HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 - NB-1 - Parks & Rec Commission Review of Talbert - 5/17/2016CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: MAY 17, 2016
ITEM NUMBER: NB -1
SUBJECT: PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION REVIEW OF TALBERT PARK
RESTORATION PLAN
DATE: MAY 11, 2016
FROM: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE
PRESENTATION BY: RICHARD L. FRANCIS, ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: RICHARD L. FRANCIS, (714) 754-5688
RICK. FRANCISC�costamesaca.gov
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the City Council provide direction on assigning the Parks and
Recreation Commission to review the Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration
Plan and make recommendations to the City Council for potential joint restoration projects
between the City and the County of Orange.
BACKGROUND:
Councilmember Gary Monahan has requested that the Parks and Recreation
Commission review the Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat and Restoration Plan (Plan)
that was prepared by County consultants Moffat & Nichol in 2014 and 2015. The final
report was released in December 2015. Essentially, the report offers four options for
projects ranging from no restoration projects to three alternative plans with a graduating
list of amenities, impacts, and costs. Moffat & Nichol conducted extensive site visits, and
compiled hydrological and water quality tests, as well as biological and habitat reports.
The report also addresses public access, construction, and maintenance considerations.
Moffat & Nichol, in conjunction with the County, also facilitated community stakeholder
meetings in September 2014 and June 2015. Stakeholders were given an opportunity to
participate in discussions about the alternative projects and they provided feedback on
their desires and concerns.
The County previously indicated that the Plan would be submitted to the Orange County
Parks Commission for a similar review, but as of yet, that has not occurred. With the City
taking a proactive approach to recommending aspects of the Plan being carried forward,
the County may be enticed to do the same.
ANALYSIS:
Since Talbert Regional Park is within City of Costa Mesa boundaries, the City has an
inherent interest in how the park is restored, if at all. It appears that some moderate
restoration efforts would enhance public access to the park and return portions of the
habitat to their natural state. The City could seek grant funding, in conjunction with the
County, to offset project costs, once projects are identified.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council can take no action and await direction from the County.
LEGAL REVIEW:
No legal review is required.
CONCLUSION:
The City has a vested interest in the restoration of Talbert Park. A review of the Plan by the
Parks and Recreation Commission could lend valuable input and insight into the various
restoration schemes considered by the County's consultant. Staff recommends moving
forward with the recommended action as a method to spur interest within the City and
County to enact some restoration projects.
RICHARD L. FRANCIS
Assistant Chief Executive Officer
THOMAS DUARTE
City Attorney
THOMAS R. HATCH
Chief Executive Officer
ATTACHMENTS: 1 Talbert Reaional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
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REGIONAL PAK'
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Prepared for: Prepared by: In Association with:
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December 2015
Talbert Regional Park
Table of Contents
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
1 Introduction........................................................................................................................... 1
2 Scope of Work........................................................................................................................ 3
3 Habitat Restoration Plan........................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Existing Conditions....................................................................................................................4
3.1.1 Site Visit/Field Reconnaissance....................................................................................4
3.1.2 Site Topography and Pond Bathymetry.......................................................................4
3.1.3 Biology and Habitat....................................................................................................10
3.1.4 Hydrology and Water Quality.....................................................................................18
3.1.5 Soils.............................................................................................................................24
3.1.6 Site Access and Use....................................................................................................27
3.1.7 Utility Easements........................................................................................................31
3.1.8 Opportunities and Constraints...................................................................................35
3.2 Description of Alternatives......................................................................................................41
3.3 No Project Alternative.............................................................................................................41
3.4 Alternative 1 — Minimum Touch..............................................................................................43
3.5 Alternative 2 — Moderate Touch.............................................................................................45
3.6 Alternative 3 — Maximum Touch.............................................................................................47
3.7 Analysis of Alternatives...........................................................................................................49
3.7.1 Hydrology and Water Quality.....................................................................................49
3.7.2 Habitat........................................................................................................................59
3.7.3 Public Access..............................................................................................................65
3.7.4 Construction...............................................................................................................
82
3.7.5 Maintenance..............................................................................................................82
3.7.6 Costs...........................................................................................................................
84
4 Conclusions..........................................................................................................................
86
5 References...........................................................................................................................
91
Appendix A Data Inventory
Appendix B Biological Report for Talbert Regional Park Restoration Plan
Appendix C Water Quality Data for Victoria Pond
,4„ i Final Report
Talbert Regional Park
List of Figures
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 1:
Talbert Regional Park Project Site........................................................................................... 2
Figure 2:
Topography of North Talbert Regional Park............................................................................7
Figure 3:
Topography of South Talbert Regional Park............................................................................8
Figure4:
Earthquake Faults....................................................................................................................9
Figure 5:
Vegetation and Habitat Map at Talbert North......................................................................11
Figure 6:
Vegetation and Habitat Map at Talbert South......................................................................12
Figure 7:
Invasive Plants at North Talbert............................................................................................14
Figure 8:
Invasive Plants at South Talbert............................................................................................15
Figure 9:
OCPW Mitigation Sites...........................................................................................................16
Figure 10:
Groundwater Contours at South Talbert...............................................................................20
Figure 11:
Site Drainage at South Talbert...............................................................................................21
Figure 12:
Victoria Pond Grading Done by USACE..................................................................................22
Figure 13:
Soil Types Found at Talbert Regional Park.............................................................................26
Figure 14:
Trails at North Talbert............................................................................................................28
Figure 15:
Trails at South Talbert............................................................................................................29
Figure 16:
Land Ownership at South Talbert..........................................................................................30
Figure 17:
View of Victoria Pond from Victoria Street...........................................................................
31
Figure 18:
Existing Utility Easements at North Talbert...........................................................................33
Figure 19:
Existing Utility Easements at South Talbert...........................................................................34
Figure 20:
Conceptual Grand Plan..........................................................................................................38
Figure 21:
Coastal Commission Jurisdiction...........................................................................................40
Figure 22:
No Project Alternative...........................................................................................................42
Figure23:
Alternative 1..........................................................................................................................44
Figure 24:
Overview of Public Access for Alternative 1..........................................................................45
Figure25:
Alternative 2..........................................................................................................................46
Figure 26:
Overview of Public Access for Alternative 2..........................................................................47
Figure27:
Alternative 3..........................................................................................................................48
Figure 28:
Overview of Public Access for Alternative 3..........................................................................49
Figure 29:
Proposed Tidal Connection and Tidal Channels for the Salt Marsh......................................51
Figure 30:
Typical Cross-section of Tidal Channel..................................................................................52
Figure 31:
Previous Modeling of Existing North Marsh..........................................................................54
Figure 32:
Model Set-up for Alternative 3 Assuming a Northern Connection.......................................55
Figure 33:
Existing Tide Gate at North Marsh.........................................................................................56
Figure 34:
View through Culvert at North Marsh...................................................................................57
Figure 35:
Tide Range in Talbert Park With Culverts Connecting to the GBC/Santa Ana River Only.....
58
Figure 36:
Tide Range in the Existing North Marsh as Connected to the Santa Ana River ....................58
Figure 37:
Alternative 1 Balboa Access Improvements..........................................................................67
Figure 38:
Alternative 1 Victoria Street and Pond Access Improvements..............................................69
Figure 39:
Alternative 1 Sheephills Access.............................................................................................70
Figure 40:
Alternative 2 Victoria Pond Access Improvements...............................................................72
Figure 41:
Alternative 2 Sheephills Access.............................................................................................73
Figure 42:
Alternative 2 Sheephills Access.............................................................................................74
Figure 43:
19th Street Access Improvements..........................................................................................75
Figure 44:
Boulevard -Type Trail Section.................................................................................................77
Figure 45:
Alternative 3 Balboa Access Improvements..........................................................................78
Figure 46:
Alternative 3 Victoria Pond Access Improvements...............................................................80
Figure 47:
19th Street Access Improvements..........................................................................................81
,o„ ii Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
1 Introduction
Talbert Regional Park (the Park) is located north and south of Victoria Street in Costa Mesa,
California, just east of the Santa Ana River. The park area north of Victoria Street (North Talbert)
consists of 91.5 acres. The park area south of Victoria Street (South Talbert) is approximately 88.5
acres. For a map of the project site, see Figure 1.
The Park contains functioning wetland habitat impacted by non-native and invasive plant species.
Conceptual restoration planning is needed to: 1) address removal of exotic plant species; 2)
restore native habitat; and 3) accommodate public access and recreation.
The Talbert Regional Park Habitat Restoration Plan (the Plan) comprises a planning document
that identifies park enhancement opportunities and specifies needs and recommended actions.
The Plan targets those areas most impacted by invasive exotics as identified within the Fairview
& Talbert Regional Park Master Plan (EDAW 1991) and by field inspection. The Plan specifically
identifies areas within the Park for removal of exotic invasive plants. Some of that work has
occurred, and more is planned for the future. As clearing of the invasive species moves forward,
a comprehensive plan is needed to identify opportunities and constraints for restoration of the
Wetland Zone. Upon completion, additional projects can move forward toward improving the
balance and function of ecosystem services and public use of the area.
This Plan addresses natural preservation through non-native plant removal, habitat restoration,
passive recreation and public use of multiple interest areas (Victoria Pond and a BMX bicycle
area). Highlights of the Plan address the water resources of the Park within South Talbert
containing elements of riparian woodland and mulefat scrub, and North Talbert along an area
referred to as Placentia Drain. Placentia Drain is located along the eastern edge of North Talbert
and runs along the base of the adjacent bluffs, until it fans out and drains into the Greenville -
Banning channel through a culvert. The Drain is a natural open channel and the low spot which
collects runoff and seepage from Fairview and Talbert Park and the bluffs. Placentia Drain has a
historic connection to the Santa Ana River in that it is a remnant channel of the river - dating back
to a time when urbanization and flood control along the river did not exist. It is approximately
2.5 acres.
A large number of stakeholders are interested in the site, so close coordination with stakeholders
is appropriate. Important elements of the Plan include a description of existing conditions,
analysis of restoration alternatives, maintenance needs, construction costs, and conclusions.
,A„ 1 Final Plan
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
2 Scope of Work
This planning effort was made possible with funding provided through a Coastal Impact
Assistance Program (CTAP) grant administered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS).
The scope of work for the project is listed below.
a. Conduct Site Visit/Field Reconnaissance
b. Describe Existing Conditions
c. Conduct Public Stakeholder Meetings
d. Develop Draft Restoration Concepts
e. Evaluate Draft Restoration Concepts for:
i. Hydrology and Water Quality
ii. Habitat
iii. Public Access
iv. Construction
V. Maintenance and
vi. Costs for design, permitting, construction and maintenance.
f. Specify Next Steps and
g. Prepare Draft and Final Restoration Plan Documents
,�„ 3 Final Plan
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
3 Habitat Restoration Plan
The purpose of this Plan is to evaluate a range of restoration concepts against baseline conditions
of the Park. This Plan will be used to detail restoration needs within the Park and recommend
specific actions for Park restoration. The Plan also identifies opportunities and constraints for
restoration and will include analysis of several restoration alternatives.
3.1 Existing Conditions
Understanding the existing baseline conditions of the Park is a prerequisite before restoration of
the Park begins. Baseline conditions of the Park are described below. The County's consulting
team (Moffatt & Nichol or M&N) performed a review of existing literature, surveys, and studies
for Talbert Regional Park. Based upon this review, the existing site conditions are described
below. In addition to review of existing data from prior studies, biological surveys were
conducted to obtain updated information on vegetation communities and wildlife. A water
quality analysis of Victoria Pond was also conducted to review conditions for possible
introduction of fish. A summary of the existing conditions in the Park is summarized below.
3.1.1 Site Visit/Field Reconnaissance
On June 30, 2014, Chambers Group, Inc. (Chambers) performed a biological survey to assess
current conditions and identify opportunities and constraints for restoration at Talbert Regional
Park. Chambers mapped existing vegetation communities within Placentia Drain and South
Talbert and assessed each area's potential to support sensitive species. Observations of wildlife
and sensitive species were documented; however, more focused surveys for sensitive species
were beyond this scope of work. Focused surveys may be required during any restoration work.
Water quality samples were also collected at Victoria Pond on June 30, 2014. The results indicate
relatively low salinity and normal pH levels for the pond. However, high water temperatures and
fairly low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were also measured. Additional DO measurements should
be taken within the pond to determine if the existing fish population in Victoria Pond can be
increased without depleting ambient oxygen levels (Chambers 2014).
Subsequent to this field effort additional water quality data was collected by the County from
August 2014 to February 2015 (County of Orange 2015) and is included in Appendix C. It confirms
the conditions documented by Chambers.
3.1.2 Site Topography and Pond Bathymetry
Topographic data were obtained from surveys provided by the City of Costa Mesa and the County
of Orange. Aerial surveys were conducted for North Talbert and South Talbert in 2005 and 2006
respectively. The survey data helped characterize the general topographic conditions of Talbert
Regional Park. See Figure 2 and Figure 3 for topographic conditions of North and South Talbert
Regional Park, respectively. A general description of the surface of each area is provided below.
,11111„ 4 Final Plan
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
• North Talbert - Topographic data were obtained from topographic files provided by the
City of Costa Mesa. See Figure 2 for a topographic map of North Talbert. The topographic
map was produced in 2005 from an aerial flown survey and has a contour interval of one
foot. The topographic map includes existing ground conditions of Fairview Park, Placentia
Drain, and the northern and eastern areas of North Talbert and the adjacent upland mesa.
Specific features of interest are described below.
o Fairview Park adjoins Talbert Regional Park to the north. The average elevation at
Fairview Park is approximately +11 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum 1929
(NGVD). Newport Mesa is an upland mesa located on the eastern edge of the site.
The elevation at the top of the mesa is +80 feet NGVD. Placentia Drain is a linear
feature at the base of the bluffs that drains Fairview and Talbert Parks. Elevations
in the drain from north to south range from +10 to +5 feet NGVD.
o The Santa Ana River is located along the western edge of the site. A flood control
levee separates the river from the park. The elevation at the top of levee is
approximately 19.5 feet NGVD.
o Victoria Street runs along the southern edge of North Talbert. The street bisects
the upland mesa and the average elevation of the roadway is +35 feet NGVD.
o The elevations at North Talbert are greater than elevations at South Talbert and
the area slopes downward from the north to the south.
• South Talbert - Topographic data, except for Victoria Pond, were obtained from
topographic files provided by the County of Orange. See Figure 3 for a topographic map
of South Talbert. The topographic map was produced in 2006 from an aerial flown survey
and has a contour interval of one foot. The topographic map includes existing ground
conditions at Victoria Pond, the internal BMX area referred to as "Sheephills," a portion
of the lower Greenville -Banning Channel (GBC), and the adjacent upland mesas. Specific
features of interest are described below.
o The existing ground at Talbert South gradually slopes downward from the north
to the south. Elevations at South Talbert are generally flat and range from 6.6 to
4.6 feet NGVD.
o Victoria Pond has existing on-site historically, but was expanded for mitigation
during construction of the Greenville -Banning Channel in 1991. The pond is
currently fenced, which restricts public access to the waterway.
o A hydrographic survey of Victoria Pond was conducted by Gahagan & Bryant, Inc.
on August 20, 2014. Sonar points and transects were used to map depths and the
toe of slope from the shoreline. The depth of Victoria Pond is approximately -8.6
feet NGVD. The water surface elevation at Victoria Pond is -1.2 Feet NGVD
(Gahagan & Bryant Associates 2014).
o A residential neighborhood is located to the east of the site atop the adjacent
upland mesa. This residential area was historically used as a landfill site. Canyon
,4„ 5 Final Plan
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Park is located to the east of this residential area. The elevation at the top of this
mesa is +20 feet NGVD.
o An unpaved road and utility easement is located along the southern edge of the
site and separates South Talbert from the Banning Ranch property.
o In 2009, an experimental swale was constructed in the southwest portion of the
site by OC Public Works as mitigation for the San Diego Creek Emergency Project.
The purpose of the swale is to create suitable hydrologic conditions for riparian
habitat at South Talbert. According to OC Public Works design plans for the swale,
a channel was excavated 6 inches below the existing ground with 3:1
(horizontal:vertical) slopes and a top of bank width of 30 feet. The swale is
oriented in a sinuous planform and extends roughly north to south.
o The Greenville -Banning Channel and Santa Ana River are located along the
western edge of the site. A flood control levee physically separates these channels
from the Park. The elevation at the top of levee is approximately 19.5 feet NGVD.
o Figure 4 depicts earthquake faults at the park site. According to the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) database of earthquake faults, three faults associated with the
Inglewood -Newport -Rose Canyon fault zone cross beneath Talbert Regional Park
and the adjacent cities of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Huntington Beach. The
faults lines are oriented in a northwest/southeast direction.
,�„ 6 Final Plan
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3.1.3 Biology and Habitat
Biology data were obtained from the 1989 EDAW et.al Technical Memo and 2014 Chambers
Group Biological Report. These data sources were used to characterize the vegetation
communities and habitats at Talbert Regional Park. See Figure 5 and Figure 6 for vegetation and
habitat mapping of North Talbert and South Talbert, respectively. The Park consists of various
native habitat areas put in place by the County over the last decade. However, the Park also
contains disturbed and degraded areas consisting of non-native invasive species (Chambers
2014).
• North Talbert - Quailbush scrub is located along the base of the flood control levee and
extends into northwest and central portions of the site, along with Golden Bush and
Coyote Brush. Summer Bush Lupine was observed on either side of the paved
maintenance road located in the northernmost portion of the site.
The northeastern portion of the project site supports stands of Coast Live oak and
California Sycamore trees, which are also established along the eastern edge of the site
and near Placentia Drain. The Placentia Drain, a remnant channel of the river, extends
from north to south at the base of the mesa and supports mixed exotic/mule fat scrub.
The drain also includes some non-native invasive species (arundo) that is in need of
removal (Chambers 2014).
The southern portion of this site is predominantly Coyote Brush scrub. Mule fat scrub was
mapped along the southern portion of the site by Wetland Research Associates in 1989.
However, vegetation mapping done by Chambers Group, Inc. in 2014 indicates this area
is now dominated by Coyote Brush, Quailbush scrub, and ornamental landscaping.
Cottonwood trees, and Willow trees; tree tobacco plants also occur within the southern
portion of the site
Birds are the most common animal species at this site. Although fewer birds were
observed in this area than in South Talbert, the habitat at North Talbert is regular foraging
grounds for raptors, seed -eating birds, and hummingbirds that feed at tree tobacco plants
(EDAW et al. 1989).
South Talbert - Data were obtained from the 1989 EDAW et al. Technical Memo, the 2014
Chambers Group Biological Report, and the 2014 Fourth Annual Monitoring Report by
Dudek. This site contains a mosaic of habitats and plant communities that include a
mixture of annual forbs and grasses, non-native/exotic plants, mule fat scrub, stands of
willow forest, ornamental landscaping along the top of the mesas, California Bulrush, and
freshwater open water habitat at Victoria Pond. The plant communities change
periodically due to wetter or dryer weather patterns. Willow stands and mule fat scrub
nearest to Victoria Pond are more stable than other areas and less influenced by shifts in
weather patterns (EDAW et al. 1989).
,111111„ 10 Final Report
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Legend
Q Project Boundary 3 - Fremont Cottonwood- U 13 - Mule Fat Thicket
Arroyo Willow -California 14 -Alkali Heath Marsh
Photo Point Sycamore Association
Species Observation 0 15 - California Bulrush Marsh
Least Bell's Vireo 4 - Ornamental ® 16 - Disturbed Black
Landscaping/Ruderal WillowiMule Fat Association
Vegetation Community C 5 - Coyote Brush Scrub 17 - Black Willow Thicket
1 - Quailbush Scrub g - Menzies's Golden Bush- n 18 - Disturbed Quailbush Scrub
2 - Giant Reed Break Coyote Brush-Quailbush Scrub
19 -Alkali Sacalon Grassland
9 - Disturbed . 20 - Disturbed/Developed
U 21 - Open Water
N
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Talbert Regional Park
Habitat Restoration Plan
Vegetation Communities
Map
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Figure 6: Vegetation and Habitat Map at Talbert South
(Source: Chambers 2014)
,illd„ 12 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Patches of California Bulrush, which is wetland vegetation typically found in brackish to
freshwater marshes, was found along the southern edge of Victoria Pond and to a lesser
extent the eastern edge of Victoria Pond. Other riparian habitats include stands of Black
Willow and Mule Fat Thicket located in the central, eastern, and southeastern portion of
the site. Several non-native plant species were found within the Mule Fat Thicket areas
including fennel, shortpod mustard, Aleppo Pine, and pampas grass. Pampas grass, which
is a highly invasive species, is interspersed within vegetation communities throughout this
site (Chambers 2014). In some disturbed areas pampas grass has been removed by OC
Parks and through community based restoration efforts. Large expanses of the exotic
species still remain throughout the site however; and, until it is thoroughly eradicated,
pampas grass will continue to threaten native plant species and hinder restoration of the
Park. Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows invasive species at Talbert Regional Park. Areas where
invasive species have largely been removed are also shown on the map.
Disturbed Quailbush scrub is located within the central portion of the site. As with the
North Talbert site, Quailbush scrub is also located along the base of the flood control levee
at South Talbert. The southwest portion of the site is dominated by a modest expanse of
Alkali Heath marsh. About midway along the southern boundary of the project site is a
small community of Alkali Sacatan Grassland. The endangered Least Bell's Vireo was
observed in a small patch of Mule Fat Thicket adjacent to this area. Stands of Black Willow
and Mule Fat Thicket make up the remaining habitat along the southern boundary
(Chambers 2014).
There are five existing habitat restoration/mitigation areas at South Talbert. These
mitigation areas were created by Orange County Public Works (OCPW) to compensate for
(riparian) impacts associated with OCPW San Diego Creek Emergency Repairs and Peters
Canyon Channel Bikeway Projects. The five mitigation areas are Sites A, B, C, D, and E. See
Figure 9 for OCPW mitigation sites at South Talbert.
At Site A, restoration and monitoring of coastal sage scrub habitat is being done by OCPW.
At Sites B, C, D, and E, restoration and monitoring of southern willow scrub habitat is
being done by OCPW. Mitigation monitoring reports have been prepared annually since
2010 for these areas (Dudek 2014). As a result of the difficulty in establishing riparian
habitat in the southwest part of South Talbert, OCPW is in the process of designating a
new area for riparian habitat restoration. This new area is called "Proposed Site B". OC
Parks is working closely with OCPW in coordinating restoration efforts at Talbert Regional
Park.
,�„ 13 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 8: Invasive Plants at South Talbert
(Source: California Invasives Plant Council)
,ig„ 15 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 9: OCPW Mitigation Sites
(Source: OCFCD 2014)
16
Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Of the five mitigation sites, Site C has the best riparian canopy cover. The monitoring
results also indicate some favorable progress has been made towards creating the desired
habitat for Sites A, D, and E, although most of the progress occurred at the herbaceous
level. The monitoring results for Site B suggest creating riparian habitat in this area may
be the most challenging. The results for all five mitigation areas are based on quantitative
transect data - per vegetative cover data collected in October 2013 - and are summarized
in Dudek 2014.
Results from the Chambers' literature review and site survey indicate three (3) plant species
(Lewis' Evening Primrose, Gambel's Watercress, and South Coast Branching Phacelia) have
moderate potential to occur and three (3) species (Chaparral Sand Verbena, Coulter's Goldfields,
and Mud Nama) have high potential to occur at Talbert Regional Park. Southern tarplant was
observed on site at the southern end of the site, and Chambers identified other populations in
areas at Fairview Park, north of the site, and also in the Banning Ranch area, just south of the
site. Findings from Chambers indicate Talbert Preserve is likely to support a self-sustaining
population of southern tarplant. Focused surveys should be conducted to determine the extent
and number of individuals present on site (Chambers 2014).
Three (3) wildlife species were not observed onsite, but given the type of habitats at Talbert
Regional Park, have potential to occur here. These species include: the California gnatcatcher,
which has a moderate potential to occur within the Project site; and the burrowing owl and San
Diego fairy shrimp, both of which have a high potential to occur within the Project site. Other
sensitive wildlife species such as the California least tern, least Bell's vireo, and yellow -breasted
chat, were observed on site during the biological survey. To minimize potential impacts to these
species, focused surveys and biological monitoring should be conducted. Should any of the above
species be identified during focused surveys, measures to avoid or minimize impacts to the
species should be submitted to resource agencies for approval prior to construction (Chambers
2014).
The biological assessment from Chambers indicates Talbert Regional Park supports some
sensitive species and has potential to become habitat for additional sensitive plant and wildlife
species. Several plant species, including Lewis' Evening Primrose, Gambel's Watercress, South
Coast Branching Phacelia, Chaparral Sand Verbena, Coulter's Goldfields, and Mud Nama have the
potential to establish. The data collected also suggests that Southern tarplant in particular has
the potential to establish and thrive at Talbert Regional Park. In addition to plant species, three
(3) wildlife species have potential to occur at Talbert Regional Park: the California gnatcatcher,
the burrowing owl, and San Diego fairy shrimp. Talbert Regional Park could be designed such that
the habitats these species depend on is enhanced or created within the boundary of the Park.
,11111„ 17 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
3.1.4 Hydrology and Water Quality
Hydrologic and water quality data were obtained from the 1989 EDAW et al. Technical Memo,
1991 EDAW Enhancement Plan, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Greenville -Banning
Channel Victoria Pond Grading Plans, 2014 Chambers Group Biological Report, and data
measured by County staff. Most recently, County staff sampled water at Victoria Pond
approximately twice a month from 8/14/14 to 8/17/15. All of these data sources were used to
summarize the hydrology and water quality at Talbert Regional Park in the paragraphs that
follow.
EDAW reported semi -perched groundwater is located near the surface of the site and Talbert
Aquifer underlies the site at approximately 60 to 150 feet beneath the surface. Water in the
aquifer is known to have been intruded by seawater in areas located several hundred yards west
of the Park. However, groundwater quality testing showed most of the Park to be underlain at
shallow depths by brackish water. The shallow groundwater is confined by a silty clay unit at
about 10 feet below the ground surface and the saturated zone is confined at elevations
approximately between -1 to -5 feet NGVD (EDAW et al. 1991).
EDAW found the groundwater to be predominantly fresh at South Talbert - no saltwater intrusion
(EDAW et al. 1989). However, soil testing done in 2012 indicates brackish saltwater may be
percolating up through the ground at (previous) Mitigation Site B (Dudek 2014). More
groundwater testing in the vicinity of Site B may be required to characterize the groundwater
quality and detect any presence of saltwater intrusion. Anecdotal evidence from Site B mitigation
monitoring suggests some saltwater or brackish water is infiltrating the (previous) Site B vicinity
(Dudek 2014).
