valley
Mountains Conservancy (Conservancy) in 1994. It was recommended that a Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) be prepared for the entire Coachella Valley and
surrounding mountains to address potential state and federal Endangered Species Act issues in
the proposed MSHCP area. Subsequently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was
developed to govern the preparation of the MSHCP. In late 1995 and early 1996, the cities of
Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert,
Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage, Coachella Valley Water District, Riverside County Flood
Control and Water Conservation District, Imperial Irrigation District, the County of Riverside,
USFWS, CDFW , the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U. S. Forest Service (USFS), and
the National Park Service (NPS) signed the MOU to initiate the planning effort. In late 1996 and
early 1997 the parties to the MOU approved an amendment stipulating that the MSHCP will
meet the intent of the Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act as well as the
California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA),
and, further, that the MOU constitutes an agreement to prepare a NCCP. Final state and federal
resource agency approval and permitting for the CVMSHCP occurred in September and
October 2008.
Preparation of the CVMSHCP serves two main purposes: balancing environmental protection
and economic development objectives in the CVMSHCP area, and simplifying compliance with
endangered species related laws. The CVMSHCP intends to accomplish this through the
following means.
Conserving adequate habitat in an unfragmented manner to provide for the protection and
security of long-term viable populations of the species that are either currently listed as
threatened or endangered, are proposed for listing, or are believed by the Scientific Advisory
Committee, USFWS and CDFW , to have a high probability of being proposed for listing in the
future if not protected by the CVMSHCP. It is intended to proactively address requirements of
the state and federal endangered species acts to avoid disruption of economic development
activities in the CVMSHCP area.
For species that are currently listed as threatened or endangered, the CVMSHCP is the basis
for securing incidental take permits. For species that are not currently listed, the CVMSHCP
addresses the conservation of the species and its habitat as if the species were listed, so that if
the species is subsequently listed, an incidental take permit will be issued on the basis of the
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
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CVMSHCP, and no further mitigation requirements will be imposed. A further goal of the plan is
to remove the need to list species as threatened or endangered by taking proactive
conservation measures.
It should be recognized that the CVMSHCP does not address Section 404 of the Clean Water
Act nor the Streambed Alteration Agreement provisions of the California Fish and Game Code,
(Section 1600). Projects that currently require a Section 404 permit or Streambed Alteration
Agreement will continue to do so notwithstanding the CVMSHCP. Additionally, the CVMSHCP
does not provide a means of compliance with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).
The Riverside County Land Information System website and title report on the subject property
were consulted to determine the parcel numbers that were surveyed on the subject project site,
and their status with regards to the various county plan areas. The subject parcels fall within the
CVMSHCP Fee Area (please see Section 4.3 for an explanation of requirements for the
Conservation and Fee Area as related to this project).
2.0 METHODS
Methods employed in the performance of this biological assessment consisted of a literature
review, followed by a site survey to obtain a general inventory of plant and wildlife species on
the project site; and to determine the potential for, or presence of, sensitive biological resources
or their habitat on the project site. In addition to the general biological assessment described
herein, a Wood E&I biologist also performed a habitat assessment for burrowing owl (Athene
cunicularia) on the project site in accordance with the methodology presented in the Staff
Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (California Department of Fish and Game, March 7, 2012).
2.1 Literature Review
A literature review was conducted to identify sensitive biological resources known from the
vicinity of the project site. This included consultation with the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife’s California Natural Diversity Data Base (CDFW 2018a) and a review of the California
Native Plant Society's (CNPS) Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (2018). The
CVMSHCP was also reviewed CVMSHCP 2017). Pertinent documents from the Wood E&I
library and files were also consulted.
2.2 Biological Reconnaissance of the Project Site
The project site was surveyed on foot by senior Wood E&I wildlife biologist Nathan Moorhatch
on 18 July, 2018. Weather conditions were warm (86-95°F), with partly cloudy skies (75-65%)
and generally low wind (0-5 miles per hour). Land use adjacent to the project site is primarily
surrounded by the Desert Willow Golf Resort and associated parking for the golf course, with
some development (business) to the west/southwest. The majority of the 500 foot buffer area
(surveyed for potential burrowing owl habitat) was located on the developed land (golf course)
surrounding the boundaries of the undeveloped, disturbed portion of the site and along the
boundaries of the developed (parking lot) portions of the site.
The assessment of the potential for occurrence of sensitive biological resources known from the
project vicinity was based on geographic range, CNDDB records, habitat associations, general
site conditions, and soil types. All plant and vertebrate species observed were recorded in field
notes. Unobserved wildlife species were identified through indirect sign (e.g. scat, tracks, nests,
burrows, etc.). Bird species were identified through binoculars, and by vocalizations. Scientific
nomenclature for this report is from the following standard reference sources: plant communities
(Holland 1986, Sawyer et al 2009, CVMSHCP 2017), reptiles and amphibians (Stebbins 2003);
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birds (California Bird Records Committee 2017); and mammals (CDFG 2016). Vegetation
nomenclature follows The Jepson Manual, Vascular Plants of California, 2nd Edition (Baldwin
2012) and the online version (Jepson 2017). When The Jepson Manual does not list a common
name, common name nomenclature follows the United States Department of Agriculture,
Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA) Plants Database (USDA 2017).
