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Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc.
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING
MEMORANDUM
Date:
April 29, 2015
To:
Cc:
Rob McKie, Architect, AECOM
Carl Wulf, Facilities and Capital Projects Manager, MST
From:
Erin Harwayne, Senior Environmental Scientist, DD&A
Matthew Johnson, Associate Environmental Scientist, DD&A
Subject:
Monterey Salinas Transit Monterey Bay Operations and Maintenance Facility Renovation
and Expansion Project Biological Memorandum
The purpose of this memorandum is to describe the existing and potential biological resources within and
adjacent to the Monterey Salinas Transit (MST) Monterey Bay Operations and Maintenance Facility
(OMF) (Figure 1) and evaluate the potential impacts to the identified resources that may occur as a result
of the Renovation and Expansion Project (Project).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Project intends to improve the efficiency of the existing MST Monterey OMF property through site
improvements and building and bus parking expansion. The Project would reconfigure the existing
facility to focus on operations and would relocate most of their management and administrative functions
off-site.
Reconnaissance-level biological and focused rare plant surveys were conducted on May 21, 2014 at the
MST Monterey Bay OMF, site of the proposed Project, by Associate Environmental Scientist, Matthew
Johnson. The reconnaissance-level surveys included walking the potential locations of the proposed
facilities, and identifying areas known or with potential habitat for special-status plant and wildlife
species and sensitive habitats, including potential wetlands. The focused rare plant surveys included
identifying all plants on the property to the intra-specific taxon necessary to dismiss them as specialstatus. Data from these surveys provide the basis of the analysis contained within this memorandum.
Site Description
The survey area was defined, during a conversation with the project civil engineer, to include the parcels
that contained the MST Monterey Bay OMF extended to the border of the pavement of the surrounding
roads on the north, south and west boundaries. On the eastern boundary the extent of the survey extends
beyond the parcel boundary and the parking lot, into the woodland habitat. This survey boundary was
extended to ensure that potential impacts associated with the Project were considered (Figure 2).
The survey results include mapping and quantification of the acreage of five habitat types within the
survey area:
▪
▪
▪
Chamise chaparral (1 acre),
Coast live oak woodland (4.6 acres),
Non-native grassland (0.3 acre),
Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc ▪ 947 Cass Street, Suite 5 ▪ Monterey, CA 93940 ▪ (831) 373-4341
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MST Monterey Bay
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125
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500 Feet
100 Meters
Monterey Salinas Transit Monterey
Bay Operations and Maintenance
Facility Location Map
Document Path: C:\GIS\GIS_Projects\2014-30 MST Expansion\Location 20150429.mxd
Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P
Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey,
Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap
contributors, and the GIS User Community
Date:
4/29/2015
Scale:
1 inch = 167 feet
Project:
2014-30
Monterey | San Jose
Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
Resource Planners
947 Cass Street, Suite 5
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 373-4341
Figure
1
▪
▪
Unvegetated (0.1 acre), and
Developed (3.6 acres).
A brief description of each of these habitats can be found below along with the identification of the
presence or potential presence of special-status species within each habitat. In addition, the beginning of
each habitat type description lists both the Natural Communities List and Holland types for crossreference purposes and identifies whether the habitat type is considered sensitive by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department).
Chamise Chaparral
▪ A Manual of California Vegetation classification: Chamise chaparral (Adenostoma fasiculatum
Shrubland Alliance )
▪ Holland classification: Chamise chaparral
▪ CNDDB list of high priority and rare natural communities: Not sensitive
This habitat type is dominated by chamise (Adenostoma fasiculatum) and black sage (Salvia mellifera).
Non-dominants include sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and a few sparsely distributed coast
live oak trees (Quercus agrifolia). Four isolated patches (two in the southwest corner, one in the
northwest corner and one in the northeast corner of the survey area) of this habitat exist within the survey
area (Figure 2).
No special-status plant species were identified within this habitat type. No special-status wildlife species
were observed within this habitat type during field visits. However, Monterey dusky-footed woodrats
(Neotoma fuscipes luciana) (MDFW), a species of special concern, nests were observed during the site
visit. California legless lizards (Anniella pulchra) have the potential to occur within this habitat type
where loose, friable soils exist. Additionally, avian species, such as the spotted towhee (Pipilo
maculatus), western scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica), California towhee (Melozone crissalis) and
California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum) may nest and forage within the chamise chaparral habitat.