Per communications with Dudek, new groundwater monitoring wells were installed at the Park
in 2014/2015 and the results of the monitoring data should be available soon. Saltwater
intrusion, if detected in the aquifer underneath the Park, could beset any progress to mitigation
and restoration of freshwater riparian habitat at the park. Consequently, salt water intrusion will
need to be monitored carefully by the County, and restoration plans adjusted accordingly to take
it into account.
The groundwater table at Talbert Regional Park fluctuates according to the seasons. The "wet"
season is predominantly from November to March/April when rainfall is greatest. The average
monthly rainfall during the wet season varies from 1.4 inches to 2.5 inches. During the dry season,
rainfall is less than 0.3 inches rainfall per month (EDAW et al. 1989). Park subareas are described
in more detail below.
,4„ 18 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
• North Talbert
Regular flooding does not occur and the groundwater table is not high at this site.
Placentia Drain has the lowest elevations. Water from the adjacent parks and bluffs
collects in the drain and flows via gravity to a culvert that connects to the Greenville -
Banning Channel.
• South Talbert
The groundwater table at South Talbert is higher than at North Talbert and estimated to
be between 0.7 feet and 5 feet below the ground. For an illustration of groundwater
contours at South Talbert, see Figure 10. The groundwater contours depict a southwest
trend or gradient, with higher groundwater to the northeast and lower groundwater to
the southwest. A canyon to the east and interlayered units of silty, clayey sand and gravel
soils, inferred to be a buried stream channel or extension of the canyon, seem to be
providing some recharge to the local ground water. The groundwater gradient for the site
is relatively steep, about a tenth of a foot per hundred feet (EDAW 1991).
• Victoria Pond
As documented by EDAW, the water in Victoria Pond is perched or semi -perched relative
to ground water. Victoria Pond was probably formed by the intersection of the water
table with the pond bed and drainage inflows from adjacent urban areas. The pond has a
fluctuating water table in response to seasonal changes to inflow and groundwater levels.
Surface flows entering the pond dissipate due to evaporation and also by infiltration into
the ground water (EDAW 1989 and 1991). The pond was surveyed by Gahagan and Bryant,
Inc. on August 20, 2014. The water surface elevation of the pond is -0.9 feet NGVD and
the bed (bottom) of the pond ranges from -8.3 to -8.8 feet NGVD.
The pond also receives water via a 30 -inch box culvert or spillway that connects to the
adjacent Greenville -Banning Channel. The invert of the culvert is 3.6 feet NGVD (Gahagan
and Bryant, Inc. 2014) and is set high relative to the tide range, which means Victoria Pond
may only receive tide water during "King" tides. Likewise the pond will only drain into the
Greenville -Banning Channel when the water level of the pond is above the culvert invert.
The pond is predominantly a fresh water body.
,111111„ 19 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
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(Source: EDAW 1991)
,4„ 20 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 11 depicts drainage and storm drain outfalls at South Talbert. The Park receives runoff
from the adjacent residential areas on top of the bluffs. Runoff enters the site from three (3)
drainage systems: two storm drains to the east, and a series of small drainage swales located
along the bluffs to the north. One 45-inchstorm drain is located at the east boundary (Walkabout
Circle) and another is located at the intersection of 19th Street and Balboa Boulevard (EDAW
1991; personal communication with Dudek 2015). Small drainage swales located along the bluffs
to the north of the Victoria Pond receive water from the residential area at the top of the bluffs
and drain near the base of the bluffs. Runoff received from the outlet east of the site at
Walkabout Circle is collected and routed to Victoria Pond by an earthen drainage channel.
Some rainfall collects in the excavated area in the southwest corner of the site. Rainfall also
collects and ponds in areas adjacent to Victoria Pond, along the southern boundary of the site,
and in the willow forests located in the southeast corner (EDAW 1991).
Spil
IN
Figure 11: Site Drainage at South Talbert
45" Storm Drain
Dutlet
45" Storm Drain
Outlet at Balboa
and 19th
,A„ 21 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
As a result of flood control improvements to the Greenville -Banning Channel in the early 1990's,
approximately 4.5 acres of Victoria Pond was eliminated. To mitigate for this impact, the USACE
regraded and reconfigured Victoria Pond, expanding the pond to the south/southeast. Figure 12
illustrates modifications that were made to Victoria Pond by the USACE. As shown in the figure,
the pond area was graded to include a southern extension to the south. In addition to excavating
the pond, the USACE restored 92 acres of salt marsh within the Local Coastal Program (LCP)
project area located between the Banning Ranch property and the Santa Ana River (EDAW 1991).
Victoria Pond
Regrading
Figure 12: Victoria Pond Grading Done by USACE
(Source: USACE 1991)
Victoria Pond
Connector
Channel
,�„ 22 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
A variety of water sources (groundwater, tidal, surface ponding and others) exist at South Talbert.
This means a variety of wetland habitats (freshwater, brackish, and saltwater) could potentially
be supported in the Park. The water table is seasonably high at South Talbert and a shallow, semi -
perched aquifer underlies most of this site. Further to the south of the site, the USACE installed
a culvert connection to the Santa Ana River located upstream of the Pacific Coast Highway bridge.
The invert elevation of the pipe is -2.4 feet (MSL). This could potentially be another hydrological
connection to South Talbert (EDAW 1991).
At Victoria Pond, water quality measurements were taken by Chambers on June 30, 2014 and
monthly by the County from August 14, 2014 to August 15, 2015. The results are summarized
below.
• Temperatures taken by Chambers were sampled in the morning hours and ranged from
75 degrees (F) on the northeast side of the pond to 78 degrees (F) at the southwest end
of the pond. Similarly, temperatures taken by the County ranged from 52 degrees (F) to
82 degrees (F). The coldest temperature was recorded in late December and the warmest
temperatures were recorded in the summer months. The relatively high water
temperature in the pond is assumed to be correlated to a small body of water being
warmed by the hot summer weather (Chambers 2014).
• Victoria Pond is connected to the tidally influenced Greenville -Banning Channel via a
spillway; however, overall water salinity in the pond is low. According to salinity data
recorded by Chambers, the water in Victoria Pond appears to be more brackish at the
northwest tip than other areas. Salinity was 2 parts per thousand (ppt) at all of the
sampling stations except the northwest tip of the pond, where it was 8 ppt. Salinity
measurements taken by the County were uniform and ranged from 0.8 to 1.1 ppt. Low
salinity readings suggest that whatever tidal water is entering the pond via the spillway is
being diluted by freshwater sources (Chambers 2014).
• Values of dissolved oxygen (DO) are presented herein in parts per million (ppm). This unit
is equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/1) that is another way of expressing water quality.
DO measurements taken by Chambers ranged from 1.2 parts per million (ppm) on the
northeast side of the pond to 4.7 ppm at the northwest corner. DO measurements taken
by the County ranged from 2.5 parts per million (ppm) to 14.0 (ppm) at the north end of
the pond and ranged from 3.4 parts per million (ppm) to 16.2 (ppm) at the south end. DO
measured by the County was above 10 (ppm) from January to the end of June then
dropped below 10 (ppm) from July to December. It is typical for DO levels to drop in still
bodies of water during the night then rise during the day. Vegetation and fish deplete
oxygen and do not produce more by photosynthesis at night (without sunlight). As the
sun rises throughout the day, plants photosynthesize and produce oxygen and the DO
level rises. Chambers Group recommends additional measurements of the water column
be taken in the middle of the pond. If these measurements indicate oxygen levels below
6 ppm throughout the day, then any plans to increase fish densities in the pond should
carefully consider the potential for further depletion of oxygen and resultant fish kills
(Chambers 2014).
,4„ 23 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
• Measurements of pH taken by Chambers varied from 8.68 at the northeast corner of the
pond to 8.76 at the northwest corner. Measurements of pH taken by the County varied
from 7.7 to 9.1 at the north end of the pond and from 7.3 to 9.2 at the south end of the
pond. Slightly basic pH levels are typical of freshwater systems in Southern California
(Chambers 2014).
3.1.5 Soils
Soils data were obtained from the 1989 EDAW et al. Technical Memo, 1991 EDAW Enhancement
Plan, 2010 and 2011 Annual Mitigation Monitoring Reports by URS, and the 2013 and 2014
Annual Mitigation Monitoring Reports by Dudek. EDAW's characterization of soils is based on a
soil survey report published in 1978 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation
Service. These sources were useful in characterizing the soil types at Talbert Regional Park, and
particularly for South Talbert.
For a map of the soils at Talbert Regional Park, see Figure 13. North Talbert is predominantly
comprised of Metz loamy sand, moderately fine substratum. The soils at South Talbert consist of
a mix of Hueneme fine sandy loam (drained) on the north, Hueneme fine sandy loam on the east,
Bolsa silt loam on the south, and a relatively small area of excavated "Pits" on the southeast
corner.
Metz loamy sand, moderately fine substratum is poorly level to gently sloping soil, "excessively
drained" on floodplains and alluvial fans deposited by the Santa Ana River. In a typical profile the
surface layer is pale brown and brown loamy sand approximately 20 inches thick. The underlying
layer is stratified pale brown and very pale brown loamy sand, sandy loam, and very fine loam to
a depth of 65 inches or more. The soil is moderately alkaline and calcareous throughout and is
moderately permeable. The erosion potential of this soil is small (EDAW 1991).
The Hueneme fine sandy loam and Hueneme fine sandy loam drained are nearly level soils which
generally occur on large alluvial fans or floodplains. These soils formed in mixed alluvium. In a
typical profile the surface layer is light brownish gray fine sandy loam approximately 30 inches
thick. The underlying layer is stratified light gray and light brownish gray loamy sand, silt loam,
loamy fine sand, fine sandy loam, and silty clay loam. It extends to a depth of 60 inches or more.
The soil is moderately alkaline throughout and is calcareous in all but the loamy fine sand horizon.
Permeability is moderately rapid. Drainage has been altered by the lowering of the water table
and by pumping wells or construction of flood control channels. The erosion potential of this soil
is small (EDAW 1991).
The Bolsa silt loam is nearly level soil, poorly drained and generally occurs on large alluvial fans.
Typically, the surface layer is light brownish gray silt loam approximately 15 inches thick. The
upper 20 inches of the underlying layer is light brownish gray silt loam with some very faint
patches. The underlying layer is light brownish gray silty clay loam with common reddish yellow
,4„ 24 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
patches to a depth of 65 inches or more. The soil is moderately alkaline throughout and is
calcareous to a depth of approximately 50 inches. It is moderately slowly permeable and the
erosion potential is slight (EDAW 1991).
The "Pits" are open excavations from which soil and underlying material, mostly sand and gravel,
have been removed for use in construction (EDAW 1991).
The USGS classifies the Park area as an alluvial basin. An alluvial basin contains unconsolidated
materials consisting of clay, silt, sand, gravel, and boulders that erode from the mountain slopes
and watershed. The soils at Talbert Regional Park were "formed under hydric or seasonally hydric
conditions" (EDAW et al. 1989).
Soil testing done at South Talbert in 2012 indicates soil salinity is high at the site. The salinity
gradient was highest on the western boundary along the flood control levee. The soils on the
eastern half of the site were markedly less saline but showed hydrophobic characteristics in
which water collects on top of the soil rather than infiltrating into the ground (Dudek 2014).
Per mitigation monitoring, establishing native riparian vegetation at Site B in South Talbert
presents a challenge. In the 1950s and 1960s, Site B was previously used for agricultural purposes.
The use of chlorinated pesticides and heavy metals is commonly associated with standard
agricultural practices during that period. More recently, the use of organochlorine herbicides
may have been used for weed management. However, per soil sampling done by Dudek in 2012,
only low levels of organochlorines were found at this site. Dudek determined it was unlikely that
the presence of these chemicals suppressed plant growth in this area. Instead, high salinity
observed from the 2012 soil testing results is believed to be the more likely explanation (Dudek
2014).
Site-specific descriptions of soil conditions at each portion of Talbert Park is provided below.
• North Talbert
This area was formed from river alluvium. It primarily consists of loamy sand. This site has
a high seepage rate because of sandy texture soil and ponded water is unlikely to occur
here. Placentia Drain is the only area of the Park that contains hydric soils (EDAW
1989). Hydric soils are soils that are saturated at or near the surface and usually frequent
and long enough to promote conditions which are favorable to wetland vegetation.
• South Talbert
This area was also formed from river alluvium; however, it consists of fine sandy loam and
its sandy texture results in moderate to high permeability. It also consists of Bolsa silty
loam, which has somewhat slower, though moderate, permeability. This area is not
expected to function as hydric soils unless flooded by surface flows. Soils could possibly
be hydric if high groundwater is a normal condition (EDAW et al. 1989).
,4„ 25 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Hyper -saline soils found at South Talbert are possess greater salt content at the surface than at
depth. However, this site has no presence of salt panne areas (EDAW et al. 1989).
Figure 13: Soil Types Found at Talbert Regional Park
(Source: EDAW 1989 & 1991)
,4„ 26 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park
3.1.6 Site Access and Use
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Site access research included aerial imagery from Google Earth and Bing Maps, site visits by M&N,
the 1991 EDAW Enhancement Plan, and the Talbert Nature Preserve trail map. Talbert Regional
Park appears to be used predominantly by hikers, nature watchers, casual bicyclists, and BMX
bicyclists. Sheephills is a popular and well maintained BMX area within the Park.
Figure 14 and Figure 15 depict the existing trails at Talbert Regional Park. Both North Talbert and
South Talbert have extensive trail networks, which are accessible to the public by foot and bike.
A mixture of decomposed granite trails that transition to dirt trails and asphalt trails near the
flood control levee make up the trails at Talbert North while the trails at South Talbert are
predominantly earthen trails. Access to Talbert Regional Park currently consists of the trails and
parking areas identified in Figure 15.
North Talbert has a parking lot located off Placentia Avenue at Fairview Park, approximately
1,500 feet east of North Talbert. Talbert North is accessible by foot or on bike from the parking
lot and from Victoria Avenue. Vista Park and Fairview Park are adjacent to the North Talbert site.
Vista Park and Fairview Park are owned and operated by the City of Costa Mesa.
South Talbert has approximately 2.9 miles of trails with limited street parking available on Balboa
Boulevard and at the terminus of West 19th Street. Americans with Disabilities (ADA) access is
very limited in South Talbert. Canyon Park is adjacent to South Talbert to the east and is owned
and operated by Costa Mesa. The Canyon Park Master Plan provides pedestrian access to South
Talbert. The interior trails at South Talbert are natural earthen and loamy trails that become slick
and challenging to use during and after rainy weather.
As shown in Figure 16, a strip of land along the flood control levee and lower southwest corner
of South Talbert is maintained by Orange County Flood Control District. OCPW is proposing to
use this strip of land as a mitigation area for the Edinger Avenue Bridge project in Orange County.
A maintenance access road runs east and west from the southwest corner of the site towards
Balboa Boulevard then turns north at the east Park boundary near Balboa Blvd and continues
north within the Park hugging the base of the bluffs until it reaches Victoria Street.
A paved multi -use trail is located atop the Santa Ana River flood control levee and is frequently
used by pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists. This trail provides access to both North Talbert and
South Talbert and is available to the public from the flood control levee along the Greenville -
Banning Channel. Victoria Pond is visible from Victoria Avenue and the channel levee (see Figure
17). The pond is a scenic natural resource and supports fish, however access to the pond is
restricted by a fence along its perimeter. Despite the fence, unauthorized fishing has been
observed at Victoria Pond. Trails A, B and C are located just outside the fence surrounding Victoria
Pond.
,19„ 27 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
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(Source: ESRI Streetmap 2015)
28 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
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,A„ 29 Final Report
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Figure 17: View of Victoria Pond from Victoria Street
(Source: Google Street View)
3.1.7 Utility Easements
Existing utility data were obtained from the 1989 EDAW et al. Technical Memo. See Figure 18 and
Figure 19 for existing utility easements at North Talbert and South Talbert respectively. There are
two (2) existing easements at North Talbert and four (4) located at South Talbert. In addition, the
Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) is proposing to install one (1) new sewer main (Trunk
Sewer Project) near the existing Southern California Edison (SCE) 40 -foot easement on the
southern boundary of South Talbert. These easements are not anticipated to be prohibitive to
restoration. However, restoration within the Park needs to be done considering the need to allow
utility owners access to their lines for future repair.
EDAW reported existing utilities could be a source of potable water for the site. A 30 -inch
municipal water line owned by Mesa Consolidated Water District (MCWD) passes underneath
Victoria Avenue to Talbert Regional Park and could potentially service the Park with additional
water supply. The County should note however that the primary purposes of the water pipe is to
supply water to fire hydrants, which could be a constraint and safety hazard due to competing
interests. A 40 -foot -wide easement located along the toe of the bluffs is maintained for access
to that line. The pipe parallels the foot of the bluffs and then continues southeast to Balboa
Boulevard and West 19th Street. Specific easements by site include:
0 North Talbert
At North Talbert, a 40 -foot easement for SCE and Southern Counties Gas Company runs
parallel to Victoria Street.
• South Talbert
A 40 -foot easement runs along the southern boundary of South Talbert Park. This
easement is used by SCE. Overhead power lines exist within this easement.
Another 80 -foot -wide easement, consisting of two 40 -foot -wide easements runs along
the toe of the bluffs located on the eastern edge of South Talbert then angles along the
,11111„ 31 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
toe of slope up to an area near Victoria Street. This is a combined easement used by both
SCE and the City of Costa Mesa (EDAW et al. 1989).
A 10 -foot wide easement for a storm drain facility is located along the top of the upland
mesa to the north of the site.
A 30 -foot wide pipeline easement is also located along the top of the upland mesa. The
easement is due south of Victoria Avenue.
A permanent 30 -foot wide easement is proposed for the Trunk Sewer Project. This is a
sewer project that would be constructed from the existing Newport Beach Pump Station
site at the west end of Walkabout Circle to the OCSD Interplant Line in Brookhurst Street
(within the City of Huntington Beach). Approximately 3,500 linear feet of a 24 -inch gravity
sewer pipe would be constructed along the eastern border of Talbert Regional Park from
Walkabout Circle to the western terminus of 19th Street and then along the southern
boundary towards the Santa Ana River. A 14 -inch inverted sewer siphon will be
constructed beneath the Santa Ana River to connect the sewer line to the OCSD Interplant
Line in Brookhurst Street (Dudek 2013).
,�„ 32 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
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Figure 18: Existing Utility Easements at North Talbert
(Source: EDAW 1991)
,A„ 33 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
30' Wide Eipaine Eascment n
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Enhancement Plan
South Talbert Site Utility Map
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Figure 19: Existing Utility Easements at South Talbert
(Source: EDAW 1991)
,�„ 34 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
3.1.8 Opportunities and Constraints
Existing data were obtained from 1989 EDAW et al. Technical Memo and M&N site visits to
identify opportunities and constraints to restoration at Talbert Regional Park. Each category is
summarized in the paragraphs that follow below.
Opportunities
Based on a review of the data, the following opportunities were noted:
1. Habitat - Placentia Drain at North Talbert can intercept urban runoff from the adjacent
mesa and presents an opportunity for a bioswale or improved freshwater riparian habitat.
2. Restoration - South Talbert presents an opportunity to design for a variety of habitats (salt
marsh, emergent marsh, alkali meadows, freshwater riparian, grasslands, vernal pools).
The high water table at South Talbert presents an opportunity to design additional
freshwater habitat, i.e., emergent marsh or freshwater riparian habitat.
3. Hydrology - The southern boundary at South Talbert adjoins the USACE Mainstem North
Marsh Project, a wetland mitigation project, which presents an opportunity for a
hydrologic connection to the USACE Project. The USACE has a two culvert connections to
the Santa Ana River located just upstream of Pacific Coast Highway Bridge. There is
potential to create salt marsh habitat at South Talbert through a connection to the USACE
salt marsh —either through an open channel or a culvert.
Alternatively, a new hydrologic connection to either the Greenville -Banning Channel or
the Santa Ana River could be constructed to convey water from the river to South Talbert,
which presents an opportunity for wetland restoration, i.e., salt marsh or brackish marsh.
4. Soils -Saline soils, particularly in the southwest areas of South Talbert, appear to be more
conducive to establishing salt marsh habitat than freshwater riparian habitat. This further
supports the opportunity to create salt marsh habitat within the Park.
5. Mitigation by others - The proposed Trunk Sewer Project presents a potential mitigation
opportunity at Talbert Regional Park.
6. Mitigation by others - Areas previously mitigated by others could potentially be re -
mitigated, or re -restored if that mitigation was not successful.
7. Restoration - Talbert Regional Park is not heavily constrained by adjacent land uses. The
urbanized areas are restricted to the upland bluffs/mesas.
8. Restoration - Because of the combination of the low relief and high ground water table at
South Talbert, only minor to modest engineering and construction would be required to
create and/or expand wetlands at South Talbert. No substantial excavation costs are
anticipated for wetlands restoration; however other project components may require
higher costs to implement.
9. Restoration - The 2009 swale constructed by OCPW at South Talbert presents an
opportunity to create brackish marsh/salt marsh by introducing tidally -influenced water
,�„ 35 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
from the Greenville -Banning Channel/Santa Ana River into the swale and converting it to
a tidal channel. This could be achieved by excavating the existing swale and constructing
a new culvert connecting it to the USACE North Marsh site, or through the existing flood
control levee to establish a tidal connection.
Alternatively, the existing swale and southwest portion of South Talbert could potentially
be enhanced to facilitate riparian habitat. However, Dudek reported Site B Mitigation
Area baseline conditions are not favorable to establishing riparian vegetation in its 2013
monitoring results. This is due to the high soil salinity at this location which would require
a combination of grading, ground water pumping, soil enhancements, and additional
irrigation to encourage soil leaching.
10. Habitat - Victoria Pond is a significant freshwater wetland at South Talbert and presents
an opportunity for wetland expansion. Additional waterways could be designed around it
and connected to the pond.
11. Habitat —Three (3) wildlife species have the potential to occur at South Talbert Regional
Park: the California gnatcatcher, the burrowing owl, and San Diego fairy shrimp. The
habitats these species require could be enhanced and designed at South Talbert Regional
Park such that these species either take residency or spend some part of their life history
inside the park.
12. Habitat - An increase in riparian habitat, such as native willow and mule fat, would
improve the quality and quantity of available riparian habitat for riparian birds including
the endangered least Bell's vireo and yellow breasted chat, a California Species of Special
Concern.
The California least tern, least Bell's vireo, and yellow -breasted chat were observed on
site during the biological survey. Focused surveys should be performed to determine the
numbers of these species. However, the riparian habitats required by the least Bell's vireo
and yellow -breasted chat could be enhanced and expanded at both North Talbert and
South Talbert such that the number of these species increase inside the park.
For least terns, an increase in water bodies with small fish (prey species) would attract
this species to the Park. Wetland features such as saltwater channels would provide the
least terns with foraging opportunities.
13. Public access and recreation - The existing trail system and Victoria Pond presents a
unique opportunity to create a focal point at Talbert Regional Park and provide the public
with opportunities to passively enjoy the Park's scenery and aquatic resources. The
existing network of Park trails present an opportunity for interpretive trails and public
education of the natural resources at Talbert Regional Park.
14. Public access and recreation —The existing trails at Talbert Regional Park provide a natural
linkage to other trail systems in the vicinity of Talbert Regional Park. The Orange Coast
River Park is a conceptual plan in which all parks along the lower reach of the Santa Ana
River are connected. The vision of this Plan is to create 1,000 acres of park space in the
densely urbanized setting of coastal Orange County. See Figure 20 for a Conceptual Grand
Plan that illustrates how regional trails could be linked together and collectively become
,4„ 36 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
the Orange Coast River Park. The proposed public access trails at Newport Banning Ranch
are planned to create a connection with South Talbert, as are the 19t" Street improvement
projects being undertaken by the City of Costa Mesa.
15. Water supply — EDAW reported a 30 -inch water pipe owned by MCWD crosses beneath
Victoria Street into South Talbert and could potentially become a source of water for the
Park. Currently the pipe is used to supply water to fire hydrants, however, and this poses
a constraint to its use. A perpetual water shortage in Southern California also suggests
judicious use of potable or reclaimed water for restoration.
16. Recreation - Sheephills is a unique recreational amenity that is a popular destination for
BMX riders. The BMX trails and jumps appear to be well maintained by the BMX rider
community. This group appears to also serve as stewards of the site over time.
,4„ 37 Final Report
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Constraints
Based on a review of the data, the following constraints were noted:
1. Utilities - Seven (7) utility easements are located at Talbert Regional Park, with three (3)
at North Talbert and four (4) at South Talbert. A new permanent 30 -foot -wide easement
is being proposed at South Talbert for the construction of the Trunk Sewer Project along
the south border of the Park.
2. Restoration — Approximately 5 acres of land located in the southwest corner of South
Talbert is owned by OCFCD. The site was formerly owned by Pauley Petroleum Property
Access. OCPW and OCFCD have an operational easement for this part of the park, and it
is available for integration into restoration concepts.
3. Restoration —The steep slopes from the adjacent bluffs drain urban runoff into the park.
The steep slopes could also potentially pose an erosion problem if the bluffs are
overwatered or saturated with water during rain events.
4. Restoration - South Talbert is impacted by highly aggressive and invasive species (e.g.
pampas grass and others). This will require an active weed abatement program that might
entail mechanical removal and active management and monitoring of the site.
5. Restoration — Existing site elevations may require modification to achieve the desired
habitats and improvements. Excavation to groundwater is more feasible at South Talbert
due to the low relief and relatively high groundwater conditions.
6. Restoration - The high soil salinities recorded at the previous Mitigation Site B in South
Talbert are an impediment to establishing riparian habitat.
7. Restoration -New groundwater monitoring wells were installed at the Parkin 2014/2015
and the results of the monitoring data may show evidence of saltwater intrusion.
Seawater intrusion of the aquifer underneath the Park could hinder any progress to
mitigation and restoration of freshwater riparian habitat at the park.
8. Restoration - Homeless encampments and unauthorized off -trail access has been
documented at the site and may require enforcement.
9. Public Access — No off-street public parking dedicated to Talbert Regional Park exists, nor
does any ADA -compliant access to the existing trails from within the South Park boundary.
10. Permitting — There is no LCP for Talbert Regional Park and South Talbert falls within the
Coastal Zone boundary and the California Coastal Commission's jurisdiction. The
boundary of the Coastal Zone was created in 1972 and modified in 1976 to include
portions of the Santa Ana River lowlands south of Victoria Street, a majority of Canyon
Park to the east, and portions of the adjacent bluff properties (EDAW 1991). For a map of
the California Coastal Commission's jurisdiction, see Figure 21.