3.0 RESULTS
3.1 Vegetation Communities and Flora Species
Appendix A includes the scientific and common names for plant species identified during the
surveys. A total of twenty-three (23) plant species were identified during the field survey.
The study area is located within, and surrounded by, the existing Desert Willow Golf Resort and
has experienced extensive development/disturbance. The two northernmost parcels have
largely been developed as paved parking lots, with only the southern (14.65 acre) parcel
containing some semblance of a native plant community. As discussed previously in Section
1.2, this parcel appears to have been cleared in the recent past for development, as there are
remains of a sprinkler system present (both PVC pipes and an upright “rainbird” sprinkler head
were observed on this parcel – see photos 3 & 4 in Appendix 2). The project site is dominated
by brittle bush scrub habitat [Encelia farinosa Shrubland Alliance]. This plant community doesn’t
favor sandy soils, so its presence on this site likely indicates that it represents an early regrowth
of what was originally a Creosote bush – brittle bush scrub [Larrea tridentata – Encelia farinosa
Shrubland Alliance]. This parcel is dominated by brittle bush, with other native plants observed
including: scattered broom baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides), California croton (Croton
californicus), scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum), Emory’s indigo bush (Psorothamnus
emoryi), and desert twinbugs (Dicoria canescens). Other native species noted around the
surrounding margins of the golf course (some of which were likely planted , some possibly
remnants from predevelopment times) included: chuparosa (Justicia californica), honey
mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana), creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), blue palo
verde (Parkinsonia florida), California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera), and desert willow
(Chilopsis linearis ssp. arcuata). Non-native plants (many of them landscape plantings)
identified onsite included: Peruvian pepper (Schinus molle), oleander (Nerium oleander), three
different acacias including shoestring acacia (Acacia stenophylla), Indian rosewood (Dalbergia
sissoo), ejoton (Ebenopsis confinis), and saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima).
The project site is located within an area surrounded by a mixture of golf resort development,
residential areas, and low density commercial development (see Photos 7 & 12 in Appendix 2).
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Desert Scrub
Developed
VegetationDesert Willow Golf Course
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24 August 2018
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3.2 Wildlife
A total of thirteen vertebrate wildlife species (twelve birds and one reptile) were detected by
direct observation or sign within the survey area. Additionally, eight dragonfly species were
observed on the survey area. The inventory was limited by the seasonal timing and short
duration of the survey period, and by the nocturnal and fossorial habits of many animals.
The project site exhibits extensive evidence of disturbance such as conversion to asphalt
parking areas, clearance of land including for dirt roads, and former clearing and irrigation
(presumably for development that did not proceed to completion). Although the majority of the
project site contains evidence of previous disturbance, there are native shrubs scattered
throughout the largest parcel (APN 620-420-023). The disturbed nature of much of the project
site reduces the potential for use of the site by a greater variety of desert reptiles, birds, and
mammals, as many of these species require better quality natural habitats, and some are
substrate specialists (typically on dunes or wind-deposited sands – not very well represented on
most of the site). The project site is an “island” of degraded and/or fully developed land
surrounded by varying forms of development.
Birds observed during the survey included a mix of species common to desert scrub and
developed areas of the Coachella Valley. Some of the birds observed included: Eurasian
collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto), western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), verdin (Auriparus
flaviceps), Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii), common raven (Corvus corax), greater
roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Costa’s
hummingbird (Calypte costae), and lesser nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis). No nesting birds
were detected on or adjacent to the site during the survey. One reptile was observed: desert
iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis), although other common species including side-blotched lizard
(Uta stansburiana) and Great Basin whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris tigris) would also be expected to
utilize the survey area.
3.3 Sensitive Elements
Plant or animal taxa may be considered "sensitive" due to declining populations, vulnerability to
habitat change or loss, or because of restricted distributions. Certain sensitive species have
been listed as threatened or endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) or by the CDFW, and are protected by the federal and state Endangered Species
Acts and the California Native Plant Protection Act. Other species have been identified as
sensitive by the USFWS, the CDFW, or by private conservation organizations, including the
CNPS, but have not been formally listed as threatened or endangered. Such species can still be
considered significant under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The literature review and Wood E&I biologists’ knowledge of the project vicinity indicated that as
many as 43 sensitive biological resources potentially occur in the general vicinity of the project
site. For a summary of sensitive species and habitats known to occur or potentially occurring in
the vicinity of the project site, see Tables 1 through 3.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 12
Table 1. Sensitive Plants: Desert Willow Golf Resort Project
Species Protective Status Habitat Flowering
Period
Occurrence
Probability
Abronia villosa var. aurita
Chaparral sand-verbena
F: ND
C: ND
CNPS: List 1B.1
State Rank: S2.1
CVMSHCP: No
Annual herb found in
sandy areas in chaparral
and coastal sage scrub
habitats, at 262 to 5,249
feet
January -
August
Absent
(marginal habitat
present on one
parcel but species
not observed during
survey).