Coast Live Oak Woodland
▪ A Manual of California Vegetation classification: Coast live oak woodland (Quercus agrifolia
Woodland Alliance)
▪ Holland classification: Coast live oak woodland
▪ CNDDB list of high priority and rare natural communities: Not sensitive
The canopy of this habitat type is dominated by coast live oak trees (Quercus agrifolia). The understory is
dominated by poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), slender oat (Avena barbata) and soft chess
(Bromus hordeaceus). Coast live oak woodland surrounds the entire MST Monterey Bay OMF and is the
dominant habitat type, within the survey area (Figure 2).
Monterey pine trees (Pinus radiata), a CNPS list 1B species, were identified within the coast live oak
woodland habitat. No special-status wildlife species were observed within the coast live oak woodland
during field visits. However, avian species, including raptors, may nest and forage within this habitat
type. MDFW may use this habitat type for foraging and nesting.
Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc ▪ 947 Cass Street, Suite 5 ▪ Monterey, CA 93940 ▪ (831) 373-4341
2
e
Stat
218
s
Oak
del
Cll
Rte
MST Monterey Bay
Operations and Maintenance Facility
Ryan Ranch Rd
Survey Area
Habitat Classification
Non-Native Grassland
Chamise Chaparral
Developed
Coast Live Oak Woodland
Unvegetated
¯
0
0
125
25
250
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500 Feet
100 Meters
Monterey Salinas Transit Monterey
Bay Operations and Maintenance
Facility Habitat Map
Document Path: C:\GIS\GIS_Projects\2014-30 MST Expansion\Habitat Map 20150429.mxd
Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P
Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey,
Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap
contributors, and the GIS User Community
Date:
4/29/2015
Scale:
1 inch = 167 feet
Project:
2014-30
Monterey | San Jose
Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
Resource Planners
947 Cass Street, Suite 5
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 373-4341
Figure
2
Non-Native Grassland
▪ A Manual of California Vegetation classification: annual brome grasslands (Bromus diandrus-Avena
spp. Association)
▪ Holland classification: non-native grassland
▪ CNDDB list of high priority and rare natural communities: Not sensitive
Non-native grassland habitat within the survey area is dominated by slender oat, and soft chess.
Additional species found within this habitat include long beaked filaree (Erodium botrys), California
plantain (Plantago erecta), purple needle grass (Stipa pulchra), and telegraph weed (Heterotheca
grandiflora). The non-native grassland within the survey area is degraded due to the maintenance regime
being implemented by MST, as witnessed during the site visit. Non-native grasslands are located near the
entrance to the facility and adjacent to Ryan Ranch Road in the southwest corner of the survey area, as
well as a small section near the main operations building (Figure 2).
Sandmat manzanita (Arctostaphylos pumila), a CNPS List 1B.4 plant, was identified within this habitat
type, adjacent to the entrance of the facility, on Ryan Ranch Road (Figure 3). No special-status wildlife
species were observed within the non-native grassland during field visits. However, special-status avian
species may forage within this habitat type.
Unvegetated
▪ A Manual of California Vegetation classification: N/A
▪ Holland classification: N/A
▪ CNDDB list of high priority and rare natural communities: Not sensitive
There are two areas located in the northeast corner of the survey area that, due to the extreme grade and
susceptibility to erosion, are dominated by bare ground. These areas do not provide habitat for specialstatus plant or wildlife species and none are expected to occur.
Developed
▪ A Manual of California Vegetation classification: N/A
▪ Holland classification: N/A
▪ CNDDB list of high priority and rare natural communities: Not sensitive
The developed habitat within the survey area includes the MST operations buildings, maintenance
facilities, paved areas, and parking structures. These areas do not provide habitat for special-status plant
or wildlife species and none are expected to occur.
Special-Status Species
The following species are known or have the potential to occur within the areas evaluated:





Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) – CNPS List 1B.1,
Sandmat manzanita (Arctostaphylos pumila) – CNPS List 1B.2,
California legless lizard (Anniella pulchra) – Species of Special Concern,
MDFW (Neotoma fuscipes luciana) –Species of Special Concern, and
Nesting raptors and other protected migratory bird species.
Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc ▪ 947 Cass Street, Suite 5 ▪ Monterey, CA 93940 ▪ (831) 373-4341
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Monterey Pine
Monterey pine is a CNPS List 1B species. This evergreen tree occurs in closed-cone coniferous forests at
elevations from 82-607 feet. Only four native stands of this species exist in the world. One stand is found
on Guadalupe Island off Baja California. The other three stands are all within California at Ano Nuevo,
Cambria, and the Monterey Peninsula. Monterey pines are introduced in many areas, including in New
Zealand where it is used as a plantation crop. Only one-half of the species' historical extent remains
undeveloped on the Monterey Peninsula.