,�„ 39 Final Report
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
3.2 Description of Alternatives
In coordination with OC Parks, three alternative restoration concepts were developed in addition
to the no project alternative. The concept restoration plans range from minimal site
modifications to variations of construction involving excavation and site grading designed for
pond shoreline improvements, riparian enhancement, and the creation of salt marsh habitat. The
three concept restoration plans also address public access improvements and interpretive
opportunities.
On September 10, 2014, a public meeting was held to introduce the project, discuss restoration
goals, and solicit restoration ideas from the public. Feedback received from the public, the City
of Costa Mesa, and OC Parks was used to develop the restoration alternatives.
On June 4, 2015, a second public meeting was held to present the restoration alternatives and
get input from the public. Public input from the meeting and feedback from the City of Costa
Mesa and OC Parks staff was used to refine and further develop the restoration alternatives.
The restoration alternatives are described below. With the exception of No Project, the
restoration alternatives for Talbert Regional Park consist of components that can be
implemented individually, incrementally, or as a whole. Also, basic components of each
alternative are the same, but with more components included as the complexity of alternatives
increases. For example, Alternative 1 stands on its own. However, Alternative 2 includes all
components of Alternative 1, plus additional items. Similarly, Alternative 3 includes all
components of Alternatives 1 and 2 plus additional items. Implementation of components may
depend on funding, approvals, need, public input, and agency preferences.
3.3 No Project Alternative
Under this alternative the existing site conditions remain. No excavation, vegetative plantings, or
improvements to trails and access would occur. No site improvements would occur under this
alternative other than the ongoing restoration activity currently carried out by others (OCPW).
The existing trails would remain in their current arrangement and condition. Access to the site is
primarily available from Victoria Street, Balboa Boulevard, the Canyon Park trail, and the
Greenville -Banning Channel/Santa Ana River levee. The No Project Alternative is shown in Figure
22.
,11111„ 41 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
3.4 Alternative 1 - Minimum Touch
Restoration components for Alternative 1 are shown in Figure 23. An overview of access
improvements is shown in Figure 24. Under this alternative only minimal site alteration would
occur. Changes to the site would primarily include removing non-native vegetation, clearing out
dense vegetation areas, adding signage to trails, plantings only along the bluff top (at Site A) and
trail coordination with the 19' Street bike trail project on the southern boundary of South
Talbert.
All existing trails and the Sheephills BMX recreational area remain "as -is" under this alternative.
For trail map see Figure 15. Access improvements include adding stairway and ramp access to
Balboa Boulevard and to the Santa Ana River Levee/Banning Bike Trail. A new trail around the
perimeter of Victoria Pond is also proposed to provide the public with access to the pond, and
the perimeter fence is removed. Design components proposed for this alternative are listed
below:
• No grading, minimum changes to the site only
• Remove non -natives
o Placentia Drain at North Talbert
o Throughout the site at South Talbert
• Reserve areas for salt marsh and freshwater plantings
• Do not alter restoration sites (B thru E)
• Plantings at the top of bluffs only (Site A)
• Improve the main entrance access at Balboa Boulevard
• No existing trail alterations, add interpretive signs only
• New loop trail around Victoria Pond
• No additional parking, kiosks, or overlooks
• No alterations to Sheephills /protect "as -is"
For a detailed description and analysis of access and trail improvements, see Analysis of
Alternatives in the subsequent sections of this report.
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Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 23: Alternative 1
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 24: Overview of Public Access for Alternative 1
3.5 Alternative 2 - Moderate Touch
Restoration components for Alternative 2 are shown in Figure 25. An overview of access
improvements is shown in Figure 26. This alternative represents a mix of features proposed for
the minimum and maximum alternatives. Under this alternative a moderate amount of site
improvements and alteration would occur. Changes to the site would include removing non-
native vegetation, plantings of coastal sage and riparian tree species, expanding the existing
mitigation/restoration areas (increase coverage in square feet or acres), deepening the swale in
the southwest corner by excavation, and plantings of salt marsh vegetation. Other changes
include clearing out dense vegetation areas, adding ADA access ramps and trail amenities such
as signs and kiosks, delineating trail edges, making improvements at the main Balboa Boulevard
entrance, and trail coordination with the 191h Street bike trail project on the southern boundary
of South Talbert. Design components proposed for this alternative are listed below:
• Provide bike trail access from 19th St to the Santa Ana River (SAR) levee along the
southern boundary
• Improved entrance(s) to the park along Balboa Boulevard
• Salt marsh plantings in southwest portion of site
• Maintain and lower the existing channel depression in the southwest area
• Plant the bluff top with coastal sage and manage the slope for erosion
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
• Expand the acreage and tree canopy cover in restoration sites C, D and E
• Non-native removal and plantings of riparian habitat
o Placentia Drain at North Talbert
o Throughout the site at South Talbert
• Grading the transitional slope for salt marsh wetlands
• Add an ADA compliant loop trail
• Remove the fence around the pond or reconfigure it to allow greater access
• Pier (option) over Victoria Pond
• Stock the pond with fish
• Sheephills will have perimeter grading only for pedestrian traffic
For a detailed description and analysis of access and trail improvements, see Analysis of
Alternatives in the subsequent sections of this report.
Figure 25: Alternative 2
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 26: Overview of Public Access for Alternative 2
3.6 Alternative 3 -Maximum Touch
Restoration components for Alternative 3 are shown in Figure 27. Access improvements are
shown in Figure 28. This alternative introduces the maximum amount of site improvements and
alteration to address restoration needs and maximize habitat diversity at the park. Changes to
the site would include channel excavation for salt marsh habitat, excavation along the southern
edges for expansion of the pond, planting coastal sage along the bluff top, restoring riparian
habitat, and bioswale/drainage design. Other changes include clearing out dense vegetation
areas, adding ADA access ramps and trail amenities such as signs and kiosks, delineating trail
edges, making improvements at the main entrance and trail coordination with the 19th Street
bike trail project on the southern boundary of South Talbert. Design components proposed for
this alternative include:
• Site grading to create salt marsh and wetland transitional habitat
• Site grading to naturalize the existing drainage channel and improve riparian habitat
along
• Bike trail access from 19th Street to the Santa Ana River (SAR) levee along the southern
boundary
• Improved entrance(s) to the park along Balboa Boulevard
• Pond is enlarged
• Pond is stocked with fish
• Tidal connection and salt marsh (southwest portion only)
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
• Grade existing channel depression in southwest area, add new feeder channels
• Grade drainage channel east of pond and naturalize it
• Non-native removal and plantings of riparian habitat
o Placentia Drain at North Talbert
o Throughout the site at South Talbert
• ADA compliant trails
• Boardwalk over Victoria Pond
• Small footbridges over peripheral waterways connecting to Victoria Pond
• Sheephills perimeter grading only for pedestrian traffic
For a detailed description and analysis of access and trail improvements, see Analysis of
Alternatives in the subsequent sections of this report.
Figure 27: Alternative 3
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 28: Overview of Public Access for Alternative 3
3.7 Analysis of Alternatives
Each alternative is analyzed in detail in this section of the report relative to hydrology and water
quality, habitat, public access, construction, maintenance, and costs. Analyses and results are
presented below.
3.7.1 Hydrology and Water Quality
3.7.1.1 Alternative 1 -Minimum Touch
Hydrology under this alternative will mimic existing conditions. Rain water will infiltrate the soils
and the groundwater table at Talbert Regional Park will fluctuate according to the seasons. The
"wet" season occurs primarily between November and March/April when rainfall is greatest.
Three storm drain outfalls: one from the north terrace; one from the terminus of Walkabout
Circle; and one from the intersection of Balboa Avenue and 19th Street will continue to convey
storm water into the park as they do under existing conditions. The storm drain at Walkabout
Circle carries runoff and water into the park through a straight earthen channel. This earthen
channel is located approximately 85 feet south of Trail A and appears to convey storm water
directly towards Victoria Pond.
Victoria Pond is a large body of standing water along the west portion of the site that will remain
in place with no modifications.
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
3.7.1.2 Alternative 2 — Moderate Touch
Hydrology under this alternative will be the same as Alternative 1, except, under this alternative
the existing experimental swale in the southwest portion of the Park is proposed to be excavated.
This action will allow for greater groundwater percolation inside the swale and facilitate salt
tolerant plant species such as bulrush or pickleweed. Currently the swale is too shallow in depth
and could be deepened to three or four feet beneath the existing surface. This would result in
greater groundwater infiltration and could enhance the existing wetland habitat that surrounds
the swale.
Due to positive public feedback, the southern perimeter of Victoria Pond could also be excavated
to increase aquatic habitat and the surface water area of the pond. This concept was originally
developed for Alternative 3 but could be implemented under this alternative as well. The County
may need to determine if re -grading the entire shoreline of the pond is necessary, as the slopes
of the existing shoreline vary. The existing slopes vary from 5 to 6 feet run over 1 foot of rise on
the west (5:1 to 6:1), east and north shore and vary from 6 to 8 feet run over 1 foot of rise on the
south shore (6:1 to 8:1).
3.7.1.3 Alternative 3 — Maximum Touch
The existing earthen drainage channel which conveys storm water from Walkabout Circle to
Victoria Pond is proposed to be modified under this alternative. Using earth moving equipment,
the channel will be excavated and converted from a straight channel into a meandering channel.
This will give the drainage channel a naturalized look while still conveying flood flows from
Walkabout Circle to Victoria Pond.
The southern portion of Victoria Pond is proposed to be excavated to increase aquatic habitat
and the surface water area of the pond. This action will provide small channels along the southern
portion of the pond and create small islands for birds and other wildlife. The County will need to
determine if re -grading the entire shoreline of the pond is necessary, as the slopes of the existing
shoreline vary. The existing slopes vary from 5 to 6 feet run over 1 foot of rise on the west (5:1
to 6:1), east and north shore and vary from 6 to 8 feet run over 1 foot of rise on the south shore
(6:1 to 8:1).
Under this alternative, tidal hydrology is introduced in the southwest area and the tidal hydrology
influences the establishment of tidal wetland habitats to a large extent. Assuming other factors
such as soils are adequate for habitat, the frequency that tidal wetlands are inundated by tides,
called tidal inundation frequency, determines the type of habitat that colonizes a particular
location. Tidal hydrology will vary throughout a site depending on tidal conveyance, seawater
supply, and site topography/bathymetry. Site topography is above -water elevation, while
bathymetry is below -water elevation.
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 29 shows a conceptual hydrological connection to a salt marsh, which is proposed under
the Alternative 3 - Maximum Touch Alternative. Hydrology and water quality were analyzed for
the Maximum Touch Alternative and the results are presented below.
As shown in Figure 29, a tidal connection is proposed at the USACE North Marsh project or near
the confluence of the Greenville -Banning Channel (GBC) and Santa Ana River. Tidal flow could be
brought into the park from either location - the GBC/Santa Ana River or North Marsh — and be
conveyed through either an open channel or a large culvert. Tidal flow would then be conveyed
to the southwest portion of the park through a main channel and small feeder channels branching
off the main channel. The water level of the channels will fluctuate with the ocean tide
conditions. Therefore, during low tide cycles, the water level of the channels will be low; during
high tide cycles, the water level of the channels will be high.
Figure 29: Proposed Tidal Connection and Tidal Channels for the Salt Marsh
The channels are proposed to be excavated down to an elevation of -2 feet NGVD. This ensures
the tidal channels always have a minimum of 2 feet of water in them at all times for fish survival.
Figure 30 depicts a typical cross-section of the tidal channels proposed for Alternative 3. The
bottom side slopes of the channels are proposed to be excavated at a steep slope of 1.5 feet run
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
over 1 foot of rise (1.5:1), and then the slope changes to a flatter slope of 3 feet run to 1 foot of
rise (3:1) higher on the bank. The tops of the slopes are not expected to be overtopped by
seawater due to the high elevation of the existing ground. Tide water will saturate the adjacent
soils however, and enhance any salt marsh vegetation or salt tolerant plant species in the area.
The channels will drain during low tides through the tidal connection at either North Marsh or
the GBC/Santa Ana River.
As mean sea level and high tides are anticipated to rise over the coming decades, the tide level
of the channels will also increase in elevation. Gradually, over time, the top of the slopes will be
overtopped by tidal waters. For example, a 1.5 foot increase in mean sea level will likely result in
the channels being overtopped and tidal water flowing over the adjacent existing ground. This is
a desirable condition for salt marshes and would result in positive effects to habitat.
Alternatively, the existing ground surrounding the tidal channels could be excavated down from
the existing elevation of +6 feet NGVD to an elevation between +2 and +3 feet NGVD. This would
create a fully functioning tidal salt marsh that more closely resembles existing salt marshes in the
Park vicinity such as North Marsh, Semeniuk Slough, and Huntington Beach Wetlands (Talbert,
Brookhurst and Magnolia Marshes). The trade-off however, is that as sea level and high tides
increase over time, the salt marsh will become submerged, i.e. the subtidal channel area will
expand and the marsh vegetation area will decrease. To lower the elevation of the adjacent
ground would also require more substantial excavation which will increase the cost of the
project. The decision to excavate only tidal channels or the entire southwest area can be
evaluated further when OC Parks selects a preferred alternative.
Figure 30: Typical Cross-section of Tidal Channel
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Determining tidal hydrology at Talbert Regional Park required the use of a hydrodynamic
numerical model to calculate tidal elevations and water quality. As shown in Figure 31, modeling
was previously done for the North Marsh project using a 1 -dimensional model referred to as
"link -node." Link -node networks are widely used in flow models and are helpful in analyzing
wetland hydraulics and seawater residence time for water quality implications.
In a link -node network, a waterway is divided into a number of nodes that are connected by links.
A channel must have two nodes associated with it (at its upstream and downstream ends). Nodes,
on the other hand, can have one or more channels flowing into them. The links and nodes can be
connected in a variety of ways, allowing computerized simulation of complex networks, which
constitutes the main advantage of the link -node model (Martin et al 1999).
Tidal hydrology modeling was completed for this project to set-up a method to quantify proposed
conditions for Alternative 3 — Maximum Touch Alternative. Figure 32 shows the link -node model
set-up for Talbert Regional Park.
Figure 33 and Figure 34 show the existing tide gate connection and culvert respectively at North
Marsh as an example. A range of tidal connection scenarios for Talbert Regional Park were
modeled and evaluated. The tidal connection scenarios modeled at the park included:
1. South Talbert connected to the GBC/Santa Ana River by one or more large culverts (pipes)
with flood gates - The culverts tested with the model are 36 -inches in diameter, and the
modeling tested a combination of one, two and three pipes. Flood gates are intended to
allow closure of the system during high stormflow events on the GBC/Santa Ana River to
prevent runoff from "backing" into the pipes and inundating South Talbert and other
areas. A variation on this option would be to install a very large culvert to the GBC/Santa
Ana River similar to the one existing at North Marsh and the River.
2. South Talbert connected to the existing North Marsh with an open channel.
3. South Talbert connected to both North Marsh with an open channel and to the GBC/Santa
Ana River with one or more large culverts and floodgates. A variation on this option would
be to install a very large culvert to the GBC/Santa Ana River similar to the one existing at
North Marsh and the River.
,ig„ 53 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
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,ig„ 54 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
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Figure 32: Model Set-up for Alternative 3 Assuming a Northern Connection
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 33: Existing Tide Gate at North Marsh
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Figure 34: View through Culvert at North Marsh
Figure 35 shows the predicted tide range for the proposed tidal channels at Talbert Regional Park
in comparison to the tide range of the Santa Ana River, assuming culvert connections using one,
two and three pipes. As shown in the figure, Talbert Regional Park could receive tidal elevations
muted from those in the GBC/Santa Ana River on the high and low tides, but sufficient to provide
suitable hydrology to the new marsh. The benefit of using culverts is that the tidal elevations can
be controlled to address site constraints, and the pipes can be more readily closed during
extreme storm flow events on the River.
Figure 36 shows tides at North Marsh and the Santa Ana River with the existing tidal connection.
South Talbert would experience the same tidal range as North Marsh with a direct open channel
connection. South Talbert would also experience the same tidal range as the GBC/Santa Ana River
with a direct open channel connection, and with a connection sized equal to that presently at
North Marsh.
,�„ 57 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
4
...... SAR @ PCH ----Three Culverts
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Figure 36: Tide Range in the Existing North Marsh as Connected to the Santa Ana River
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Water quality is influenced by the residence time of seawater within a site (indicator of the
frequency of tidal exchange). Assuming contaminant loads are held constant, more frequent tidal
flushing (shorter residence times) indicate higher water quality. Alternatively, with the same
assumptions less frequent tidal flushing (longer residence times) indicate poorer water quality.
Tidal hydraulics analyses are used as a quantitative method to determine tidal residence times.
Criteria for residence time analyses, as applied to other wetland projects, are listed below and
provided by the County of Orange (1996).
• Residence time shorter than 7 days is desirable; and
• Residence time longer than 7 days is less desirable.
Under a direct connection to the GBC/Santa Ana River, Talbert Regional Park would experience
residence times nearly equal to those of the River at the location of the connection which is
approximately 2 days. Under a connection to North Marsh, South Talbert would experience
residence times slightly longer than that site, which is 4 days. Thus, water quality conditions for
restoration at South Talbert should be acceptable regardless of the connection location.
Water quality of the proposed salt marsh will be very strongly influenced by its water source. For
this project the source of water will come from either the North Marsh or the Santa Ana River.
The residence time of the marsh may also be affected by shoaling at the Santa Ana River mouth.
A closed River mouth will inhibit water circulation and lead to poor upstream water quality. An
open river mouth facilitates circulation and is good for water quality. The Santa Ana River mouth
rarely closes. If it closes, then the County tends to re -open it swiftly. Prolonged closure of the
River mouth would be detrimental to upstream salt marsh habitat areas and should be avoided.
Because of the proposed salt marsh's proximity to Victoria Pond, this plan recommends
groundwater modeling be done to understand potential groundwater effects of the salt marsh
on the pond and the underlying aquifer, if any. The purpose of the modeling is to provide a
scientific basis for determining whether or not the salt marsh would have any detrimental effect
on the water quality of the pond or surrounding riparian areas. Results from the groundwater
modeling will be used to inform decision makers at OC Parks and make adjustments, if necessary,
to the final design of the salt marsh.
3.7.2 Habitat
Talbert Regional Park has nineteen distinct vegetation communities. These communities are
documented and described in Appendix B, the Biological Technical Report for Talbert Regional
Park prepared by Chambers (2014). In the sections that follow, habitat is evaluated in terms of
habitat quantity, needs, value, function, diversity and connectivity for each restoration
alternative. Due to the potential volume of information to be conveyed, this section is formatted
differently than the rest of the document to most efficiently convey multiple messages. It is
primarily bulleted to reduce verbiage.
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3.7.2.1 Alternative 1 — Minimum Touch
The habitat discussion for Alternative 1 is provided below by the project biologist.
Value (Quality) —Alternative 1 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat
value/quality:
• Removal of non -natives intrinsically improves habitat quality.
• Planting of Coastal Sage Scrub improves habitat quality by supporting native associated
species, and reducing hillside erosion.
• The increase in native willow and mule fat would improve the quality and quantity of
riparian habitat for riparian birds including the endangered least Bell's vireo and yellow
breasted chat, a California Species of Special Concern. The higher quality habitat with
varying layers of structural diversity may support more breeding pairs of these and other
riparian bird species. Furthermore, by removing non-native plant species from a riparian
woodland, a native understory can recover and will lead to natural recruitment of willow
saplings and other native plant seedlings which are vital to replacing older senescent
vegetation.
• Stocking the pond with game fish such as catfish, largemouth bass, and sunfish would
improve habitat quality for fish -eating birds like ospreys, herons, egrets and other birds
of prey
Quantity—Alternative 1 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat quality:
• Increases high quality Black Willow/Mulefat habitat by 10.5 acres.
• Adds 5 acres of California Sagebrush/California Buckwheat Scrub habitat.
• Removal of non-native plant species would convert 10.5 acres of Disturbed Black
Willow/Mule Fat Association as well as some ornamental landscaping to high quality Black
Willow/Mule Fat Association dominated by native species.
Needs — Alternative 1 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat needs:
• Removes invasive species and restores riparian habitat.
• Provides erosion control on hillsides.
• Provides habitat for sensitive species.
• Increases habitat and structural diversity.
Function — Alternative 1 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat function:
• Improves the function of riparian habitat by providing high quality habitat to support
more breeding by sensitive bird species.
• Removal of non -natives will allow the natural recruitment of willow saplings and other
native plant seedlings to replace senescent vegetation
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Diversity—Alternative 1 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat diversity:
• Planting of California Sagebrush/California Buckwheat Scrub increases habitat diversity
by establishing a habitat not present in South Talbert.
• Removal of non -natives in riparian areas would provide greater structural diversity in this
habitat.
• California sagebrush/California buckwheat would be planted on the slope in the northeast
corner. This plant association would increase diversity in South Talbert by supporting
Coastal Sage Scrub animals potentially including the federal threatened coastal California
gnatcatcher. There would also be the potential to establish a population of rare Coastal
Sage Scrub plant species such as many -stemmed dudleya and decumbent goldenbush, or
to expand the population of southern tarplant onsite. Native vegetation, unlike invasive
iceplant and non-native annual brome grasses, increase erosion control and increase
drought tolerance for the hillsides below the homes in the northeast corner of the project
area. This also reduces the fire danger in the summer months when annual grasses are
dry and prone to burn.
Connectivity — Alternative 1 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat
connectivity:
• Improves connectivity of high quality riparian habitat by converting interspersed
disturbed habitat to high quality mulefat and black willow habitat.
• Improves connectivity of native habitat by replacing disturbed and ornamental areas with
native plant associations (black willow/mulefat, coastal sage scrub, quailbush scrub).
3.7.2.2 Alternative 2 — Moderate Touch
The habitat discussion for this alternative is provided below by the project biologist.
Value (Quality) — Alternative 2 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat
value (quality):
• Removal of non-native plant species would convert 10.5 acres of Disturbed Black
Willow/Mule Fat Association as well as some ornamental landscaping to high quality
Black Willow/Mule Fat Association dominated by native species.
• The increase in native willow and mule fat would improve the quality and quantity of
riparian habitat for riparian birds including the endangered least Bell's vireo and yellow
breasted chat, a California Species of Special Concern. The higher quality habitat may
support more breeding pairs of these and other riparian bird species. Furthermore, by
removing non-native plant species from a riparian woodland, a native understory can
recover and will lead to natural recruitment of willow saplings and other native plant
seedlings which are vital to replacing older senescent vegetation.
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• California sagebrush/California buckwheat would be planted on the slope in the
northeast corner. This plant association would increase diversity in South Talbert by
supporting Coastal Sage Scrub animals potentially including the federal threatened
coastal California gnatcatcher. There would also be the potential to establish a
population of rare Coastal Sage Scrub plant species such as many -stemmed dudleya,
decumbent goldenbush, or to expand the population of southern tarplant onsite. Native
vegetation, unlike invasive iceplant and non-native annual brome grasses, increase
erosion control and increase drought tolerance for the hillsides below the homes in the
northeast corner of the project area. This also reduces the fire danger in the summer
months when annual grasses are dry and prone to burn.
• Native trees (Fremont Cottonwood, Arroyo Willow, and California Sycamore) would be
planted. These trees would increase vegetation and wildlife diversity. Raptors and great
horned owls would use the trees for nesting and roosting. Sycamores develop cavities
which are used by cavity nesting birds like barn owls and western bluebirds. Increasing
structural diversity also makes the vegetation community more resistant to weed or
pest infestations and leads to greater disease resistance through an increase in native
insects. Adding trees creates leaf litter that helps retain soil moisture and improve soil
microbial activity which leads to the establishment of other native plant species rather
than non-native species.
• Stocking the lake with fish may increase food for piscivorous birds like ospreys, herons
and egrets and the California least tern.
Needs — Alternative 2 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat needs:
• Removes invasive species and restores riparian habitat.
• Provides erosion control on hillsides.
• Provides habitat for sensitive species.
• Increases habitat and structural diversity.
Function — Alternative 2 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat function:
• Improves the function of riparian habitat by providing high quality habitat to support
more breeding by sensitive bird species.
• Removal of non -natives will allow the natural recruitment of willow saplings and other
native plant seedlings to replace senescent vegetation.
• Native riparian trees provide roosting and nesting habitat for birds and habitat for
native insects.
• Native trees create leaf litter, which helps retain soil moisture and improves soil
microbial activity.
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Diversity—Alternative 2 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat diversity:
• Planting of California Sagebrush/California Buckwheat Scrub increases habitat diversity
by establishing a habitat not present in South Talbert.
• Removal of non -natives in riparian areas would provide greater structural diversity in
this habitat.
• Planting of native riparian trees increases structural diversity by increasing the tree
canopy layer.
• Planting native riparian trees increases plant and animal diversity.
Connectivity — Alternative 2 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat
connectivity:
• Improves connectivity of high quality riparian habitat by converting interspersed
disturbed habitat to high quality mulefat and black willow habitat.
• Improves connectivity of native habitat by replacing disturbed and ornamental areas
with native plant associations (black willow/mulefat, coastal sage scrub, quailbush
scrub).
3.7.2.3 Alternative 3 — Maximum Touch
The habitat discussion for Alternative 3 is provided below by the project biologist.
Value (Quality) - Alternative 3 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat
value (quality):
• Removal of non-native plant species would convert 10.5 acres of Disturbed Black
Willow/Mule Fat Association as well as some ornamental landscaping to high quality
Black Willow/Mule Fat Association dominated by native species.
• The increase in native willow and mule fat would improve the quality and quantity of
riparian habitat for riparian birds including the endangered least Bell's vireo and yellow
breasted chat, a California Species of Special Concern. The higher quality habitat may
support more breeding pairs of these and other riparian bird species. Furthermore, by
removing non-native plant species from a riparian woodland, a native understory can
recover and will lead to natural recruitment of willow saplings and other native plant
seedlings which are vital to replacing older senescent vegetation.
• California sagebrush/California buckwheat would be planted on the slope in the
northeast corner. This plant association would increase diversity in South Talbert by
supporting Coastal Sage Scrub animals potentially including the federal threatened
California gnatcatcher. There would also be the potential to establish a population of
rare Coastal Sage Scrub plant species such as many -stemmed dudleya, decumbent
goldenbush, or to expand the population of southern tarplant onsite. Native vegetation,
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unlike invasive iceplant and non-native annual brome grasses, increase erosion control
and increase drought tolerance for the hillsides below the homes in the northeast
corner of the project area. This also reduces the fire danger in the summer months
when annual grasses are dry and prone to burn.
