HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC-7 - 26-204 - 1. Amendment 1 - OCTA Agreement C-1-2509 - 4/7/2026Page 1 of 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
BETWEEN
ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
AND
CITY OF COSTA MESA
THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 is made and entered into this ______ day of ______________,
2026, by and between the Orange County Transportation Authority, ("AUTHORITY"), and the City of
Costa Mesa, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (hereinafter referred to as “CITY”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, by Agreement No. C-1-2509 dated February 18, 2011, AUTHORITY and CITY
entered into an agreement to establish the roles and responsibilities for restoration activities on the
Fairview Park property; and
WHEREAS, AUTHORITY and CITY agree to amend the Restoration Plan for additional
services with no increase to the maximum cumulative obligation; and
WHEREAS, AUTHORITY and CITY agree to modify key personnel performing work under this
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, AUTHORITY and CITY agree to revise the payment schedule for work tasks set
forth in the Restoration Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually understood and agreed that Agreement No. C-1-2509 is
hereby amended in the following particulars only:
1.Amend ARTICLE 5. RESTORATION PLAN, page 5 of 17, paragraph A, to incorporate
Exhibit A, Amendment No. 1 entitled “Fairview Park Coastal Sage Scrub and Flower Fields Habitat
Restoration and Monitoring Plan”, which is attached to and by this reference incorporated into and
made part of this Agreement.
/
ATTACHMENT 1
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
Page 2 of 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
2. Amend ARTICLE 5. RESTORATION PLAN, page 5 of 17, paragraph A, lines 12
through 14, to delete in its entirety and replace with the following:
“Name Function
Kelly Dalton Fairview Park Administrator”
3. Amend ARTICLE 7. PAYMENT, pages 6 and 7, paragraph B, to delete in its entirety
and in lieu thereof insert the following:
“B. The following schedule shall establish the firm fixed payment to CITY by OCTA for each work task
set forth in the Restoration Plan.
Tasks Firm-Fixed Price
2011 - 2024
Construction, implementation, management and monitoring of the
Fairview Park Wetlands and Riparian Habitat Project Restoration
Plan
(Final monitoring and approvals pending)
$1,992,870
2025
Task 1: Site protection
Task 2: Dethatch, Irrigation and Planting
Task 3: Monitoring and reporting
$0
Note: Non-OCTA State
Funded
2026
Task 1: Weed management
Task 2: Container Plant establishment
Task 3: Monitoring and reporting
$0
Note: Non-OCTA State
Funded
2027
Task 1: Maintenance
Task 2: Monitoring and reporting
$0
Note: Non-OCTA State
Funded
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
Page 3 of 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
2028
Task 1: Maintenance
Task 2: Monitoring and reporting
$0
Note: Non-OCTA State
Funded
2029
Task 1: Maintenance
Task 2: Monitoring and reporting
$0
Note: Non-OCTA State
Funded
2030
Task 1: Maintenance
Task 2: Monitoring and reporting
$0
Note: Non-OCTA State
Funded
2031
Task 1: Maintenance
Task 2: Monitoring and reporting
$0
Note: Non-OCTA State
Funded
2032
Task 1: Maintenance
Task 2: Monitoring and reporting
$0
Note: Non-OCTA State
Funded
2033
Task 1: Maintenance
Task 2: Monitoring and reporting
Non-OCTA State
Funded
$7,130
(From OCTA)
Note: Remaining
payment is to be
dispersed once all
approvals from OCTA,
California Department
of Fish and Wildlife,
and the United States
Fish and Wildlife
Service have been
obtained
Total $2,000,000
/
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
Page 4 of 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
4.Amend ARTICLE 9. NOTICES, page 9, lines 10 through 20, to delete in its entirety and
in lieu thereof insert the following:
“To CITY: To OCTA:
City of Costa Mesa Orange County Transportation Authority
PO Box 1200
550 South Main Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
P.O. Box 14184
Orange, CA 92863-1584
ATTENTION:
Title:
Kelly Dalton
Fairview Park Administrator
ATTENTION:
Title:
Michael Le
Principal Contract Administrator
Phone: 714-754-5135
Email: kelly.dalton@CostaMesaCA.gov
Phone: (714) 560 - 5314
Email: mle1@octa.net”
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
Parks and Community Services Dept.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
Page 5 of 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
The balance of Agreement No. C-1-2509 remains unchanged.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment No. 1 to Agreement
No. C-1-2509 to be executed as of the date of the last signature below.
CITY OF COSTA MESA ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
By: ___________________________ By: ___________________________________
Cecilia Gallardo-Daly Lydia Bilynsky
City Manager Department Manager, Capital Projects
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By: ___________________________ By: ___________________________________
Kimberly Barlow James M. Donich
City Attorney General Counsel
James Donich (Jan 15, 2026 14:10:26 PST)
Fairview Park
Coastal Sage Scrub and Flower Fields
Habitat Restoration and Monitoring Plan
Prepared for
City of Costa Mesa
77 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Contact: Kelly Dalton
Fairview Park Administrator
Parks and Community Services Department
714-754-5135
kelly.dalton@CostaMesaCA.gov
Prepared by
Land IQ
3791 Wade Street
Los Angeles, CA 90066
Contact: Travis Brooks
(310)266-4627
tbrooks@landiq.com
JULY 23, 2024
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................ v
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Project Location and Regional Significance ................................................................................... 6
1.3 Responsible Parties ....................................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Restoration Contractor Qualifications .......................................................................................... 8
1.5 Restoration Specialist Qualifications ............................................................................................. 8
1.6 Compliance .................................................................................................................................... 9
2 Existing Conditions, Habitat Restoration Strategy, and Project Success Criteria ............................ 10
2.1 Topography ................................................................................................................................. 10
2.2 Soils ............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.3 Vernal Pool Watershed ............................................................................................................... 11
2.4 Archaeological Site and Improper Fill Material ........................................................................... 12
2.5 Existing Vegetation Communities ............................................................................................... 16
2.5.1 Coyote Brush Scrub (Disturbed) ............................................................................................. 19
2.5.2 California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub (Restoration Area) ................................. 20
2.5.3 Purple Sage Scrub (Introduced Vegetation Community/Restoration Area) ........................... 21
2.5.4 Upland Black Mustard and Tocalote Fields ............................................................................. 22
2.5.5 Upland Shortpod Mustard and Tocalote Fields ...................................................................... 23
2.5.6 Poison Hemlock or Fennel Patches ......................................................................................... 26
2.6 Wildlife ........................................................................................................................................ 26
2.6.1 Sensitive and Protected Species ............................................................................................. 26
2.7 Habitat Restoration Strategy ....................................................................................................... 27
2.7.1 Adaptive Management ........................................................................................................... 27
2.7.2 Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Targets ...................................................................... 28
2.7.3 Project Description ................................................................................................................. 30
2.8 Implementation Schedule ........................................................................................................... 32
2.9 Project Success Criteria ............................................................................................................... 36
2.9.1 Remedial Measures ................................................................................................................ 37
2.9.2 Contingency Measures ........................................................................................................... 37
2.9.3 Notice of Completion .............................................................................................................. 37
2.9.4 Long-Term Protection Instrument .......................................................................................... 37
3 Resource Protection Measures ..................................................................................................... 38
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ ii
3.1 Qualified Biologist and Approved Biologist Qualifications .......................................................... 38
3.2 Species Protection ....................................................................................................................... 38
3.2.1 Coastal California Gnatcatcher ............................................................................................... 38
3.2.2 Least Bell’s Vireo ..................................................................................................................... 39
3.2.3 Crotch’s Bumble Bee ............................................................................................................... 40
3.2.4 Burrowing Owl ........................................................................................................................ 40
3.2.5 Breeding / Nesting Birds ......................................................................................................... 40
3.3 Cultural Resource Protection ...................................................................................................... 41
3.3.1 Measures for Cultural Resource Avoidance Areas .................................................................. 42
4 General Protection Measures, Initial Dethatching Event, and Temporary Irrigation System .......... 42
4.1 General Protection Measures ..................................................................................................... 42
4.1.1 Equipment .............................................................................................................................. 42
4.1.2 Project Access and Staging ..................................................................................................... 43
4.1.3 Good Housekeeping Practices ................................................................................................ 45
4.1.4 Temporary Fence and Signage ................................................................................................ 46
4.1.5 Removal of Trash and Debris .................................................................................................. 46
4.1.6 Pest Control ............................................................................................................................ 46
4.1.7 Erosion Control ....................................................................................................................... 46
4.2 Initial Dethatching Event ............................................................................................................. 47
4.3 Temporary Irrigation System ...................................................................................................... 48
4.3.1 Overhead Impact Sprinkler Irrigation System for Areas 1 and 2 ............................................ 48
4.3.2 Area 4 Bubbler Irrigation ........................................................................................................ 49
4.3.3 Irrigation System Operation ................................................................................................... 49
5 Native Revegetation Buffer (Area 4) and Drainage Planting in Area 1 ........................................... 51
5.1 Container Plant Palette ............................................................................................................... 51
5.2 Nursery Propagation of Plant Material ....................................................................................... 52
5.3 Preparation of Container Planting Basins ................................................................................... 52
5.4 Installation of Container Plants ................................................................................................... 52
5.5 Maintenance of Plantings ........................................................................................................... 53
5.5.1 Supplemental Amendments ................................................................................................... 53
5.5.2 Container Plant Replacement ................................................................................................. 53
6 Weed Management Buffer (Area 5) .............................................................................................. 53
7 Pre-Seed Installation Adaptive Weed Management ...................................................................... 54
7.1 Physical Control Methods ........................................................................................................... 56
7.1.1 Mowing/Line Trimming .......................................................................................................... 56
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ iii
7.1.2 Hand/Mechanical Pulling or Cutting ....................................................................................... 57
7.1.3 Cut-and-Dig ............................................................................................................................. 58
7.1.4 Mechanical Raking/Windrowing ............................................................................................. 58
7.2 Chemical Control Methods ......................................................................................................... 58
7.2.1 Foliar Spray Treatment ........................................................................................................... 59
7.2.2 Recommended Herbicides for the Control of Nonnative Species .......................................... 61
7.2.3 Weed Seed Handling, Resprout Reduction, and Plant Matter Disposal ................................. 66
7.2.4 Biosecurity Procedures to Prevent the Spread of Invasive and Other Nonnative Plant Species
67
7.3 Management Methods for High-Priority Invasive Plants ............................................................ 68
8 Native Seed Mixes and Installation ............................................................................................... 68
8.1 Native Seed Mixes ....................................................................................................................... 68
8.1.1 Seed Source ............................................................................................................................ 71
8.1.2 Adjustments to Seed Mixes Prior To Installation .................................................................... 73
8.2 Seed Mix Installation ................................................................................................................... 73
8.2.1 Hydroseeding .......................................................................................................................... 74
8.2.2 Mechanical Broadcast Seeding Implementation .................................................................... 74
8.2.3 Hand Seeding Implementation ............................................................................................... 75
8.3 Supplemental Irrigation .............................................................................................................. 77
8.4 Seed Mix Establishment .............................................................................................................. 78
8.5 Remedial Seeding ........................................................................................................................ 79
9 Maintenance After Seed Installation ............................................................................................ 79
9.1 Post-Seeding Weed Management ............................................................................................... 80
10 Biological Monitoring and Reporting ........................................................................................ 81
10.1 Horticultural Monitoring ............................................................................................................. 81
10.2 Pre-Vegetation Clearing Biological Constraints Surveys ............................................................. 81
10.3 Spring Vegetation Performance Monitoring ............................................................................... 82
10.3.1 Photo Points and Cover Estimates ..................................................................................... 83
10.3.2 Species Lists ........................................................................................................................ 83
10.3.3 Container Plant Survivorship .............................................................................................. 83
10.3.4 Final Project Year Vegetation Transect Sampling ............................................................... 84
10.3.5 Annual Reporting ................................................................................................................ 84
10.3.6 Final Report ........................................................................................................................ 85
11 References ............................................................................................................................... 86
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ iv
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 Regional Location of Fairview Park in the City of Costa Mesa, Orange County, California. ...... 2
Figure 1-2 Existing OCTA Wetlands & Riparian Habitat Project Area and the Proposed CSS & Flower
Fields Restoration and Enhancement Project Area, which Includes 9.5 Acres of Remaining Habitat
Restoration for the OCTA Project. ......................................................................................................... 3
Figure 1-3 Location of the CSS & Flower Fields Habitat Restoration Project Areas, Including a Net of 9.5
Acres in Areas 1 and 2 Required for the OCTA Wetlands and Riparian Habitat Project. ....................... 4
Figure 2-1 Geomorphic Features of Fairview Park. .................................................................................. 13
Figure 2-2 Soil Series Mapped in Fairview Park (USDA 1978). ................................................................. 14
Figure 2-3 Location of Vernal Pool Watershed and Vernal Pools in Relation to the Project Area and
Improper Fill Material Extent in 2023. ................................................................................................. 15
Figure 2-4 Existing Vegetation Communities in the Project Area. ........................................................... 17
Figure 2-5 Example of Disturbed Coyote Brush Scrub. ............................................................................ 19
Figure 2-6 Example of California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub Restoration Adjacent to the
Staircase. .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Figure 2-7 Example of Introduced Purple Sage Scrub in the Foreground. ............................................... 21
Figure 2-8 Example of Upland Black Mustard and Tocalote Fields on North Bluff Slope. ....................... 22
Figure 2-9 Example of Native Common Fiddleneck on the Northern Mesa in Late Winter 2023. ........... 24
Figure 2-10 Example of Nonnative Shortpod Mustard, Black Mustard, and Tocalote on the Northern
Mesa in Spring 2023. ........................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 2-11 Example of Shortpod Mustard and Tocalote Fields on the Mesa in (a) Late Winter, March
8, 2023, and (b) Summer, September 24, 2023. .................................................................................. 25
Figure 2-12 Adaptive management in 6-steps. ...................................................................................... 28
Figure 4-1 Vehicle Access Point and Pathways to Project Area. .............................................................. 44
Figure 8-1 Orange County Seed Collection Zone (AECOM 2023). ............................................................ 72
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1 Summary of 2023 Vegetation Map Units in the CSS and Flower Fields Project Area in
Fairview Park. ....................................................................................................................................... 18
Table 2-2 HRMP Project Implementation Schedule. .............................................................................. 33
Table 2-3 Project Success Criteria for Habitat Restoration Areas 1 and 2. ............................................. 36
Table 5-1 Container Plant Palette for Native Revegetation Buffer Area 4. ............................................ 51
Table 8-1 Seed Mixes for Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. ............................................................................. 69
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 LONG-TERM INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR FAIRVIEW PARK
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ v
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Fairview Park Coastal Sage Scrub and Flower Fields Habitat Restoration and
Enhancement Project (CSS and Flower Fields Restoration Project) is a collaborative
effort between the City of Costa Mesa (City) and the Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA) to fulfill an outstanding obligation of restoring approximately 4.5
acres of coastal sage scrub (CSS) and 5.0 acres of native grassland habitat. This
project is part of the larger OCTA Fairview Park Wetlands and Riparian Habitat
Project (OCTA Project), which initially committed to restoring 23 acres of habitat
within Fairview Park in 2011.