Several Monterey pine trees were observed within the survey area. Construction activities may result in
direct impacts to these species, including potential removal. Mitigation measures are described below to
reduce the potential for impacts to Monterey pine trees.
Sandmat Manzanita
Sandmat manzanita is a CNPS List 1B species. This evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae family blooms from
February to May. Sandmat manzanita is associated with openings in chaparral, coastal scrub, closed cone
coniferous forest, coastal dunes and cismontane woodland habitats on sandy soils at elevations between 3205 meters.
One sandmat manzanita plant was identified and mapped in the non-native grassland habitat located
adjacent to the Ryan Ranch Road entrance (Figure 3) Construction activities may result in direct impacts
this special-status species. Mitigation measures are described below to reduce the potential for impacts to
sandmat manzanita.
California Legless Lizard
The California legless lizard, a species of special concern, is a fossorial (burrowing) species that typically
inhabits sandy or loose (friable) soils. Habitats known to support this species include (but are not limited
to) coastal dunes, valley and foothill grasslands, chaparral, and coastal scrub. California legless lizards
have the potential to occur within the chamise chaparral and coast live oak woodland within the survey
area where loose, sandy soils are present.
The Project has the potential to impact California legless lizard. Mitigation measures are described below
to reduce the potential for impacts to the California legless lizard.
Monterey Dusky-Footed Woodrat
The Monterey dusky-footed woodrat is a species of special concern. This is a subspecies of the duskyfooted woodrat (Neotoma macrotis), which is common to oak woodlands throughout California. Duskyfooted woodrats are frequently found in forest habitats with moderate canopy cover and a moderate to
dense understory; however, they may also be found in chaparral communities. Relatively large nests are
constructed of grass, leaves, sticks, and feathers and are built in protected spots, such as rocky outcrops or
dense brambles of blackberry (Rubus sp.) and/or poison oak.
The Project has the potential to directly impact MDFW by demolition of existing occupied nests, as well
as indirect impacts associated with construction noise and ground disturbance. Mitigation measures are
described below to reduce the potential for impacts to MDFW.
Nesting Raptors and Other Protected Migratory Avian Species
Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc ▪ 947 Cass Street, Suite 5 ▪ Monterey, CA 93940 ▪ (831) 373-4341
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Location of Sandmat manzanita
(Arctostaphylos pumila)
k
Ryan R
anch R
d
Survey Area
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0
0
25
5
50
10
100 Feet
Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P
Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey,
Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap
contributors, and the GIS User Community
20 Meters
Monterey Salinas Transit Monterey
Bay Operations and Maintenance
Facility Special Status Plants Map
Date:
Scale:
Project:
Document Path: C:\GIS\GIS_Projects\2014-30 MST Expansion\A Pumila Location 20150429.mxd
4/29/2015
1 inch = 50 feet
2014-30
Monterey | San Jose
Denise Duffy and Associates, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
Resource Planners
947 Cass Street, Suite 5
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 373-4341
Figure
3
Raptors, other protected migratory avian species and their nests are protected under California
Department of Fish and Game Code and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Many raptors are breeding
residents throughout most of the wooded portions of the state. Stands of live oak, riparian deciduous, or
other forest habitats, as well as open grasslands, are used most frequently for nesting. Breeding occurs
February through August, with peak activity May through July. The coast live oak woodland provides
nesting habitat for several raptor and other migratory avian species. The chamise chaparral habitat could
also provide nesting and foraging habitat for several migratory avian species, including, but not limited to,
western scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica), California towhee (Melozone crissalis) and California
thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum).
Impacts to special-status avian species may include direct mortality of individuals and destruction or
disturbance of nests as a result of construction activities at the MST Monterey Bay OMF. Mitigation
measures are presented below to reduce the potential for impacts to nesting raptors and other protected
migratory avian species.
Species Unlikely To Occur
Several special-status species are known to occur within the vicinity of the MST Monterey Bay OMF, but
are unlikely to occur within the survey area based on lack of appropriate habitat. Of particular local
importance are the California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) (CTS) and the California redlegged frog (Rana draytonii) (CRLF). The nearest known occurrences of CRLF and CTS are associated
with Tehama Ranch approximately 1.8 miles south of the MST Monterey Bay OMF. Although these
occurrences are just inside the known dispersal range of these species, aquatic habitat does not exist
within the survey area and potential upland aestivation habitat is degraded due to ongoing maintenance.