• Native trees (Fremont Cottonwood, Arroyo Willow, and California Sycamore) would be
planted. These trees would increase vegetation and wildlife diversity. Raptors and great
horned owls would use the trees for nesting and roosting. Sycamores develop cavities
which are used by cavity nesting birds like barn owls and western bluebirds. Increasing
structural diversity also makes the vegetation community more resistant to weed or
pest infestations and leads to greater disease resistance through an increase in native
insects. Adding trees creates leaf litter that helps retain soil moisture and improve soil
microbial activity which leads to the establishment of other native plant species rather
than non-native species.
• Stocking the lake with fish may increase food for piscivorous birds like ospreys, herons
and egrets and the California least tern.
• The creation of tidal salt marsh (Pickleweed Mat) in the southwest corner would add a
habitat that is limited in California. Marsh birds including the state endangered Belding's
savannah sparrow would be expected to breed in this habitat. Restoring salt marsh
habitat would also make it possible to re -introduce rare salt marsh plant species such as
salt marsh bird's -beak, aphanisma, the Salt Spring checkerbloom. The tidal channels
would support estuarine fishes like gobies and topsmelt. These small fishes would
provide food for piscivorous birds such as California least terns (topsmelt), herons and
egrets. The channels also would support estuarine invertebrates which would provide a
food base for numerous bird species including shorebirds such as willets, long -billed
curlews and marbled godwits.
Needs - Alternative 3 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat needs:
• Removes invasive species and restores riparian habitat.
• Provides erosion control on hillsides.
• Provides habitat for sensitive species.
• Increases habitat and structural diversity.
• Creates regionally rare tidal salt marsh habitat.
Function - Alternative 3 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat function:
• Improves the function of riparian habitat by providing high quality habitat to support
breeding by sensitive bird species and provides undisturbed islands.
• Removal of non -natives will allow the natural recruitment of willow saplings and other
native plant seedlings to replace senescent vegetation.
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• Native riparian trees provide roosting and nesting habitat for birds.
• Native trees create leaf litter, which helps retain soil moisture and improves soil
microbial activity.
• Pickleweed marsh provides habitat for State endangered Belding's savannah sparrow.
• Tidal channels support estuarine fish and invertebrates.
• Tidal channels provide foraging opportunities for piscivorous birds and shorebirds.
Diversity - Alternative 3 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat diversity:
• Planting of California Sagebrush/California Buckwheat Scrub increases habitat diversity
by establishing a habitat not present in South Talbert.
• Removal of non -natives in riparian areas would provide greater structural diversity in
this habitat.
• Planting of native riparian trees increases structural diversity by increasing the tree
canopy layer.
• Planting native riparian trees increases plant and animal diversity.
• Creation of tidal pickleweed marsh increases habitat and species diversity by adding a
habitat not present at South Talbert.
Connectivity - Alternative 3 possesses the following characteristics with regards to habitat
connectivity:
• Improves connectivity of high quality riparian habitat by converting interspersed
disturbed habitat to high quality mulefat and black willow habitat.
• Improves connectivity of native habitat by replacing disturbed and ornamental areas
with native plant associations (black willow/mulefat, coastal sage scrub, quailbush
scrub).
• Provides connectivity with pickleweed marsh and tidal channels of the Santa Ana River
Marsh immediately south of South Talbert.
3.7.3 Public Access
Public access, visitor serving and interpretive elements of the final alternatives are described and
illustrated below. The alternatives were developed in a series of public and technical advisory
committee meetings. The details described below are the result of not only refinement of
minimal, moderate and maximum touch alternatives, but in the end also reflect a weighing of
particular specific access components by stakeholder preference so that some components were
shifted from one alternative to another over the course of later meetings. In addition, several
elements shown in one or more of the alternatives during the process - most notably vehicular
access and on-site parking at the Victoria access point - were eliminated from the final
alternatives based on preliminary analysis and stakeholder feedback.
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Each of the three alternatives are described in sections, with maps showing the particular access
details in the 19th Street, Balboa Street, Sheephills and Victoria Pond areas. Overall views of each
alternative are provided in the overview section above.
3.7.3.1 Alternative 1 — Minimum Touch
Overall Public Access elements for Alternative 1 are shown in Figure 24 in Section 3.4. Under this
alternative, limited access improvements would occur. Changes to the access conditions would
primarily include selectively thinning dense vegetation areas, adding signage to trails, and trail
coordination with the 191h Street bike trail project on the southern boundary of South Talbert.
All existing trails and the Sheephills BMX recreational area remain "as -is" under this alternative.
Entry access improvements include repairing the existing stairway and creating ramp access from
Balboa Street, and adding stair/ramp access at the Santa Ana River Levee/Banning Bike Trail. The
fence around the pond will be removed or reconfigured to allow access. A new trail around the
perimeter of Victoria Pond is also proposed to provide the public with access to the pond.
Removing the fence and providing access to the pond may present a public safety issue if the
edges of the pond are too steep. As mentioned previously, the County may need to determine if
the slopes around the perimeter of the pond need to be re -graded and made flatter than they
are today. Design components proposed for this alternative are listed below:
• Improve main entrance at Balboa Boulevard
• No existing trail alterations, add interpretive signs only
• New loop trail around Victoria Pond
• Fence around pond to be removed or reconfigured
• No parking, kiosks, or overlooks
• No alterations to Sheephills, protect "as -is"
A detailed description and analysis of public access components for Alternative 1 is presented
below.
Balboa Boulevard Access
Figure 37 shows access improvements along Balboa Boulevard. Parking for park users in this
alternative is limited to the 27 existing on -street parking spaces. The current stair access at the
terminus of Balboa Boulevard would be improved to add railings, and provide for appropriate
tread and riser dimensions. The existing informal bicycle trail near the intersection of Balboa and
19th Streets would be improved to be ADA -compliant, and would serve both bicycles and
pedestrians. Two ADA spaces would be provided near that ramp, with the balance of the paved
area outside of the drive lanes proposed for a vegetated swale to detain 19th Street runoff for
contact time and treatment prior to entering the Talbert Regional Park landscape as a water
quality enhancement element.
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Figure 37: Alternative 1 Balboa Access Improvements
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Victoria Street Access
Figure 38 shows Victoria Street and Victoria Pond access improvements. The controlled vehicular
access from Victoria Street will remain as existing, but the large and currently un -vegetated areas
to the south of the entry will be largely restored, leaving about 1/3 of the current area as
permeable parking, staging and activity area for County use. Adjacent to this area and the current
Orange Coast Bicycle trail access from Victoria, a small modular or package restroom area is
proposed. Between the permeable vehicle staging area and the pond itself, the restoration
design would incorporate a vegetated swale to capture, detain and treat runoff from the levee
Bike Trail itself. In addition, an ADA compliant ramp and stair is proposed for access to the
shoreline of Victoria Pond and the proposed Pond loop trail. The loop trail is proposed to provide
sufficient pond access for fishing and casting to deter additional unplanned bank access trails and
protect the bulk of the shoreline habitat.
To provide for a glimpse of the pond from the main trail and to discourage encampments, this
alternative provides for a more open "gladed" area of mixed shade. The landscape between the
Balboa -Victoria trail and the east pond shoreline is proposed for selective thinning of existing
vegetation, along with the removal of invasive and non-native species. While no turf would be
introduced, the intent here is to maintain a more open, park -like, and yet fully functioning native
landscape with multiple small trails and resting areas in contrast with the dominant and thick
willow forest of the majority of the Park.
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Figure 38: Alternative 1 Victoria Street and Pond Access Improvements
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Sheephills
In this alternative, the Sheephills area remains in the current location and access conditions, with
no alteration. As shown in Figure 39 Sheephills access is unchanged under Alternative 1.
Figure 39: Alternative 1 Sheephills Access
19th Street Access Elements
A bicycle crossing zone would be provided at the top of the Balboa ramp, providing continuation
with Costa Mesa's planned 19th Street bicycle lane improvements.
Trail Imarovements
Trails remain in the current locations, profiles, and edge conditions of the existing, with the
exception of the main trail within the Victoria Street access. The restoration of the existing un -
vegetated area would be defined by trail edge containment, with native Sycamore trees or tall
Willow species defining the west side of the trail, providing shade from the afternoon sun.
Minimal way -finding and interpretive signs would be located at entry points to the Park, as well
as at Sheephills.
3.7.3.2 Alternative 2 — Moderate Touch
Overall Public Access elements for Alternative 2 are shown in Figure 25 in Section 3.5. This
alternative represents a mix of features originally proposed for the minimum and maximum
alternatives. Under this alternative a moderate amount of site access improvements would occur
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including selective thinning of dense vegetation areas, addition of ADA access ramps and trail
amenities such as signs and kiosks, delineating trail edges, making improvements at the main
entrance and trail coordination with the 19th Street bike trail project on the southern boundary
of South Talbert. Design components proposed for this alternative include:
• Provide bike trail access from 19th St to the Santa Ana River (SAR) levee along the
southern boundary
• Improved entrance(s) to the park along Balboa Boulevard
• Add an ADA compliant loop trail
• Pier (option) over Victoria Pond
• Stock the pond with fish
• The fence around the pond is to be removed or reconfigured
• Sheephills will have perimeter grading only for separation of pedestrians and passive
recreational cyclists from the active BMX activity
A detailed description and analysis of public access components for Alternative 2 is presented
below.
Balboa Boulevard Access
Figure 40 shows access improvements along Balboa Boulevard. Parking for park users in this
alternative includes the 27 existing on -street parking spaces, but relocates the two proposed new
ADA -compliant spaces to the north end of Balboa Boulevard under the moderate touch
alternative.
Victoria Street Access
The moderate alternative retains all of the features of Alternative 1, but proposes to replace the
modular restrooms with a fixed restroom facility. The other features unique to this proposal are
a "fishing pier" for access to and views of the pond surface, and a more formal interpretive node
and pond overlook at the Orange Coast River trail overlooking the pond from the northwest. The
pond perimeter trail remains in this alternative, becoming even more of a shoreline trail with the
proposed lake and habitat channel expansion.
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Figure 40: Alternative 2 Victoria Pond Access Improvements
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Sheephills
Figure 41 shows Sheephills access improvements under the moderate touch alternative in
planview. In this alternative, the edge of Sheephills is proposed to be defined by a "spectator
berm," providing viewing of the BMX activities by visitors and safe separation between the
visitors and more active users of the Park, while placing a defined and final limit on the total area
of Sheephills. Figure 42 shows Sheephills access improvements in cross-sectional view.
Figure 41: Alternative 2 Sheephills Access
19th Street
The moderate alternative integrates with Costa Mesa's bicycle improvement project. It includes
a linear park where the existing paved area on 19th Street is widest. This concept also provides
for the extension of the proposed north side bicycle path to a crossing near the proposed Balboa
bicycle access ramp. Figure 43 shows 191h Street access improvements.
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TAL BE RT REG I OVAL PARI
SpectutarTrait
EOAX I Ca.l� I ;ILLAFEEk T A lii9ffiV
MM%LE SYNLE
DEME i4W YEG ADA EXR FENCE TALL "TrLCE LE{ nwno 1
Figure 42: Alternative 2 Sheephills Access
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D
- ...... o paw,.. '•
Figure 43: 191" Street Access Improvements
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Trail Imarovements
As with the previous alternative, trails remain in the current locations, profiles, and edge
conditions of the existing, with the exception of the main trail within the Victoria Street access.
However, the restoration of the existing un -vegetated area as defined by trail edge containment
would be augmented with native Sycamore trees or tall Willow species defining the west side of
the trail, providing shade from the afternoon sun. Additional way -finding and interpretive signs
would be located at points within the park.
3.7.3.3 Alternative 3 — Maximum Touch
The overall view of this alternative is shown in Figure 28 Section 3.6. This alternative introduces
the maximum amount of site improvements and alteration to address access needs and diversity
within the Park. Changes to the site include adding ADA access ramps and trail amenities such as
signs and kiosks, delineating trail edges and increasing the amount of ADA -compliant trails
through porous paving. It also includes making improvements at the main entrance, and trail
coordination between the 19th Street bike trail project on the southern boundary of South Talbert
and proposed public trails and visitor -serving amenities on Banning Newport Ranch property.
Design components proposed for this alternative include:
• Bike trail access from 19th Street to the Santa Ana River (SAR) levee along the southern
boundary
• Improved entrance(s) to the Park along Balboa Boulevard
• ADA compliant access and trails added
• A "boulevard" style trail section at the main Balboa -Victoria -Levee trail (See Figure 44)
• Sycamore and/or Willow plantings along south and west sides of trails for shade
• A boardwalk/"fishing bridge" over Victoria Pond
• Small footbridges over peripheral waterways connecting to Victoria Pond
• Sheephills perimeter grading only for pedestrian traffic
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TALBERT REGIONAL PARK
Typical Boulevard Trail
PFLEElFi4Y PATI CJlTER 61^vr_� FV11M
SW14LE
Figure 44: Boulevard -Type Trail Section
A detailed description and analysis of public access components for Alternative 3 is presented
below.
Balboa Boulevard Access
Figure 45 shows access improvements along Balboa Boulevard. Parking for park users in this
alternative includes the 27 existing on -street parking spaces, but adds 9 standard and 2 ADA -
compliant spaces on the north side of Balboa, adjacent to and dedicated to the Park. The two
proposed new ADA -compliant spaces with an adjacent bio-swale are located as in Alternative 1
at the south end of Balboa Street. This is also where a dedicated switchback ADA ramp is
proposed to provide a unique vantage over the open water "oasis" that is a current favorite of
birders. This creates two separate access points for pedestrians and bicyclists on the south end
of Balboa.
As in Alternative 2, the current stair access at the north terminus of Balboa Boulevard would be
improved, as would the existing service vehicle access from Balboa. The balance of the steep and
currently eroding fill slope will be re -vegetated for slope stability and erosion control, and to
provide visual separation between the road and the Park, while framing the entrance and access
points along Balboa.
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Figure 45: Alternative 3 Balboa Access Improvements
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Victoria Street Access
Figure 46 shows Victoria Pond access improvements under Alternative 3, the maximum touch.
This alternative retains all of the features of the moderate, but proposes a visitor facility including
restrooms, a multi -use meeting space and docent and stewards equipment storage. The other
features unique to this proposal are the "fishing bridge" providing for access across the center of
the pond from the interior of Talbert Regional Park to the Orange Coast River Park trail. Additional
ramps and stairs down the levee face allow for a continuous byway from the river trail to the
pond in either direction of travel. Additional spans are shown at the proposed lake expansion
channels for an ADA -compliant pond loop trail.
Sheephills
Alternative 3 provides for the same berm and access plan and sections as the moderate touch
alternative.
19th Street
The maximum alternative coordinates with Costa Mesa's bicycle improvement project and its
linear park, but proposes to integrate public parking at the existing large pavement area on 19th
Street. The parking provides not only an additional 14 conventional parking spaces, but also 2
ADA -compliant spaces near the proposed access trail (with ADA -compliant grade and surface) to
a proposed visitor serving node and overlook on the Banning Newport Ranch project. The
location of this node is exceptional in that it not only provides for a panoramic overview from
Talbert Park to the ocean, but is also hidden from view of the homes on the mesa above due to
the nature of the topography in the area. Figure 47 shows proposed 19th Street access
improvements.
Trail Improvements
As with the previous alternative, trails remain in the current locations, profiles, and edge
conditions of the existing, with the exception of the main trail within the Victoria Street access.
However, the restoration of the existing un -vegetated area as defined by trail edge containment
would be augmented with native Sycamore trees or tall Willow species defining the west side of
the trail, providing shade from the afternoon sun. Additional way -finding and interpretive signs
would be located at points within the Park.
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Figure 46: Alternative 3 Victoria Pond Access Improvements
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t 1
19TH STREET DETAIL
oP 4 * •t. T, _ cK ' MAXIMUM ALTERATION
_ New Parking Area
with proposed Costa Mesa Street Enhancements
' qrr ADA -compliant trail to Banning Visitor Node
- CITY 94UN Fy_
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, • +, �w .6• ':• '�1 i i ! LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT
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.. • _ >_ r i' , � � 7 .1 i� of � ..L
Figure 47: 191h Street Access Improvements
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
3.7.4 Construction
Construction components are listed below to identify the leading construction needs and
requirements of each alternative. Phasing of certain construction components might be
necessary in consideration of ecological needs, permitting, and available funding.
3.7.4.1 Alternative 1 — Minimum Touch
• Light construction only, e.g. installing signage, fencing, entrance amenities — no grading
or earthwork.
• Access will be from perimeter arterial streets and along the existing network of internal
roads/trails.
• Mainly weeding and use of light equipment (i.e. shovels, rakes, and hoes), with some
heavier equipment for pampas grass, and perhaps trucks for hauling off vegetation.
• Non-native vegetation to be hauled offsite.
3.7.4.2 Alternative 2 — Moderate Touch
• Moderate construction grading and excavation to lower the existing channel to a lower
elevation in the southwest portion of the site.
• Access will be from perimeter arterial streets and along the existing network of internal
roads/trails.
• Could include the use of heavy equipment (i.e. excavators and trucks) for earthwork and
hauling off material.
• Non-native vegetation to be hauled offsite.
• Re -use of excavated soil onsite to minimize the need for offsite disposal.
3.7.4.3 Alternative 3 — Maximum Touch
• Construction is mainly to be done in the "dry" (except for Victoria Pond).
• Construction of tidal channels, berms, culverts and tide gates.
• Access from will be from perimeter arterial streets and along the existing network of
internal roads/trails.
• Use of heavy equipment (i.e. excavators and trucks) for hauling of materials.
• Non-native vegetation to be hauled offsite.
• Dewatering may be required if a high groundwater table is encountered during
construction.
• Re -use of excavated soil onsite to minimize offsite disposal. Attempt to balance cut and
fill, and only haul off any remaining net surplus of material.
3.7.5 Maintenance
Each of the proposed Alternatives will require long-term maintenance. Items such as fencing,
trails, culverts, etc. require maintenance to reduce the need and frequency of replacement. The
Alternatives were designed such that the number of park improvements and amenities increase
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
with each successive Alternative, i.e. less for the Minimum Alternative and a maximum number
of amenities for the Maximum Alternative.
Partnership maintenance agreements between OC Parks, other site managers (OCPW; Orange
County Flood Control District) and other stakeholders with an interest in the park (e.g., City of
Costa Mesa) should be encouraged to balance burdens among user and owner groups.
Maintenance actions for each Alternative are itemized below.
3.7.5.1 Alternative 1 — Minimum Touch
• Vegetation management (weeding and non-native removal)
• Removal of trash
• Vector control
• Access and trail repairs
• Erosion repairs (berms, bluff slopes and trails)
• Park facility repairs (signage, kiosks, interpretive features)
• Homeless encampment eradication
• Sheephills perimeter/elevated berm
3.7.5.2 Alternative 2 — Moderate Touch
• Vegetation management (irrigation, weeding and replanting)
• Graffiti
• Removal of trash
• Vector control
• Access and trail repairs
• Erosion repairs (berms, bluff slopes and trails)
• Park facility repairs (signage, kiosks, interpretive features)
• Pier inspection and maintenance
• Homeless encampment eradication
• Sheephills perimeter/elevated berm
3.7.5.3 Alternative 3 —Maximum Touch
• Vegetation management (irrigation, weeding and replanting)
• Graffiti
• Removal of trash
• Vector control
• Access and trail repairs
• Erosion repairs (berms, bluff slopes and trails)
• Park facility repairs (signage, kiosks, interpretive features)
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
• Footbridge inspection and maintenance
• Culvert and tide gate maintenance
• Homeless encampment eradication
• Sheephills perimeter/elevated berm
3.7.6 Costs
Restoration costs for each alternative are presented in Table 3-1 below. Costs can be managed
by prioritization, adaptive management, and phasing of various restoration components. Soft
costs are also included for each alternative.
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Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Table 3-1- Opinion of Probable Construction Costs for Talbert Park
CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE
hid
SUMMARY
TALBERT REGIONAL PARK RESTORATION CONCEPT PLAN
Alt 1 Alt 2 Alt 3 Cummulative
ITEM NO.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
SUBTOTAL
SUBTOTAL
SUBTOTAL
Total
1
Remove Non -Native Vegetation
$250,000
$250,000
2
Plantings at Top of Bluff in Site A
$19,800
$19,800
3
Non -Native Removal and Planting of Riparian Habitat Over Site
$41,200
$0
$41,200
4
Plant Additional Trees Along West and South Sides of Trails
$4,400
$0
$4,400
5
Salt Marsh Plantings in Southwest Portion of Site
$44,000
$0
$44,000
6
Expand the Acreage of Existing Restoration Sites C, D and E
$18,000
$0
$18,000
7
Remove Fence Around Pond
$47,025
$0
$0
$47,025
8
Improve Main Entrance at Balboa Blvd
$26,400
$81,600
$108,000
9
Striping and signing for ADA
$2,000
$2,000
10
Bioswale at 19th St Lot
$32,000
$32,000
11
Add Interpretive Signs
$6,000
$12,000
$4,000
$22,000
12
Trail Access Structures along Balboa Blvd (stairs only)
$28,000
$28,000
13
Trail Access Along Southern Perimeter of the Site
$240,000
$30,000
$270,000
14
Trail Access Structures Along West Perimenter of Site
$173,750
$176,250
$350,000
15
Improved Entrance to Park from Victoria St
$113,000
$367,400
$480,400
16
Add ADA -Compliant Loop Trail
$580,000
$290,000
$870,000
17
Improve Remaining Trails
$616,000
$96,800
$712,800
18
Pier Over Victoria Pond
$250,000
$250,000
19
Boardwalk Over Victoria Pond
$500,250
$500,250
20
Mobilization & Demobilization
$50,000
$150,000
$150,000
$350,000
21
Excavate and Lower Existing Swale in Southwest Area'
$67,500
$0
$67,500
22
Sheephills Promenade for Pedestrian Tratfic3
$9,585
$0
$9,585
23
Temporary Construction Fencing
$48,000
$12,000
$60,000
24
Victoria Pond Grading / Enlarge Pond
$135,000
$135,000
25
Haul Off Pond Material
$607,500
$607,500
26
Tidal Connection for Salt Marsh
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
27
Grade Berms and Channels in Southwest Area
$1,201,500
$1,201,500
28
Haul off Surplus Material from Grading Salt Marsh
$435,000
$435,000
29
Naturalize Drainage Channel from Walkabout Circle
$6,750
$6,750
Footnotes:
1 = Volume is based on excavating 2 feet from existing swale
2 = Estimate is based on Fairview Park estimate
3 = Assumes top of berm trail elevation of +8.5 Feet NGVD
4= Assumes very large box culvert
Subtotal Items $427,225 $2,367,435 $5,128,050 $7,922,710
Contingency $106,806.25 $591,859 $1,282,0_13 $1,980,678
Permits $21,361 $118,372 $256,403 $396,136
Environmental Review (Environ. Document for the entire wetlands complex) $23,497 $130,209 $282,043 $435,749
Final Engineering, Bid Documents, Construction Support $42,723 $236,744 $512,805 $792,271
Construction Management $21,361 $118,372 $256,403 $396,136
Escalation (3% per year for 5 years, project assumed start date is 2020) $529,634 $2,934,927 $6,357,282 $9,821,843
GRAND TOTAL $1,172,608 $6,497,917 $14,074,997 $21,745,521
- Restoration = Access - Construction
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
4 Conclusions
Conclusions from the study are summarized below.
1. Talbert Regional Park is a major public amenity that provides various types of recreational
opportunities. The Park is separated into North Talbert Park and South Talbert Park by a
major street (Victoria Street).
2. North Talbert Park is already restored to a great extent as a passive recreational
opportunity, but offers a remaining restoration opportunity at Placentia Drain. Placentia
Drain is degraded and can be cleared of non-native vegetation to provide a riparian
habitat area.
3. South Talbert Regional Park is an informal recreational area that offers both active and
passive use opportunities. Degraded existing habitat poses the option for restoration,
public access improvements and enhancements to allow more visitation, and other
opportunities exist for potential site enhancement.
4. Three restoration alternatives are formulated for South Talbert Regional Park that
consists of a minimum action alternative, a moderate action alternative, and a maximum
action alternative. The range of actions is least for the minimal alternative, greatest for
the maximum alternative, and intermediate between the two for the moderate
alternative. Each alternative consists of components that can be implemented either
individually or as a group, depending on available funding and public needs.
5. Alternative 1, the minimum alternative, is simple removal of non-native vegetation, fish
stocking of Victoria Pond, and basic improvements to public access to allow continued
safe use of the park. Other actions can occur if desired, but this is the basic approach to
the minimum action.
6. Alternative 2, the moderate alternative, includes the same basic components as the
minimum touch, but adds planting for establishment of sage and riparian habitat, modest
excavation and contouring, more extensive public access improvements, and potential
enlargement of Victoria Pond with installation of a fishing amenity to augment fish
stocking.
7. Alternative 3, the maximum alternative, includes all of the components of the previous
alternatives plus more. The new items are more extensive public access improvements,
addition of a boardwalk spanning across Victoria Pond, constructing a berm around
Sheephills, and installation of a tidal salt marsh with connection to either the River or the
marsh to the south.
8. The alternatives were analyzed for their performance and results are below.
a. Alternative 1—The minimum touch alternative provides basic improvement to habitat
by removal of invasive vegetation without improvements to hydrology. Site access is
slightly improved. Benefits of Alternative 1 are site enhancement without significant
investment in capitol. Maintenance is minimal, however non-native vegetation may
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
still colonize the site due to a lack of native vegetation on-site. The site basically
remains as is but with greater habitat quality.
The Park will remain predisposed toward freshwater and riparian habitats and the
southwest portion of the site will be preserved for future planting of salt tolerant plant
species. The clearing of any vegetation in densely vegetated areas is proposed to
discourage homeless encampments.
Public access improvements are generally limited to the peripheral areas and interior
areas utilizing the existing trail network. This alternative provides low cost
opportunities to improve existing trails. Improvements will largely consist of
improving the entrance from Balboa Boulevard by adding stairs and an ADA ramp.
Improvements to the internal trails will consist of adding trail signage and edge effects
designed to contain the width of the trails. A public access trail that loops around the
pond is also proposed under this alternative.