Aligned with the goals set forth in the Fairview Park Master Plan, this project
continues the City's commitment to restoring native habitats in the park. The OCTA
Project began in 2012 as part of OCTA's Environmental Mitigation Program for the
Measure 2 (M2) Freeway projects. To date, the City has successfully implemented
14.4 acres of habitat restoration, which is subject to review and final approval by the
Wildlife Agencies (CDFW, USFWS), providing valuable habitats for various wildlife
species, including two state and/or federally protected birds: the coastal California
gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) and least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii
pusillus). Review and approval of the City’s habitat restoration
The CSS and Flower Fields Restoration Project aims to restore and enhance an
additional 15.35 acres of habitat, comprising the following components:
• 11.91 acres of habitat restoration, including the 9.5 acres of remaining habitat
restoration (4.5 acres of CSS and 5 acres of grassland) for the OCTA Project.
• 1.27 acres of voluntary habitat enhancement to further enrich the area's
ecological value.
• 2.17 acres of voluntary native revegetation and weed management buffer areas
to support the successful establishment of native plant communities while
lessening the impacts of invasive species.
By executing the CSS and Flower Fields Restoration Project, the City of Costa Mesa
and OCTA will contribute significantly to the conservation and restoration of
important habitats in Fairview Park. This partnership will benefit local wildlife,
maintain public access to the approved trail system, comply with the requirements
of Measure AA, ensure the fulfillment of mitigation obligations, and demonstrate
the City's ongoing commitment to the values outlined in the Fairview Park Master
Plan.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 1 of 87
1 INTRODUCTION
Fairview Park is located within the City of Costa Mesa (City) and is adjacent to Talbert
Nature Preserve/Talbert Regional Park (Figure 1-1). The purpose of this project is to
satisfy an outstanding habitat restoration obligation by the City and the Orange County
Transportation Authority (OCTA) for approximately 4.5 acres of coastal sage scrub (CSS)
and 5.0 acres of native grassland habitat for mitigation as part of the OCTA Fairview Park
Wetlands and Riparian Habitat Project (OCTA Project). The OCTA Project committed to
restoring approximately 23 acres of habitat within Fairview Park (City 2011).
In 1997, the City adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Fairview Park
Master Plan. Revisions to the Master Plan were adopted in 2000, 2002, and 2008. This
project continues to implement the goal of the Master Plan to restore native habitat in
Fairview Park.
In 2011, the City was awarded funding from OCTA as part of OCTA’s Environmental
Mitigation Program for the Measure 2 (M2) Freeway projects. The OCTA Project was
included in the OCTA M2 Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation
Plan and began in 2012. The City has implemented 14.4 acres of the committed 23 acres
(which excludes the trail system per mapping completed by Land IQ) of habitat
restoration for the OCTA Project, including ponds and wetlands, surrounded by other
native habitats (Figure 1-2). Final review and approval by the Wildlife Agencies (CDFW,
USFWS) is required before the OCTA Project is deemed complete. The 2022 Annual
Report for the OCTA Project, prepared by Endemic Environmental Services, describes
the maintenance activities for the wetlands area, including the water delivery system for
the constructed ponds; algae and cattail management to allow water movement as
designed in the constructed wetland system, mosquito and vector control by the Orange
County Mosquito and Vector Control District; weed management; vandalism, and
trespassing deterrence activities. The OCTA Project provides valuable habitat for
wildlife, including two state and/or federally protected birds that nest in the project
area, coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) and least Bell’s
vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus).
The City proposes to restore and enhance an additional 15.35 acres of habitat, called
the Fairview Park Coastal Sage Scrub and Flower Fields Habitat Restoration and
Enhancement Project (CSS and Flower Fields Restoration Project), which includes the
approximately 9.5 acres of remaining habitat restoration (4.5 acres of CSS and 5 acres of
grassland) required for the OCTA Project and 5.85 acres of voluntary habitat restoration,
habitat enhancement, native revegetation, and establishment of a weed management
buffer (Figure 1-3):
• 11.91 acres of habitat restoration, including 9.5 acres for the OCTA Project
• 1.27 acres of voluntary habitat enhancement
• 2.17 acres of voluntary native revegetation and weed management buffer areas
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 2 of 87
Figure 1-1 Regional Location of Fairview Park in the City of Costa Mesa, Orange County,
California.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 3 of 87
Figure 1-2 Existing OCTA Wetlands & Riparian Habitat Project Area and the Proposed CSS &
Flower Fields Restoration and Enhancement Project Area, which Includes 9.5
Acres of Remaining Habitat Restoration for the OCTA Project.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 4 of 87
Figure 1-3 Location of the CSS & Flower Fields Habitat Restoration Project Areas, Including
a Net of 9.5 Acres in Areas 1 and 2 Required for the OCTA Wetlands and Riparian
Habitat Project.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 5 of 87
The voluntary habitat improvements will complement and protect the mitigation areas
while improving the overall quality of the habitat for native wildlife species and
enhancing the park’s natural recreational opportunities. The total project area of 15.35
acres does not include cover from the existing public access trails. The City will protect
the restored habitat from recreational impacts with a permanent fence.
1.1 PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This Habitat Restoration and Monitoring Plan (HRMP) for the CSS and Flower Fields
Restoration Project has three primary goals that are consistent with habitat
recommendations made by Land IQ (2024) for the current Fairview Park Master Plan
Update:
Goal 1. Restore a total of 9.5 acres of suitable habitat in Fairview Park (4.5
acres of CSS and 5 acres of native flower field habitat) to satisfy outstanding
commitments of habitat restoration for the OCTA Project.
Objective 1.1: Restore a total of 11.91 acres of habitat in Fairview Park. The project
will consist of 6.17 acres of Black Sage Scrub on the north-facing slopes below the
mesa and 5.74 acres of flower fields (Fiddleneck – Phacelia Fields) on the northern
portion of the mesa.
Goal 2. Voluntarily implement an additional 5.85 acres of habitat restoration,
habitat enhancement, and weed management buffer.
Objective 2.1: Enhance 0.1 acres of California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub
and 1.17 Purple Sage Scrub that is contiguous with the habitat restoration areas.
Objective 2.2: Along public pathways install temporary fencing and revegetate a 3-
meter-wide buffer strip to help protect the habitat restoration areas from
recreational impacts. Once the restoration is complete, the City will protect the
restored habitat from recreational impacts with a permanent fence.
Objective 2.3: Maintain a 15-meter-wide weed management buffer between the
improper fill material on the mesa and the Fiddleneck – Phacelia Fields habitat
restoration area to reduce weed inputs into the restoration areas and to maintain
access for future habitat restoration projects that include removal of the
improperly placed fill material.
Goal 3. Protect biological and cultural resources during implementation of the
project.
Objective 3.1: Implement species protection measures, as presented in Section 3.2 of
this HRMP.
Objective 3.2: According to a separate cultural resource monitoring plan, to be
prepared by the City, monitor for artifacts or culturally significant materials, during
restoration activities that disturb the soil, including the following: the initial
removal of weed thatch by wheeled and tracked equipment; digging of planting
basins.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 6 of 87
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION AND REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
Spanning more than 208 acres, 195 of which are dedicated to natural open space and
wildlife habitat, Fairview Park ranks among the largest urban parks in Orange County.
Moreover, several key factors establish Fairview Park as an ecological preserve of
regional significance:
1. Habitat diversity: Fairview Park encompasses several distinct habitat types,
including wetlands, riparian areas, coastal sage scrub, and flower fields. These
habitats support a wide array of plant and animal species, many of which are
rare or endangered, such as the Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus; state and
federally endangered) and Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica
californica; federally threatened and a California Species of Special Concern).
2. Vernal pools: The park is home to vernal pools, which are ephemeral wetlands
that provide critical habitat for a variety of unique and specialized organisms,
including the San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis) and Riverside
fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni), both listed as endangered by the
federal government.
3. Wildlife corridor: Fairview Park serves as a crucial wildlife corridor, connecting
the Santa Ana River system of trails and parks to other open spaces in the region,
including the Talbert Nature Preserve, the Randall Preserve (owned and
managed by the Mountains and Rivers Conservation Authority) and the
Huntington Beach Wetlands (owned and managed by the Huntington Beach
Wetlands Conservancy). This connectivity facilitates the movement of species
between habitats and promotes genetic diversity.
4. Cultural and historical significance: The park contains two nationally registered
cultural resource historic sites, highlighting the area's rich human history and its
connection to the natural environment.
It provides a valuable refuge for wildlife amidst the urban landscape and offers a space
for people to connect with nature and learn about the importance of preserving
biodiversity.
1.3 RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
LANDOWNER AND “PROJECT SPONSOR” OF THE OCTA PROJECT
City of Costa Mesa
77 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Kelly Dalton
Fairview Park Administrator
Parks and Community Services Department
714-754-5135
kelly.dalton@CostaMesaCA.gov
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 7 of 87
BENEFICIARY OF APPLICABLE MITIGATION CREDIT ASSOCIATED WITH THE OCTA PROJECT
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
550 S. Main Street
Orange, CA 92868
Lesley Hill
Environmental Mitigation Program Project Manager
714-560-5759
lhill@octa.net
REGULATORY AUTHORITIES
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
South Coast Region
3883 Ruffin Road
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 467-4201
State regulatory authority for:
• Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), candidate species for state endangered
status
• Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), state Species of Special Concern
• Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), state Species
of Special Concern
• Least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), state endangered
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office
2177 Salk Ave., Suite 250
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 431-9440
Federal regulatory authority for:
• Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), federally
threatened
• Least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), federally endangered
• San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis), federally endangered
• Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni), federally endangered
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 8 of 87
1.4 RESTORATION CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
The Restoration Contractor will be responsible for restoring and enhancing native plant
communities through site preparation, weed management, installation and operation of
a temporary irrigation system, plant and seed installation, and maintenance including
hand weeding and supplemental irrigation for installed seed and container plant
material.
Implementation shall be conducted by a qualified native habitat Restoration Contractor
under the oversight of a Restoration Specialist. To be considered as “qualified,” the
Restoration Contractor must demonstrate the following:
1. Demonstrate experience successfully restoring native habitat within southern
California in coastal sage scrub (CSS) and native grassland habitat types, including
flower fields or forblands.
2. Have successfully installed at least three CSS restoration projects of at least ten
acres each, achieving the specified success criteria within a five-year
establishment and maintenance period.
3. Have experience designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining an
aboveground temporary irrigation system.
4. Have crews for habitat restoration site preparation and maintenance that have
been trained to identify and distinguish between nonnative and native
seedlings/plants.
5. Designate a project manager and site supervisor, each with a minimum of five
years of experience in successful native coastal scrub habitat and native
grassland habitat restoration.
6. Previous experience working within, and around coastal California gnatcatcher
occupied habitat.
7. Previous experience working within and around habitat with rare and/or
protected species in southern California.
1.5 RESTORATION SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS
The Restoration Specialist will be responsible for the oversight of the Restoration
Contractor, horticultural monitoring, general biological monitoring, annual performance
monitoring and reporting to the City.
To be considered as “qualified,” the Restoration Specialist must demonstrate the
following:
1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in ecological restoration, ecology, biology,
environmental science, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in native habitat restoration, preferably with a
focus on CSS and native California flora in Southern California.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 9 of 87
3. Demonstrated experience providing oversight of restoration crews during site
preparation, installation, and maintenance of at least three successfully
completed CSS habitat mitigation projects in southern California.
4. Demonstrated experience with implementing monitoring protocols to evaluate
project performance and success and proficiency in performance monitoring
reporting of at least three successfully completed CSS habitat mitigation projects.
5. Demonstrated experience with oversight of special collection of native seed
material and container plant propagation for habitat restoration projects.
6. Proficiency in invasive and nonnative plant management techniques and
strategies.
7. Experience working with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies, and an
understanding of relevant environmental policies and regulations.
8. Proficiency in Southern California native plant identification, propagation, and
establishment.
9. Previous experience working on restoration projects with sensitive wildlife and
plant species, including the California gnatcatcher.
1.6 COMPLIANCE
The 9.5 acres of habitat restoration (4.5 acres of coastal sage scrub and 5 acres of flower
fields) within this Project involve various resource and regulatory agencies. The
successful implementation of this HRMP will fulfill the outstanding habitat restoration
obligation shared by the City and OCTA in relation to the OCTA Project. The original
commitment was to restore approximately 23 acres of habitat within Fairview Park (City
of Costa Mesa 2011).
Before proceeding with the implementation of this project, the City must obtain
approval of this HRMP from OCTA, and CDFW and USFWS (collectively referred to as the
Wildlife Agencies). The City will adhere to the EMP Restoration Funding Guidelines,
reviewed and approved by OCTA and the Wildlife Agencies. The subsequent annual
performance monitoring reports will be provided to OCTA. OCTA will be responsible for
keeping the Wildlife Agencies informed on the progress toward achieving the HRMP
goals and success criteria by providing them with the City's annual performance
monitoring reports. The City is responsible for establishing a conservation easement
that is mutually acceptable to OCTA, the Wildlife Agencies and the City, and which
maintains the restoration intent of the project in perpetuity for the 23-acre OCTA
funded restoration area. Sign-off for the project areas cannot be provided until the
project has been approved and a conservation easement has been recorded.
This collaborative approach ensures that all parties involved in the restoration effort
remain informed and engaged throughout the process, fostering transparency and
cooperation in meeting the shared goal of habitat restoration.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 10 of 87
2 EXISTING CONDITIONS, HABITAT RESTORATION
STRATEGY, AND PROJECT SUCCESS CRITERIA
2.1 TOPOGRAPHY
Fairview Park is defined by four geomorphic features: the floodplain terrace, bluffs,
mesa, and eroded slopes (Figure 2-1). Each of these features has been partially
developed to either create wetland and riparian habitat, improve public access, or
provide recreational opportunities (Land IQ 2024).
Floodplain Terrace: The floodplain terrace was formed as part of the historic active
floodplain of the Santa Ana River and includes the portion of Fairview Park below the
bluffs (~20-ft elevation above mean sea level), including the Headlands Dana Point
Project Mitigation Area, USACE Wetlands and Riparian Habitat Project, and the OCTA
Project (Figure 1-2). The County-owned Talbert Nature Preserve occupies the remainder
of the floodplain terrace below the bluffs. See Figure 1-1 for the location of Talbert
Nature Preserve in relation to Fairview Park.