Astragalus lentiginosus
var. coachellae
Coachella Valley milk-
vetch
F: END
C: ND
CNPS List: 1B.2
State Rank: S2.1
CVMSHCP: Yes
Annual/Perennial herb
found in sandy flats,
washes, alluvial fans,
sand field, dunes and
dune edges, at 130 to
2,150 feet, a CA endemic.
February -
May
Low
(Remnant, loose
sand areas are
present, species not
observed during
surveys.)
Astragalus preussil var.
laxiflorus
Lancaster milk-vetch
F: END
C: ND
CNPS List: 1B.2
State Rank: S2
CVMSHCP: No
Perennial herb found on
alkaline clay flats, gravelly
or desert washes; occurs
almost always under
natural conditions in non-
wetlands in California.
March-May Absent
(Habitat not present
on site); nearest
CNDBB is historical
(1928) and is over
ten miles southeast
of site.
Astragalus tricarinatus
Triple-ribbed milk-vetch
F: END
C: ND
CNPS List: 1B.2
State Rank: S1
CVMSHCP: Yes
Rocky canyon slopes,
edges of boulder-strewn
desert washes, at 1,400
to 2,600 feet elevation
February -
May
Absent
(No suitable habitat
(rocky canyon
slopes) on site. Site
is well below known
elevation range of
species).
Ditaxis claryana
Glandular ditaxis
F: ND
C: ND
CNPS List: 2B.2
State Rank: S1
CVMSHCP: Yes
Sandy soils in creosote
bush scrub of the
Sonoran and Mojave
deserts below 1,500 feet.
Imperial, Riverside, and
San Bernardino Counties,
and Arizona and northern
Mexico.
October -
March
Very low
(Disturbed scrub
habitat is present
onsite; however
nearest CNDBB is
historical (1906) and
is over three miles
south of site).
Ditaxis serrata var.
californica
California ditaxis
F: ND
C: ND
CNPS List: 3.2
State Rank: S2?
CVMSHCP: No
On sandy washes and
alluvial fans of the
foothills and lower desert
slopes. 100-3,280 feet
elevation.
March -
December
Absent
(no habitat onsite,
no Ditaxis species
observed onsite
during survey,
CNDDB records are
from >4 mi. S of site
in foothills and mtn.
slopes)
Eremothera boothii ssp.
boothii
Booth’s evening-primrose
F: ND
C: ND
CNPS List: 2B.3
State Rank: S2
CVMSHCP: No
Annual herb found in
Joshua tree woodland,
pinyon and juniper
woodland at 2,670 to
7,875 feet elevation.
April-
September
Absent
(no habitat onsite,
site is below
elevation range of
species).
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 13
Euphorbia abramsiana
Abrams’ spurge
Low
Euphorbia arizonica Absent
Euphorbia platysperma Very Low
Marina orcuttii orcuttii Absent
Matelea parvifolia
–
–Absent
Nemacaulis denudata .
gracilis –
Low
Petalonyx linearis Absent
Pseudorontium
cyathiferum
Absent
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 14
Selaginella eremophila
CNPS: List 2B.2
Global Rank: G4
State Rank: S2S3
CVMSHCP: No
–
Absent
Stemodia durantifolia
Absent
Xylorhiza cognata Absent
Table 2. Sensitive Habitats: Desert Willow Golf Resort Project
Habitat Protective Status
(F=Federal, C=California)
Occurrence
Probability
Desert Fan Palm Oasis
Woodland
F: ND
C: ND
State rank: S3.2
CVMSHCP: No
Absent
Table 3. Sensitive Wildlife Species: Desert Willow Golf Resort Project
Species Protective Status
(F=Federal, C=California) Habitat Occurrence
Probability
Invertebrates
Dinacoma caseyi
Casey’s June beetle F: END
C: None
State Rank: S1
CVMSHCP: No
Restricted to Palm Canyon
Wash and the adjacent
floodplain of Palm Canyon in
sandy soils.