The overall construction cost for this alternative is approximately $1,200,000.
b. Alternative 2 — The moderate touch alternative provides the same basic
improvements as Alternative 1, with added benefits of planting of native habitat,
improved hydrology, enlarging and stocking Victoria Pond, and more significant
improvements to public access. This option is more costly than Alternative 1 but not
as costly as Alternative 3. Maintenance requirements are intermediate between the
two alternatives.
The park will remain predisposed toward freshwater and riparian habitats while
plantings of salt tolerant plant species are proposed for the southwest portion of the
site. Primary actions to improve the existing habitat will include modest excavation,
removing non-native invasive species, weeding, planting vegetation appropriate for
the soils at the site, and clearing specific areas with dense vegetation to discourage
homeless encampments. Planting of trees along the south and west trail edges is
included.
Excavation is proposed at two locations: 1) the pond and 2) the existing swale located
in the southwest portion of the site. Excavation at the pond is proposed to expand the
aquatic area of the pond, increase aquatic habitat, and create island features for birds.
In the southwest area, the purpose of excavating the existing swale is to facilitate
ground water percolation and the establishment of salt tolerant plant species such as
pickle weed and bulrush.
As with Alternative 1, no tidal connection is proposed under this Alternative.
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
Public access improvements and amenities are increased from the number of
improvements proposed in the Minimum Alternative and are slightly less than the
number of improvements offered in the Maximum Alternative.
To keep trails from expanding and impinging on adjacent vegetated habitat, hard
edges will be added to the existing main trails. The hard edges will be designed to
contain the width of the trails. In addition, an elevated berm is proposed around the
Sheephills area. This elevated berm is proposed for two purposes: 1) to clearly
delineate the BMX area and contain the area from expanding; and, 2) provide the
public with a safe viewing trail.
Under this alternative stairs and ADA ramp access to Victoria Pond from the river
levee and from the entrance at Balboa Boulevard to the Park are proposed. An
overlook from the levee and a recreational pier is also proposed at Victoria Pond for
fishing and other recreational uses. Other improvements will include adding trail
signage and informational kiosks to the internal trails, bike access from Balboa
Boulevard, a small restroom facility, and landscape enhancement along the hillside at
Balboa Boulevard.
Construction Costs — Overall construction cost for this alternative is approximately
$6,500,000.
c. Alternative 3 — The maximum alternative provides all potential site restoration
improvements to the greatest degree, with significant benefits of habitat, hydrology,
and public access. Victoria Pond is enlarged to the greatest extent with fish stocking
and a boardwalk, a salt marsh is connected to surface seawater sources, public access
is optimized and parking is made available where appropriate. Sheephills is protected
with a berm and perimeter landscaping. This option is the highest cost and represents
the ultimate vision of all restoration components successfully implemented on-site.
Maintenance will be comparatively greater than the other alternatives.
This Alternative also presents the greatest diversity of habitat at Talbert Regional Park.
The park remains predisposed toward freshwater and riparian habitats while tidal salt
marsh habitat is introduced and confined to the southwest portion of the site. The
southwest area of the park would become dominated by a functioning tidal salt
marsh. Also, the aquatic fresh water area of the pond is expanded and grading of the
drainage channel from Walkabout Circle is proposed to naturalize the channel and
create a bio-swale dominated by a riparian community of trees and shrubs. Primary
actions to improve the existing habitat will include excavation, removing non-native
invasive species, weeding, planting vegetation appropriate for the soils at the site, and
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
clearing specific areas with dense vegetation to discourage homeless encampments.
Trees may be planted along the south and west sides of trails.
For Alternative 3 excavation is proposed at three locations: 1) the pond; 2) the
drainage channel from Walkabout Circle; and, 3) the existing swale located in the
southwest portion of the site. However, the majority of topographic site alteration
occurs in the southwest area under this alternative. Significant excavation of the
existing swale and its adjacent topography is proposed to create a contained network
of tidal channels and tidal salt marsh habitat.
To contain the salt marsh area, an earthen dike is proposed on the south and north
sides of the salt marsh and, a transitional wetland habitat is proposed to be aligned
with Trail B of the Park. The transitional wetland will be constructed using surplus soils
excavated from the tidal channels. The transitional wetland will gently slope from the
flat low-lying area of Trail E to a higher elevation at Trail B. This topographic feature
will allow the salt marsh to adjust and migrate to higher ground during any future sea
level rise. Note: the creation of transitional wetlands will alter a portion of Trail B and
Trail E by burial of these trail segments. This is addressed in the "Public Access"
analysis below.
A tidal connection is proposed under this Alternative through either the North Marsh
project area or the GBC/Santa Ana River levee. The creation of a tidal salt marsh with
a connection to tidal waters is feasible with excavation and the installation of culverts
and/or an open channel design.
Public access consists of a maximum number of public amenities, access features, and
trail improvements proposed under this alternative. Improvements will consist of
revamping access from Balboa Boulevard by adding stairs, an ADA ramp, and a limited
number of parking spaces. Stair and ADA access from the river levee to Victoria Pond
is included, and a series of small footbridges and a boardwalk are added to the loop
trail surrounding the pond. An overlook is also proposed at Victoria Pond. Other
improvements will include adding trail signage and informational kiosks to the internal
trails, bike access from Balboa Boulevard, a permanent restroom and storage facility,
and landscape enhancement along the hillside at Balboa Boulevard.
As with Alternative 2, hard edges are proposed to be added to the existing main trails.
The edges will be designed to contain the width of the trails. In addition, an elevated
berm is proposed around the Sheephills area. This elevated berm is proposed for two
purposes: 1) to clearly delineate the BMX area and contain the area from expanding;
and 2) provide the public with a safe viewing trail.
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Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
For the Trail B and Trail E segments that become partially buried under this
alternative, these trails segments could either be realigned or raised topographically
in elevation using the surplus material from excavation. The elevated trails would
provide the public with unique viewing opportunities, and during the rainy season be
more accessible than trails located at lower elevations. If so desired, other trails within
the Park could also be topographically raised using the surplus material excavated.
Construction costs for this alternative are $14,000,000.
If all actions of each alternative were implemented as a grand master plan, then the cumulative
total cost would be approximately $22,000,000.
Recommendations consist of moving the project through the process of evaluation, approvals,
and design. The steps to be taken include the following:
1. Select the preferred alternative — This step can be accomplished with a decision by the
stakeholder group, or by using the environmental document to identify the preferred
alternative through analyses.
2. Complete environmental review — The environmental review document(s) will have to
satisfy the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Depending on the alternative selected, the document
will either be a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for CEQA and an Environmental
Assessment (EA) for NEPA, or an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for CEQA and an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for NEPA. It is possible to prepare a Programmatic
document that evaluates all possible future actions on the site, with a supplemental
document(s) to address site-specific actions when they are determined.
3. Apply for permits — Permits will be required from federal, state, regional and local
agencies. Anticipated permits are the Section 404 Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the Regional Water Quality
Control Board, a Coastal Development from the California Coastal Commission, and an
Encroachment Permit from the County of Orange. City permits may also be required for
perimeter actions.
4. Complete engineering for construction — Final engineering for construction will be
required to implement the project.
5. Monitor before, during, and after construction —Habitat monitoring will be required prior
to construction, and then during and after construction go assess project impacts and
6. Construct — Implement the project.
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Talbert Regional Park
5 References
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
California Invasive Plant Council (CIPC). 2006/2007. Database Of Invasive Plants Within California
Coastal Watersheds, http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/mapping/arundo/index.php.
Chambers Group, Biological Report for Talbert Regional Park Restoration Plan, 2014.
Chambers Group, Talbert Regional Park Vegetation Communities Map, 2014.
City of Costa Mesa. 2005. Aerial Topographic Survey Obtained By Dulin And Boynton,
Topographic Survey Of Fairview Park, 2005.
County of Orange. 1996. Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report. The Bolsa Chica
Report. Local Coastal Program. State Clearinghouse Number 93-071064.
County of Orange. 2006. Aerial Topographic Survey Obtained By Stewart Geo Technologies,
Topographic Survey Of Talbert Nature Preserve, 2006.
County of Orange. 2015. OC Public Works. James Fortuna, Chief, Monitoring Programs. E -Mail
With Attachment Dated March 3, 2015 to Susan Brodeur of OC Parks.
Dudek, Draft EIR for Southwest Costa Mesa Trunk Sewer Project No. 6-19, Prepared for Orange
County Sanitation District, November, 2013.
Dudek Third Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report for Talbert Nature Preserve Habitat Creation
Project, Orange County, California, 2013.
Dudek Fourth Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report for Talbert Nature Preserve Habitat Creation
Project, Orange County, California, 2014.
EDAW, Inc, Simons, Li and Assosciates, Inc., Wetlands Research Associates, Inc. Technical
Memorandum: Existing Conditions and Opportunities and Constraints Analysis for Fairview
and Talbert Regional Park, 1989.
EDAW, Inc, Simons, Li and Assosciates, Inc., Wetlands Research Associates, Inc. Fairview and
Talbert Regional Park Enhancement Plan, 1991.
EDAW, Inc., Fairview and Talbert Regional Park Master Plan, 1991.
Friends of Harbors, Beaches, and Parks http://www.fhbp.org/projects/PDFs/OCRP-PPT.pdf
Gahagan & Bryant, Inc., Hydrographic Survey of Talbert Regional Park Pond, 2014.
Martin James L. and Steven C. McCutcheon, Hydrodynamics and Transport for Water Quality
Modeling, CRC Press, 1999.
,19„ 91 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
URS, Talbert Nature Preserve Habitat Creation Project, Orange County, California. 2010 Annual
Monitoring Report, 2010.
URS and NOREAS, Talbert Nature Preserve Habitat Creation Project, Orange County, California.
2011 Annual Monitoring Report, 2011.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 1991. Construction plans for Greenville -Banning
Channel Victoria Pond Grading, Planting and Irrigation Plans.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) database of fault lines in the U.S. GIS map layer,
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/qfaults/map/
,�„ 92 Final Report
Talbert Regional Park Final Habitat Restoration Plan
APPENDIX A: DATA INVENTORY
A-1
Talbert Regional Park Document and Data Inventory
E������71&qAuthor
No. Existing Available Information r Source Planning Local Site Biology & Hydrology & Soils Access & Opportunities & Right Of Utility GIS Layer
Blue Ribbon Committee Reports 4/15/2008 City of Costa Mesa,
1
(Costa Mesa, HB Santa Ana River Santa Ana River Trail Blue Huntington Beach,
Vision Study, Newport Beach Santa 2/26/20008 Ribbon Committee and Newport X X
Ana River Vision Plan) Beach
2 Zoning Map - City of Costa Mesa (Hard NP City of Costa Mesa NP X X
copy only)
Existing Conditions and Opportunities
3& Constraints for Fairview and Talbert 6/1989 EDAW, Inc. X X X X X X X
Regional Parks (Technical Memo)
Fairview & Talbert Regional Park OC Environ.
4 Enhancement Plan 6/1991 EDAW, Inc. Management X X X X X X
Agency
Talbert Nature Preserve Habitat OC Public Facilities and
5 Enhancement Plan 4/2003 Resources Dept./ Harbors, X X X X
Beaches, & Parks Design
Fairview & North Talbert Regional Katzmaier Newell Kehr- OC Environ.
6 8/20/1993 Management X X X X
Park Resource Management Plan (Landscape Architect)
Agency
7 Talbert Nature Preserve Habitat 2004 OC Harbors, Beaches, & X
Restoration Projects Parks
8 Santa Ana River Concept 1988 NP X
Enhancement Plan (Map)
Draft Fairview & Talbert Regional Park
9 1991 EDAW, Inc. X
Master Plan
Katzmaier Newell Kehr
Ann Christoph -Architect
Robert Bein - (William Frost
10 Fairview Park Master Plan 2001 & Associates) City of Costa Mesa X
Robert A. Hamilton -
(Michael Brandman
Associates)
Henry C. Koerper, Ph.D.
11 Fairview Park Conceptual Planting NP NP NP X
Map
Santa Ana River ROW & Easements
12 NP U.S. Army Corp of Engineers X X X X
Map
9/2/2014 Talbert Regional Park Data Inventory 1
City of Newport
Beach
OC Environ.
Management
Agency
Daily Pilot
Newspaper
Newport Beach
Police Department
KI
X
X
►�
91
M
X
P
X
i
i
1
X
X
X
9/2/2014 Talbert Regional Park Data Inventory 2
OC Sanitation District Notice of EIR
13
Preparation (for construction of sewer
4/16/2013
OC Sanitation District
lines)
Habitat Value and Treatment
14
Effectiveness of Freshwater Urban
3/29/2008
SCCWRP
Wetlands (Technical Report)
Banning Ranch Draft Environmental
15
9/9/2011
BonTerra Consulting
Impact Report - Volume I
Biological Resources Report for EIR
16
No. 158 (Proposed Banning Ave - 19th
1980
Kristen Bender -CSULB
St Bridge across SA River)
Talbert Nature Preserve Key Plan of
Bernard S. Pyska -OC Public
17
2/2009
Restoration Sites From OCPW
Works
Talbert Nature Preserve Trail Info
18
NP
Orange County Parks
Sheet
Draft EIR for Southwest Costa Mesa
19
2013
Dudek
Trunk Sewer Project
Byron de Arakal, Parks &
City of Costa Mesa, City Council
20
10/11/2013
Recreation Commission
Agenda Reports
Chairman
21
News article on fire at Talbert
5/9/2014
J. Dobruck & B. Zint
Regional Park
Newport Beach Police Department
22
Problem Oriented Policing Report for
5/3/2000
Bob McDonell -Chief of
Police
Talbert Regional Park
23
Lower Santa Ana River Plan & Profile
2/26/1991
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
Santa Ana River Plan & Profile at
24
NP
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
Fairview Channel
25
USACE Victoria Pond Regrading Plan
NP
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
26
Survey: Talbert Nature Preserve
2/2006
Stewart Geo Technologies
27
Survey: Fairview Park mapped
10/2005
Dulin & Boynton
Talbert Regional Park
9/2009-
28
Photograph Log
4/2011
URS & NOREAS
Talbert Nature Preserve Habitat
29
Creation Project, Orange County,
12/2010
URS
California 2010 Annual Monitoring
Report
City of Newport
Beach
OC Environ.
Management
Agency
Daily Pilot
Newspaper
Newport Beach
Police Department
KI
X
X
►�
91
M
X
P
X
i
i
1
X
X
X
9/2/2014 Talbert Regional Park Data Inventory 2
9/2/2014 Talbert Regional Park Data Inventory
Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
APPENDIX B: BIOLOGICAL REPORT FOR THE TALBERT REGIONAL PARK
RESTORATION PLAN
B-1
BIOLOGICAL REPORT FOR THE TALBERT
REGIONAL PARK RESTORATION PLAN
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Prepared for:
Moffatt & Nichol
3780 Kilroy Airport Way, Suite 600
Long Beach, California 90806
Prepared by:
CHAMBERS GROUP, INC.
5 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 750
Santa Ana, California 92707
(949) 261-5414
August 2014
Habitat Analysis for the Talbert Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
Orange County, California
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION1.0 — INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................1
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING................................................................. 1
SECTION2.0 — METHODS....................................................................................................................3
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................................................................................3
2.2 BIOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE -LEVEL FIELD SURVEY................................................................. 3
2.2.1 Vegetation........................................................................................................................3
2.2.2 Wildlife.............................................................................................................................3
2.2.3 Victoria Pond....................................................................................................................3
SECTION3.0 — RESULTS......................................................................................................................5
3.1
VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND OTHER AREAS........................................................................
5
3.1.1 Riparian Habitats..............................................................................................................5
3.1.2 Scrub Habitats..................................................................................................................7
3.1.3 Non -Native Communities and Other Areas
..................................................................... 9
3.2
SENSITIVE SPECIES......................................................................................................................12
3.2.1 Sensitive Plants..............................................................................................................
13
3.2.2 Sensitive Wildlife............................................................................................................
19
3.2.3 Critical Habitat...............................................................................................................
26
3.3
GENERAL PLANTS........................................................................................................................
26
3.4
GENERAL WILDLIFE.....................................................................................................................
27
3.5
VICTORIA POND..........................................................................................................................27
SECTION 4.0 — CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS..................................................................28
4.1 SENSITIVE PLANTS.......................................................................................................................28
4.2 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE....................................................................................................................28
4.3 MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT, AS AMENDED (16 USC 703-711) .............................................. 28
4.4 VICTORIA POND.......................................................................................................................... 28
SECTION 5.0 — REFERENCES..............................................................................................................29
APPENDIX A —SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
APPENDIX B — PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED
APPENDIX C — WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED
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LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 1: Criteria for Evaluating Sensitive Species' Potential for Occurrence..............................................13
Table 2: Victoria Pond Water Column Measurements...............................................................................27
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Project Site Location and Site Vicinity Map .....
Figure 2: Vegetation Communities Map .................
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Habitat Analysis for the Talbert Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
Orange County, California
SECTION 1.0 — INTRODUCTION
This Biological Report has been prepared for Moffatt & Nichol under contract to OC Parks. The biological
study was performed to assist Moffatt & Nichol and OC Parks in preparation of restoration plan for
Talbert Regional Park. Information contained in this document is in accordance with accepted scientific
and technical standards that are consistent with the requirements of United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
Chambers Group, Inc. (Chambers Group) was retained by Moffatt & Nichol to conduct a literature
review and reconnaissance -level survey for the development of alternatives to restore Talbert Regional
Park. During the survey, biologists identified vegetation communities, determined the potential for the
occurrence of sensitive species and habitats that could support sensitive wildlife species on site, made
observations on Victoria Pond, and recorded all plants and animals observed or detected within the
Project boundary.
1.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
Talbert Regional Park is located north and south of Victoria Street in Costa Mesa, between Pacific
Avenue and the Santa Ana River in Orange County, California. North Talbert consists of 91.5 acres and
South Talbert is approximately 88.5 acres. The Santa Ana River and adjacent Greenville Banning Channel
are on the west of the site, Fairview Park is on the north, residential areas on top of bluffs are to the
east, and Banning Ranch and the Santa Ana River Marsh are to the south.
The vegetation around Victoria Pond within the southern portion of the Talbert Preserve is dominated
by native willow trees and interspersed with mule fat and patches of native bulrush. Portions of the area
are alkaline with areas of salt bush, pickleweed, and alkali heath present.
In the northern portion of the Park, the vegetation transitions to a drier habitat type dominated by mule
fat and coyote brush. Many of the installed sycamore trees appear to be doing well, but also, portions of
the northern area have not recovered since the last burn. Restoration efforts have been initiated on site,
but many areas have failed due to a lack of water and an over -abundance of weeds.
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Habitat Analysis for the Talbert Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
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SECTION 2.0 — METHODS
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Chambers Group biologists conducted a literature review of the survey area prior to performing the
reconnaissance survey. The most recent records of the CDFW California Natural Diversity Database
(CNDDB; managed by CDFW 2014), the USFWS Critical Habitat Mapper (USFWS 2014), and the California
Native Plant Society's (CNPS) Electronic Inventory (CNPSEI) of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of
California (CNPS 2014) were reviewed for the following seven quadrangles: Laguna Beach, Anaheim,
Orange, Tustin, Newport Beach, Los Alamitos, and Seal Beach, California, United States Geologic Survey
(USGS) 7.5 -minute quadrangles. These databases contain records of reported occurrences of federal or
state listed endangered or threatened species, proposed endangered or threatened species, California
Species of Concern (SSC), or otherwise sensitive species or habitats that may occur within or in the
immediate vicinity of the Project site.
2.2 BIOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE -LEVEL FIELD SURVEY
Chambers Group biologists Heather Clayton and Heather Franklin conducted the general reconnaissance
survey to map vegetation communities and identify the potential for occurrence of sensitive plant and
wildlife species as well as habitats that could support sensitive wildlife species on site. The
reconnaissance -level plant and wildlife survey was conducted on foot throughout the Project site
between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on June 30, 2014.
All plants and animals observed or detected on site were recorded. Representative photographs
throughout the Project site were taken to document existing site conditions (Appendix A).
2.2.1 Vegetation
All plant species observed within the Project site were recorded (Appendix B). Vegetation communities
within the Project site were identified, qualitatively described, and mapped onto an aerial photograph.
Plant communities were determined in accordance with the categories set forth in Holland (1986), Gray
and Bramlet (1992), or Sawyer et al. (2009). Plant nomenclature follows that of Baldwin et al. (2012).
2.2.2 Wildlife
All wildlife and wildlife sign observed and detected, including tracks, scat, carcasses, burrows,
excavations, and vocalizations, were recorded (Appendix C). Additional survey time was spent in those
habitats most likely to be utilized by wildlife (undisturbed native habitat, wildlife trails, etc.), and in
habitats with the potential to support state and/or federally listed or otherwise sensitive species. Notes
were made on the general habitat types, species observed, and the conditions of the Project site.
2.2.3 Victoria Pond
Victoria Pond was surveyed on June 30, 2014, by Noel Davis and Mike Anghera. They tried snorkeling at
the northeast edge of the pond. Visibility was less than 1 foot and it was determined that the visibility
was too poor to attempt SCUBA diving in the pond.
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Habitat Analysis for the Talbert Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
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A series of water column measurements were made at various locations on the edge of the pond.
Measurements were made near the gate at the northeast portion of the pond and at three locations
from the levy on the west side of the pond. Mike Anghera and/or Noel Davis waded out from the edge
into calf deep water and took measurements just above the bottom. Dissolved Oxygen measurements
were made with a Milwaukee Model MW 600 Dissolved Oxygen meter. Salinity measurements were
made with a Yellow Springs Instruments Model 33 Salinity/Conductivity/Temperature meter.
Temperature and pH were measured with a Milwaukee Model MW 102 pH/Temperature meter.
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Habitat Analysis for the Talbert Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
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SECTION 3.0 — RESULTS
Weather conditions during the survey included temperatures ranging from 69 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit
with 80-100 percent cloud cover, winds ranging from 0 to 1 mile per hour (mph), and no precipitation.
3.1 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES AND OTHER AREAS
Nineteen distinct vegetation communities and areas were documented within the Project site:
Menzies's Golden Bush -Coyote Brush-Quailbush Scrub, California Bulrush Marsh, Disturbed Black
Willow/Mule Fat Association, Black Willow Thicket, Mule Fat Thicket, Giant Reed Break, Ornamental
Landscaping/Ruderal, Quailbush Scrub, Perennial Pepper Weed -Ice Plant Patch, Fremont Cottonwood -
Arroyo Willow -California Sycamore Association, Coyote Brush Scrub, Disturbed/Degraded Restoration
Area, Summer Bush Lupine Stand, Turf Grass, Coast Live Oak -California Sycamore Woodland Alliance,
Alkali Heath Marsh, Disturbed Quailbush Scrub, Alkali Sacaton Grassland, and Disturbed/Developed. A
map showing the vegetation communities observed and other areas within the Project site was
prepared (Figure 2), and the communities are described in the following subsections. The biologists
observed 91 plant species within the Project site (Appendix B).
3.1.1 Riparian Habitats
California Bulrush Marsh
California Bulrush Marsh is described as dominated or co -dominated by California bulrush
(Schoenoplectus californicus) that is intermittent to continuous in the herbaceous layer (Sawyer et al.,
2009). Typically California Bulrush Marsh is found in brackish to freshwater marshes, shores, bars, and
channels of river mouth estuaries. Soils often have a high organic content and are poorly aerated
(Sawyer et al., 2009). In addition to California bulrush, salt marsh fleabane (Pluchea odorata var.
odorata) was found in this community on site, but in lesser amounts.
California Bulrush Marsh is present in several patches on the south and east sides of Victoria Pond
towards the center of the Project site. The Project area includes approximately 0.79 acre of California
Bulrush Marsh.
Black Willow Thicket
Black Willow Thicket is typically a dense, broadleaved, winter -deciduous riparian thicket dominated by
black willow (Salix gooddingii) in the shrub or tree canopy (Sawyer et al., 2009). Most stands are too
dense to allow much understory development (Holland, 1986). This community typically occupies
floodplains; low gradient depositions along rivers and streams. This habitat is seasonally flooded and
typically saturated with fresh water. The soils tend to be loose and are comprised of sandy or fine
gravelly alluvium that is deposited near stream channels during flood flows (Sawyer et al., 2009).
Black Willow Thicket is present in the northern portion of the Project site around Victoria Pond. The
Project area includes approximately 7.35 acres of Black Willow Thicket.
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Disturbed Black Willow/Mule Fat Association
Disturbed Black Willow/Mule Fat Association is described as a community association where black
willow and mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia subsp. salicifolia) are co -dominant species in the shrub and
tree layers, and non-native species occupy approximately 25 percent cover. Non-native tree species
such as Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthefolius) and myoporum (Myoporum laetum) and pampas
grass (Cortaderia selloana) present within the community represent a lower habitat value for wildlife
species than intact Black Willow/Mule Fat Association. Cover within this community is dense to
intermittent, with a continuous, diverse and grassy non-native herbaceous understory layer. Occasional
individuals of western sycamore (Platanus racemosa) were also found scattered throughout the site in
these areas.
Disturbed Black Willow/Mule Fat Association is present in multiple patches within the southern third of
the Project site. The Project area includes approximately 10.73 acres of Disturbed Black Willow/Mule Fat
Association.
Mule Fat Thicket
Mule Fat Thicket consists of dense stands of mule fat with lesser amounts of willow species (Salix spp.)
(Sawyer et al., 2009). This community, also known as Mule Fat Scrub by Holland (1986), usually occupies
intermittent streambeds, seeps, and the toe of landslides where seeps develop (Gray and Bramlet
1992). In addition to the dominant mule fat, other species found in the Mule Fat Thicket habitat on site
included Hooker's evening primrose (Oenothera elata subsp. hookeri), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus),
and occasional non-native tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca).
Mule Fat Thicket is the most extensive vegetation community present, with multiple large patches in the
southeastern third of the Project site. The Project area includes approximately 27.38 acres of Mule Fat
Thicket.
Fremont Cottonwood -Arroyo Willow -California Sycamore Association
Fremont Cottonwood -Arroyo Willow -California Sycamore Association is described as a community
association where Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremonth), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), and
California sycamore, also known as western sycamore, are co -dominant species in the tree layer. The
canopy on site was continuous with an intermittent shrub layer. This community typically is found on
floodplains, along low -gradient rivers, along perennial or seasonally intermittent streams, or in valleys
with a dependable subsurface water supply (Sawyer et al., 2009). In addition to Fremont cottonwood,
arroyo willow, and California sycamore, other native species found in this community on site included
sandbar willow (Salix exigua), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) and blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra
subsp. caerulea).