Mesa: The mesa stands at an elevation ranging from approximately 70 to 80 feet above
mean sea level (msl) in Fairview Park and includes a portion of the project area. Its
formation dates to the Pleistocene epoch, about 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago
(California Geological Survey 2024). This significant geological period played a crucial
role in shaping the contemporary landscape of the Greater Los Angeles Basin, including
the notable features found in Fairview Park. The northern portion of the mesa, to the
north of the improper fill material is part of the project area.
Bluffs: The bluffs were carved by the Santa Ana River, prior to its confinement in a flood
control channel following catastrophic 1938 floods, from an upper marine terrace
referred to as the mesa. There is a west-facing bluff and a north-facing bluff. The north-
facing bluff is part of the project area, which transitions to eroded slopes as the north
bluff grades into the canyon.
Eroded Slopes: The eroded slopes formed in place by chemical and physical weathering
of parent materials. Unlike the bluffs, which were formed largely by erosive river
stormwater flows, the eroded slopes were formed by overland flow of precipitation
creating gentle to moderately steep slopes.
2.2 SOILS
The soil types in Fairview Park were described in 1978 as part of the greater soil survey
of Orange County by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA 1978). The soil
survey mapping units are not deterministic and often include the description of several
other soil types that can occur within the map unit, but it provides excellent information
about general soil conditions in the park.
There are two soil map units that occur within the CSS and Flower Fields Restoration
Project area (Figure 2-2):
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 11 of 87
1. Myford Sandy Loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes on the mesa
2. Myford Sandy Loam, 9 to 30 percent slopes, eroded, on the north-facing eroded
bluff slopes
The Myford Sandy Loam soil series (Alfisols Soil Order, which among other features
typically includes a subsurface horizon with a significant amount of clay) is found on
terraces below 1,500 feet. This moderately well-drained soil has medium to rapid runoff
and very slow permeability. The solum (i.e., the layer of soil above the parent material
that includes the A and B horizons) is 45 to 75 inches thick, and the soil temperature at
20 inches depth averages 60 to 63°F. Moisture levels vary seasonally, with consistent
dry periods. Myford soil’s composition includes various sandy loam types, with A and Bt
(i.e., Bt is a soil horizon that contains a layer of lattice clays that were deposited from
the A horizon above) horizons displaying different colors and clay contents.
Exchangeable sodium (i.e., measure of the amount of sodium ions that can be readily
exchanged with other cations in the soil solution, which can influence infiltration rates,
soil structure, plant growth and salinity) increases at depths beyond one meter.
2.3 VERNAL POOL WATERSHED
A subsurface soil hardpan allows for the hydrological conditions that result in seasonal
ponding and formation of vernal pools and the corresponding vernal pool watershed
that remains in present day Fairview Park on the mesa (Figure 2-3). However, most of
the northern part of the mesa including in this project was not identified as part of the
historic vernal pool watershed because the slopes gradually drain towards the north
bluff, west bluff, and the “canyon” area to the east. This area was also historically
farmed that included soil cultivation, which likely significantly disrupted at least some of
the hardpan soils that may have existed, no longer allowing for seasonal ponding and
the formation of vernal pool habitat (Land IQ 2024).
A portion of the project occurs within the historic vernal pool watershed (Figure 2-3)
that currently no longer functions as part of the vernal pool watershed because it is
disconnected by the presence of the improper fill placement. Restoration of the vernal
pool watershed, including removal of the improper fill material, is identified in the
existing Fairview Park Master Plan (City of Costa Mesa 2008) and remains a
management goal identified by Land IQ (2024) as a habitat restoration opportunity.
While vernal pool indicator plants and fairy shrimp occur in Fairview Park vernal pools
and areas that periodically pond in the vernal pool watershed, including in the basins
created by openings in the improper fill material that are at natural grade—the project
area is north of the areas that pond and does not have andy vernal pool features or
ponding water. No ponding or rare plants were observed in the project area during 2023
surveys (Hamilton Biological 2023) and 2017 surveys (Glenn Lukos Associates 2017).
Glenn Lukos Associates (2017) examined ponded areas for fairy shrimp, and while fairy
shrimp were detected in other areas within the improper fill area and south of that area
in the vernal pools and vernal pool watershed, because there was no ponding in the
project area north of the improper fill area, no fairy shrimp were detected.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 12 of 87
2.4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND IMPROPER FILL MATERIAL
Fairview Park has two nationally registered archaeological sites (CA-ORA-58; CA-ORA-
506) that comprise part of a larger village site referred to as Genga. Indigenous people
occupied these areas from the 1800s back to at least 1500 B.C. In 1926, tilling of the soil
for farming in the northern portion of the mesa, including within the mesa in the project
area, exposed the first documented archaeological remains from this important site.
Formal archaeological excavations began in the 1930s (Dudek and Associates 2003).
Keith Dixon studied the site from 1959 to 1966. The boundaries of the archaeological
site were further defined by The Keith Companies in 1993 (City of Costa Mesa 2008).
With the intent of capping the archaeological site on the mesa (CA-ORA-58), prior to
construction of new park amenities, fill material was placed on the mesa between 1987
and 1988 (Land IQ 2024). The fill material does not meet current standards for an
archeological site cap and includes chemically active construction materials and
concrete debris that can degrade archaeological artifacts instead of preserving them
(City of Costa Mesa 2008).
Not only was the fill material improper for the protection of indigenous cultural
resources, but it also created three new threats to biological resources on the mesa
(Land IQ 2024):
1. The fill material covers and takes away habitat for native flower fields and fairy
shrimp.
2. The fill material impairs the hydrologic function of the vernal pool watershed by
reducing the amount of precipitation that would feed the vernal pool complex,
which is especially critical in below-average rainfall years when the pools do not
typically form.
3. The fill material creates an unnatural state of low soil microorganism and plant
diversity, which sustains large infestations of invasive plants (e.g., black mustard,
poison hemlock) that produce large quantities of seed, which is then transported
into other locations in the park by wildlife and humans along trails and roads,
threatening the diversity and function of native habitat.
Therefore, this HRMP will be implemented in coordination with a cultural resource
monitoring plan to protect artifacts and culturally significant material that could be
disturbed during significant soil disturbance activities, such as during the initial weed
dethatching event, digging planting holes, or if substantial digging is required for the
removal of perennial invasive plant species during weed management activities. The
HRMP also includes a weed management buffer, which will be maintained to both: 1)
help protect the habitat restoration areas from the invasive plants that persist on the
improper fill material; and 2) maintain an area that is accessible for vehicular access to
support a future habitat restoration project on the mesa that involves the careful
removal of the improper fill material to expose the natural soils and reestablish the
natural grade of the historic vernal pool watershed.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 13 of 87
Figure 2-1 Geomorphic Features of Fairview Park.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 14 of 87
Figure 2-2 Soil Series Mapped in Fairview Park (USDA 1978).
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 15 of 87
Figure 2-3 Location of Vernal Pool Watershed and Vernal Pools in Relation to the Project Area and Improper Fill Material Extent in 2023.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 16 of 87
2.5 EXISTING VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
The vegetation communities in Fairview Park were mapped in 2023 (Land IQ 2024) as
part of the Fairview Park Master Plan Update, led by MIG. There are nine vegetation
map units in the project area, including six vegetation communities and three urban or
disturbed land cover classes (Figure 2-4, Table 2-1).
Two of the vegetation communities are suitable for habitat enhancement by controlling
weeds and native seed addition:
1. California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub (Restoration Area)
2. Purple Sage Scrub (Introduced Vegetation Community/Restoration Area)
Four vegetation communities are suitable for habitat restoration as they have little to
no native cover—or in the case of Coyote Brush Scrub (Disturbed), the native diversity is
very low with almost all the native cover from coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis)—and a
significant infestation of invasive mustards (e.g., Brassica nigra, Hirschfeldia incana),
annual grasses (e.g.., Bromus spp., Avena spp., Hordeum spp.), thistles (e.g., Carduus
pycnocephalus, Centaurea melitensis), and/or poison hemlock (Conium maculatum):
1. Upland Black Mustard and Tocalote Fields
2. Upland Shortpod Mustard and Tocalote Fields
3. Poison Hemlock or Fennel Patches
4. Coyote Brush Scrub (Disturbed)
The urban land cover class of “Anthropogenic Areas of Little or No Vegetation” identifies
areas that have very high bare ground cover and have been denuded of vegetation by
human use of informal, nonapproved trails and unnecessary expansion of approved
pathways by recreational impacts or City maintenance crews. These areas are
appropriate for habitat restoration, enhancement, or weed management buffer.
The existing asphalt pathway, which is used by pedestrians, bicycles and City
maintenance vehicles is classified as “Urban-Sidewalk/Bridge/Trail” leads from the
parking lot outside the project area and through the project area, providing access to
the pathways in the Wetlands and Riparian Habitat Areas and Talbert Nature Preserve
(OC Parks). This pathway will be maintained as an approved City pathway in Fairview
Park and used for vehicular access by the Restoration Contractor for project activities.
The “Natural Soil Trail” is a City approved public pathway that branches off of the
asphalt pathway and runs along the perimeter of the mesa in the project area,
connecting to the staircase that leads from the mesa to Talbert Nature Preserve at the
base of the bluff.
The six existing vegetation communities in the project area are described in more detail
in the following sections. There are no wetland or riparian habitats within the project
area.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 17 of 87
Figure 2-4 Existing Vegetation Communities in the Project Area.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 18 of 87
Table 2-1 Summary of 2023 Vegetation Map Units in the CSS and Flower Fields Project
Area in Fairview Park.
Scientific Vegetation Map Unit Name Map
Code Common Map Unit Name
California Coastal Evergreen Bluff and Dune Scrub Group
Baccharis pilularis Shrubland Alliance
(Disturbed)
2315 Coyote Brush Scrub (Disturbed)
Central and South Coastal Californian Coastal Sage Scrub Group
Artemisia californica – Eriogonum fasciculatum
Association (Restoration Area)
3125 California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub
(Restoration Area)
Salvia leucophylla Association (Introduced
Vegetation Community/Restoration Area)
3195 Purple Sage Scrub (Introduced Vegetation
Community/Restoration Area)
Mediterranean California Naturalized Annual and Perennial Grassland Group
Brassica nigra – Centaurea melitensis
Herbaceous Semi-Natural Association
4250 Upland Black Mustard and Tocalote Fields
Hirschfeldia incana – Centaurea melitensis
Herbaceous Semi-Natural Association
4255 Upland Shortpod Mustard and Tocalote Fields
Conium maculatum – Foeniculum vulgare
Herbaceous Semi-Natural Alliance
4270 Poison Hemlock or Fennel Patches
Urban/Disturbed/Other
Urban-Sidewalk/Bridge/Trail 9310 Urban-Sidewalk/Bridge/Trail
Natural Soil Trail 9315 Natural Soil Trail
Anthropogenic Areas of Little or No Vegetation 9330 Anthropogenic Areas of Little or No Vegetation
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 19 of 87
2.5.1 COYOTE BRUSH SCRUB (DISTURBED)
This vegetation community is primarily the result of coyote brush and other native
shrubs recruiting into areas that would otherwise be classified as mustard and tocalote
(Centaurea melitensis) fields because the herbaceous layer is entirely dominated by
nonnative weeds (Figure 2-5). The dominant shrub is coyote brush, which can be very
dense in patches. Other native shrubs and subshrubs that occur at low frequency
include coast goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), and
California bush sunflower (Encelia californica). The herbaceous layer is dominated by
such nonnative species as shortpod mustard, tocalote, and various annual grasses
(Bromus spp. and Avena spp.), with poison hemlock and black mustard forming more
extensive stands in some areas.
Figure 2-5 Example of Disturbed Coyote Brush Scrub.
Photo Taken September 24, 2023
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 20 of 87
2.5.2 CALIFORNIA SAGEBRUSH – CALIFORNIA BUCKWHEAT SCRUB
(RESTORATION AREA)
Areas adjacent to the staircase from the mesa to Talbert Nature Preserve (constructed
in 2009) have been restored to California sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub
(Figure 2-6). In addition to the co-dominants, California bush sunflower, coast prickly
pear, coyote brush, and coast goldenbush occur. Patches of black mustard and tree
tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) have invaded some of the spaces between the native shrubs.
Figure 2-6 Example of California Sagebrush – California Buckwheat Scrub Restoration
Adjacent to the Staircase.
Photo Taken April 27, 2023
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 21 of 87
2.5.3 PURPLE SAGE SCRUB (INTRODUCED VEGETATION
COMMUNITY/RESTORATION AREA)
In the 1990s, this area on the north bluff slope was hydroseeded with California
buckwheat and purple sage (City of Costa Mesa 2008). Today purple sage is dominant,
along with coyote brush and California bush sunflower (Figure 2-7). The natural range of
purple sage in Orange County includes only the Santa Ana Mountains and associated
foothills (Allen and Roberts 2013). Contemporary observations in the coastal region of
Orange County are likely introductions and the result of native revegetation and
landscaping projects. Nonnative cover in this vegetation community includes black
mustard, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), poison hemlock, and nonnative annual grass (e.g.,
Bromus spp. and Avena spp.).
Figure 2-7 Example of Introduced Purple Sage Scrub in the Foreground.
Photo Taken April 27, 2023
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 22 of 87
2.5.4 UPLAND BLACK MUSTARD AND TOCALOTE FIELDS
In the project area this vegetation community occurs on disturbed northerly-facing
slopes and bluff slopes. The most common cover is from invasive annuals, tocalote and
black mustard (Figure 2-8). Shortpod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana) also occurs but is not
as dominant.
Some areas have high cover of nonnative annual grasses (Bromus spp. and Avena spp.)
or wild radish (Raphanus sativus). Patches of fennel, castor bean (Ricinus communis),
and tree tobacco occur more frequently in drainages. White horehound (Marrubium
vulgare) occurs occasionally and typically on the edges of trails and in other frequently
disturbed areas. Scattered individual native shrubs, including coast goldenbush,
California sagebrush, California bush sunflower, and coyote brush, may be present, as
well as the herbaceous natives clustered tarplant (Deinandra fasciculata), and tarragon.
Denser patches of coyote brush occur, but typically in a monoculture and with an
understory of nonnative grasses and forbs, limiting the habitat value of these stands for
native wildlife species. Giant wild rye occurs (Elymus condensatus) occasionally in
drainages. A few areas have planted coast prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis), although
most of the north-facing slopes are unsuitable for cactus. These areas have highly
disturbed soils resulting from past agriculture, construction of park facilities (e.g.,
fences, sidewalks), vegetation clearance, and erosion of topsoil.
Figure 2-8 Example of Upland Black Mustard and Tocalote Fields on North Bluff Slope.