Absent
(Site is not
located within
known range of
species, site is
~ 6.4 mi. E/SE
of Official
Survey Area)
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 15
Macrobaenetes valgum Absent
Stenopelmatus
cahuilaensis
Absent
Oliarces clara
Larrea
tridentata
Absent
Fish
Cyprinodon macularius Absent
Reptiles
Crotalus ruber Absent
Phrynosoma mcallii Absent
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 16
Uma inornata Absent
Species Protective Status
(F=Federal, C=California) Habitat Occurrence
Probability
Birds
Athene cunicularia
Burrowing owl
F: BCC
C: CSC
State rank: S2
CVMSHCP: Yes
Inhabits a variety of open
habitats (including edges of ag.
fields), often occupies unused
ground squirrel burrows
Very Low
(Project site is
disturbed and
portions are paved;
however southern
parcel has potential
habitat for species).
Nearest CNDBB
record (2007) ~ 2.7
mi. NE of site.
Empidonax traillii extimus
Southwestern willow
flycatcher
F: END
C: END
State rank: S1
CVMSHCP: Yes
Obligate breeder in extensive
riparian areas of dense willows
or (rarely) tamarisk, usually with
standing water, in the
southwestern United States.
Absent
(Suitable habitat is
not present on or
near site). Nearest
CNDBB (2002)
record is >6 mi. NE
of site in the
Coachella Valley
Preserve.
Falco mexicanus
Prairie falcon
F: BCC
C: WL
State rank: S3
CVMSHCP: No
Inhabits a variety of open
terrain, nests on cliffs
Low
(Foraging only, no
nesting habitat
present)
Lanius ludovicianus
Loggerhead shrike
F: BCC
C: CSC
State rank: S4
CVMSHCP: No
Prefers open fields with
scattered trees or shrubs, open
country with short vegetation,
pastures, old orchards,
cemeteries, golf courses,
riparian areas, and open
woodlands.
Low
(Both foraging and
nesting habitat
present, primarily in
more densely
planted golf course
edges)
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 17
Polioptila californica
californica
Nesting Absent
Foraging: Absent
Polioptila melanura Low
Pyrocephalus rubinus
Very Low
Toxostoma crissale Absent
Toxostoma lecontei
LeConte’s thrasher
Absent
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
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Mammals
Chaetodipus fallax pallidus Absent.
Dipodomys merriami
collinus
Merriam’s kangaroo rat
Dipodomys
merriami parvus
Bernardino Merriam’s kangaroo
Absent.
Lasiurus xanthinus ega Low
Low
Neotoma lepida intermedia Absent
Nyctinomops femorosaccus
Roosting:
Absent
Foraging Low
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 19
Perognathus longimembris
bangsi
Absent
Xerospermophilus
tereticaudus chlorus
Absent
Definitions of status designations and occurrence probabilities.
Federal designations: (federal Endangered Species Act, US Fish and Wildlife Service):
END: Federally listed, Endangered.
THR: Federally listed, Threatened.
BCC: Birds of Conservation Concern
C: Candidate for Federal listing
ND: Not designated.
BCC: Bird of Conservation Concern.
State designations: (California Endangered Species Act, California Dept. of Fish and Game)
END: State listed, Endangered.
THR: State listed, Threatened.
RARE: State listed as Rare (Listed "Rare" animals have been re -designated as Threatened, but Rare
plants have retained the Rare designation.)
CSC: California Special Concern Species.
WL: Watch List Species.
ND: Not designated.
CVMSHCP designations
Yes: Conserved by the CVMSHCP
No: Not Specifically Conserved by the CVMSHCP
C: Considered, but not included in the CVMSHCP
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) designations: (Non-regulatory, compilation by a non-profit organization
which tracks rare plants)
CNPS California Rare Plant Ranks (CRPR) Note: According to the CNPS
(http://www.cnps.org/programs/Rare_Plant/inventory/names.htm), ALL plants on Lists 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B meet
definitions for state listing as threatened or endangered under Secs. 2062 and 2067 (California Endangered Species
Act) of the California Department of Fish and Game Code. Certain plants on Lists 3 and 4 do as well.
The CDFW (http://www.dfg.ca.gov/hcpb/species/t_e_spp/nat_plnt_consv.shtml ) states that plants on Lists 1A, 1B,
2A, and 2B of the CNPS Inventory consist of plants that may qualify for listing, and recommends they be addressed
in CEQA projects (CEQA Guidelines Section 15380). However, a plant need not be in the Inventory to be considered
a rare, threatened, or endangered species under CEQA. In addition, CDFW recommends, and local governments
may require, protection of plants which are regionally significant, such as locally rare species, disjunct populations of
more common plants, or plants on the CNPS Lists 3 and 4.
List 1A: Plants presumed extinct in California.
List 1B: Plants rare and endangered in California and throughout their range.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 20
List 2A: Plants presumed extirpated in California, but more common elsewhere .
List 2B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere.
List 3: Plants for which more information is needed.
List 4: Plants of limited distribution; a "watch list."