Fremont Cottonwood -Arroyo Willow -California Sycamore Association was found within several patches
within the center and northern half of the Project site. The Project area includes approximately 1.87
acres of Fremont Cottonwood -Arroyo Willow -California Sycamore Association vegetation.
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Coast Live Oak -California Sycamore Woodland Alliance
Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) is a co -dominant tree with the California sycamore in this woodland
alliance. Trees are typically less than 100 feet in height with a continuous canopy and sparse shrub layer
(Sawyer et al., 2009). The community can be found on alluvial terraces, canyon bottoms, stream banks,
slope or flats and the soils can be deep, sandy or loamy with high organic matter (Sawyer et al., 2009).
This community on site is well maintained and includes patches of turf grass within the interior of the
large trees. The trees serve as shade for the Preserve visitors. The community occurs in the northern
portion of the Project site on the western edge and occupies a total of 8.44 acres on site.
Alkali Heath Marsh
Alkali Heath Marsh is dominated by alkali heath (Frankenia salina), with lesser amounts of other herbs
and occasional shrubs. The cover is open to continuous and most often occupies coastal salt marshes,
brackish marshes, alkali meadows, and alkali playas. Soils tend to be saline and sandy, but can vary to
clayey alluvium as well (Sawyer et al., 2009). In addition to alkali heath, other species in this community
on site included quailbush or big saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis) and common pickleweed (Sarcocornia
Pacifica).
Alkali Heath Marsh is present within the Project site as a small dense patch of alkali heath and
pickleweed to the east of Victoria Pond and as a large recovering field along the southern boundary of
the Project site with sparse patches of alkali heath and scattered qualibush shrubs. The Project area
includes approximately 20.65 acres of Alkali Heath Marsh.
Alkali Sacaton Grassland
Alkali Sacaton Grassland is dominant in the herbaceous layer with scattered shrubs and non-native
grasses also present. The herbaceous layer is less than 3 feet in height with an open canopy. Alkali
Sacaton Grassland typically occupies alluvial flats, basins, stream terraces, swales, valley bottoms, and
can occupy the lower portions of alluvial slopes. The soils can be nonsaline to moderately saline, but are
usually alkaline (Sawyer et al., 2009). In addition to alkali sacaton, this community on site had scattered
native cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) and non-native five -hooked bassia (Bassia hyssopifolia) also
present.
Alkali Sacaton Grassland is present within a small patch at the very southern end of the Project site, and
comprised approximately 1.28 acres on site.
3.1.2 Scrub Habitats
Menzies's Golden Bush -Coyote Brush-Quailbush Scrub
Menzies's Golden Bush -Coyote Brush-Quailbush Scrub is a shrubland alliance in which Menzies's golden
bush or coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii) is co -dominant in the shrub layer with coyote brush
(Baccharis pilularis) and quailbush or big saltbush. Shrub cover within this community is open to
intermittent, with a continuous, diverse, and grassy herbaceous understory layer. This community
typically occupies sandy soils and tends to form as the result of recent or frequent disturbance such as
fire, flooding, erosion, and human -caused clearing (Sawyer et al., 2009). In addition to Menzies's golden
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Habitat Analysis for the Talbert Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
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bush, coyote brush, and quailbush, other native shrubs found in this community included California bush
sunflower (Encelia californica) and California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). Occasional individuals of
jimson weed (Datura wrightii) were also found scattered throughout the site in these areas.
A small patch of this community was mapped just south of Victoria Street and larger disturbed areas
were mapped in the northern area. The Project site includes approximately 17.84 acres of Menzies's
Golden Bush -Coyote Brush-Quailbush Scrub total.
Coyote Brush Scrub
Coyote Brush Scrub is described as dominated or co -dominated by coyote brush with a variable canopy
in the shrub layer (Sawyer et al., 2009). This community occupies many areas, including river mouths,
stream sides, terraces, spits along the coastline, coastal bluffs, open slopes, and ridges (Sawyer et al.,
2009). Soils are variable and can be from sandy to relatively heavy clay. In addition to coyote brush
shrubs, occasional individuals of quailbush and infrequent planted California sycamore trees were also
found scattered throughout the site in these areas.
Coyote Brush Scrub was found in a large portion of the center and the western edge of the Project site.
The Project area includes approximately 21.96 acres of Coyote Brush Scrub.
Summer Bush Lupine Stand
Summer Bush Lupine Stands include areas where the vegetation is dominated by summer bush lupine
(Lupinus formosus). These stands have been planted, presumably, for horticultural purposes.
Summer Bush Lupine Stands were found in patches on either side of the paved maintenance road in the
northernmost portion of the Project site. The patch to the south of the road was recently burned. The
Project area includes approximately 6.34 acres of Summer Bush Lupine Stand.
Quailbush Scrub
Quailbush Scrub is described as dominated by quailbush. Shrub cover within this community is open to
intermittent, with a variable herbaceous understory layer. This community typically occupies alkaline or
saline clay soils in alkali sinks, flats, washes, wetlands, or gentle to steep slopes (Sawyer et al., 2009). In
addition to quailbush, other species found in this community on site include California buckwheat
(Eriogonum fasciculatum), San Diego marsh -elder (Iva hayesiana), and brittlebush (Encelia farinosa).
Quailbush Scrub is present as a primarily long thin patch following the western edge of the Project site
adjacent to the maintenance access road. The Project area includes approximately 5.63 acres of
Quailbush Scrub.
Disturbed Quailbush Scrub
Areas characterized as Disturbed Quailbush Scrub have a minimum cover of 25 percent non-native
weedy vegetation present within the community and represent a lower habitat value for wildlife species
than intact Quailbush Scrub. Non-native species observed within this community include iceplant
(Carpobrotus sp.), Mexican radish (Raphanus sativus), castor -bean (Ricinus communis), wild oat (Avena
sp.), and bristly ox -tongue (Helminthotheca echioides).
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Habitat Analysis for the Talbert Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
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Disturbed Quailbush Scrub is present in scattered patches throughout the southern half of the Project
site. The Project area includes approximately 9.10 acres of Disturbed Quailbush Scrub.
3.1.3 Non -Native Communities and Other Areas
Giant Reed Break
Giant Reed Break is described by Sawyer et al. (2009) as being dominated solely by non-native and
invasive giant reed (Arundo donax). Emergent shrubs and trees may be present and the cover is
continuous where giant reed is less than 30 feet in height. Often, this community can be permanently
saturated with fresh water (Sawyer et al., 2009).
Giant Reed Break is present within the Project site towards the center where the site bottlenecks. The
Project area includes approximately 0.06 acre of this community.
Perennial Pepper Weed -Ice Plant Patch
Perennial Pepper Weed -Ice Plant Patch is described as a community of vegetation dominated solely by
nonnative and invasive perennial pepper weed (Lepidium latifolium) and ice plant (Carpobrotus spp).
A Perennial Pepper Weed -Ice Plant Patch is present toward the center of the Project site. The Project
area includes approximately 2.02 acres of Perennial Pepper Weed -Ice Plant Patch.
Ornamental Landscaping/Ruderal
Ornamental Landscaping/Ruderal includes areas where the vegetation is dominated by non-native
horticultural plants (Gray and Bramlet 1992) or by nonnative, weedy species that are adapted to
frequent disturbances. Typically, ornamental species composition consists of introduced trees, shrubs,
flowers, and turf grass.
Ornamental Landscaping/Ruderal is present all along the eastern edge of the Project site on the slope
below the homes. Plant species found on the Project site within this community include: nonnative
Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), pampas grass, mimosa acacia (Acaia baileyana), sweet -alyssum
(Lobularia maritima), and short -pod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana). The Project area includes
approximately 24.73 acres of Ornamental Landscaping/Ruderal vegetation.
Disturbed/Degraded Restoration Area
Portions of the Talbert Preserve were planted with native vegetation as part of a restoration effort for
the site; however, not all areas were successfully restored. Due to a lack of maintenance, many areas
are now dominated by sparse nonnative ruderal vegetation and are not likely to support native wildlife
species. Nonnative species within these degraded restoration areas include fennel (Foeniculum vulgare),
shortpod mustard, and tocalote (Centaurea melitensis). Scattered native coyote brush shrubs were also
present, but in low densities.
Disturbed/Degraded Restoration Areas were mainly found in the center of the Project site and
comprised approximately 24.93 acres on site.
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Habitat Analysis for the Talbert Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
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Turf Grass
Turf Grass consists of nonnative grass planted and maintained at a short height and used for aesthetic and
recreational purposes by the public. Turf Grass areas are present within the northern portion of the Project site,
surrounded by coast live oak and California sycamore trees. Approximately 1.73 acres of Turf Grass are found on
site.
Disturbed/Developed
Disturbed/Developed areas are those that have been altered by humans. Disturbed areas are either
devoid of vegetation (cleared or graded) such as dirt roads or those areas that have a high percentage of
non-native weedy species (i.e., greater than 25 percent of the species cover). Developed areas display
man-made structures such as houses, paved roads, buildings, or parks.
Disturbed/Developed areas found throughout the Project site and primarily include the paved or graded
access roads and trails. The Project area includes approximately 10.59 acres of areas classified as
Disturbed/Developed.
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Print Date: 8/8/2014. Author: stondre
Habitat Analysis for the Talbert Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
Orange County, California
3.2 SENSITIVE SPECIES
The following is a list of abbreviations used to help determine the significance of biologically sensitive
resources potentially occurring within the Project site.
California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR)
CRPR 1A = Plants presumed extinct in California.
CRPR 113 = Plants rare and endangered in California and throughout their range.
CRPR 2 = Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California but more common
elsewhere in their range.
CRPR 3 = Plants about which we need more information; a review list.
CRPR 4 = Plants of limited distribution; a watch list.
CRPR Extensions
0.1 = Seriously endangered in California (greater than 80 percent of occurrences
Several criteria were used to evaluate the potential for sensitive species to occur within the Project site
(Table 1).
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threatened/high degree and immediacy of threat).
0.2
= Fairly endangered in California (20 to 80 percent occurrences threatened).
0.3
= Not very endangered in California (less than 20 percent of occurrences
threatened).
Federal
FE
= Federally listed; Endangered
FT
= Federally listed; Threatened
FC
= Federal Candidate for listing
State
ST
= State listed; Threatened
SE
= State listed; Endangered
RARE
= State -listed; Rare (Listed "Rare" animals have been re -designated as
Threatened, but Rare plants have retained the Rare designation.)
SSC
= State Species of Special Concern
WL
= CDFW Watch List
Several criteria were used to evaluate the potential for sensitive species to occur within the Project site
(Table 1).
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Table 1: Criteria for Evaluating Sensitive Species' Potential for Occurrence
* PFO: Potential for Occurrence
3.2.1 Sensitive Plants
Current database searches (CDFW 2014 and CNPS 2014) resulted in a list of 39 federally and/or state
listed threatened and endangered or rare sensitive plant species documented to occur within the
vicinity of the Project site. This list includes CRPR Species 1 through 3. After the literature review and the
reconnaissance -level survey, it was determined that 21 species are considered absent from the Project
site based on the assessment of the various habitat types observed in the area of the site. Factors used
to determine the potential for occurrence included the quality of habitat, elevation, and the results of
the reconnaissance survey. In addition, the location of prior CNDDB records of occurrence were used as
additional data, but because the CNDDB is a positive -sighting database, historic records can only support
site conditions and would not give reason for occurrence without suitable habitat present on site.
The following 21 plant species are considered Absent from the Project site due to lack of suitable
habitat, out of geographic range, and/or the species is found outside the elevation range of the Project
site:
■ Ventura Marsh milk -vetch (Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus) — FE, SE, CRPR 113.1
■ Parish's brittlescale (Atriplex parishii) — CRPR 113.1
■ intermediate mariposa -lily (Calochortus weedii var. intermedius) — CRPR 113.2
■ Orcutt's pincushon (Chaenactis glabriuscula var. orcuttiana) — CRPR 113.1; presumed extirpated
from Orange County
■ salt marsh bird's -beak (Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum) — FE, SE, CRPR 113.2
■ San Fernando Valley spineflower (Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina) — SE, CRPR 113.1; presumed
extirpated from Orange County
• summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia) — CRPR 113.2
■ Laguna Beach dudleya (Dudleya stolonifera) — FT, ST, CRPR 113.1
■ Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum) — FE, SE, CRPR 113.1
■ San Diego button -celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii) — FE, SE, CRPR 113.1
■ cliff spurge (Euphorbia misera) — CRPR 213.2
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Absent.
Species is restricted to habitats or environmental conditions that do not occur within the
Project site.
Habitats or environmental conditions needed to support the species are of poor quality
Low:
within the Project site; or marginal habitat exists within the site and a historical record exists
of the species within the Project site or immediate vicinity (5 miles) of the Project site.
Either habitat requirements or environmental conditions associated with the species occur
Moderate:
within the Project site; or low -quality habitat exists within the site and a historical record
exists of the species within the Project site or immediate vicinity (5 miles) of the Project site.
Both the habitat requirements and environmental conditions associated with the species
High:
occur within the site and a historical record exists of the species within the Project site or its
immediate vicinity (5 miles).
Present:
Species was detected within the site at the time of the survey.
* PFO: Potential for Occurrence
3.2.1 Sensitive Plants
Current database searches (CDFW 2014 and CNPS 2014) resulted in a list of 39 federally and/or state
listed threatened and endangered or rare sensitive plant species documented to occur within the
vicinity of the Project site. This list includes CRPR Species 1 through 3. After the literature review and the
reconnaissance -level survey, it was determined that 21 species are considered absent from the Project
site based on the assessment of the various habitat types observed in the area of the site. Factors used
to determine the potential for occurrence included the quality of habitat, elevation, and the results of
the reconnaissance survey. In addition, the location of prior CNDDB records of occurrence were used as
additional data, but because the CNDDB is a positive -sighting database, historic records can only support
site conditions and would not give reason for occurrence without suitable habitat present on site.
The following 21 plant species are considered Absent from the Project site due to lack of suitable
habitat, out of geographic range, and/or the species is found outside the elevation range of the Project
site:
■ Ventura Marsh milk -vetch (Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus) — FE, SE, CRPR 113.1
■ Parish's brittlescale (Atriplex parishii) — CRPR 113.1
■ intermediate mariposa -lily (Calochortus weedii var. intermedius) — CRPR 113.2
■ Orcutt's pincushon (Chaenactis glabriuscula var. orcuttiana) — CRPR 113.1; presumed extirpated
from Orange County
■ salt marsh bird's -beak (Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum) — FE, SE, CRPR 113.2
■ San Fernando Valley spineflower (Chorizanthe parryi var. fernandina) — SE, CRPR 113.1; presumed
extirpated from Orange County
• summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia) — CRPR 113.2
■ Laguna Beach dudleya (Dudleya stolonifera) — FT, ST, CRPR 113.1
■ Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum) — FE, SE, CRPR 113.1
■ San Diego button -celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii) — FE, SE, CRPR 113.1
■ cliff spurge (Euphorbia misera) — CRPR 213.2
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• Los Angeles sunflower (Helianthus nuttallii subsp. parishii) — CRPR 1A; presumed extirpated from
Orange County
• prostrate vernal pool navarretia (Navarretia prostrata) — CRPR 1B.1
• coast woolly -heads (Nemacaulis denudata var. denudata) — CRPR 1B.2
• California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica) — FE, SE, CRPR 1B.1
■ Brand's star phacelia (Phacelia stellaris) — CRPR 113.1; presumed extirpated from Orange County
■ Nuttall's scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) — CRPR 113.1
■ Sanford's arrowhead (Sagittaria sanfordii) — CRPR 113.2; presumed extirpated from Orange
County
■ chaparral ragwort (Senecio aphanactis) — CRPR 213.2
■ California seablite (Suaeda californica) — FE, CRPR 113.1; presumed extirpated from Orange
County
■ big -leaved crownbeard (Verbesina dissita) — FT, ST, CRPR 113.1
The analysis of the database searches and reconnaissance survey resulted in 11 species with Low
Potential to occur within the Project site due to low quality habitat present. These species are:
■ aphanisma (Aphanisma blitoides) — CRPR 113.2
Aphanisma is a CRPR 113.2 species. This annual herb flowers between April and May in sandy areas
of coastal bluff scrub, coastal sage scrub, and costal strands at elevations up to 1,000 feet amsl. This
species ranges from Los Angeles to lower California and the Channel Islands. Aphanisma is in steep
decline on the mainland and islands. Threats to this species include: urbanization, recreational
development, foot traffic, and feral herbivores on Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa
Islands.
Suitable habitat is present, but of low quality within the nearly barren sandstone cliffs on the
southern portion of the Project site. In addition, historical records indicate populations of this
species occur within 1 mile of the site on coastal bluffs, however, the sandstone cliffs do not receive
the same type of coastal influence that bluff habitat might receive. Therefore, this species has a low
potential to occur on site.
• South coast saltscale (Atriplex pacifica) — CRPR 1B.2
South coast saltscale is a CRPR 113.2 species. This annual herb flowers between March and October
on sea bluffs and playas of coastal bluff scrub, coastal sage scrub, and coastal dunes at elevations
upwards to 460 feet amsl. This species range extends from Santa Barbara County and the Channel
Islands to Baja and inland as far as Riverside County and northwest Mexico. Threats to south coast
saltscale include urbanization, especially on the mainland.
Suitable habitat is present, but of low quality within the nearly barren sandstone cliffs on the
southern portion of the Project site. In addition, historical records indicate populations of this
species occur within 3 miles of the site on coastal bluffs, however, the sandstone cliffs do not
receive the same type of coastal influence that bluff habitat might receive. Therefore, this species
has a low potential to occur on site.
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• Davidson's saltscale (Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii) — CRPR 113.2
Davidson's saltscale is a CRPR 113.2 species. This annual herb flowers between April and October in
alkaline areas of coastal bluff scrub and coastal scrub at elevations from 30 and 660 feet amsl. This
species known range extends from Santa Barbara County and the Channel Islands down the coast
and inland as far as Riverside County to Baja California. Plant may be extirpated in Los Angeles
County.
Low quality habitat is present on site for this species. Historical records indicate populations of this
species occur within 3 miles of the site on coastal salt marsh, however, the habitat on site is sparse,
disturbed, and not contiguous with other salt marsh habitat or coastal scrub. Therefore, this species
has a low potential to occur on site.
■ many -stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis) — CRPR 113.2
Many -stemmed dudleya is a CRPR 113.2 species. This perennial herb flowers between April and July
in rocky outcrops and clay soils of chaparral, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grasslands at
elevations between 50 and 2,600 feet amsl. Known ranges include: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside,
San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. Development, road construction, grazing, and recreation
are some of the serious threats to this species.
Low quality habitat is present on site for this species. Historical records indicate populations of this
species occur within 3 miles of the site in bluff habitat in the hills above Newport Bay and at the San
Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Preserve, however, the coastal scrub habitat on site is sparse and
portions are disturbed. Therefore, this species has a low potential to occur on site.
■ San Bernardino aster (Symphyotrichum defoliatum) — CRPR 113.2
San Bernardino aster is a CRPR 113.2 species. This perennial rhizomatous herb flowers from July to
November and typically occurs near ditches, streams, and springs. Habitats include cismontane
woodland, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, marshes and
swamps, and valley and foothill grassland in vernally mesic soils. This species grows at elevations
from 2 to 2,040 meters amsl. The known range includes Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange,
Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Low quality habitat is present on site for this species. Historical records indicate populations of this
species occur within 3 miles of the site near Newport Bay in the freshwater marsh habitat. Because
Victoria Pond on the Project site is an isolated water body, the marsh habitat surrounding the pond
is of low quality and not contiguous with other marsh habitat. Therefore, this species has a low
potential to occur on site.
• Salt Spring checkerbloom (Sidalcea neomexicana) — CRPR 213.2
Salt spring checkerbloom is a CRPR 2.2 species. This perennial herb flowers between March and June
and is found on alkaline areas, usually in wet places like springs and marshes. Habitat includes
chaparral, coastal scrub, Mojave desert scrub, playas, and lower montane coniferous forest at
elevations between 50 and 5,000 feet amsl. The known range of this species exists in Santa Barbara,
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San Bernardino, and San Luis Obispo counties. This species is threatened by urbanization, grazing,
and road maintenance.
Low quality habitat is present onsite for this species, however, the coastal scrub habitat onsite is
sparse and portions are disturbed. Furthermore, known occurrences have not been documented
within 5 miles of the site. Therefore, this species has a low potential to occur on site.
■ estuary seablite (Suaeda esteroa) — CRPR 113.2
Estuary seablite is a CRPR 113.2 species. This perennial herb flowers between May and January and
typically grows in coastal salt marshes and swamps. This species is found at elevations up to 15 feet
amsl. The known range includes Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Ventura
Counties. Estuary seablite is potentially threatened by development and recreation.
Suitable habitat is present onsite for this species. In addition, historic records indicate that
populations of this species have been found within 1 mile of the site in the Newport Slough, 1.8
miles west-southwest of Harbor Boulevard and Newport Boulevard. Additional populations have
been found within 4 miles of the site at Balboa Beach and on the north shore of Upper Newport
Back Bay Regional Park. Because Victoria Pond on the Project site is an isolated water body, the
marsh habitat surrounding the pond is of low quality and not contiguous with other marsh habitat.
Therefore, this species has a low potential to occur on site.
■ mesa horkelia (Horkelia cuneata var. puberula) — CRPR 113.1
Mesa horkelia is a CRPR 113.2 species. This perennial herb flowers from February to September. It is
typically found in sandy or gravelly soils, within maritime chaparral, cismontane woodland, and
coastal scrub habitats at elevations between 70 and 810 meters amsl. The known range includes Los
Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura
counties. Further study is required to confirm status of occurrences and for true species
representation. Mesa horkelia is potentially threatened by habitat conversion.
Low quality habitat is present on site for this species, however, the coastal scrub habitat on site is
sparse and portions are disturbed. Furthermore, known occurrences have not been documented
within 5 miles of the site. Therefore, this species has a low potential to occur on site.
• Coulter's saltbush (Atriplex coulteri) — CRPR 113.2
Coulter's saltbush is a CRPR 16.2 species. This perennial herb or subshrub flowers between March
and October in alkaline or clay soils, in open areas at elevations reaching 1,500 feet amsl. Habitats
include coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grasslands. This species
ranges from Santa Barbara County and the Channel Islands to Baja California and inland as far as San
Bernardino County. This species is threatened by development and feral herbivores.
Suitable habitat is present, but of low quality within the nearly barren sandstone cliffs on the
southern portion of the Project site. In addition, historical records indicate populations of this
species occur within 4 miles of the site on coastal bluffs above Newport Bay and at the San Joaquin
Marsh Preserve, however, the sandstone cliffs on site do not receive the same type of coastal
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influence that bluff habitat might receive. Therefore, this species has a low potential to occur on
site.
• decumbent goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens) — CRPR 113.2
Decumbent goldenbush is a CRPR 113.2 species. This shrub flowers between April and November in
sandy, often disturbed areas, in granitic or sandstone derived soils on the landward side of dunes,
hillsides, and arroyos at elevations between 30 and 440 feet amsl. Habitats include: chaparrals and
coastal scrubs. Known ranges include: Orange and San Diego counties, San Clemente and Santa
Catalina islands, and Baja California.
Low quality habitat is present on site in the sandstone cliffs on the southern portion of the Project
site. Historical records of this species have been documented within 5 miles of the site in Corona Del
Mar, near the Pacific Ocean drainage area. Due to the disturbance and encroachment of nonnative
iceplant on these cliffs, there is only a low potential for the decumbent goldenbush to occur on site.
■ Allen's pentachaeta (Pentachaeta aurea subsp. allenii) — CRPR 1B.1
Allen's pentachaeta is an annual herb that flowers between March and May in openings within
coastal scrub or valley and foothill grasslands. This species occurs at elevations up to 1,640 feet
amsl. Allen's pentachaeta is known from fewer than 20 occurrences in Orange County. It is
threatened by development, habitat alteration, and vehicles, and possibly threatened by non-native
plants as well.
Low quality habitat is present on site for this species, however, the coastal scrub habitat on site is
sparse and portions are disturbed. Furthermore, known occurrences have not been documented
within 5 miles of the site. Therefore, this species has a low potential to occur on site.
The analysis of the reconnaissance survey and literature search resulted in three species with Moderate
Potential to occur within the Project site due to the presence of suitable habitat on the Project site:
■ Lewis' evening -primrose (Camissoniopsis lewisii) — CRPR 3
Lewis' evening -primrose is a CRPR List 3 species. This annual herb blooms between March and June
and can be found in sandy or clay soils within coastal bluff scrub, cismontane woodland, coastal
dunes, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland at elevations up to 984 feet amsl. Lewis'
evening -primrose is known to occur in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. This species is
potentially threatened by erosion and recreational activities.
Suitable habitat is of moderate quality within the Project site in areas of coastal scrub. Currently
there are no historical records of this species documented within 5 miles of the Project site. The
habitat suitability and historic records from the site give this species a moderate potential to occur
on site.
• Gambel's water cress (Nasturtium gambelii) — FE, ST, CRPR 1B.1
Gambel's water cress is a federal -listed endangered, state -listed threatened and CRPR List 1B
species. This perennial rhizomatous herb blooms between April and October and can be found in
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fresh or brackish water in marshes and swamps at elevations up to 1,000 feet amsl. Gambel's water
cress is known to occur in Los Angeles County, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego,
and San Luis Obispo counties. This species is considered nearly extinct in the United States and is
known from only four occurrences. Habitat loss, erosion and alterations in hydrology from gum tree
species are serious threats to Gambel's water cress. Historic records show this species was found
within 2 miles of the Project.
Suitable habitat is of moderate quality within the Project site. In addition, historical records indicate
a population of this species was found within 2 miles of the site, however, the exact location is
unknown. The suitability and historic records from site give this species a moderate potential to
occur on site.
■ south coast branching phacelia (Phacelia ramosissima var. austrolitorlis) — CRPR 3.2
South coast branching phacelia is a CRPR List 3 species. This perennial herb blooms between March
and August and can be found in sandy or rocky soils in chaparral, coastal dunes, coastal scrub,
coastal salt marshes and swamps at elevations up to 984 feet amsl. South coast branching phacelia
is known to occur in Los Angeles, Monterey, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and
Ventura counties. Threats to this species may include development and competition with non-native
plants species.
Suitable salt marsh and coastal scrub habitat is of moderate quality within the Project site. Currently
there are no historical records of this species documented within 5 miles of the Project site. The
habitat suitability and historic records from the site give this species a moderate potential to occur
on site.