Photo Taken April 27, 2023
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 23 of 87
2.5.5 UPLAND SHORTPOD MUSTARD AND TOCALOTE FIELDS
This community occurs on the northern portion of the Mesa that was historically
cultivated for crops in the early 1900s, including plowing or tilling (Land IQ 2024). This
area may have been selected for cultivation because it did not exhibit the clay hardpan
soils, which have poor value for agricultural crops due in part to poor drainage (USDA
1978). Alternatively, farmers may have actively broken up the clay hardpan layer to
improve drainage for farming. Because of this agricultural history and irrevocable
change to the natural soil condition, it is less likely that this portion of the Mesa will
support vegetation communities in the Californian Mixed Annual/Perennial Freshwater
Vernal Pool/Swale Bottomland Group, such as Clustered Tarplant Fields. The low
frequency of woody shrubs (nonnative or native) in this area, and the dominance by
annual life-forms, such as the native common fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia) and
popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys sp.) in the late winter and early spring (e.g., Figure 2-9),
followed by high vegetative cover of shortpod mustard and tocalote in late spring and
summer (Figure 2-10), indicate that the area is appropriately classified in the California
Annual Herb/Grass Group as Upland Shortpod Mustard and Tocalote Fields (e.g., Figure
2-11). In areas with more bare ground on the northern Mesa, the native annual forb
turkey-mullein (Croton setiger) can be common.
Herbaceous cover is also provided by nonnative annual grasses (primarily ripgut brome,
Bromus diandrus). There is low cover of black mustard and fennel, but these species are
more prevalent in the drainage swale in the northwest portion of the Mesa. There is
scattered cover from occasional dense patches of coast goldenbush.
Scarcity of black mustard and general lack of native shrubs or perennial weeds are two
factors that help to distinguish the Upland Shortpod Mustard and Tocalote Fields
vegetation association from the Upland Mustards and Tocalote Fields vegetation
association that occurs on the northerly-facing slopes in the project area. The exception
to this rule is provided by the nonnative perennial weed curly dock (Rumex crispus),
which is common in disturbed areas with poor drainage (DiTomaso et al. 2013).
Most of this vegetation type occurs in areas that are part of the registered
archaeological site identified as CA-ORA-58.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 24 of 87
Figure 2-9 Example of Native Common Fiddleneck on the Northern Mesa in Late Winter
2023.
Photo Taken March 8, 2023
Figure 2-10 Example of Nonnative Shortpod Mustard, Black Mustard, and Tocalote on the
Northern Mesa in Spring 2023.
Photo Taken April 27, 2023
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 25 of 87
Figure 2-11 Example of Shortpod Mustard and Tocalote Fields on the Mesa in (a) Late
Winter, March 8, 2023, and (b) Summer, September 24, 2023.
a
b
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 26 of 87
2.5.6 POISON HEMLOCK OR FENNEL PATCHES
The dense patches of poison hemlock at the base of the north-facing slope also include
nonnative annual grasses (e.g., Bromus spp. and Avena spp.), black mustard, and
scattered coyote brush.
2.6 WILDLIFE
The mesa, north bluff, and eroded slopes in the project area support mainly nonnative
mustard fields and annual grassland. Wildlife found in these open, grassy, and weedy
areas, include the West Coast Lady and Checkered White butterflies, Common Side-
blotched Lizard, Mourning Dove, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Say’s Phoebe,
Western Kingbird, American Pipit, Savannah Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Blue
Grosbeak, Desert Cottontail, and Botta’s Pocket Gopher. In the past, San Diego Black-
tailed Jackrabbits could be found using open habitats in the park, but this species
appears to have been extirpated from all the lower Santa Ana River ecosystem in recent
decades (Land IQ 2024).
Upland scrub plant associations growing on the park’s slopes support such wildlife
species as California Kingsnake, Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, Western Skink, Allen’s
Hummingbird, Bewick’s Wren, California Thrasher, White-crowned Sparrow, California
Towhee, and Desert Cottontail.
2.6.1 SENSITIVE AND PROTECTED SPECIES
Fairview Park has been identified as a potential habitat for several species of
conservation concern, including the Crotch's bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), a candidate
species for state endangered status. This bee species has been observed foraging on
native shrubs and annuals within the park (Hamilton 2023). It is assumed by
entomologists that bumble bees likely forage within 1 to 2 km from their nest (CDFW
2023). Therefore, there is a high potential for occurrence in the project area. While
Crotch's bumble bee nests have not been observed in Fairview Park, the project aims to
significantly increase foraging habitat to support this species, including known food
plants such as sages (e.g., Salvia mellifera, S. apiana), Phacelia spp., lupines (Lupinus
spp.), and milkweed (e.g., Asclepias fascicularis) (Williams et al. 2014).
The federally threatened and state Species of Special Concern, coastal California
gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), may also benefit from the habitat
restoration and enhancement efforts. Although no nesting has ever been observed
immediately within the habitat restoration project area, resident coastal California
gnatcatchers are present in scrub habitat in Fairview Park and in adjacent lower Santa
Ana River scrub habitat (Hamilton Biological 2023). In the past Hamilton Biological
(2023) has observed successful nesting in a community-led coastal sage scrub
restoration area that is immediately to the east of the project site, referred to as the
“canyon,” although no nesting was observed during 2023 surveys (see Figure 1-2).
Enhancing the habitat will provide valuable foraging opportunities and improve the
overall quality of the potential nesting territory in the canyon and other scrub habitat
for coastal California gnatcatcher in the lower Santa Ana River.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 27 of 87
The federally and state endangered least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) has
established nesting sites in the Wetlands and Riparian Habitat of Fairview Park,
including the OCTA Project area (see Figure 1-2) located north of the current project
area. The project area does not provide suitable nesting habitat for the vireo; however,
there is a low potential for foraging activities.
In terms of aquatic species, no ponding was observed within the project area during the
above-average rainfall year of 2023 (Land IQ 2024) or in 2017 (Glenn Lukos Associates
2017). Consequently, no fairy shrimp species, such as the federally endangered San
Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis) and the federally endangered
Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni), were detected.
The proposed habitat enhancement efforts within Fairview Park will contribute to the
conservation of these species by improving foraging opportunities and overall habitat
quality. Regular monitoring and adaptive management will be important to avoid these
species during implementation of this HRMP.
2.7 HABITAT RESTORATION STRATEGY
The CSS and Flower Fields Restoration Project will avoid and minimize impacts to
biological and cultural resources with measures that are consistent with guidelines in
the Fairview Park Master Plan and that comply with all applicable regulations. Existing
native habitat, such as patches of CSS, will be avoided to the maximum extent practical.
Woody native shrubs shall be identified by the crew and avoided when using mechanical
approaches, mowing and line trimming. Mowing and line trimming shall be timed to the
phenology of the flowering of invasive annual grasses and forbs, which typically
germinate and flower earlier than the native herbaceous vegetation due to the adaptive
traits that reinforce their invasive nature in disturbed areas. There will be no application
of broad-spectrum herbicides except in areas that have been surveyed and don’t have
any sensitive, rare, or protected species. Crews will be trained to identify sensitive and
rare plants to be avoided. All wetlands, including vernal pools, will be avoided. There are
no vernal pool features in the project area.
This HRMP is consistent with the relevant guidelines from the OCTA (2012) Measure M2
Environmental Program Restoration Funding Guidelines and the habitat restoration
goals of the original Habitat Restoration Plan (City of Costa Mesa 2011) for the OCTA
Project.
2.7.1 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
This project will be implemented with an adaptive management approach, which will
allow the Restoration Specialist to adjust the level of restoration effort according to
observations and analysis of site conditions, including establishment of the native seed
mix.
An overview of the framework for the “Adaptive Management” approach is presented
in the following six-step diagram (ERI 2009) (Figure 2-12).
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 28 of 87
Figure 2-12 Adaptive management in 6-steps.
Habitat restoration is an inherently complex activity and adaptive management provides
a framework that allows for flexible adjustments in management activities in response
to the feedback provided by regular monitoring. Many fluctuating variables can
influence the success of a restoration project, including weather conditions, fire events,
intense rainfall events, the distribution and composition of nonnative species and
adjacent land management activities. Monitoring is a key component of adaptive
management and is necessary for tracking changes to a restoration project over time.
Prior knowledge and experience coupled with new observations can guide adjustments
to management actions while still meeting restoration objectives and the broader goals
of establishing ecologically suitable habitat within the habitat restoration area.
2.7.2 HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT TARGETS
Land IQ (2024) identified suitable habitat restoration targets for the project area based
on a thorough assessment of the following factors:
• Environmental characteristics (e.g., soil, landscape position, slope aspect, slope
angle) in each location
• Physiological or ecological relationships of the dominant or co-dominant species
in each map unit
• The identity of nearby vegetation communities
• Expert opinion based on habitat restoration experience
• A review of potential vegetation modeling outputs from the Nature Reserve of
Orange County Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Plan Update (Brooks et al.
2019).
ASSESS
PLAN
IMPLEMENT
MONITOR
EVALUATE
ADJUST
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 29 of 87
HABITAT RESTORATION AREA 1
The primary focus for Area 1, as identified in Figure 1-3, is the eradication of invasive
mustards to establish suitable habitat restoration conditions. The target vegetation
community for this area is Black Sage Scrub (Salvia mellifera Shrubland Alliance)
featuring dominant cover from black sage, California sagebrush (Artemisia californica),
and coyote brush (Land IQ 2024). Other native species to be incorporated in the seed
mix include California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), California buckwheat
(Eriogonum fasciculatum), deerweed (Acmispon glaber), and white sage (Salvia apiana).
In the drainage areas, toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) and blue elderberry (Sambucus
mexicana) can be planted and irrigated with the overhead irrigation system to be used
for the grow-and-kill phase prior to seed installation.
HABITAT RESTORATION AREA 2
Area 2 is currently dominated by invasive mustards and grasses. The restoration target
for this area is Fiddleneck-Phacelia Fields [Amsinckia (menziesii, tessellata) - Phacelia
spp. Herbaceous Alliance] (Land IQ 2024). To achieve this goal, a combination of
selective weeding and the introduction of a diverse native annual seed mix will be
implemented. The mix will include a low diversity of select native woody shrubs, such as
coastal goldenbush, deerweed, and California buckwheat, which are expected to occur
at low frequencies. This approach will help restore the native flower fields to this
portion of the mesa.
Due to the dominance of native annuals in this habitat type, there will be a risk of
reinvasion by nonnative annual grasses and forbs. However, the establishment of a
diverse and dense native seedbank, coupled with long-term management high-priority
invasive plants (Appendix 1) by the City, will ensure the sustained value of this unique
flower field/grassland habitat.
HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AREA 6
Area 6 was restored with native CSS as part of the construction of the staircase that
connects the mesa to floodplain terrace in Fairview Park, as well as Talbert Nature
Preserve. This area will be enhanced with weed management and native seed addition.
HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AREA 7
Area 7 was hydroseeded in the 1990s with purple sage and California buckwheat. Today
it is dominated by purple sage and California sunflower bush with an understory of
weeds, including mustard. This area will be enhanced with weed management and
native seed addition.
NATIVE REVEGETATION BUFFER AREA 3
Area 3 is a relatively small area on the mesa between two pathways that will be
managed with weed management and native seed addition.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 30 of 87
NATIVE REVEGETATION BUFFER AREA 4
Area 4 is a 3-meter-wide native revegetation buffer between the habitat restoration
areas and public pathways to deter recreational impacts. These areas will be planted
with native CSS shrubs, managed for weeds, and will be seeded with a native seed mix.
WEED MANAGEMENT BUFFER AREA 5
Area 5 is a 15-meter-wide weed management buffer between habitat restoration area 1
and the improper fill material. This area will be mechanically cut, when needed, to
prevent weed seed set. High-priority invasive plants shall be controlled according to
Appendix 1, which includes the use of targeted herbicide application.
2.7.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A qualified native habitat Restoration Contractor shall implement this Plan with
oversight and biological monitoring from the Restoration Specialist. The project
schedule is premised on the project beginning by fall 2024. If the project start is
delayed, then in general, implementation of the project will need to be delayed by one
calendar year due to the time sensitive nature of seed collection, time for plant
propagation, and the timing of weed management events.
Before the first restoration activities occur, it is recommended that the temporary
fencing and signage be installed as early as summer to notify the public that the project
will begin in fall and that these areas are to be avoided.
The initial dethatching event to remove nonnative weed material will occur in late-
October or November but before the onset of significant rainfall that will limit the use of
wheeled or tracked equipment. A cultural resource monitor shall be onsite during the
initial dethatching event to monitor the soil for any artifacts or culturally significant
material.
Following the initial dethatching event, the temporary irrigation system and the nursery
grown container plants shall be installed. The irrigation system shall be operated
manually and have valves to isolate different irrigation zones. Bubblers shall provide
supplemental irrigation for the transplanted nursery grown plants in Area 4 and
overhead impact sprinklers shall be used for the irrigated grow-and-kill program in
Areas 1 and 2. Any irrigation lines that cross approved pathways need to be trenched to
avoid damage by vehicles and to avoid creating a tripping hazard for the public. If
trenching is required, then the cultural resource monitor must be present.
The nursery grown container plants shall be installed in Area 4 and Area 2 before the
end of January 2025. The plant material shall be grown by a nursery that specializes in
native plants and sourced from material collected in the Orange County Seed Collection
Zone as described in the Orange County Native Seed Partnership Strategic Plan (AECOM
2023). If the native plant nursery supplier for this project does not have sufficient
material on hand, then the Restoration Specialist may make appropriate substitutions of
plant species and/or amounts. A cultural resource monitor shall be on site during the
digging of planting holes for the container plants.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 31 of 87
The plants shall be irrigated to supplement natural rainfall and to establish the plants
through the first year. A second year of supplemental irrigation may be required but no
more than three years of irrigation shall be required unless drought conditions are
severe. During irrigation events, the container planting basins shall be hand weeded to
keep them free of all weeds.
The weed management buffer in Area 5 shall be mowed or line trimmed as necessary to
prevent the buildup of excessive weed biomass and the development of viable seed
from weeds, while avoiding native shrubs and native annuals to the extent feasible, as
directed by the Restoration Specialist. Area 5 shall be maintained in this manner for the
full term of the project.
In the habitat restoration Areas 1 and 2, the overhead irrigation system shall be used to
“force” the growth of multiple crops of weeds throughout the year in a grow-and-kill
program. The goal is to encourage germination of weed seed, then control the growth
prior to viable seed set with a combination of mechanical and chemical weed control.
Typically, one or two weeding events will be needed per season, for a total of four to
eight weeding events per year, for two years (2025 and 2026). The habitat enhancement
areas 6 and 7 and the native revegetation buffer areas 3 and 4 are adjacent to the
irrigated grow-and-kill areas and shall be included in each grow-and-kill weeding event.
At the onset of the project, but no later than February 2025, the Restoration Contractor
shall contract with a qualified native seed collector for the required seed material for
the native seed mixes. This will allow the seed collector to have multiple opportunities
to collect the requested seed material, from winter 2025 to fall 2026, thereby increasing
the highest diversity and amount of seed possible for the project. The native seed mixes
shall be installed in fall 2026, from mid-October to December but before the onset of
significant winter rainfall that prohibit site access with equipment that is necessary for
seed installation.