CA Endemic: Taxa that occur only in California
CNPS Threat Code:
.1 - Seriously endangered in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat)
.2 – Fairly endangered in California (20-80% occurrences threatened)
.3 – Not very endangered in California (<20% of occurrences threatened or no current threats known)
Note: All List 1A (presumed extinct in California) and some List 3 (need more informati on- a review list) plants lacking
any threat information receive no threat code extension. Also, these Threat Code guidelines represent a starting point
in the assessment of threat level. Other factors, such as habitat vulnerability and specificity, distri bution, and condition
of occurrences, are also considered in setting the Threat Code.
Definitions of occurrence probability:
Occurs: Observed on the site by AMEC personnel, or recorded on-site by other qualified biologists.
High: Observed in similar habitat in region by qualified biologists, or habitat on the site is a type often
utilized by the species and the site is within the known range of the species.
Moderate: Reported sightings in surrounding region, or site is within the known range of the species and
habitat on the site is a type occasionally used by the species.
Low: Site is within the known range of the species but habitat on the site is rarely used by the species.
Absent: A focused study failed to detect the species, or, no suitable habitat is present.
CDFW CNDDB rankings: Animals
S1 = Extremely endangered: <6 viable occurrences or <1,000 individuals, or < 2,000 acres of occupied habitat
S2 = Endangered: about 6-20 viable occurrences or 1,000 - 3,000 individuals, or 2,000 to 10,000 acres of occupied
habitat
S3 = Restricted range, rare: about 21-100 viable occurrences, or 3,000 – 10,000 individuals, or 10,000 – 50,000
acres of occupied habitat
S4 = Apparently secure; some factors exist to cause some concern such as narrow habitat or continuing threats
S5 = Demonstrably secure; commonly found throughout its historic range
SH = all sites are historical, this species may be extinct, further field work is needed
CDFW CNDDB rankings: Plants and Vegetation Communities
S1 = Less than 6 viable occurrences OR less than 1,000 individuals OR less than 2,000 acres
S1.1 = very threatened
S1.2 = threatened
S1.3 = no current threats known
S2 = 6-20 viable occurrences OR 1,000-3,000 individuals OR 2,000-10,000 acres
S2.1 = very threatened
S2.2 = threatened
S2.3 = no current threats known
S3 = 21-80 viable occurrences or 3,000-10,000 individuals OR 10,000-50,000 acres
S3.1 = very threatened
S3.2 = threatened
S3.3 = no current threats known
S4 = Apparently secure within California; this rank is clearly lower than S3 but factors exist to cause some concern;
i.e. there is some threat, or somewhat narrow habitat.
S5 = Demonstrably secure to ineradicable in California.
Western Bat Working Group (WBWG) designations:
The Western Bat Working Group is comprised of agencies, organizations and individuals interested in bat research,
management and conservation from the 13 western states and provinces. Its goals are (1) to facilitate communication
among interested parties and reduce risks of species decline or extinction; (2) to provide a mechanism by which
current information on bat ecology, distribution and research techniques can be readily accessed; and (3) to develop
a forum to discuss conservation strategies, provide technical assistance and encourage education programs.
H: High: Species which are imperiled or are at high risk of imperilment based on available information
on distribution, status, ecology and known threats.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
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24 August 2018
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M: Medium: Species which warrant a medium level of concern and need closer evaluation, more
research, and conservation actions of both the species and possible threats. A lack of meaningful information is a
major obstacle in adequately assessing these species' status and should be considered a threat.
L: Low: Species for which most of the existing data support stable populations, and for which the
potential for major changes in status in the near future is considered unlikely. There may be localized concerns, but
the overall status of the species is believed to be secure. Conservation actions would still apply for these bats, but
limited resources are best used on High and Medium status species.
P: Periphery: This designation indicates a species on the edge of its range, for which no other
designation has been determined.
Table 1 lists eighteen sensitive plants known from the general project vicinity, thirteen of which
are not expected to occur on the project site due to lack of habitat, incorrect elevational range,
and/or unsuitable microhabitat characteristics. The remaining five plants: Coachella Valley milk-
vetch (Astragalus lentiginosus var. coachellae), glandular ditaxis (Ditaxis claryana), Abrams’
spurge (Euphorbia abramsiana), flat-seeded spurge (Euphorbia platysperma), and slender
cottonheads (Nemacaulis denudata var. gracilis) are all expected to have from “Very low’ to
“Low” occurrence probabilities, due to the degraded nature of the site and the overall rarity of
the species.
Table 2 lists one sensitive habitat which is not present on the site.
Table 3 lists four species of sensitive insects that are known from the general project vicinity,
none of which are expected to occur on site due to lack of habitat, on-site habitat that is too
degraded and isolated, or the site is not within the currently known range of the species.