Additionally Highway 68, Highway 218 and other highly developed areas separate the MST Monterey
Bay OMF from the known occurrences of these species. As such, CTS and CRLF are unlikely to occur
within the MST Monterey Bay OMF.
Species Outside of Native Range
Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa), a CNPS List 1B species in the Cupressaceae family,
were observed within the study area. This species natively occurs only at Cypress Point in Pebble Beach
and Point Lobos State Park, but is widely planted and naturalized elsewhere. It is assumed that the
Monterey cypress located within the survey area are planted/naturalized and therefore are not given the
same management consideration as other special-status plant species.
Sensitive Habitats
No sensitive habitats were observed or recorded within the survey area for the MST Monterey Bay OMF.
Mitigation Measures
1. Prior to construction activities, sandmat manzanita, near the entrance to the MST Monterey Bay
OMF, shall be fenced or flagged for avoidance.
2. Prior to construction activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct an Employee Education
Program for the construction crew. The biologist shall meet with the construction crew at the site
at the onset of construction to educate the construction crew on the following: 1) a review of the
project boundaries including staging areas and access routes; 2) the special-status species that
may be present, their habitat, and proper identification; 3) the specific avoidance and
minimization measures that will be incorporated into the construction effort; 4) the general
Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc ▪ 947 Cass Street, Suite 5 ▪ Monterey, CA 93940 ▪ (831) 373-4341
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provisions and protections afforded by the USFWS and the DFW; and 5) the proper procedures if
a special-status animal is encountered within the project site.
3. The biological monitor shall be on-site during initial vegetation removal activities to protect any
special-status species encountered. The qualified biologist shall identify and explain the
protection methods during the Employer Education Program as described in Mitigation Measure
2. These methods could include, but are not limited to, stopping work in the area where the
animal is encountered until it has moved on its own outside of the site or moving individuals
outside of the site to adjacent appropriate habitat.
4. Construction activities that may directly (e.g., vegetation removal) or indirectly affect (e.g.
noise/ground disturbance) protected nesting avian species will be timed to avoid the breeding and
nesting seasons. Specifically, vegetation and/or tree removal can be scheduled after September 16
and before January 31.
If construction must occur during the breeding and nesting season (February 1 through September
15), a qualified biologist would conduct pre-construction surveys for nesting raptors and other
protected avian species within 300 feet of the proposed construction activities. Pre-construction
surveys should be conducted no more than 14 days prior to the start of the construction activities
during the early part of the breeding season (February through April) and no more than 30 days
prior to the initiation of these activities during the late part of the breeding season (May through
August).
If raptors or other protected avian species nests are identified during the pre-construction surveys,
the qualified biologist would notify the project proponent and an appropriate no-disturbance
buffer would be imposed within which no construction activities or disturbance would take place
(generally 300 feet in all directions for raptors; other avian species may have species-specific
requirements) until the young of the year have fledged and are no longer reliant upon the nest or
parental care for survival, as determined by a qualified biologist.”
5. Not more than thirty (30) days prior to the start of construction (including vegetation removal) on
the project site a qualified biologist shall conduct a survey of the project site to locate existing
MDFW nests. All MDFW nests shall be mapped and flagged for avoidance. Graphics depicting
all MDFW nests shall be provided to the project proponent. Any MDFW nests that cannot be
avoided shall be relocated according to the following procedures.
Each active nest shall be disturbed by the qualified biologist to the degree that MDFW leave the
nest and seek refuge elsewhere. After the nests have been disturbed, the nest sticks shall be
removed from the impact areas and placed outside of areas planned for impacts. Nests shall be
dismantled during the non-breeding season (between October 1 and December 31), if possible. If
a litter of young is found or suspected, nest material shall be replaced and the nest left alone for 23 weeks, after this time the nest will be rechecked to verify that young are capable of independent
survival before proceeding with nest dismantling.
6. Monterey pine trees planned for removal will be replaced in kind by a ratio of at least 1:1.
Additionally an arborist report has been prepared for the Project. The project proponent will
implement any additional measures outlined in the arborist report to replace trees planned for
removal and protect existing trees from possible impacts due to construction activities.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this memorandum, please feel free to contact Erin or
Matt at (831) 373-4341.
Denise Duffy & Associates, Inc ▪ 947 Cass Street, Suite 5 ▪ Monterey, CA 93940 ▪ (831) 373-4341
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