Area 1 shall be hydroseeded with a one-step installation method. The native seed mix
will be installed in Areas 2 and 5 by broadcast seeding followed by a cultipacker to
ensure good soil-to-seed contact. If any portions of these areas require additional soil
stabilization, as determined during the weed management phase prior to seeding, then
the hydroseed method may be used with the addition of a soil stabilizer (e.g., bonded
fiber matrix). Areas with significant native cover, including Areas 4, 6, and 7, shall be
hand seeded and then tamped for good soil-to-seed contact. Area 3 is relatively small
and can be hand seeded, although hydroseeding or broadcast seeding followed by a
cultipacker are also suitable methods.
The temporary irrigation system can be used, at the discretion of the Restoration
Specialist to supplement natural rainfall for the first one to three years of seed
establishment. Supplemental irrigation shall only be used in the fall, winter, and spring
to augment natural rainfall. No irrigation shall be used in the final two years of
maintenance and performance monitoring to demonstrate that the habitat restoration
areas are self-sustaining. The temporary irrigation system may remain in place until the
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 32 of 87
end of the project in case it is needed for remedial actions, but it must be removed once
the project is accepted by the agencies and is considered complete.
After seed installation, only hand weeding shall be allowed to control weeds in the
project area, except for the weed management buffer Area 5, which is mowed, or line
trimmed.
The Restoration Specialist shall regularly monitor the project to determine the timing
and appropriate method of restoration activities, following the requirements,
guidelines, and specifications in this HRMP. The Restoration Specialist shall be
responsible for directing and providing oversight of work by the Restoration Contractor.
A Qualified Biologist, or Approved Biologist, as required by the species protection
measures in Section 3.1, shall conduct pre-work surveys and provide biological
monitoring as needed to avoid and minimize potential impacts from restoration
activities.
The Restoration Specialist shall prepare annual reports documenting restoration and
monitoring activities each year, including during the site preparation phase of the
project. After seed installation (expected in fall 2026), there will five years of
performance monitoring, including spring vegetation surveys to document progress
towards meeting project goals and success criteria (expected to be calendar years 2027
to 2031; see Table 2-2). Annual reports will be reviewed by the City and submitted to
OCTA.
If the project success criteria are not met in the fifth performance monitoring year,
expected to be 2031, then the City shall continue to implement the project according to
the HRMP, along with any ecologically appropriate contingency actions and/or
alternative success criteria recommended by the Restoration Specialist in consultation
with OCTA and the Wildlife Agencies, until the success criteria are met.
2.8 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
The implementation schedule for the project is presented in Table 2-2.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 33 of 87
Table 2-2 HRMP Project Implementation Schedule.
2024
Site
Protection,
Dethatch,
Irrigation,
& Planting
2025
Weed
Management &
Container Plant
Establishment
Year 1
2026
Weed
Management &
Container Plant
Establishment
Year 2
2027
Performance
Monitoring
Year 1
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2028
Performance
Monitoring
Year 2
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2029
Performance
Monitoring
Year 3
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2030
Performance
Monitoring
Year 4
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2031
Performance
Monitoring
Year 5
Maintenance &
Monitoring
Activity
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Site Protection, Initial Dethatch, Cultural Resource Protection Monitoring, and Temporary Irrigation
Install Temporary Post-and-Rope Fence &
Signage ✖ •
Weed Dethatching Event (Late Oct to Nov) &
Cultural Resource Protection Monitoring ✖
Install Temporary Irrigation System
(Areas 1, 2 & 4) ✖ •
Native Revegetation Buffer (Area 4) and Drainages in Area 1 Container Planting, Irrigation, & Maintenance
Dig Container Planting Basins (Late Oct to Nov)
& Cultural Resource Protection Monitoring ✖ •
Install Nursery Grown Container Plants in Area 4
& Select Drainages in Area 1 ✖ •
Supplemental Irrigation of Container Plants • ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ • • • •
Hand Weeding of Container Planting Basins • ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ • • • •
Weed Management Buffer (Area 5) Weed Maintenance
Manage Weed Management Buffer (Area 5):
Mow or line trim, as needed to prevent seed set ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ •
High Priority Invasive Plant Control in All Areas,
As Needed • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 34 of 87
2024
Site
Protection,
Dethatch,
Irrigation,
& Planting
2025
Weed
Management &
Container Plant
Establishment
Year 1
2026
Weed
Management &
Container Plant
Establishment
Year 2
2027
Performance
Monitoring
Year 1
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2028
Performance
Monitoring
Year 2
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2029
Performance
Monitoring
Year 3
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2030
Performance
Monitoring
Year 4
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2031
Performance
Monitoring
Year 5
Maintenance &
Monitoring
Activity
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Pre-Seed Installation Adaptive Weed Management
Irrigated Grow-and-Kill in Areas 1 & 2,
and in adjacent Areas 3, 4, 6 & 7:
Typically, 1 or 2 Weeding Events per Season, for
a total of 4 to 8 events per year, for 2 years
✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
High Priority Invasive Plant Control in All Areas,
As Needed • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Native Seed Collection & Installation
Special Collection of Native Seeds, Seed Bulking,
& Commercial Seed Production ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ •
Hydroseed Installation in Area 1 ✖ •
Broadcast Seed and Cultipacker for Good Soil-
to-Seed Contact in Areas 2 and 5 ✖ •
Hand Seed Installation in Areas 3, 4, 6, & 7 ✖ •
Maintenance After Seed Installation
Supplemental Irrigation, As Needed in Winter,
and Spring for 1 to 3 Years (No Irrigation in the
Final 2 Years)
✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ • •
Hand Weed, As Needed: Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, & 7 • ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ • • ✖ ✖ • • • • • •
High Priority Invasive Plant Control in All Areas,
As Needed • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 35 of 87
2024
Site
Protection,
Dethatch,
Irrigation,
& Planting
2025
Weed
Management &
Container Plant
Establishment
Year 1
2026
Weed
Management &
Container Plant
Establishment
Year 2
2027
Performance
Monitoring
Year 1
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2028
Performance
Monitoring
Year 2
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2029
Performance
Monitoring
Year 3
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2030
Performance
Monitoring
Year 4
Maintenance &
Monitoring
2031
Performance
Monitoring
Year 5
Maintenance &
Monitoring
Activity
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Wi
n
t
e
r
Sp
r
i
n
g
Su
m
m
e
r
Fa
l
l
Remove All Temporary Irrigation
(Late Oct to Nov) ✖
Remove Temporary Fencing if Permanent
Fencing or Other Site Protection Measures are
in Place
✖
Biological Monitoring and Reporting
Crotch’s Bumble Pre-Work Survey ✖ ✖
Biological Surveys prior to restoration activity,
as needed (e.g., nesting birds, Dec 1 to Aug 31) ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ ✖ • ✖ ✖ • • • • • •
Horticultural Monitoring of Weed Phenology &
Native Plant Material Establishment1 BW BW M M M M M M M BW BW M Q M M Q Q M M Q • M M Q • Q Q • •
Baseline Pre-Restoration Qualitative Monitoring
(e.g., Photo Points, Veg Cover Estimates) ✖ • •
Spring Performance Qualitative Monitoring in
All Areas (e.g., Photo Points, Veg Cover
Estimates)
✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
Spring Performance Quantitative Monitoring in
Areas 1 and 2 (Point-Intercept Line Transects) ✖
Annual Habitat Restoration Monitoring Report
(Due to OCTA by March 15 of Following Year;
Final Report anticipated by March 15, 2032)
✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
✖= Required; • = If necessary; Winter = Jan-Mar; Spring = Apr-Jun; Summer = Jul-Sep; Fall = Oct-Dec; Recommended Monitoring Frequency: Q = monitoring once per quarter; M = monthly; BW = every two weeks; 1 Monitoring may occur
more or less frequently, as needed based on project implementation timing, weather, and plant phenology.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 36 of 87
2.9 PROJECT SUCCESS CRITERIA
The project success criteria for Habitat Restoration Areas 1 and 2, presented in Table
2-3, were developed based on Land IQ’s experience with similar habitat restoration
projects in coastal Orange County, the City’s experience at Fairview Park, and the OCTA
Restoration Funding Guidelines (OCTA 2012).
Voluntary habitat enhancement, native revegetation, and weed management buffer
areas are not required, are not part of the habitat restoration areas for the OCTA
project, and are not subject to project success criteria; however, these areas should
follow the seed mix establishment guidelines in Section 8.4 and container plant
replacement guidelines in Section 5.5 to help ensure the goals of the project are
achieved.
Table 2-3 Project Success Criteria for Habitat Restoration Areas 1 and 2.
Project Success Criteria Area 1 Area 2
1. In the third year of establishment of the native seed mix,
the absolute native cover shall be at least:
25 to 50% 15 to 25%
2. In the third year of establishment of the native seed mix,
the absolute native shrub absolute cover shall be at least:
15 to 25% N/A
3. In the fifth year of establishment of the native seed mix,
the absolute native cover shall be at least:
70% 50%
4. In the fifth year of establishment of the native seed mix,
the absolute native shrub absolute cover shall be at least:
50% N/A
5. The minimum cumulative number of native plant species
documented within the restoration area during the five
years of native seed mix establishment shall be at least:
15 15
6. In the final year of monitoring based on both qualitative
and quantitative measurements, at least half of the
native plant species set seed, and the number of native
plant species seedlings shall be at least:
5 5
7. In the fifth year of establishment of the native seed mix
and after two years of minimal weeding, the absolute
nonnative cover shall be less than:
However, the control of high-priority invasive plants
identified in the Fairview Park Long-Term Invasive Plant
Management Plan (see Appendix 1) may be controlled in
any year of the project.
15% 25%
8. There shall be no supplemental irrigation in at least the
final two years of performance monitoring.
Applicable Applicable
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 37 of 87
2.9.1 REMEDIAL MEASURES
As part of the adaptive management of the project, if the Restoration Specialist
determines that an area is not making sufficient progress toward attainment of the
success criteria, then the Restoration Specialist shall investigate and provide
recommendations for remedial measures. Remedial measures may include replacement
planting, supplemental seeding, adjustments to supplemental watering, or increased
weed management activities.
2.9.2 CONTINGENCY MEASURES
If the success criteria are not met in the fifth year of performance monitoring, then the
Restoration Specialist shall determine if additional monitoring and maintenance are
likely to achieve the success criteria.
If no reasonable and appropriate remedial measures are deemed likely to achieve the
goals and success criteria of this plan, the Restoration Specialist—in consultation with
the City, OCTA, and the Wildlife Agencies—shall recommend ecologically appropriate
contingency actions and/or alternative success criteria.
2.9.3 NOTICE OF COMPLETION
When the project success criteria have been met, the City shall notify OCTA and submit
the final performance monitoring report. OCTA is responsible for providing the final
project report to the Wildlife Agencies. It is anticipated that the Wildlife Agencies will
request the City to provide a tour of the restoration project site. The project will not be
deemed complete (or signed off on) until OCTA and the Wildlife Agencies concur that
the site has met the necessary success criteria.
2.9.4 LONG-TERM PROTECTION INSTRUMENT
Prior to sign off, the City will place a conservation easement, deed restriction, or other
Wildlife Agencies-approved conservation mechanism, in favor of the Wildlife Agencies
(or an approved third party), over the project site specifying that the area will be
retained in perpetuity as open space for the sole purpose of native habitat conservation.
The conservation easement or mechanism language should be approved by the Wildlife
Agencies and OCTA prior to its execution. The conservation easement or mechanism
shall disclose the obligations of future owners/tenants of the property (OCTA 2012).
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 38 of 87
3 RESOURCE PROTECTION MEASURES
3.1 QUALIFIED BIOLOGIST AND APPROVED BIOLOGIST
QUALIFICATIONS
The following definitions describe a qualified biologist and an agency approved
biologist:
Qualified Biologist: The minimum qualifications for the Qualified Biologist include a
bachelor’s degree in biological or environmental science, natural resources
management, or related discipline; field experience in the habitat types that may occur
at the project site; familiarity with the listed species (or closely related species) that may
occur at the project site; and prior preconstruction survey, construction monitoring, or
construction oversight experience.
Approved Biologist: For listed species, such as the coastal California gnatcatcher, least
Bell’s vireo, and Crotch’s bumble bee, additional qualifications are required for
biologists who would be responsible for species surveying. For this project, the
Approved Biologist will have:
• A federal section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit for coastal California gnatcatcher
surveys
• At least five years’ direct experience with least Bell’s vireo to survey for this
species
• Approved by CDFW to survey for Crotch’s bumble bee on the project site
Because the qualifications for the Approved Biologist exceed those for the Qualified
Biologist, any activity indicated as appropriate for the Qualified Biologist below may also
be completed by an Approved Biologist. Where sensitive species may be directly or
indirectly impacted by project implementation, the following species protection
measures shall be implemented, as appropriate.
3.2 SPECIES PROTECTION
Species surveys will include threatened, rare, or endangered species and
breeding/nesting birds. The City will use survey guidelines provided below or agency-
approved survey protocols. All existing resources to be protected will be identified by
the City and flagged prior to any project disturbance. This habitat restoration project
may have a short-term impact on resources, however there will be a long-term benefit.
3.2.1 COASTAL CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER
BIO-1, Habitat Avoidance. Project impacts will be avoided or minimized in coastal sage
scrub and other vegetation communities suitable for the coastal California gnatcatcher
(CAGN). If the Project Proponent determines that the habitat is occupied or that impacts
to these habitats cannot be avoided, any possible incidental “take” of CAGN individuals
will be avoided or minimized through implementation of the measures listed below.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 39 of 87
BIO-2, Work Window. To avoid or minimize impacts to nesting CAGN, all clearing of
nonnative vegetation in CAGN suitable habitat will occur outside of the breeding season
(February 15 to August 31). If the breeding season cannot be avoided, a USFWS-
Approved Biologist will conduct prework nesting bird surveys no more than 5 days prior
to vegetation removal. If no active CAGN nests are found, project activities may
proceed.
BIO-3, Work Restrictions Near Active Nests. If an active CAGN nest is detected during the
survey, work will be suspended until the end of the nesting season (August 31), or until
the young have fledged; alternatively, the following conditions will apply:
a. A USFWS-Approved Biologist will establish a 100-foot disturbance buffer
distance between noise-generating project activities and CAGN nest(s). Noise-
buffer distances may be modified in coordination with the USFWS Field Office
based on project-specific characteristics or a Project Proponent/Action Agency
may choose to submit their own analysis and buffer recommendations for
USFWS’s consideration.
b. Once the buffer is established, a Qualified Biologist will monitor the nest
during construction for signs of adverse effects, including distress/disturbance. If
adverse effects are detected, the Qualified Biologist will have the authority to
stop all construction activities in the vicinity of the nest and implement
additional protection measures.
c. A Qualified Biologist will continue to monitor the nest and will determine
when young have fledged (in coordination with a USFWS-Approved Biologist).