None of the three sensitive reptile species listed in Table 3 are expected to occur on the project
site. These include the flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii), Coachella Valley fringe-
toed lizard (Uma inornata), and red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber). The remnant, sandy
soils present on APN 620-420-023 are disturbed, somewhat compacted, and show evidence of
having been leveled and irrigated in the past. The red diamond rattlesnake usually does not
occur this far out onto the valley floor, and requires rocky areas to live in. The Coachella Valley
fringe-toed lizard and flat-tailed horned lizard are “covered species” under the CVMSHCP, and
potential impacts to these reptiles can be mitigated through payment of the CVMSHCP fee.
Five of the nine sensitive bird species listed in Table 3 are believed to have from “Very Low” to
“Low” occurrence potentials on the project site. The remaining four species: southwestern
willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica
californica), crissale thrasher (Toxostoma crissale), and Le Conte’s thrasher (Toxostoma
lecontei) are not expected on the site due to lack of habitat (and in the case of the gnatcatcher
the site is not in its range). Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) could rarely forage over the site,
but there isn’t any cliff habitat for falcon nesting. Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) would
have a low potential for nesting but could forage over portions of the project area. Black-tailed
gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura) would have a low potential to forage on the mesquite and palo
verde present on portions of the site and would have a low potential for nesting due to
disturbance from the adjoining golf course activities. Vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus
rubinus) is expected to have a “Very Low” probability of occurrence, but cannot be entirely ruled
out, as the author has observed this species in association with at least three golf courses in the
valley. There is potential habitat for the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) on the undeveloped
portion of APN 620-420-023, although no sign of this species was noted during the survey.
None of these five bird species are listed as threatened or endangered by the federal or state
wildlife agencies.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
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24 August 2018
Page 22
Of the seven mammals listed in Table 3 only two are expected to have potential to occur on the
project site. Two bat species, the pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus) and
western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus), have a low potential to forage over, and in the case of
the yellow bat only, roost on the site. Western yellow bat commonly roosts in palm skirts, and
several landscaped palms are present on and adjacent to the project site. One of these bat
species (western yellow bat) is covered under the CVMSHCP; but does not have any formal
federal or state listing as threatened or endangered. It is considered a “High Priority” species by
the Western Bat Working Group. The pocketed free-tailed bat is not expected to roost on the
site due to the lack of roosting habitat in the form of crevices on rugged cliffs, and on high rocky
outcrops and slopes. This species is considered a “Medium Priority” species by the Western
Bat Working Group and does not have any formal federal or state listing as threatened or
endangered.
In summary, no sensitive species were observed or detected on the project site during the
surveys. The following seven sensitive wildlife species have a very low or low potential to occur
within the project site:
prairie falcon – low potential to forage over the site, cliff nesting habitat not present.
loggerhead shrike – low potential to forage or nest on the site.
black-tailed gnatcatcher – low potential to forage or nest on the site.
burrowing owl – low potential to occur on the southern parcel.
vermilion flycatcher – very low potential for foraging, has been observed on other golf
courses in the valley
pocketed free-tailed bat – low potential for foraging over site, but no potential to roost
within project site.
Western yellow bat - foraging habitat over site, low potential to roost within project site.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 23
4.0 DISCUSSION
4.1 Potential Impacts of the Proposed Project
The proposed project site has been previously altered and/or degraded through a variety of
human activities. Therefore, the quality of native habitat on the site is very low on the southern
parcel APN 620-420-023. The other two parcels, 620-042-024, and 620-040-008 have been
almost entirely developed as asphalt parking lots. Considering the current level of disturbance,
including the daily disturbance of human activities on the surrounding Desert Willow Golf
Resort, the developed nature of the surrounding lands, and the low probability for the majority of
the sensitive species known to occur in the project area to be present on-site, there is a low
potential for the proposed project to adversely impact most of the sensitive biological resources
known from the project vicinity.
A wildlife corridor is a link of wildlife habitat, generally native vegetation, which joins two or more
larger areas of similar wildlife habitat. Corridors are critical for allowing for the movement of
animals and the continuation of viable populations. The purpose of wildlife corridors is to provide
safe passage for wildlife to move safely from one habitat area to another. The project site
represents an “island” of heavily degraded habitat surrounded by development and is not
suitable to function as a wildlife corridor.
4.2 Conservation Areas
A review of the CVMSHCP confirmed that the Desert Willow Golf Resort Project site is not
located within any CVMSHCP designated Conservation Area. The Thousand Palms
Conservation Area is located approximately 2 miles northeast of the project site, and the Santa
Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area is located approximately 3 miles southwest of
the project site.
4.3 Suggested Mitigation Measures
Excluded from coverage under the CVMSHCP are a variety of common bird species that are
protected by the MBTA. This includes virtually all native migratory and resident bird species,
including many of the birds already known to occur in the vicinity (see Appendix 1). Avoidance
of impacts to nesting migratory and resident birds is a requirement of the federal permit issued
for the CVMSHCP. In order to avoid impacting nesting birds, avoidance of project-related
disturbance during the nesting season would be required (generally from approximately
February 1 to August 31). Alternatively, nesting bird surveys conducted by a qualified biologist
immediately prior to project related disturbance during the nesting season would be required. If
nesting birds are present, no work would be permitted near the nest until young have fledged.