The following three plant species are considered to have a High Potential to occur on Project site due to
the presence of suitable soils on site and due to the presence of other occurrences of the species within
5 miles of the site:
■ chaparral sand -verbena (Abronia villosa var. aurita) — CRPR 1B.1
Chaparral sand verbena is a CRPR List 113.1 species. This annual herb blooms between January and
September and can be found sandy soils in chaparral, coastal scrub and desert dunes at elevations
between 246 and 5,249 feet amsl. Chaparral sand -verbena is known to occur in Imperial, Los
Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties. Threats to this species
may include non-native plants, alteration of fire regimes, road maintenance, flood control activities,
vehicles, and development. Historic records show this species was found adjacent to the Project
along the Santa Ana River approximately 2 miles from the coast.
Coastal scrub habitat is of moderate quality within the Project site. In addition, historical records
indicate a population of this species was found adjacent to the site along the Santa Ana River
approximately 1.5 to 2 miles from Ocean. The suitability and historic records from site give this
species a high potential to occur on site.
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• Coulter's goldfields (Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri) — CRPR 113.1
Coulter's goldfields is a CRPR 113.1 species. This annual herb flowers between February and June and
is found in saline areas and damp alkaline spots. Habitat includes coastal salt marshes and swamps,
playas, and vernal pools at elevations up to 4,000 feet (amsl). The known range of this species exists
in Colusa, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Tulare,
and Ventura counties; Santa Rosa Island; and Baja California. This species is threatened by
urbanization and agricultural development.
Suitable habitat is of high quality within the Project site. In addition, historical records indicate a
population of this species was found in Costa Mesa directly adjacent to the site, however, the exact
location is unknown. Another population is within S miles of the site at the Bolsa Chica salt marsh
and at the south end of Ed Martin's Airport in Santa Ana. The suitability and historic records from
site give this species a high potential to occur on site.
■ mud nama (Nama stenocarpa) — CRPR 213.2
Mud nama is a CRPR List 2 species. This annual often perennial herb bloom between January and
July and can be found along lake margins and riverbanks in marshes and swamps at elevations up
1,640 feet amsl. Mud nama is known to occur Imperial, Kings, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San
Clemente Island, and San Diego counties. Historic records show that this species was found within
Fairview Park, directly adjacent to the Project.
Suitable habitat is of high quality within the Project site. In addition, historical records indicate a
population of this species was found within Fairview Park, directly adjacent to the Project site. The
suitability and historic records from site give this species a high potential to occur on site.
The following species was Present on the Project site during the survey:
■ southern tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. australis) — CRPR 113.1
Southern tarplant is a CRPR 113.1 species. This annual herb flowers between May and November in
seasonally moist saline soils of marshes and swamps, vernal pools, and valley and foothill grasslands
at elevations upwards to 1400 feet amsl. Known ranges include: Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara,
San Diego, Ventura counties, Santa Catalina Island, and Baja California. This species has been known
to grow intertwined with slender tarweed (Hemizonia fasiculata). Threats to southern tarplant
include: urbanization, vehicles, development, and foot traffic.
This species was observed on site at the southern end of the site. Other populations in the area at
Fairview Park, north of the site and in the Banning Ranch area just south of the site indicate the
Talbert Preserve is likely to support a self-sustaining population of southern tarplant. Focused
surveys will need to be conducted to determine the extent and number of individuals present on
site.
3.2.2 Sensitive Wildlife
A current database search (CDFW 2014) resulted in a list of 27 federally and/or state listed endangered
or threatened, SSC, or otherwise sensitive wildlife species that may potentially occur within the Project
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site. A literature review and the assessment of the various habitat types within the Project site
determined that 16 sensitive wildlife species were considered absent from the site, eight species have
low potential to occur, one species has moderate potential to occur, two species have a high potential
to occur, and three species were present on site. Factors used to determine potential for occurrence
included the quality of habitat, and results of the reconnaissance -level survey. In addition, the location
of prior database records of occurrence were used as additional data, but since the CNDDB is a positive -
sighting database, this data was used only in support of the analysis from the previously identified
factors.
The following 16 wildlife species are considered Absent from the Project site due to lack of suitable
habitat present. In addition, no record shows the existence of these species within 5 miles of the Project
site:
■ Belding's savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi) – SE
■ big free -tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis)—SSC
■ California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus)—SE
■ coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) – SSC
• coastal cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegensis)—SSC
• green turtle (Chelonia mydas)—FT
• light-footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes) — FE, SE
■ Mexican long -tongued bat (Choeronycteris mexicana)—SSC
■ Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) – FE, SSC
■ red -diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber)—SSC
■ Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae)—FT, SSC
■ tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi)—FE, SSC
■ tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) — SSC
■ western spadefoot (Spea hammondii)—SSC
• western yellow bat (Lasiurus xanthinus)—SSC
• western yellow -billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis)—SE
The analysis of the reconnaissance survey and database searches resulted in 8 species with Low
Potential to occur within the Project site due to low quality or unsuitable habitat present. In addition,
known occurrences are recorded within 5 miles of the Project site:
• bank swallow (Riparia riparia) – ST
The bank swallow (nesting) is a state -threatened species. This passerine nests in colonies across
much of North America; however, unlike many other swallows that nest on or inside man-made
structures, the bank swallow mostly nests inside tunnels that it builds in steep sand or gravel banks
or cliffs of river banks or quarries near water. Bank swallows will nest in colonies, including five to
over 3,000 individuals with an average of 350 burrows per colony. This species inhabits open and
partly open areas, and is frequently found near flowing water. Flood and erosion control Projects in
California have eliminated much of the historic habitat of this species (Garrison et al. 1987, Garrison
1999).
Bank swallow occurrences have been recorded within 3 miles of the Project site in Newport and
Huntington Beach. Steep banks consisting of sandy substrate border the west side of Victoria Pond;
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however, the banks are heavily vegetated, therefore providing low quality habitat for this species.
Therefore, the bank swallow has a low potential to occur within the Project site.
• grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)-- SSC
The grasshopper sparrow (nesting) is a California Species of Special Concern. This species breeds
from Oregon south along the California coast and the east side of the Sierras in the lowlands into
Baja California. This species also ranges from southern Canada south through the central United
States and east to the east coast and winters in the central and southern United States (National
Geogrphic, 2008). The grasshopper sparrow inhabits prairie grasslands, pastures, old weedy fields,
palmetto scrub, grain fields, and hayfields. This species generally does not use habitats with dense
shrub cover or sites that have been over -grazed. Populations of this species are declining due to
habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation.
This species has been recorded within 5 miles of the Project site. Some large open weedy fields
occur near the northern portion of the Project site; however, these fields are surrounded by densely
vegetated habitat, therefore providing low quality habitat. Therefore, there is a low potential for the
species to occur on site.
• Orange -throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra)-- SSC
This orange -throated whiptail lizard can be found from San Bernardino County, California
throughout Baja California, Mexico. Suitable habitat includes low -elevation coastal scrub, chamise-
redshank chaparral, mixed chaparral, and valley -foothill hardwood habitats (Morey 2000).
Hibernation sites occur on well -insulated, south -facing open slopes that are often adjacent to
terraces with woody perennials. The Belding's orange -throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra
beldingi) can be found in semi -arid shrub habitat with loose soil and rocks, including washes,
stremsides, rocky hillsides, and coastal chaparral ranging from the Santa Ana River in Orange county,
Colton in San Bernardino County, west if the Peninsular Ranges, and throughout the Baja Peninsula
(California Herps 2012).
Low -quality habitat occurs near the western side of Victoria Pond and throughout the northern
portion of the Project site. These areas consist of hillsides with shrub habitat and open weedy fields
which could provide habitat for the orange -throated whiptail. This species has also been historically
recorded within 5 miles of the Project site near Corona Del Mar; however, the individual was not
observed in similar habitat and the population is now considered extirpated. Therefore, the orange -
throated whiptail has a low potential to occur within the Project site.
• south coast marsh vole (Microtus californicus stephensi) — SSC
The South Coast Marsh Vole (also known as the Stephens' California Vole) is a California Species of
Special Concern. No species specific information is available although this species is located within
Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties (Hall 1981). The South Coast Marsh Vole is a subspecies
of the California Vole. The California Vole feeds on leafy parts of grasses, sedges, and herbs. It
creates underground burrows in soft soil. Its' habitat includes meadows and grasslands with friable
soil. California Voles can reproduce at any time during the year, but peaks during when food and
cover are abundant (Brylski 1990). Although the California Voles are widespread and abundant,
specific subspecies, such as the South Coast Marsh Vole, are considered state Species of Special
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Concern due to localized threats to habitat due to urbanization and/or agricultural conversion of the
habitat.
Low -quality habitat occurs near the northern portion of the Project site in the open fields. These
areas consist of open weedy fields which could provide habitat for this species. This species has also
been historically recorded within 5 miles of the Project site near Upper Newport Bay and Bolsa
Chica; however, the majority of the Project site lacks open meadows and grasslands, providing low
quality habitat for the vole. Therefore, the south coast marsh vole has a low potential to occur
within the Project site.
■ western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis colifornicus) — SSC
The western mastiff bat is a state Species of Special Concern. It is a permanent resident throughout
its range in southern California, southern Arizona, Texas, and south to South America. With a
wingspan approaching 2 ft, the western mastiff bat is the largest bat species in North America. It is
also unique in that its call can be readily identified with the unaided ear. It roosts in small colonies or
singly in primarily natural substrates such as large trees, cliff faces, large boulders, and exfoliating
rock surfaces. It is less commonly found in artificial structures such as buildings and roof tiles. It is
found in a wide variety of habitats, including desert scrub, chaparral, woodlands, floodplains, and
grasslands. Birthing dates vary extensively but are generally from April through September in
California (Ahlborn 1999). Reasons for observed population declines are unknown (TPWD 2008).
Suitable roosting habitat occurs for the western mastiff bat within the native and non-native trees
with crevices within the Project site. There are historic occurrences of this species within 5 miles of
the Project site but no recent occurrences. Therefore, there is a low potential for the western
mastiff bat to roost within the Project site.
■ western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) — SSC
The western pond turtle is a California Species of Special Concern. This species occurs along the west
coast of North America from Baja California up to San Francisco Bay, and occurs from sea level to
5,900 feet in elevation (Calherps 2011). It inhabits permanent or nearly permanent bodies of water
in many habitat types including ponds, marshes, rivers, and streams that typically have a rocky or
muddy bottom and extensive aquatic vegetation along water body margins (Calherps 2011). The
western pond turtle requires basking sites such as partially submerged logs, vegetation mats, or
open mud banks for thermoregulation. This species occurs in a variety of habitat types including
woodland, grassland, and open forest (Calherps 2011). Although this species is considered aquatic, it
usually leaves the aquatic site to reproduce, estivate, and overwinter. Pond turtles hibernate under
water in mud and will estivate during dry summers in soft mud, leaf litter, or wood rat nests
(Calherps 2011). Pond turtles are diurnal and are most active from February to November; however,
if water temperatures remain warm, this species may be active year-long (Bury 2008). Pond turtles
feed on aquatic plants, invertebrates, worms, frog and salamander eggs and larvae, crayfish, carrion,
and occasionally frogs and fish (Calherps 2011). Habitat destruction is the primary threat to this
species.
Victoria Pond could provide potential habitat for the western pond turtle. The pond turtle has been
recorded within 5 miles of the Project site near San Joaquin Reserve; however, the pond lacks clear
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connectivity to the Santa Ana River system, which would be required for dispersal of this species.
Therefore, the western pond turtle has a low potential to occur within the Project site.
• American Badger (Taxidea taxus) — SSC
The American badger is a California Species of Special Concern. This carnivorous species ranges over
most of the western U.S. and upper midwestern U.S. south into central Mexico. In California, the
badger may occupy a variety of habitats, especially grasslands, savannas, sandy soils and deserts. It
prefers friable soils for burrowing, and relatively open, uncultivated ground. Prey items include
pocket gophers and ground squirrels (Jameson and Peeters 1988). The American badger may weigh
up to 11.4 kg or 25 pounds, and is easily recognized by its overall silver gray coloration, white stripe
on top of its head, white cheeks, and black feet with noticeably long front claws. It is a heavy -bodied
animal that is stout and flattened. The American badger is chiefly nocturnal, but it is often seen by
day as well. It gives birth to one to four young from March to April (Jameson and Peeters 1988).
Threats to this species include habitat loss due to agriculture, housing, and other land conversions,
and illegal hunting.
This species has been historically recorded within 3 miles of the Project site near Newport, and small
areas along the northern portion of the Project site contains suitable habitat for the American
badger; however, based on the absence of the badger's large and distinctive dens and the relatively
small foraging areas within the Project site, the American badger has a low potential to occur within
the Project site.
■ western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) — FE, SSC
The western snowy plover (nesting) is federally listed as threatened and is also a California Species
of Special Concern. The Pacific coastal population breeds primarily on beaches from southern
Washington to southern Baja California, Mexico. Interior populations can be found in the Central
Valley of California, Oregon, Nevada, and other western states. This small plover has a pale tan back,
rump, and tail; white underparts; and dark patches on the sides of its neck that reach around onto
the top of its chest. The western snowy plover nests on barren to sparsely vegetated sand beaches,
dry salt flats in lagoons, dredge spoils deposited on beach or dune habitats, levees and flats at salt -
evaporation ponds, and in river bars. In California, most breeding occurs on dune -backed beaches,
barrier beaches, and salt -evaporation ponds and infrequently on bluff -backed beaches (USFWS
2001). Habitat alteration and recreational beach use have led to a serious decline in nesting habitat
and populations over the last 40 years (USFWS 2001; Page et al. 1995).
This species has been historically recorded within 3 miles of the Project site near Newland Marsh;
however, the Project site lacks large areas of beach or other flat areas, which are necessary for
quality nesting habitat. Therefore, the western snowy plover has a low potential to occur within the
Project site.
The analysis of the CNDDB search and reconnaissance survey resulted in one species with Moderate
Potential to occur within the Project site due to the presence of suitable habitat and known occurrences
within 3 miles of the Project site in habitat similar to conditions at the Project site:
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• Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) - FT, SSC
The coastal California gnatcatcher is a federally threatened species and a California Species of
Special Concern. The range of this species extends southern California west of the Peninsular and
Transverse ranges south into northwestern Baja California, Mexico. The gnatcatcher has a short and
slender bill; tail is mostly black with white edges, grayish overall, back and wings grey with brown
tinge and a white eye ring. Breeding males have a black cap. It is a permanent resident of Diegan,
Riversidian, and Venturan sage scrub sub -associations found from sea level to 2,500 feet in
elevation. The species lives and breeds within California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) dominant
habitats and also occurs in mixed scrub habitats with lesser percentages of this favored shrub
(Atwood and Bontrager 2001). Coastal California gnatcatchers primarily feed upon insects including,
spiders, leaf hoppers and beetles. The largest threat to the species is a loss of habitat; other threats
include wildfires and nest paratism.
Several areas throughout the Project site provide potential habitat for the California gnatcatcher.
The areas of coyote brush and golden bush scrub throughout the site could provide suitable areas
for foraging. In addition, has also been historically documented within 3 miles of the Project site
near Upper Newport Bay and on Banning Ranch. Therefore, the California gnatcatcher has a
moderate potential to occur within the Project site.
The analysis of the CNDDB search and reconnaissance survey resulted in two species with High Potential
to occur within the Project site due to known occurrences within one mile of the Project site and the
presence of suitable habitat:
■ Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) — SSC
The burrowing owl is a California Species of Special Concern. It is broadly distributed across the
western United States, with populations in Florida and Central and South America. The burrowing
owl breeds in open plains from western Canada and the western United States, Mexico through
Central America, and into South America to Argentina (Klute 2003). This species inhabits dry, open,
native or nonnative grasslands, deserts, and other arid environments with low -growing and low-
density vegetation (Ehrlich 1988). It may occupy golf courses, cemeteries, road rights -of way,
airstrips, abandoned buildings, irrigation ditches, and vacant lots with holes or cracks suitable for
use as burrows (TLMA 2006). Burrowing owls typically use burrows made by mammals such as
California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi), foxes, or badgers (Trulio 1997). When burrows
are scarce, the burrowing owl may use man-made structures such as openings beneath cement or
asphalt pavement, pipes, culverts, and nest boxes (TLMA 2006). Burrowing owls often are found
within, under, or in close proximity to man-made structures. Prey sources for this species include
small rodents; arthropods such as spiders, crickets, centipedes, and grasshoppers; smaller birds;
amphibians; reptiles; and carrion.
Several areas throughout the Project site provide potential habitats for the burrowing owl. The open
fields along the northern portion of the site and the berms and rip rap along the channel provide
suitable areas for nesting, perching, and foraging. In addition, several California ground squirrels and
a high number of burrows were observed along the mentioned areas. This species has also been
recorded within 1 mile of the Project site near Fairview Park and on Banning Ranch. Therefore, the
burrowing owl has a high potential to occur within the Project site.
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• San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis)—FE
The San Diego fairy shrimp is a federally endangered species that occurs from southwestern coastal
California to northwestern Baja California in Mexico. This species can be eight to 16 millimeters in
length (USFWS 2002). This species is restricted to vernal pools of five to 30 centimeters in depth
below 2,300 feet in elevation and 40 miles of the Pacific Ocean (USFWS 2002). Water temperatures
of vernal pools range from 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (USFWS 2002). Their diet consists of algae,
bacteria, protozoa, rotifers, and organic materials and they are predated by water fowl and reptiles.
Threats to the species include habitat destruction and fragmentation from urbanization and
agriculture, and changes to vernal pool hydrology due to off-highway vehicle activity and livestock
grazing (USFWS 2002).
Several areas along the access road could provide potential pools for the San Diego fairy shrimp.
Several depressions were observed within and along the sides of the access road, which could create
vernal pools, providing quality habitat for this species. In addition, this species has been historically
documented within 1 mile of the Project site near Fairview Park and on Banning Ranch. Therefore,
the San Diego fairy shrimp has a high potential to occur within the Project site.
The following three species were Present on the Project site during the survey:
■ California least tern (Sternula antillarum browni) – FE, SE
The California least tern (nesting colony) is a federally and state endangered species and a
Department of Fish and Wildlife Fully Protected species. The least tern lives and breeds in the San
Francisco Bay, Sacramento River Delta and from San Louis Obispo County south into San Diego
County. This small tern has long tapered wings and a forked tail, white forehead with a black cap
and black tipped wings and has yellow legs and bill. The species lives and breeds in shallow marine
and estuarine shores. Nesting usually occurs in colonies on bare ground (sand or gravel) with sparse
vegetation near the water in relatively undisturbed areas (Rigney and Granholm 2005). Least terns
feed upon small fish including, herrings, anchovies, silversides and shiner surfperch. Nesting habitat
has been lost to urban development and predation. Non-native foxes, coyote, raccoon, American
kestrels, burrowing owls, feral cats and American crows all predate on nesting terns colonies.
One adult California least tern was observed foraging in Victoria pond throughout the duration of
the survey. The Project site lacks large estuarine shores required for nesting for this species.
Therefore, the Project site provides suitable foraging habitat only.
• least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) – FE, SE
The least Bell's vireo (nesting) is a federal- and state -listed endangered subspecies of the Bell's vireo.
This small passerine subspecies has a breeding range that is restricted to lower elevations of coastal
California and northwestern Baja California, Mexico with a few inland populations (Franzreb 1989).
Its winter range extends into southern Baja California, Mexico (R. Hutto, pers. comm., cited in
Franzreb 1989). This bird is approximately 4.3 to 4.7 inches in length with an overall drab
appearance consisting of brownish grey upperparts and a whitish underside, and a faint white eye -
ring. Its unique song most easily identifies it. The least Bell's vireo typically nests in willows (Salix
spp.) and other riparian trees or shrubs, and typically nests three to six feet above the ground. This
species requires densely vegetated riparian habitat along streams and rivers during the spring and
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summer months to breed, and foraging in habitat adjacent to its nesting territory, which is typically
riparian or chaparral (Gray and Greaves 1984; Franzreb 1989; USFWS 1994). Least Bell's vireos
forage by gleaning insects from the leaves of trees and shrubs. The two major threats and
subsequent factors in the decline of least Bell's vireo populations are the loss of riparian habitat
from urban and agricultural development, overgrazing, flood control projects and logging
operations, and nest parasitism by the brown headed -cowbird (Brown 1993, Franzreb 1989).
Despite historic least Bell's vireo population losses followed by federal protection in 1986, recent
trends indicate that populations are increasing with populations returning to parts of their former
range and colonizing some new areas (USFWS 1998).
One adult least Bell's vireo was observed singing near the utility pole line located along the southern
portion of the Project site. High quality nesting habitat occurs throughout the site within the mule
fat thickets. Therefore, this species has high potential for nesting and foraging throughout the
Project site.
■ yellow -breasted chat (Icteria virens) — SSC
The yellow -breasted chat (nesting) is a California Species of Special Concern. The breeding range of
this species includes most of the U.S., south-central Canada, and northern Mexico. It winters from
the southern U.S. to Panama. In Southern California, the population is very locally distributed
throughout the Coast and Peninsular ranges. The yellow -breasted chat is the largest wood warbler.
The Upperparts from forehead to upper tail -coverts olive green, becoming slightly grayer on lower
rump, by white supercilium, lower eye -lid also bordered by white crescent, underparts are a bright
yellow (Eckerle and Thompson 2001). Habitats include swamplands, riparian willow thickets and
other dense brush, often near watercourses. The yellow -breasted chat feeds on insects, larvae,
spiders, berries, and fruits (Green 2005). It mimics songs (often at night), sports an impressive array
of sounds, and is often conspicuous within its territory early in the breeding season. It has a
characteristic display flight whereupon it takes off from a perch, jumbles through the air, and sings
all the while. Predators include snakes, accipiters, and small mammals. Population declines are due
to the loss and degradation of riparian habitats rangewide. The decline is also due to parasitism of
brown -headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater).
Several yellow -breasted chats were observed singing throughout the southern portion of the Project
site. In addition, the Project site contains high quality nesting and foraging habitat within the willow
and mule fat thickets. Therefore, this species has high potential for nesting and foraging throughout
the Project site.
3.2.3 Critical Habitat
The Project site is not within critical habitat for any federally -listed species (USFWS 2014).
3.3 GENERAL PLANTS
Biologists observed 91 plant species during the reconnaissance -level survey (Appendix B). Plant species
observed during the survey were characteristic of the existing site conditions. One sensitive plant
species, southern tarplant, were observed during the survey; however, the survey was not conducted at
a time of year when all sensitive species would be blooming and conspicuous and additional sensitive
species may be present within the Project area.
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3.4 GENERAL WILDLIFE
Biologists observed 36 wildlife species during the survey (Appendix C). Wildlife species observed or
detected during the survey were characteristic of the existing site conditions. Sensitive wildlife species
were observed during the survey effort.
3.5 VICTORIA POND
Table 2 shows the results of the water column parameter measurements in Victoria Pond.
Table 2: Victoria Pond Water Column Measurements
Water temperature ranged from 24 degrees Centigrade on the northeast side of the pond at 0930 to
25.7 degrees Centigrade at the southwest end of the pond at 1025. The relatively high temperature in
the pond probably reflects that it is a small body of water being warmed by the hot summer weather.
Salinity was 2 parts per thousand (ppt) at all of the stations except the northwest tip of the pond where
it was 8 ppt. The low salinity suggests that whatever tidal water is entering the pond via the spillway is
being diluted by freshwater sources. It is unknown why the salinity is brackish at the northwest corner.
Dissolved oxygen ranged from 1.2 parts per million (ppm) on the northeast side of the pond to 4.7 ppm
at the northwest corner. It is typical for dissolved oxygen levels to drop in still bodies of water during the
night. Vegetation depletes oxygen and does not produce more by photosynthesis when there is no
sunlight. As the sun rises throughout the day, plants photosynthesize and produce oxygen and the
dissolved oxygen level rises.
The pH varied from 8.68 at the northeast corner of the pond to 8.76 at the northwest corner. These
slightly basic pH levels are typical of freshwater systems in southern California.
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Northeast
0930
24
2 1.2
8.68
Southwest End
1025
25.7
2 1.5
8.68
West Side
1035
25.6
2 3.3
8.72
Middle
Northwest
1049
25.5
8 4.7
8.76
Corner
Water temperature ranged from 24 degrees Centigrade on the northeast side of the pond at 0930 to
25.7 degrees Centigrade at the southwest end of the pond at 1025. The relatively high temperature in
the pond probably reflects that it is a small body of water being warmed by the hot summer weather.
Salinity was 2 parts per thousand (ppt) at all of the stations except the northwest tip of the pond where
it was 8 ppt. The low salinity suggests that whatever tidal water is entering the pond via the spillway is
being diluted by freshwater sources. It is unknown why the salinity is brackish at the northwest corner.
Dissolved oxygen ranged from 1.2 parts per million (ppm) on the northeast side of the pond to 4.7 ppm
at the northwest corner. It is typical for dissolved oxygen levels to drop in still bodies of water during the
night. Vegetation depletes oxygen and does not produce more by photosynthesis when there is no
sunlight. As the sun rises throughout the day, plants photosynthesize and produce oxygen and the
dissolved oxygen level rises.
The pH varied from 8.68 at the northeast corner of the pond to 8.76 at the northwest corner. These
slightly basic pH levels are typical of freshwater systems in southern California.
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SECTION 4.0 — CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 SENSITIVE PLANTS
Of the 59 sensitive plant species identified in the literature review, it was determined that 21 species are
considered absent from the Project site, 11 have a low potential to occur, 3 have a moderate potential
to occur, 3 have a high potential to occur, and 1 species was observed on the Project site. Focused
surveys are recommended to determine if any of the other sensitive plant species with a potential to
occur are also present on site and therefore could be protected during restoration activities.
4.2 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE
Of the 27 sensitive wildlife species identified in the literature review, it was determined that 16 sensitive
wildlife species are considered absent from the survey site, 8 have a low potential to occur, 1 has a
moderate potential to occur, 2 have a high potential to occur, and 3 were observed on the Project site.
The American badger, SSC; bank swallow, ST; grasshopper sparrow, SSC; orange -throated whiptail, SSC;
south coast marsh vole , SSC; western mastiff bat, SSC; western snowy, FE, SSC; and western pond turtle,
SSC, have low potential to occur within the Project site. The California gnatcatcher, FT, SSC has a
moderate potential to occur within the Project site. The burrowing owl, SSC; and San Diego fairy shrimp,
FE, have a high potential to occur within the Project site. The California least tern, FE, SE; least Bell's
vireo, FE, SE; and yellow -breasted chat, SSC, were observed on site during the survey. To minimize
potential impacts to these species, focused surveys and biological monitoring should be conducted. If
the above species are identified, measures to avoid or minimize impacts to the species should be
submitted to resource agencies for approval prior to construction.