Once the USFWS-Approved Biologist has confirmed that the young have left the
nest, the buffer and exclusion zone may be removed, and construction activities
within these areas may resume.
3.2.2 LEAST BELL’S VIREO
BIO-4, Habitat Avoidance. All staging and temporary construction areas shall be outside
of suitable least Bell’s vireo (LBV) habitat and use existing roads, trails, and developed
areas to the maximum extent practicable. All riparian vegetation (e.g., mulefat, willows,
and cottonwoods) will be avoided.
BIO-5, Work Window. To avoid or minimize impacts to nesting LBV, all clearing of
vegetation in occupied habitat or suitable habitat will occur outside the breeding season
(March 15 through September 15). If the breeding season cannot be avoided, a USFWS-
Approved Biologist will conduct preconstruction nesting bird surveys no more than 5
days prior to vegetation disturbance. If no active nests are found in the project area,
project activities may proceed.
BIO-6, Work Restrictions Near Active Nests. If an active LBV nest is detected during the
survey, work will be suspended until the end of the nesting season (September 15), or
until the young have fledged; alternatively, the same species-protection measures
identified above in BIO-3a-c will apply.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 40 of 87
3.2.3 CROTCH’S BUMBLE BEE
BIO-7, Habitat Avoidance. Impacts to burrows/nests occupied by Crotch’s bumble bee
(CBB) will be avoided. CBB has a moderate potential to occur on the project site, thus
protocol presence/absence surveys shall be conducted during the flight season and
prior to any ground disturbing activities.
BIO-8, Surveys. Presence/Absence Surveys shall be performed by a CDFW-Approved
Biologist or entomologist familiar with CBB behavior and life history. Surveys shall be
conducted during the flying season (late April through mid-October), when the species is
most likely to be detected above ground. Per the CDFW Survey Considerations for
Candidate Bumble Bee Species dated June 6, 2023, a minimum of 3 surveys with a 2 to
4-week space between surveys shall be conducted during the colony active period. If no
CBB are found on the project site, a project survey report (including negative results)
will be provided to CDFW prior to ground disturbing activities. If Crotch’s bumble bee is
found on the project site, proponents may propose site-specific measures in
coordination with CDFW to avoid take or obtain an Incidental Take Permit.
3.2.4 BURROWING OWL
BIO-9, Avoidance. Burrowing owls (BUOW) are not known to nest at Fairview Park; but
are known to occupy the Park in the winter. The restoration activities shall avoid
impacts to nesting BUOW and known overwintering locations. If a BUOW is observed on
the project site, work shall be suspended, and the Qualified Biologist shall immediately
contact CDFW to develop a plan for avoidance prior to initiating any ground disturbance
on the project site.
3.2.5 BREEDING / NESTING BIRDS
BIO-10, Avoidance. To the extent feasible, vegetation clearing activities should be
scheduled to avoid the bird nesting season (February 15 through August 31). If it is not
possible to schedule vegetation clearing activities between September 1 and February
14, then preconstruction surveys for nesting birds will be conducted by a Qualified
Biologist to avoid impacts to nesting birds.
BIO-11, Pre-work Breeding/Nesting Bird Surveys will be conducted during the bird
nesting season (February 15 through August 31) if vegetation removal or other activities
are planned that could violate the California Fish and Game Code and/or the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). A Qualified Biologist will conduct preconstruction
breeding/nesting bird surveys no more than 5 days prior to the initiation of any site-
disturbance activities that may impact nesting birds, such as vegetation removal, fence
installation, and digging. During this survey, the biologist will inspect all vegetation and
other potential nesting habitats in the project area for nests. Active nesting is present if
a bird is building a nest or sitting in a nest, if a nest has eggs or chicks in it, or if adults
are observed carrying food to the nest. If no breeding/nesting birds are observed, work
activities may begin. If breeding/nesting birds are observed, the measures described
below shall be implemented.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 41 of 87
BIO-12, Work Restrictions Near Active Nests. If an active nest is detected, work will be
suspended until the young have fledged or until the end of the nesting season (August
31); alternatively, the following conditions will apply:
a. A Qualified Biologist will establish a disturbance buffer distance between
noise-generating project activities and the nest. Noise buffer distances (typically
up to 300 feet for raptors and up to 100 feet for other species) will be
determined by the Qualified Biologist based upon consideration of the bird
species and the nature of the planned project activity.
b. If a buffer is established, a Qualified Biologist will monitor the nest during
construction for signs of adverse effects, including distress/disturbance. If
adverse effects are detected, the Qualified Biologist will have the authority to
stop all construction activities in the vicinity of the nest and implement
additional protection or avoidance measures.
c. A Qualified Biologist will continue to monitor the nest and will determine
when the young have fledged. Once the Biologist has confirmed that the young
have left the nest, the buffer and exclusion zone may be removed, and
construction activities within these areas may resume.
3.3 CULTURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION
Most of Fairview Park contains sensitive resources, including protected archaeological
resources (e.g., indigenous village use area, including CA-ORA-58, a nationally
recognized cultural resource historic site), sensitive vegetation communities, and
protected wildlife. The CSS & Flower Fields Restoration Project will benefit native plant
and wildlife populations by restoring native flower fields and coastal sage scrub habitats,
and the establishment of native plant cover will help to protect culturally significant
resources by reclaiming informal trails and otherwise reducing soil disturbance.
Disturbance to existing native vegetation/wildlife habitat, and cultural resources will be
minimal during project implementation. Nevertheless, actions required for site
preparation, such as initial dethatch of nonnative weeds, digging planting basins for
container plants, or substantial digging required for the removal of perennial invasive
plant species during weed management activities could potentially disturb in situ
culturally significant resources or disturb nesting birds in nearby areas. The CSS &
Flower Fields Restoration Project will implement avoidance and minimization measures
to protect sensitive biological resources through biological monitoring, activity buffers,
and adjusting the timing of restoration activities.
Avoiding impacts to culturally significant resources is more complicated and therefore—
following guidelines of a separate cultural resource monitoring plan being developed by
the City—areas discovered to have artifacts or culturally significant materials at or near
the surface will be buffered and excluded from CSS & Flower Fields Restoration Project
activities until the appropriate actions can be taken. To provide leeway for this
possibility, which could delay or disrupt the overall habitat restoration project, the City
has identified a total of 11.91 acres suitable for restoration, so that up to 2.41 acres can
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 42 of 87
be temporarily set aside while still providing the outstanding 9.5 acres of mitigation in a
timely manner.
3.3.1 MEASURES FOR CULTURAL RESOURCE AVOIDANCE AREAS
If culturally significant materials are discovered within the project area, habitat
restoration activities may need to be adjusted to protect and buffer these areas. In such
cases, the restoration crew will avoid these locations until the City has determined that
it is appropriate to proceed with the Habitat Restoration Management Plan (HRMP) in
those areas.
While setting aside areas for cultural resource protection may lead to minor changes in
the project's original layout, it is not anticipated to significantly impact the overall goals
or the attainment of success criteria for the 9.5 acres of habitat restoration required for
OCTA's mitigation credit.
To minimize potential fragmentation and maintain the overall quality of restored habitat
areas for wildlife, if cultural resource avoidance affects more than 5 percent (0.6 acres)
of the total 11.91 acres of habitat restoration, then the City and OCTA shall consult with
the Wildlife Agencies for guidance on any additional measures that will be required to
ensure success of the OCTA Project. This collaborative approach will help ensure any
additional measures required for the project's success are properly identified and
implemented, balancing the needs of both cultural resource preservation and habitat
restoration.
4 GENERAL PROTECTION MEASURES, INITIAL
DETHATCHING EVENT, AND TEMPORARY IRRIGATION
SYSTEM
4.1 GENERAL PROTECTION MEASURES
4.1.1 EQUIPMENT
Motorized equipment and hand tools will be used for the initial dethatching event to
remove nonnative vegetation from the project area, while avoiding native vegetation.
Equipment will include tractors and skidsteers that are mounted with mowers and other
vegetation-management equipment. Walk-behind mowers and line trimmers will also
be operated by crews to clear nonnative vegetation in areas inaccessible by equipment
or have a higher density of native plant species.
Hand shovels and motorized augers will be used to dig planting holes for the container
plants to a depth of twice the depth of the 1-gallon container and twice as wide. Prior to
planting the hole should be backfilled so that the root crown sits at the height of the
surrounding soil level. During the digging operation, a City approved cultural monitor
shall be on site, according to guidelines of the cultural resource monitoring plan.
After the initial dethatching event, hand operated tools will be primarily used on the
slopes (Areas 1, 6 and 7 on Figure 1-3) but there may be slope areas where it is safe and
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 43 of 87
appropriate to use wheeled or tracked mowing equipment. Tractors and skidsteers with
mowing attachments will be used to manage weed growth in most of Area 2 during the
initial phases of the project (site preparation and weed grow-and-kill). Most of Area 5
will be managed with tractors and skidsteers to maintain a weed management buffer
during the entire term of the project. In those parts of Areas 2 and 5 where native
vegetation or temporary irrigation lines cannot be avoided, however, weeds will be
managed using hand operated equipment, such as line trimmers and walk behind
mowers, and through targeted use of herbicide. Targeted herbicide applications will
occur during the pre-seed installation weed management phase, using either low-
pressure backpack spraying equipment or truck-mounted systems (e.g., low-pressure
wand attached to a retractable hose mounted on a truck with an herbicide tank that is
parked in either the weed management buffer or on an approved City pathway).
Upon completion of the grow-and-kill phase to reduce the nonnative soil seed bank,
native seed mixes will be installed in the restoration, enhancement, and native
revegetation areas. From this point forward mechanized equipment will no longer be
used. Nearly all weed maintenance after seed installation will be completed by crews
with hand tools. Line trimmers or herbicide may only be used in highly targeted
circumstances, at the direction of the Restoration Specialist, to control major
infestations of weeds that cannot feasibly be controlled by any other method.
Areas failing to meet the plant establishment guidelines, or the project success criteria
may require remedial actions, including the use of equipment, at the discretion of the
Restoration Specialist, within the scope of activities already described here.
4.1.2 PROJECT ACCESS AND STAGING
Vehicles will use existing disturbed and developed areas for access and staging
equipment and materials. No new roads will be constructed, as existing pathways will be
used for access. All rolling or tracked equipment, including pickup trucks for hauling
equipment, crews, and waste material, will travel on the asphalt access road from the
parking lot to access the project area (Figure 4-1). Only the equipment necessary to
accomplish the tasks will be allowed into the restoration and buffer areas.
Construction equipment, vehicles, and materials will not be placed on planted or seeded
areas, on existing native vegetation, or within sensitive habitat. To avoid unnecessary
soil disturbance and compaction, no equipment shall access project areas with
saturated or ponding soil.
All equipment will be removed from work sites at the end of each day. If equipment is
stored at Fairview Park, it must be in a secured location, approved by the City. No
equipment shall be stored on the natural areas of the mesa.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 44 of 87
Figure 4-1 Vehicle Access Point and Pathways to Project Area.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 45 of 87
4.1.3 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES
A. Restoration activities will be limited to daylight hours.
B. Restoration work and staging will be restricted to the smallest area practicable in
designated work areas, routes, temporary interior access, or the limits of existing
roadways/pathways. Prior to initiating restoration activities, fencing or flagging or
other practical means will be erected to demarcate the limits of the project activities
and exclusion zones, if present. Flagging or fencing will be maintained in good repair
for the duration of project activities.
C. Where appropriate, fencing, flagging, or biological monitoring will be used to
minimize or avoid disturbance to environmentally sensitive areas and listed species
habitat which will include patches of CSS and other sensitive habitat.
D. The spread or introduction of nonnative, invasive species will be avoided. Invasive
plant species (e.g., those rated as woody invasive by the Cal-IPC, or local problem
species) will be removed from the project site as practicable, using locally and
routinely accepted management practices. Invasive plant material will be removed
using approved protocols and disposed of at an appropriate upland disposal or
compost area in a manner that will not promote their spread. The project will use
weed free erosion control materials such as burlap rice straw wattles and certified
weed-free mulch, if needed.
E. Vehicle traffic will be confined to existing roads and the proposed access route(s). All
machinery must be in good working condition, showing no signs of fuel or oil leaks.
Oil, grease, or other fluids will be washed off at off-site designated wash stations
prior to entering the site. Inspection and evaluation for the potential for fluid
leakage will be performed daily prior to use. All fuel and chemical storage, servicing,
and refueling will be done in an upland staging area or other suitable location with
secondary containment to prevent spills from traveling to surface water or
drainages.
F. All stockpiles and construction materials shall be covered, enclosed on all sides, shall
be located as far away as possible from drain inlets and any waterway, and shall not
be stored in contact with the soil.
G. No demolition or construction equipment, materials, or activity shall be placed in or
occur in any location that would result in impacts to environmentally sensitive
habitat areas, streams, wetlands, or their buffers.
H. All trash and debris shall be disposed in proper trash and recycling receptacles at the
end of every workday.
I. Debris shall be disposed of at a legal disposal site or recycled at a recycling facility.
J. The discharge of any hazardous materials into any receiving waters shall be
prohibited.
K. All herbicide mixing shall occur in designated work staging areas and conducted in
such a manner as all potential spills shall be captured in containment bins. Herbicide
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 46 of 87
mixing shall not occur within 100 feet of an open body of water. Filling of spray
backpacks shall be done in a containment bin to collect any potential spills. Park
crews shall have spill kits in their vehicles and all spills shall be cleaned up
immediately and all contaminated material properly disposed of off-site.
4.1.4 TEMPORARY FENCE AND SIGNAGE
To identify the CSS & Flower Fields Restoration Project area for the public, temporary
perimeter fencing shall be installed by the Restoration Contractor. Yellow rope shall be
strung on t-posts or pig-tail posts placed 30 feet on-center, as identified on Figure 1-3.
All-weather signs (preferably anti-graffiti red with white lettering) designating the
sensitivity of the habitat shall be placed approximately every 100 feet on the yellow
rope to discourage unauthorized entry (e.g., reading “DO NOT ENTER/HABITAT
RESTORATION IN PROGRESS”). Educational signage on the environmental benefits of the
project shall be placed at the entry to informal trails that are closed to discourage
trespassing. The educational signage shall be prepared by the Restoration Contractor
and approved by the City’s Fairview Park Administrator prior to installation.
The temporary fencing and signage shall be maintained during the term of the project
and shall be removed at the end of the project when it is no longer needed. Temporary
fencing shall be maintained in place by the City until permanent fencing or other
suitable protective barrier is installed to protect the restored habitat from recreational
impacts.