While there is no established protocol for nest avoidance, when consulted, the CDFW generally
recommends avoidance buffers of about 500 feet for birds-of-prey, and 100 – 300 feet for
songbirds.
A focused burrowing owl survey was not performed as part of this survey effort. Due to the
presence of potentially suitable habitat on the southern parcel, there is a low probability that the
project could impact burrowing owls. Mr. Moorhatch has contacted Karen A. Riesz of the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife to obtain guidance on survey requirements for
burrowing owl as related to other projects in the Coachella Valley (Riesz pers. comm 2015).
Ms. Riesz stated: “According to the Coachella Valley MSHCP Section 9, Burrowing Owl, page
9-143: For projects subject to CEQA, surveys for the presence of burrowing owls in the
Conservation Areas, using an accepted protocol, are required. If your project is not in a
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 24
Conservation Area, you are not required to conduct protocol surveys. That said, you are still
required by law (DFG codes and MBTA) to avoid take of burrowing owls.” This can be
accomplished by take avoidance (pre-construction) surveys. CDFW recommends two take
avoidance surveys. The first should occur between 14 and 30 days prior to ground disturbance
and the second within 24 hours of ground disturbance.” If owls are located on the project site,
conducting the first clearance survey 14 to 30 days prior to ground disturbance enables the
project proponent to consult with CDFW to determine what course of action is needed, such as
the use of exclusion devices (if applicable) to discourage owls from using burrows that are
believed to be in jeopardy of being impacted by implementation of the project.
Thousand Palms Conservation Area
Santa Rosa and San JacintoMountains Conservation Area
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Conservation Area
FIGURE
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Date: 7/16/2018
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Legend
Project Site
Conservation Area
CVMSHCP Conservation AreasDesert Willow Golf Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 26
4.4 Conclusions
A Habitat Assessment and CVMSHCP Consistency Analysis was conducted for the Desert
Willow Golf Resort Project. The project study area included the project site, Assessor’s Parcel
Numbers (APN) 620-042-023, 620-042-024, and 620-040-008, located in the city of Palm
Desert, Riverside County, California. (Figure 1) and surrounding areas potentially needed to
complete the project. Payment of the required CVMSHCP development fee will mitigate any
impacts to species covered under the plan.
Wood E&I recommends conducting two take avoidance (pre-construction) surveys for burrowing
owl. The first between 14 and 30 days prior to ground disturbance and the second within 24
hours of ground disturbance.
To comply with the MBTA, any vegetation or tree removal, or grading or other site disturbance
occurring between February 1 to August 31 and having the potential to impact nesting birds
shall require a qualified biologist to conduct at least one nesting bird survey, and more if
deemed necessary by the consulting biologist. If there are no nests present, this condition will
be cleared. Conducting construction activities outside the breeding season (September 1
through January 31) can avoid having to implement these measures.
The survey area does not contain any CVMSHCP designated wildlife movement corridors or
linkages and is not located within any CVMSHCP designated Conservation Area. Additionally,
the project site does not lie within any designated critical habitat for any endangered or
threatened species.
The project site does not have any riparian/riverine areas or jurisdictional water features present
on-site. A jurisdictional delineation is not required to access the impacts to drainage features
within the project site. No additional surveys, consultation, or permits are required.
With the implementation of the recommendations, requirements and guidelines summarized
above, including requisite participation in the CVMSHCP, project related impacts to CVMSHCP-
covered species, special-status species not covered by the CVMSHCP, and nesting birds
protected under the MBTA are expected to be mitigated to less than significant levels. The
subject property can then be developed consistent with the MSHCP.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Biological Resources Assessment
Palm Desert, Riverside County, CA
24 August 2018
Page 27
5.0 LITERATURE CITED AND REFERENCES
Baldwin, Bruce. 2012. The Jepson Manual, Vascular Plants of California, 2nd Edition. University
of California Press. Berkeley, California.
California Bird Records Committee. 2018. California bird list of the Western Field Ornithologists’
California Bird Records Committee. Website available at
http://californiabirds.org/checklist.asp
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2018a. Myoma, La Quinta, and Cathedral City, Calif.
quadrangles, California Natural Diversity Data Base RareFind 5 reports.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2017b. Special Animals (898 taxa). Biogeographic
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APPENDIX 1
PLANTS AND VERTEBRATE ANIMALS OBSERVED ON THE
DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT SITE
.