4.3 MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT, AS AMENDED (16 USC 703-711)
In order to comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), any vegetation clearing should take place
outside the general bird breeding season (February 14 to September 1), to the maximum extent
practical. If this is not possible, prior to ground -disturbing activities, a qualified biologist should conduct
and submit a migratory nesting bird and raptor survey report. The survey should occur no more than
three days prior to initiation of Project activities, and any occupied rookeries, passerine, and/or raptor
nests occurring within or adjacent to the study area should be delineated. Additional follow-up surveys
may be required by the resource agencies. To the maximum extent practicable, a minimum buffer zone
around occupied nests should be maintained during physical ground -disturbing activities. The buffer
zone should be sufficient in size to prevent impacts to the nest. Once nesting has ceased, the buffer may
be removed.
4.4 VICTORIA POND
It is recommended that additional measurement of water column parameters be taken in the middle of
the pond. If these measurements indicate oxygen levels below 6 ppm throughout the day no measures
to increase fish densities in the pond should be taken because of potential further depletion of oxygen
and fish kills.
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SECTION 5.0 — REFERENCES
Ahlborn, H.
1999 Western Mastiff Bat. M. White, editor. California's Wildlife, California Department of
Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA. http://www.sibr.com/mammals/M042.html accessed
July 28, 2014.
Atwood, J L. and D R. Bontrager.
2001 California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), The Birds of North America Online (A.
Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North
America Online: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/574.
Baldwin, B.G., D.H. Goldman, D.J. Keil, R. Patterson, and T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilken (editors).
2012 The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, Second Edition. University of California
Press, Berkeley, California.
Brown, B.T.
1993 Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii). In The Birds of North America, No. 35, edited by A. Poole and F.
Gill. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American
Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.
Bury, B.R. and D.J. Germano
2008 Actinemys marmorata (Baird and Girard 1852) — Western Pond Turtle, Pacific, Pond
Turtle. Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project
of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialists Group. Chelonian Research
Foundation. USA. May 2008.
California Department of Fish and Game
Brylski, P.
1990 California Vole (Microtus californicus), California Interagency
Wildlife Task Group, California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
2014 California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). Rare Find Version 3.1.0. Database Query
for the Laguna Beach, Anaheim, Orange, Tustin, Newport Beach, Los Alamitos and Seal
Beach, California, USGS 7.5 -minute quadrangles. Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis
Branch.
California Reptiles and Amphibians (Calherps)
2011 Southern Pacific Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata pallida). California Reptiles and
Amphibians. CaliforniaHerps.com. Accessed August 2014 from:
http://www.californiaherps.com/turtles/pages/a.pallida.htmi.
2012 A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of California. Aspidoscelis hyperythra beldingi -
Belding's Orange -throated Whiptail. Accessed from
http://www.californiaherps.com/lizards/pages/a.h.beldingi.html on August 6, 2014.
California Native Plant Society Electronic Inventory (CNPSEI)
2014 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (online edition). Rare Plant Scientific Advisory
Committee, California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. Accessed March
2014 from http://www.cnps.org/inventory for the Laguna Beach, Anaheim, Orange,
Tustin, Newport Beach, Los Alamitos, and Seal Beach, California, USGS 7.5 -minute
quadrangles.
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Eckerle, K. and C. Thompson.
2001 Yellow -breasted Chat (Icteria virens), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.).
Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America
Online: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/575/articles/introduction
Ehrlich P.R., D.S. Dobkin, and D. Wheye
1988 The Birder's Handbook; A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds.
Simon and Schuster Inc. New York.
Franzreb, K.E.
1989 Ecology and conservation of the endangered least Bell's vireo. U.S. Department of
Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Report 89(1): 17 pages.
Garrison, B.A., J.M. Humphrey, and S.A. Laymon
1987 Bank Swallow distribution and nesting ecology on the Sacramento River, California.
West. Birds 18: 71-76.
Garrison, B.A.
1999 Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia). In The Birds of North America, No. 414 (A. Poole and F.
Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
Gray, J. and D. Bramlet
1992 Habitat Classification System, Natural Resources, Geographic Information System (GIS)
Project. County of Orange Environmental Management Agency, Santa Ana, California.
Gray, M.V. and J. Greaves
1984 Riparian forest as habitat for the least Bell's vireo. Pages 605-611 in California riparian
systems: Ecology, conservation and productive management (R. Warner and K. Hendrix,
eds.). University of California Press, Davis, CA.
Green, S.
2005 8467 Yellow -Breasted Chat (Icteria virens)
California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System maintained by the California
Department of Fish and Game and supported by the California Interagency Wildlife Task
Group
Grinnell, J. and A.H. Miller
1944 The distribution of the birds of California. Pacific Coast Avifauna No. 27.
Hall, E.R.
1981 The Mammals of North America. Vols. 1 and 2, New York: Wiley and Sons, New York,
New York, 1181 pp.
Holland, R.F.
1986 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California.
Unpublished report available from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,
Sacramento, California.
Jameson Jr., E.W. and H.J. Peeters
1988 California Mammals. University of California Press, Berkeley, California.
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Klute, D.S., L.W. Ayers, M.T. Green, W.H. Howe, S.L. Jones, J.A. Shaffer, S.R. Sheffield, and T.S.
Zimmerman
2003 Status Assessment and Conservation Plan for the Western Burrowing Owl in the United
States. U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Technical
Publication FWS/BTP-R6001-2003, Washington, D.C.
National Geographic Society
2008 National Geographic field guide to the birds of Western North America. Edited by Jon L.
Dunn and Jonathan Alderfer. National Geographic Society, Washington, DC.
Page, G. W., J. S. Warriner, J. C. Warriner, and P. W. C. Paton
1995 Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus). In The Birds of North America, No. 154 (A.
Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The
American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.
Rigney, M., Granholm, S.
2005 B234 California Least Tern (Sterna antillarum browni)
California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System maintained by the California
Department of Fish and Game and supported by the California Interagency Wildlife Task
Group: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentVersionlD=17813. Accessed
on August 6, 2014.
Sawyer, J.O., T. Keeler -Wolf, and J.M. Evens
2009 A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant Society,
Sacramento, California.
Sibley, David A.
2003 The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York
(distributed by Random House, New York).
Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA)
2006 Burrowing Owl Survey Instructions for the Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat
Conservation Plan Area. Riverside, California.
Trulio, Lynne A.
1997 Strategies for Protecting Western Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) from
Human Activities. In: Duncan, James R.; Johnson, David H.; Nicholls, Thomas H., eds.
Biology and conservation of owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd International
symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC -190. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest
Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 461-465.
United States Department of Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
1993 Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; determination of threatened status for
the coastal California gnatcatcher. Final rule. Federal Register 58: 16742-16757.
1994 Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; designation of critical habitat for the
least Bell's vireo. Federal Register 59: 4845-4866.
1998 Draft Recovery Plan for the Least Bell's Vireo. USFWS, Portland, OR.
2001 Western Snowy Plover Pacific Coast Population Draft Recovery Plan. Dated May 2001.
2002 San Diego fairy shrimp, Branchinecta sandieoensis. Accessed from
http://www.fws.gov/ecos/ajax/docs/life_histories/K049.html on August 6, 2014.
2014 Critical Habitat Portal. http://ecos.fws.gov/crithab/. Accessed August 2014.
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Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
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APPENDIX A - SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
Photo 1. Photo
depicts Quailbush
Scrub off of Victoria
Street on the east
side of the Santa Ana
River channel. Photo
facing north.
Corresponds to Photo
Point 1.
Photo 2. Photo
depicts an additional
area of Quailbush
Scrub, north of
Victoria Street on the
east side of the Santa
Ana River channel.
Photo facing north.
Corresponds to Photo
Point 2.
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Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
Chambers Group, Inc.
20748
Photo 3. Photo shows
some rock formations
on the Project site.
Photo facing east.
Photo 4. Photo shows
an area of Disturbed
vegetation
community under
some power lines on
the Project site. Photo
facing west.
A-2
Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
Chambers Group, Inc.
20748
Photo 5. Photo shows
Victoria Pond located
toward the center of
the Project site.
Corresponds to Photo
Point 3, facing east.
Photo 6. Photo
showing Victoria Pond
from the north side.
Corresponds to Photo
Point 3, facing south.
Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
..
6h-
'7 -
Chambers Group, Inc.
20748
Photo 7. Photo
depicts an area of
Disturbed Quailbush
Scrub toward the
center of the Project
site. Photo facing
east. Corresponds to
Photo Point 6.
Photo 8. Photo show
the large pond from
the eastern edge.
Photo facing west.
Corresponds to Photo
Point 7.
Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
Chambers Group, Inc.
20748
Photo 9. Photo shows
an area being utilized
for off-road vehicles
within the Project
site. Photo facing
south. Corresponds to
Photo Point 5.
Photo 10. Photo
depicts some burned
vegetation on the
Project site. Photo
facing south.
Corresponds to Photo
Point 4.
A-5
Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
Photo 11. Photo
shows a
representation of
Alkali Sacaton
Grassland vegetation
found in the southern
portion of the Project
site. Photo facing
south. Corresponds to
Photo Point 8.
Photo 12. Photo
shows a
representation of
Alkali Heath Marsh
vegetation along the
western boundary of
the Project site. Photo
facing southeast.
Corresponds to Photo
Point 9.
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Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
APPENDIX B - PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED
Scientific Name
Common Name
GYMNOSPERMS
PINACEAE
PINE FAMILY
Pinus halepensis*
Aleppo pine
Pinus greggh
Gregg's pine
ANGIOSPERMS (EUDICOTS)
ADOXACEAE
MUSKROOT FAMILY
Sambucus nigra subsp. caerulea
blue elderberry
AIZOACEAE
FIG -MARIGOLD FAMILY
Carpobrotus sp.*
iceplant
Mesembryan them um nodiflorum*
slender -leaved iceplant
ANACARDIACEAE
SUMAC OR CASHEW FAMILY
Rhus integrifolia
lemonadeberry
Schinus molle*
Peruvian pepper tree
Schinus terebinthifolius*
Brazilian pepper tree
APIACEAE
CARROT FAMILY
Apium graveolens*
celery
Conium maculatum*
poison hemlock
Foeniculum vulgare*
fennel
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Ambrosia psilostachya
common ragweed
Artemisia californica
California sagebrush
Artemisia douglasiana
mugwort
Artemisia dracunculus
tarragon
Baccharis pilularis
coyote brush
Baccharis salicifolia subsp. salicifolia
mule fat
Centaurea melitensis*
tocalote
Centromadia parryi subsp. australis
southern tarweed
Chrysanthemum coronarium*
chrysanthemum
Encelia californica
California bush sunflower
Encelia farinosa
brittlebush
Erigeron canadensis
horseweed
Helminthotheca echioides*
bristly ox -tongue
Heterotheca grandiflora
telegraph weed
Isocoma menziesii
Mezies's golden bush, coast goldenbush
Iva hayesiana
San Diego marsh -elder
Pluchea odorata var. odorata
salt marsh fleabane
Pulicario paludosa*
Spanish sunflower
Symphyotrichum subulatum
aster
Chambers Group, Inc. B-1
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Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
cientific Name � Common Name
Xanthium strumarium
cocklebur
BORAGINACEAE
BORAGE FAMILY
Echium candicans*
pride of Madeira
Heliotropium curassavicum var. oculatum
salt heliotrope
Phacelia cicutaria
caterpillar phacelia
BRASSICACEAE
MUSTARD FAMILY
Hirschfeldia incana*
shortpod mustard
Lepidium latifolium*
peppergrass
Lobularia maritima*
sweet -alyssum
Raphanus sativus*
radish
CACTACEAE
CACTUS FAMILY
Opuntia ficus-indica*
Indian fig
CHENOPODIACEAE
GOOSEFOOT FAMILY
Atriplex lentiformis
big saltbush, quailbush
Bassia hyssopifolia*
five -hooked bassia
Sarcocornia pacifica
common pickleweed
Suaeda sp.
sea-blite
CLEOMACEAE
SPIDERFLOWER FAMILY
Peritoma arborea
bladderpod
EUPHORBIACEAE
SPURGE FAMILY
Chamaesyce albomarginata
rattlesnake weed
Ricinus communis*
castor -bean
FABACEAE
LEGUME FAMILY
Acacia baileyana*
mimosa acacia
Acacia longifolia*
Sydney golden wattle
Lupinus formosus
summer lupine
Melilotus indica*
sourclover
Frankenia salina
alkali heath
LAMIACEAE
MINT FAMILY
Marrubium vulgare*
horehound
LYTHRACEAE
LOOSESTRIFE FAMILY
Ammannia coccinea
valley red -stem
Lythrum hyssopifolia*
hyssop loosestrife
MALVACEAE
MALLOW FAMILY
Fremontodendron californicum
California fremontia/fIan nelbush
Malvella leprosa
alkali -mallow
OLEACEAE
OLIVE FAMILY
Fraxinus uhdei*
shame[ ash
ONAGRACEAE
EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY
Clarkia speciosa
red spotted clarkia
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Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
cientific Name Common Na
Epilobium ciliotum
California cottonweed
Oenothera elota subsp. hookeri
evening primrose
PAPAVERACEAE
POPPY FAMILY
Romneya coulteri
Coulter's matilija poppy
PHRYMACEAE
LOPSEED FAMILY
Mimulus aurantiacus
orange bush monkey -flower
PLATANACEAE
SYCAMORE FAMILY
Platanus racemosa
California/western sycamore
PLUMBAGINACEAE
LEADWORT FAMILY
Plumbago auriculata*
cape plumbago
POLYGONACEAE
BUCKWHEAT FAMILY
Eriogonum fasciculatum
California buckwheat
Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum*
Santa Catalina island buckwheat
Rumex sp.
dock
RHAMNACEAE
BUCKTHORN FAMILY
Rhamnus crocea
spiny redberry
Ziziphus jujube*
common jujube
ROSACEAE
ROSE FAMILY
Prunus sp.
cherry
SALICACEAE
WILLOW FAMILY
Populus fremontii subsp. fremontii
Fremont cottonwood
Salix exigua
narrow -leaved willow
Salix gooddingii
black willow
Salix lasiolepis
arroyo willow
SCROPHULARIACEAE
FIGWORT FAMILY
Myoporum laetum*
myoporum
SOLANACEAE
NIGHTSHADE FAMILY
Datura wrightii
jimson weed
Nicotiana glauca*
tree tobacco
TAMARICACEAE
TAMARISK FAMILY
Tamarix ramosissima*
Mediterranean tamarisk
ULMACEAE
ELM FAMILY
Ulmus sp.*
elm
ANGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)
ARECACEAE
PALM FAMILY
Phoenix canariensis*
Canary Island date palm
Washingtonia robusta*
Mexican fan palm
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus involucratus*
umbrella -plant
Schoenoplectus californicus
California bulrush
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Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
Scientific Name ommon Name
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Arundo donax*
giant reed
Avena sp. *
wild oat
Cortaderia selloana*
pampas grass
Cynodon dactylon*
Bermuda grass
Paspalum dilatatum*
Dallis grass
Polypogon monspeliensis*
annual beard grass
Sporobolus airoides
alkali sacaton
Stipa miliacea var. miliacea*
smilo grass
*Non -Native Species
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Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
APPENDIX C - WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED
Chambers Group, Inc.
20748
C-1
CLASS AMPHIBIA
AMPHIBIANS
HYLIDAE
TREEFROGS
Pseudacris regilla
Pacific chorus frog
CLASS REPTILIA
REPTILES
PHRYNOSOMATIDAE
ZEBRA -TAILED, EARLESS, FRINGE -TOED, SPINY, TREE, SIDE-
BLOTCHED, AND HORNED LIZARDS
Sceloporus occidentalis
western fence lizard
CLASS AVES
BIRDS
ARDEIDAE
HERONS, BITTERNS
Ardea herodias
great blue heron
Botaurus lentiginosus
American bittern
Butorides virescens
green heron
Ardea alba
great egret
Egretta thula
snowy egret
ANATIDAE
DUCKS, GEESE, SWANS
Anas acuta
Northern pintail
ACCIPITRIDAE
HAWKS, KITES, EAGLES
Buteo jamaicensis
red-tailed hawk
CHARADRIIDAE
PLOVERS
Charadrius vociferus
killdeer
LARIDAE
SKUAS, GULLS, TERNS, SKIMMERS
Hydroprogne caspia
Caspian tern
Sterna antillarum
least tern
COLUMBIDAE
PIGEONS & DOVES
Zenaida macroura
mourning dove
APODIDAE
SWIFTS
Aeronautes saxatalis
white -throated swift
TROCHILIDAE
HUMMINGBIRDS
Calypte anna
Anna's hummingbird
Selasphorus sasin
Allen's hummingbird
PICIDAE
WOODPECKERS
Colaptes auratus
northern flicker
Picoides nuttallii
Nuttall's woodpecker
TYRANNIDAE
TYRANT FLYCATCHERS
Sayornis nigricans
black phoebe
Chambers Group, Inc.
20748
C-1
Biological Technical Report for the Talbert Regional Park Maintenance Project
Orange County, California
HIRUNDINIDAE
SWALLOWS
Stelgidopteryxserripennis
northern rough -winged swallow
CORVIDAE
JAYS & CROWS
Corvus brochyrhynchos
American crow
AEGITHALIDAE
BUSHTITS
Psaltriparus minimus
bushtit
MIMIDAE
MOCKINGBIRDS, THRASHERS
Mimus polyglottos
northern mockingbird
VIREONIDAE
VIREOS
Vireo bellii pusillus
least Bell's vireo
PARULIDAE
WOOD WARBLERS
Geothlypis trichas
common yellowthroat
Setophaga petechia
yellow warbler
Icteria virens
yellow -breasted chat
ICTERIDAE
BLACKBIRDS
Quiscalus mexicanus
great -tailed grackle
EMBERIZIDAE
EMBERIZIDS
Junco hyemalis
dark -eyed junco
Melospiza melodia
song sparrow
Pipilo maculatus
spotted towhee
Melozone crissalis
California towhee
FRINGILLIDAE
FINCHES
Spinus psaltria
lesser goldfinch
Carpodacus mexicanus
house finch
CLASS MAMMALIA
MAMMALS
LEPORIDAE
HARES & RABBITS
Sylvilagus audubonii
desert cottontail
SCIURIDAE
SQUIRRELS
Spermophilus beecheyi
California ground squirrel
Chambers Group, Inc. C-2
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Talbert Regional Park
Final Habitat Restoration Plan
APPENDIX C WATER QUALITY DATA FOR VICTORIA POND
C-1
Lake:
Victoria Pond
Date:
5/22/2015
Weather:
Sunny/partly cloudy
Instrument:
Horiba:
Scout:
YSI: X
Other: In Situ for side by side
comparison
Sampling Location and Parameters
Location:
V Pond North
Time:
10:14
Secchi Disk (m):
.3m
Depth (m): (YSI/In situ)
Temp (°C) (YSI/In situ)
PH (YSI/In situ)
DO (mg/1) (YSI/In situ)
EC (µmhos/cm) (YSI/In situ)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU) Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
22.82/22.91
8.45/8.38
7.49/5.62
1682/1629
6.35
green planktonic
0.91
0.616/.606
22.4/22.68
7.82/8.31
4.01/3.91
1694/1628
N/A
1.113
22.33
7.87
3.64
1695
N/A
Location:
V Pond South
Time:
10:34
Secchi Disk (m):
.1m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C) (YSI/In situ)
PH (YSI/In situ)
DO (mg/1) (YSI/In situ)
EC (µmhos/cm) (YSI/In situ)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU) Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
22.68/22.78
7.69/8.08
3.72/4.41
1698/1545
29.7
green planktonic
0.9
0.324
22.6
7.61
3.26
1697
N/A
0.668
22.56
7.64
3.39
1695
N/A
Location:
V Pond East
Time:
10:47
Secchi Disk(m):
.1m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C) (YSI/In situ)
PH (YSI/In situ)
DO (mg/1) (YSI/In situ)
EC (µmhos/cm) (YSI/In situ)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU) Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
22.93/22.15
7.74/8.07
5.04/4.55
1697/1634
19.7
green planktonic
0.88
0.443
22.96
7.73
4.75
1697
N/A
0.878
22.73
7.72
4.56
1692
N/A
Turbidity due to abundance of green planktonic algae
In situ probe cable not only about 1 meter long
Lake:
Victoria Pond
Date:
5/28/2015
Weather:
Sunny
Instrument:
Horiba:
Scout:
YSI: X
Other:
Sampling Location and Parameters
Location:
V Pond North
Time:
10:26
Secchi Disk (m):
0.1
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
22.49
8.73
10.4
1692
28.6
green planktonic
0.91
0.606
22.36
8.35
8.3
1707
N/A
1.243
22.33
8.38
8.1
1707
N/A
Location:
V Pond South
Time:
10:41
Secchi Disk (m):
0.1
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
22.24
8.52
10.58
1703
41.3
green planktonic
0.89
0.288
22.32
8.49
11.04
1706
N/A
0.539
22.33
8.5
11.26
1706
N/A
Location:
V Pond East
Time:
10:53
Secchi Disk(m):
0.1
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
22.51
8.61
10.22
1692
47.6
green planktonic
0.91
0.401
22.56
8.57
11.61
1705
N/A
0.806
22.44
8.56
11.6
1704
N/A
Turbidity due to abundance of green planktonic algae
Lake:
Victoria Pond
Date:
6/19/2015
Weather:
Sunny
Instrument:
Horiba:
Scout:
YSI: X
Other:
Sampling Location and Parameters
Location:
V Pond North
Time:
10:12
Secchi Disk (m):
0.1
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
25.02
8.76
11.79
1622
74.5
green planktonic
0.84
0.601
24.77
9.04
11.87
1625
N/A
1.151
24.73
8.94
12.15
1626
N/A
Location:
V Pond South
Time:
10:27
Secchi Disk (m):
0.1
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
24.98
9.01
10.95
1625
47.8
green planktonic
0.83
0.276
24.81
8.8
10.19
1624
N/A
0.553
24.59
8.95
10.35
1589
N/A
Location:
V Pond East
Time:
10:36
Secchi Disk(m):
0.1
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
25.33
8.98
10.29
1622
71.6
green planktonic
0.81
0.526
24.87
8.87
10.01
1621
N/A
0.97
24.62
8.94
10.64
1628
N/A
Turbidity due to abundance of green planktonic algae
Lake: Victoria Pond
Date: 6/30/2015
Weather: Sunny
Instrument: Horiba: Scout: YSI: X Other:
SamDline Location and Parameters
Location:
V Pond North
Time:
10:14
Secchi Disk (m):
0.1
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
26.12
8.56
9.01
1763
55.5
green planktonic
0.89
0.677
25.58
8.53
8.53
1766
N/A
1.218
25.54
8.56
8.56
1767
N/A
Location:
V Pond South
Time:
11:03
Secchi Disk (m):
0.1
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
26.09
8.57
7.13
1762
22.3
green planktonic
0.87
0.328
25.89
8.54
8.65
1766
N/A
0.632
25.34
8.57
7.88
1768
N/A
Location:
V Pond East
Time:
11:14
Secchi Disk(m):
0.1
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
26.77
8.64
8.51
1763
26.7
green planktonic
0.88
0.483
26.05
8.48
7.37
1765
N/A
0.919
25.18
8.47
6.35
1772
N/A
Turbidity due to abundance of green planktonic algae
Lake: Victoria Pond
Date: 7/16/2015
Weather: Sunny
Instrument: Horiba: Scout: YSI: X Other:
SamolinE Location and Parameters
Location:
V Pond North
Time:
10:21
Secchi Disk (m):
.3m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments
Surface
26.47
8.78
9.25
1825
28.5
green planktonic
0.89
0.654
26.19
8.74
8.67
1826
N/A
1.29
26.1
8.59
8.58
1824
N/A
Location:
V Pond South
Time:
10:37
Secchi Disk (m):
.3m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments
Surface
26.68
8.75
9.39
1829
21.3
green planktonic
0.91
0.358
26.54
8.75
9.07
1828
N/A
0.642
26.16
8.75
9.04
1828
N/A
Location:
V Pond East
Time:
10:46
Secchi Disk(m):
.3m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments
Surface
26.72
8.79
10.05
1824
26.6
green planktonic
0.91
0.509
26.53
8.72
9.45
1825
N/A
1.011
26.22
8.72
8.85
1812
N/A
Turbidity due to abundance of green planktonic algae
Lake: Victoria Pond
Date: 7/29/2015
Weather: Overcast
Instrument: Horiba: Scout: YSI: X Other:
Samoline Location and Parameters
Location:
V Pond North
Time:
10:13
Secchi Disk (m):
.1m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
27.18
7.99
3.17
1811
27.1
green planktonic
0.92
0.71
27.18
7.9
2.2
1813
N/A
1.298
27.09
7.95
2.48
1813
N/A
Location:
V Pond South
Time:
10:24
Secchi Disk (m):
.1m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
27.16
8.11
5.47
1808
9.81
green planktonic
0.93
0.39
27.23
8.1
4.9
1809
N/A
0.769
27.2
8.09
4.65
1810
N/A
Location:
V Pond East
Time:
10:34
Secchi Disk(m):
.1m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
27.22
8.16
5.49
1801
12.5
green planktonic
0.95
0.434
27.25
8.11
4.66
1808
N/A
0.845
27.23
8.13
4.88
1810
N/A
Turbidity due to abundance of green planktonic algae
Lake: Victoria Pond
Date: 8/17/2015
Weather: Partly cloudy
Instrument: Horiba: Scout: YSI: X Other:
Samaline Location and Parameters
Location:
V Pond North
Time:
10:12
Secchi Disk (m):
.3m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
27.64
8.57
8.63
1952
9.21
0.97
0.71
27.51
8.52
8.32
1956
N/A
1.298
27.45
8.39
8.6
1940
N/A
Location:
V Pond South
Time:
10:24
Secchi Disk (m):
.3m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
28
8.59
9.4
1954
21.3
0.97
0.342
27.54
8.49
7.35
1956
N/A
0.731
27.39
8.53
7.35
1961
N/A
Location:
V Pond East
Time:
10:35
Secchi Disk(m):
.3m
Depth (m):
Temp (°C)
PH
DO (mg/1)
EC (µmhos/cm)
Turbidity (ntu)
Algae/Weeds
Salinity (PSU)
Aerator/Recirculation Comments:
Surface
28.12
8.69
10.69
1942
15
0.97
0.388
27.8
8.72
10.24
1944
N/A
0.738
27.66
8.72
10.44
1952
N/A