4.1.5 REMOVAL OF TRASH AND DEBRIS
During the implementation of this plan, the Restoration Contractor shall keep the
restoration areas free of trash and debris. If large trash items or hazardous items are
dumped illegally in the project area, the City shall be responsible for removing the
items, including all associated costs.
If a waste bin is placed on site for weed material, it will be in an existing developed area
designated by the City, preferably in the parking lot area.
4.1.6 PEST CONTROL
Local wildlife such as rabbits, pocket gophers and other rodents are expected to browse
on the plantings and seed material. If the Restoration Specialist determines that the
plantings are being jeopardized by wildlife, corrective measures such as organic, non-
toxic deterrents and protective fencing/plant cages may be used. Invertebrate pests are
rarely a serious problem in this type of habitat restoration project, in which native
vegetation appropriate to site conditions is being established.
4.1.7 EROSION CONTROL
To minimize erosion, appropriate control measures will be employed where necessary
and may include silt fencing, straw wattles, or similar runoff barriers. Erosion control
measures and repairs will be implemented as needed, subject to approval by the
Restoration Specialist and the City.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 47 of 87
STRAW WATTLES
Straw wattles are an effective erosion control measure to use on steep slopes that are
lacking vegetation that will prevent erosion of bare soil surfaces. The wattles interrupt
and slow down water flow on steep slopes and capture sediment that may be within the
sheet flow. Biodegradable natural wattles of straw or coir rolls, if needed, should be
used, and the netting of the wattles should be of non-plastic, biodegradable material
that will break down in the environment over time, such as burlap wrap. Plastic netting
can be an entanglement hazard for wildlife. General guidelines for straw wattle spacing
are as follows:
• 50-feet apart on slopes flatter than 10:1
• 20 feet apart on slopes that are between 4:1 to 10:1
• 15 feet apart for slopes from 2:1 to 4:1
• 10 feet apart for slopes steeper than 2:1
The wattles should be trenched into the ground at a depth of 2 to 4 inches deep and
aligned with slope contours. No daylight should be seen under the wattle if installed
properly. Ends of the wattles shall be overlapped by 12 inches and not butted end to
end to prevent rilling. Wood stakes that are at least 18 inches long and at least one inch
in diameter should be placed at each end and every 4 feet on center, driven in the
center of the wattle to anchor the wattle to the slope. Two to three inches of the stake
should be left protruding above the wattle. Stakes should be driven perpendicular to the
slope.
Straw wattles should be inspected regularly after significant rain events and maintained
as needed to ensure adequate sediment holding capacity. Generally, removal of
accumulated sediment should occur when the accumulated sediment reaches ¾ of the
barrier height. Any damaged or missing wattles should be replaced.
4.2 INITIAL DETHATCHING EVENT
The initial dethatching event will remove the accumulated dead nonnative vegetation
material and any new weed growth. Native vegetation will be avoided. The initial
dethatching event will be performed in late-October or November to avoid the bird
nesting season (February 15 to August 31) and the bumble bee flying season (late April
through mid-October). However, if this event occurs during the breeding season an
Approved Biologist must conduct species specific surveys according to Section 3.2.
The City shall conduct a Crotch’s bumble bee protocol presence/absence survey
according to Section 3.2.3 during the flying season (late April through mid-October) in
2024 prior to implementation of the project to determine if site-specific protection
measures need to be developed in coordination with CDFW. If no Crotch’s bumble bee
nests are found, then the Qualified Biologist shall record and report incidental
observations to CDFW.
The Restoration Specialist will layout project limits for the Restoration Contractor. The
weed dethatching will be accomplished by a combination of equipment. Larger areas
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 48 of 87
without significant native perennial vegetation cover will be mowed with tractors or
tracked skidsteers with mowing attachments and placed into windrows (lines of raked
thatch) with the same equipment. In areas with more prevalent native perennial
vegetation, crews will use hand-held line trimmers and walk behind mowers to avoid
impacts to native vegetation during weeding activities. Cut weed material will be hand
raked and removed from these areas.
All trash will be removed from the site to properly disposed of off-site either to a
recycling facility or at a landfill. All care will be taken to preserve the existing native
habitat, and species-protection measures will be followed to avoid and minimize
impacts.
The goal of the initial dethatching event is to make the habitat restoration areas more
accessible to restoration crews and to encourage germination of weed seed during the
two years of irrigated grow-and-kill before seeding in fall 2026. The grow-and-kill
method is used to treat (kill) seedlings and new growth before seed set to deplete the
existing weed seed bank and to prevent new weed seed from entering the seed bank.
4.3 TEMPORARY IRRIGATION SYSTEM
After the initial dethatching event, and before the onset of significant winter rainfall, a
temporary above-ground irrigation system shall be installed by the Restoration
Contractor. The system will consist of overhead impact sprinklers arranged head-to-
head to provide full coverage in the habitat restoration areas (Areas 1 and 2). In the
native revegetation areas (Area 4), bubblers will be placed at each container planting
basin.
The City will designate the irrigation water source and preferred alignment for the main
supply line. Water used for irrigation must be of good quality with total dissolved solids
(salts) at no greater concentration than 500 parts per million (ppm).
4.3.1 OVERHEAD IMPACT SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR AREAS 1 AND 2
A temporary above-ground irrigation system for Areas 1 and 2 should include the
following features, as appropriate:
• The mainline will have lateral lines and gate-valves to separately manage the
different areas or habitats, as necessary, depending on soils and landform.
• Sprinkler heads will be tested to accommodate the infiltration rate of the soil
and landscape position. The size of the sprinkler heads and application rate will
be determined after infiltration is evaluated in each area.
• The system will be laid out so that the wetted area from each sprinkler head has
no more than a two- to three-foot overlap with adjacent sprinklers. The final
layout design will depend on the system water pressure and the size of the
sprinkler heads (based on the infiltration rate of the soil).
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 49 of 87
• Separate valves will be installed to manage overhead impact sprinklers. This is
important because it may be required to turn off valves where nesting sensitive
bird species are present.
• All impact sprinkler stems will be fitted with on/off ball valves to allow for hose
connections and hand watering of container plants at installation and during
establishment, as necessary. These valves will also allow specific areas to be shut
off, as necessary.
The size of the sprinkler heads and application rate should be determined after
infiltration is evaluated for the restoration area. An overhead irrigation system will also
be used to germinate and establish seeded material, as appropriate.
4.3.2 AREA 4 BUBBLER IRRIGATION
The bubbler irrigation system in Area 4 will be used to supplement natural rainfall and
to help establish nursery grown container plant material for one to two years.
The Restoration Specialist shall approve the irrigation design, layout, and schedules
prior to installation of the system and implementation of water events by the
Restoration Contractor. The temporary, above ground irrigation system shall have the
following design:
• A mainline with lateral lines will be installed with gate-valves to separately
manage the areas, as necessary depending on site soils and landforms.
• PVC lateral lines shall be laid out from the mainline to individual container
plants.
• Full circle bubbler nozzles shall be installed at each planting location.
• Individual bubbler nozzles shall be pressure regulating.
• The irrigation system shall be fitted with on/off ball valves to allow for hose
connections and hand watering of container plants, as necessary. These valves
will also allow areas to be shut-off, as necessary.
• Operation of the system will require management by a person with
demonstrated previous experience irrigating native vegetation.
4.3.3 IRRIGATION SYSTEM OPERATION
The temporary irrigation system will be manually operated with valve-controlled zones
that allow for each area to be irrigated independently. The system in Area 4 will be
used, as necessary, to help establish nursery-grown plant material. The system in Areas
1 and 2 will be used for an irrigated grow-and-kill program to reduce the weed soil seed
bank for two to three years.
The timing of irrigation events in Area 4 and Area 2 for the container plants will depend
on evapotranspiration between irrigation events and soil moisture. In general, the
container plants will be irrigated weekly for the first two months and then monthly for
the remainder of the first year of establishment with 15 gallons of water provided for
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 50 of 87
each container plant. Irrigation in the second year will be applied to mainly supplement
or mimic natural rainfall patterns in the spring and fall in such a way that plants develop
deep root systems to maximize survival and vigor after irrigation is removed.
Infrequent deep irrigations shall be used for applying the water as opposed to frequent
shallow irrigations. Deep root systems will provide healthier and more sustainable
plants while plants with shallow root systems are more susceptible to drought,
disturbance, and erosion.
Wetting of the full root zone and drying of the soil between irrigation events is essential
to the maintenance of the plants and the promotion of a deep root zone that will
support the vegetation in the years after establishment. A soil probe or shovel should be
used to examine soil moisture and rooting depth directly. Once the weed soil seed bank
is sufficiently controlled, the native seed mixes will be installed in Areas 1 and 2 and the
overhead system will then be used to supplement natural rainfall between early fall and
late spring for one to two years. The timing of irrigation events will depend on
evapotranspiration between irrigation events and soil moisture. Once sufficient
germination of the seed mix is achieved, deep irrigation will be implemented to
promote development of a deep root system to maximize survival and vigor after
irrigation is removed.
The irrigation system will be manually operated with valve-controlled zones that allow
for each area to be operated independently. Under no circumstances will the irrigation
system be operated with any type of automatic timer. The irrigation system will be run
manually and only when at least one crew person is on site to check the system and
prevent blowouts.
The Restoration Contractor shall be responsible for inspection and timely repair of the
irrigation system. The Restoration Contractor shall consult with the Restoration
Specialist to determine if extending or revising the irrigation schedule is necessary.
The temporary irrigation system will be removed at the end of the project.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 51 of 87
5 NATIVE REVEGETATION BUFFER (AREA 4) AND
DRAINAGE PLANTING IN AREA 1
5.1 CONTAINER PLANT PALETTE
The layout for container plants will be determined based on micro topographic features
and planting sites will be marked on site using color-coded pin flags with each species
having a different flag under the supervision of the Restoration Specialist. Area 4 is
being planted to help create a visual barrier between the public pathway and the
habitat restoration areas to discourage off trail activity, until the seed vegetation
develops in future project years, in addition to the temporary fence. Plantings can be
clustered with larger gaps where appropriate and the entire length of Area 4 does not
need to be planted with container plants because it will be seeded as well.
Select drainages of Area 1 will be planted, as determined by the Restoration Specialist,
to enhance the slope with toyon and blue elderberry food sources for wildlife. The
spacing and quantity of plants will follow the specifications presented in Table 5-1.
In the drainage areas, toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) and blue elderberry (Sambucus
mexicana) can be planted and irrigated with the overhead irrigation system to be used
for the grow-and-kill phase prior to seed installation.
Table 5-1 Container Plant Palette for Native Revegetation Buffer Area 4.
Scientific Name Common Name
Container
Size
Typical
Plant
Spacing
Area 4
Total No.
Plants
Area 1
Total No.
Plants
Artemisia california California sagebrush 1-gallon 5 to 10' 75 ---
Encelia californica California bush
sunflower 1-gallon 5 to 10' 75 ---
Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat 1-gallon 5 to 10' 75 ---
Heteromeles arbutifolia toyon 1-gallon 12’ --- 40
Isocoma menziesii coastal goldenbush 1-gallon 5 to 10' 50 ---
Salvia apiana white sage 1-gallon 5 to 10' 50 ---
Salvia mellifera black sage 1-gallon 5 to 10' 50 ---
Sambucus mexicana blue elderberry 1-gallon 12’ --- 40
Total Plants 375 80
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 52 of 87
5.2 NURSERY PROPAGATION OF PLANT MATERIAL
Native shrubs shall be propagated for transplantation into the native revegetation Area
4. The container plants shall be contract grown by a qualified native plant nursery that
has a minimum of five years of experience growing native plants using propagules
collected from locations in the Orange County Seed Collection Zone (see Section 8.1.1
for more). The order shall be placed so that the container plants have a well-developed
root system and are conditioned prior to installation in the fall/winter. All planting stock
shall be grown in the nursery long enough to develop plant roots to the bottom of the
specified container without becoming root bound.
The plant species shall be delivered for planting in the specified container (e.g., 1-gallon
containers) in a healthy growing condition, with roots filling the container but showing
no tendency toward being root-bound. Plant material will be inspected at the nursery
twice, once early in the process to ensure that adequate material has been propagated,
and once inspection scheduled approximately three weeks prior to plant delivery. Plants
will be inspected again at the time of delivery, and any plant that does not meet the
defined specifications will be rejected. The Restoration Specialist and the Restoration
Contractor shall conduct plant inspections.
5.3 PREPARATION OF CONTAINER PLANTING BASINS
Planting holes shall be augured with the minimum disturbance and be no more than 1.5
times the diameter and 2 times the depth of the container species to be planted made
to accommodate the root ball. A cultural resource monitor shall be onsite during any
digging of planting basins.
5.4 INSTALLATION OF CONTAINER PLANTS
Upon plant delivery, container plants shall be properly stored in a designated temporary
storage location. The Restoration Contractor shall be responsible for protection from
herbivory, vandalism, theft, as well as maintenance (watering) of the container plants
while they are in temporary storage.
All container plants are to be planted to the following specifications:
• Plants shall be planted with the roots untangled. Roots shall be protected from
weather exposure during planting.
• Planting holes shall be backfilled 25 percent with excavated native soil, filled
with water, and allowed to drain completely prior to planting. Container plants
must never be installed in planting holes with standing water; all water shall be
allowed to settle and infiltrate through the soil prior to plant installation.
• Plantings shall be set in well-drained planting holes with the crown of the root
ball no more than 0.5 inches above grade. Under no circumstances shall the
plant crown be buried. The soil around the planting shall be tamped down
sufficiently to eliminate any air pockets in the soil.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 53 of 87
• A basin around the planting shall be constructed by creating a berm above the
existing grade approximately 24 inches in diameter around the planting.
• Each planting shall be sufficiently watered after installation so that water
reaches the lower roots.
5.5 MAINTENANCE OF PLANTINGS
A temporary above-ground irrigation system with bubblers will be used to provide
supplemental irrigation for each planting basin, for no more than two years, unless
drought conditions are severe.
The container planting basins shall be hand weeded regularly by the Restoration
Contractor as part of site maintenance throughout the project term, although the most
intense weeding is expected during the first two years of establishment and
supplemental irrigation.
5.5.1 SUPPLEMENTAL AMENDMENTS
During the establishment period of the installed container plants, supplemental
amendments can be added if the plants appear stressed due to an imbalance of
nutrients. In such cases, soil samples shall be collected by the Restoration Specialist. A
standard agriculture suitability test shall be performed to determine the necessary
amendments to add to provide optimal growth conditions for the native plants. In
addition, plant tissue samples may be collected and tested to determine if there are any
diseases, pests, pathogens or nutrient deficiencies, or toxicities present that could be
impacting plant health.
5.5.2 CONTAINER PLANT REPLACEMENT
Survival of the container plants within the first growing season should be 80 percent.