Plants Observed or Detected on the Desert Willow Golf Resort Development
Project Site, Riverside County, California
July 18, 2018
ANGIOSPERMAE
DICOTYLEDONEAE DICOT FLOWERING PLANTS
Acanthaceae Acanthus Family
Justicia californica chuparosa (planted)
Anacardiaceae Sumac Family
*Schinus molle Peruvian pepper
Apocynaceae Dogbane Family
Funastrum hirtellum trailing townula
*Nerium oleander oleander
Asteraceae Sunflower Family
Baccharis sarothroides broom baccharis
Dicoria canescens desert twinbugs
Encelia farinosa brittlebush (dominant)
Erigeron canadensis horseweed
Bignoniaceae Trumpet-creeper Family
Chilopsis linearis ssp. arcuata desert-willow
Boraginaceae Borage Family
Tiquilia plicata fanleaf crinklemat
Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family
Croton californicus California croton
Fabaceae Pea Family
*Acacia sp. unid’d Australian acacia #1 (planted)
*Acacia sp. unid’d Australian acacia #2 (planted)
*Acacia stenophylla shoestring acacia (planted)
*Dalbergia sissoo Indian rosewood (planted)
*Ebenopsis confinis ejoton (planted)
Parkinsonia florida blue palo verde
Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana honey mesquite
Psorothamnus emoryi Emory indigo-bush
Solanaceae Nightshade Family
*Nicotiana glauca tree tobacco
Tamaricaceae Tamarisk Family
*Tamarix ramosissima saltcedar
Zygophyllaceae Caltrop Family
Plants Observed or Detected on the Desert Willow Golf Resort Development
Project Site, Riverside County, California
July 18, 2018
(Continued)
Larrea tridentata creosote bush
MONOCOTYLEDONEAE MONOCOT FLOWERING PLANTS
Arecaceae Palm Family
Washingtonia filifera California fan palm (planted)
* - denotes a non-native species
Vertebrates Observed or Detected on the Desert Willow Golf Resort Development
Project Site, Riverside County, California
July 18, 2018
ARTHROPODS ARTHROPODA
INSECTS INSECTA
Dragonflies and Damselflies Odonata
common green darner Anax junius
flame skimmer Libellula saturate
roseate skimmer Orthemis ferruginea
blue dasher Pachydiplax longipennis
wandering glider Pantala flavescens
Mexican amberwing Perithemis intense
black saddlebags Tramea lacerata
red saddlebags Tramea onusta
CHORDATES CHORDATA
REPTILES REPTILIA
SQUAMATA LIZARDS & SNAKES
Iguanids Iguanidae
desert iguana Dipsosaurus dorsalis
BIRDS AVES
New World Quail Odontophoridae
Gambel’s quail Callipepla gambelii
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
*Eurasian collared-dove Streptopelia decaocto
mourning dove Zenaida macroura
Cuckoos, Roadrunners, and Allies Cuculidae
greater roadrunner Geococcyx californianus
Nightjars Caprimulgidae
lesser nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis
Hummingbirds Trochilidae
black-chinned hummingbird Archilochus alexandri
Costa’s hummingbird Calypte costae
Barn Owls Tytonidae
barn owl (dead) Tyto alba
Tyrant Flycatchers Tyrannidae
western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis
Jays, Magpies, and Crows Corvidae
common raven Corvus corax
Penduline Tits and Verdin Remizidae
verdin Auriparus flaviceps
Wrens Troglodytidae
Bewick’s wren Thryomanes bewickii
APPENDIX 2
SITE PHOTOS
Desert Willow Golf Resort Project
Palm Desert, Riverside County, California
Photo 1. View along eastern edge of APN 620-420-023 looking southwest,
showing some of the habitat present.
Photo 2. Southern end of APN 620-420-023 facing north. Brittlebush scrub-
dominated habitat evident.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Project
Palm Desert, Riverside County, California
Photo 3. Southern/southwestern edge of APN 620-420-023 showing old pvc
irrigation pipes laying on surface.
Photo 4. Rainbird sprinkler observed on APN 620-420-023.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Project
Palm Desert, Riverside County, California
Photo 5. Dirt road present on southern edge of APN 620-420-023.
Photo 6. Cleared area present on the western area of APN 620-420-023.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Project
Palm Desert, Riverside County, California
Photo 7. Land use adjacent to the western portion of APN 620-420-023.
Photo 8. Northern edge of APN 620-420-023, looking southeast, showing cleared
dirt road area.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Project
Palm Desert, Riverside County, California
Photo 9. Western edge of APN 620-400-008, showing densely landscaped edge of
parking lot.
Photo 10. Eastern end of APN 620-400-008, facing northwest. Fully developed as
a parking lot.
Desert Willow Golf Resort Project
Palm Desert, Riverside County, California
Photo 11. Southern portion of APN 620-420-024, facing north/northeast. Fully
developed as a parking lot.
Photo 12. Existing golf course development bordering the east side of APN 620-
420-023.