Plants shall be replaced if survivorship falls below 80 percent in years one and two of
plant establishment, as determined by the Restoration Specialist. Replacements will be
planted as previously specified and maintained for a minimum of one growing season,
as necessary. Replacement planting after the first season shall only be specified if the
visual estimate indicates substantial mortality and the function of these species has not
been replaced by seeded material and natural recruitment.
6 WEED MANAGEMENT BUFFER (AREA 5)
Control in the weed management buffer is necessary to prevent the re-infestation of
weedy plant species into the adjacent habitat areas. The weed management buffer shall
be cleared of nonnative weed material during the initial dethatching of the project.
Adequate management of the weed seed bank may take several years to achieve,
depending on the size of the weed seed population and the number of treatment events
that occur each year, as determined by rainfall and weather conditions. There is no
irrigation in Area 5.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 54 of 87
The weed management buffer in Area 5 shall be mowed or line trimmed as necessary to
prevent the buildup of excessive weed biomass and the development of viable seed
from weeds, while avoiding native shrubs and native annuals to the extent feasible, as
directed by the Restoration Specialist. Typically, there will be three to four treatment
events per year in the weed management buffer.
Any high-priority invasive plants that occur in Area 5 shall be controlled according to
methods described in the long-term method invasive plant management plan prepared
by Land IQ (2024) and included as Appendix 1 in this report.
Area 5 shall be maintained in this manner for the full term of the project.
7 PRE-SEED INSTALLATION ADAPTIVE WEED
MANAGEMENT
Intensive weed management will be required prior to installation of the native seed
material to ensure successful establishment of native habitat because the disturbance
history has allowed for a significant weed soil seed bank to develop. Weed management
will begin in fall 2024, after the initial dethatching event and the installation of the
temporary overhead irrigation system in Areas 1 and 2. Consistent, irrigated grow-and-
kill events shall be conducted for two years prior to installation of native seed mixes.
Typically, one or two weeding events will be needed per season, for a total of four to
eight weeding events per year, for two years (2025 and 2026). The habitat enhancement
areas 6 and 7 and the native revegetation buffer areas 3 and 4 are adjacent to the
irrigated grow-and-kill areas and shall be included in each grow-and-kill weeding event.
The timing of treatment events shall be scheduled to target optimal weed control.
Weed control shall be timed to be completed prior to seed set. Success of the grow-and-
kill cycles will be evaluated by the Restoration Contractor and Restoration Specialist to
determine the need for additional treatments.
The selection of weed management methods for Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 will depend on
the type and density of weed species present, the density of native species, and
accessibility. Control methods will include the following, as appropriate:
• Mowing/Cutting – mechanical equipment or hand tools
• Raking/Windrowing – mechanical equipment or hand tools for removal of cut
material
• Hand pulling/cutting seedlings/saplings where feasible
• Herbicide application
Selecting the appropriate weed control method is crucial for effective invasive and
nonnative plant management. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and
various factors must be considered, including the timing of application, equipment and
trained staff availability, and site access limitations. To minimize contributions to the
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 55 of 87
weed seed bank, nonnative seedlings and flowering plants should be controlled before
producing viable seeds. If weeding occurs after seed development, it is essential to
remove, bag, and dispose of seed material off-site.
Keeping soil disruption to a minimum is vital to reduce the germination of new weed
individuals, protect native species, and preserve biological soil crusts. During the weed
management phase in areas with no biological crusts and low native cover, limited
topsoil disturbance from mechanical equipment, such as mowers, can accelerate weed
seed germination, increasing weed control efficiency. However, care should be taken to
avoid disturbing deep soil layers, which may bring up buried weed seeds that would not
otherwise germinate without disturbance.
In areas with significant native cover or sensitive species, careful weeding by trained
crews is necessary to prevent damage to native plants and impacts to sensitive species.
Adaptive management, including regular monitoring, is key to guiding the scheduling
and selection of weed control methods.
Only post-emergent herbicides will be applied in accordance with the methods and
recommendations described in this plan and the City’s herbicide use policies. Timing is
critical, so phenological monitoring by the Restoration Specialist will determine the
appropriate timing and method for weed control events.
USFWS has identified potential threats from some herbicides that could be used in the
restoration areas, which could migrate in storm water or irrigation runoff to the vernal
pools and potentially cause toxic effects to fairy shrimp. The project areas on the mesa
(Areas 2, 4, and 5) are not currently hydrologically connected to the vernal pool
watershed that feeds the vernal pools because the grade is flat to gently sloping north,
east, or west. The improper fill material further impedes and disconnects surface water
from moving from the flat areas of the project on the mesa from connecting with the
vernal pools to the south. And the restoration areas are more than 300 feet from the
nearest vernal pool. Despite the very low risk of surface water that has been treated
with herbicide from reaching the vernal pools, out of an abundance of caution, the City
shall allow USFWS to review and approve all herbicides proposed for use in the project.
USFWS may further require best management practices for certain herbicides that have
potential to harm fairy shrimp.
Mowing will primarily be used in areas with few to no native plants at the time of
application, timed to occur after flowering but before significant seed production by the
weed population. Line trimming and backpack spot-spray herbicide application will
generally be employed in areas with greater native cover, where larger wheeled or
tracked equipment cannot be used. Hand equipment will minimize impacts on existing
native plants in areas with higher densities.
In some instances, it may be necessary to tailor the treatment method to the focal weed
species because of growth habit. For example, repeated cutting of Russian thistle
(Salsola tragus) can cause subsequent growth to be of short stature making it more
difficult to control with a rotary mower. In this instance, flail mowing could be a more
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 56 of 87
effective option because it allows cutting closer to the ground (except on rocky sites). In
spring at post emergence to rapidly growing plants, prior to flowering, post-emergent
herbicide application is the preferred treatment for Russian thistle.
When using targeted herbicide foliar application, weeds generally should be checked
about one month after application to determine the success of the herbicide treatment.
Any new seedlings and small saplings observed during follow-up treatments can be hand
pulled, ensuring that the root system is removed. The pulled material should be
removed from the project area and properly disposed of off-site.
Hand weeding will be limited during the initial grow-and-kill period, as it is resource-
intensive but will be used selectively to remove flowering weeds before seed set. This is
particularly important when a small area contains out-of-sync flowering weeds or for
removing newly sprouted invasive woody species. Hand weeding will be the exclusive
method around container plantings.
Regular monitoring during site preparation will be required for successful weed
management. Monitoring is necessary to guide scheduling and control methods for the
specified invasive species phenology (i.e., life stage, such as germination, bolting,
flowering).
The Restoration Specialist shall have the authority to require a third year of irrigated
grow-and-kill before seed installation and the beginning of the five-year maintenance
and performance monitoring period if the Restoration Specialist reasonably determines
that the weed seed soil seed bank has not been sufficiently controlled, such that it will
impact the ability of the habitat restoration areas to achieve the project success criteria.
7.1 PHYSICAL CONTROL METHODS
7.1.1 MOWING/LINE TRIMMING
Mowing with mechanical equipment, such as a rotary mower, flail mower, or mulcher
attached to a tractor or skid steer, or hand-operated motorized cutting tools such as line
trimmers are generally the most efficient and least disruptive site preparation methods
to use in areas dominated by annual grasses and weedy herbaceous species. Mowing is
appropriate in larger areas that are flat to moderately sloped. Careful mowing should be
implemented to limit injury to native species when cutting. In areas with a steeper slope
or with a higher density of natives, walk behind, hand-operated mowers or line
trimmers should be used. Line trimming can be accomplished with a gas-powered,
hand-operated line trimmer fitted with a string, brush blade, or similar instrument in
areas inaccessible to larger equipment.
Like line trimming, a gas-powered, hand-operated, shafted hedge trimmer with an
articulating blade can be used to trim weeds above the soil surface from a standing
position. Shafted hedge trimmers can be effective for cutting denser patches of
broadleaf weeds after they have flowered, such as nonnative filaree (Erodium spp.). Line
trimmers are more effective for control of nonnative annual grasses than hedge
trimmers. Hedge trimmers are most effective in areas that are inaccessible to larger
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 57 of 87
equipment, or when working around dense, existing native vegetation that excludes the
use of larger equipment.
Fire prevention measures must also be taken to avoid accidental fires from sparks
during machinery operation or line trimming with blades. These measures may include
having a water truck on site near the mowing activity, shovels carried on the mower and
water truck, and/or water fire extinguishers. The weed material should be cut as close
to the ground as possible to limit re-sprouting of herbaceous species and ensure
removal of bolting crowns of grasses. Care should be taken to not damage biological soil
crusts where present.
7.1.2 HAND/MECHANICAL PULLING OR CUTTING
Hand-pulling or cutting of weeds is also one of the least disruptive methods of site
preparation but is an inefficient method of weed control in dense stands of weed
species. Hand-pulling or cutting should be reserved for controlling isolated individuals,
targeted control of high priority invasive species, controlling small infestations in areas
that are inaccessible to equipment, or where high densities of native or sensitive species
are present. Hand-pulling is a very useful manual technique to use on young plants and
small patches of weeds.
Hand-cutting can be used to remove the flowering stalks of weeds prior to seed
development with tools such as sickles or vinyl knives. The cut material can be left in
place if it does not build a significant layer of thatch or placed in a mulch pile. If cut
material contains viable seed, then it should be disposed of off-site or placed in a mulch
pile that is actively managed for germinating weed species. Target invasive species seed
material should always be removed from the site and not left in mulch piles to stop the
spread into new areas.
When hand-pulling weeds, the plants should be grasped near the base pulling in the
direction the plant is growing to be able to better pull most of the roots out of the
ground. Short tugs work better than one long pull to prevent breaking the plant before
the main roots are removed. For larger plants, it may be helpful for multiple people to
hand-pull simultaneously.
Isolated individuals of select invasive species can be pulled by hand or with a tool such
as the Weed Wrench™. Using hand garden tools such as picks, cultivators, weeders,
specialized hoes, mattocks, and trowels, can help to loosen the soil around the roots.
After loosening the soil, pull vertically from the ground to remove as much of the root
system as possible, especially weed species with a long tap root. When using a weed
wrench, the clamp should be placed on the lowest point on the trunk as much as
possible. The base of the weed wrench should be on the ground, but if it is not touching,
rocks or branches can be placed underneath to improve leverage. Using your weight the
weed wrench should be pulled toward you and not pushed away or injury could occur.
If digging is required to remove a perennial weed then the cultural resource monitoring
plan should be consulted to determine the appropriate measures to protect artifacts or
culturally significant materials that may be in the soil profile.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 58 of 87
7.1.3 CUT-AND-DIG
Larger mature invasive species such as castor bean (Ricinus communis) can be controlled
by cutting the upper foliage of the plant and digging out the root system. Plant foliage
can be cut with a handsaw, loppers, axe, or similar tools and removed to allow for
better access to the roots. The root material can be dug out and removed with a shovel,
mattock, Pulaski, or similar tool. As much of the root material should be removed as
possible for effective control. Many plants can readily resprout from remaining roots.
Removed plant material should be properly disposed of to prevent resprouting.
If digging is required to remove a perennial weed, then the cultural resource monitoring
plan should be consulted to determine the appropriate measures to protect artifacts or
culturally significant materials that may be in the soil profile.
7.1.4 MECHANICAL RAKING/WINDROWING
Following the initial mowing and clearing event of a site, the site should be dethatched
by raking the cut material and removing it from the site. Raking and removal of cut
material is not necessary in subsequent mowing events unless a significant amount of
the weed species has set seed, or it is determined the thickness of the thatch will
prevent germination of the next crop of weeds. Additionally, a final removal of thatch
material may be necessary prior to seeding activities to ensure good seed-to-soil
contact, depending on the seeding method used. For instance, drill seeding and hand-
broadcast seeding can be accomplished over mowed plant stubble if the thatch is not
too thick. For hydroseeding, it is best to have minimal thatch present on the ground.
Material should be mechanically raked into windrows and placed into mulch piles within
the restoration area, placed in adjacent buffer areas, or removed from the site if
necessary. After the dethatching event, there may be a significant amount of weed seed
present, in which case, it would be preferable to remove the thatch from the restoration
area, either off-site or in buffer areas where it can be further managed during
implementation of the restoration project.
An exception to leaving cut biomass in place is when an herbicide that retains the active
ingredient in the dead plant material (e.g., clopyralid) is used. In this case, collect and
mulch the biomass in a buffer area or remove and properly dispose of the material from
the site since this could inadvertently damage native species present.
7.2 CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS
Herbicide treatment is specified mainly for dense weed areas with low densities of
native species and for control of high priority invasive species that are perennial or may
re-sprout from taproots and rhizomes. For effective control of weed populations, these
weeds must be controlled before they produce viable seed. Most herbicides are not
selective for weeds only (i.e., these herbicides must be applied with the least harmful
effect to non-target native species). Only post-emergent herbicides, which kill plants
after they have germinated and are actively growing, are recommended.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 59 of 87
Only herbicides registered for use in California and in wildlands should be used
judiciously for the control of target invasive species. Herbicides that are registered for
use in California natural areas are recommended to be used at rates specified on the
herbicide labels for the target invasive species. The recommended herbicides registered
for use in California that are proposed in these guidelines are: glyphosate, a non-specific
broad-spectrum herbicide registered for use on almost all weed species; fluazifop-p-
butyl, for the control of weedy grasses; clopyralid, for the treatment of thistles in the
rosette stage; and triclopyr, for the treatment of herbaceous invasive plant species.
Envoy (active ingredient clethodim) shall not be used per USFWS concerns about
potential for negative effects on fairy shrimp in vernal pools in the Fairview Park.
A state licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) shall be consulted to provide written
herbicide recommendations for species specific control methods for the Park. The
herbicide applicator must have a pest control business license that requires at least one
individual employed by the business to be in possession of a qualified applicator’s
license. All licenses must be issued by the State of California and be currently registered
in the county of work. If a qualified applicator is not present during the herbicide
treatment, all applicators must have undergone documented herbicide training.
Personnel must wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by law and
follow all herbicide label directions and precautions. PPE includes but is not limited to
chemical-resistant nitrile gloves, eye protection, chemical protective suits, e.g., Tyvek®,
and protective footwear. All re-entry times specified on an herbicide label must be
observed and posted. Herbicide preparation must be conducted only in approved
staging areas more than 100 feet from a stream course or any body of water. Only
herbicides and surfactants approved for aquatic use should be used within 100 feet of a
stream course or any body of water.
A colorant or marking dye is recommended to ensure even coverage of herbicide. The
material should be a non-toxic material such as Blazon®, Turf Mark®, or equivalent. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified on the
label as it can reduce product performance, especially at lower herbicide application
rates.
Herbicide treatment should be conducted only when weather conditions are conducive
to effective uptake of the herbicide by target species when plants are at the specified
growth stage. Optimal weather includes sunny and dry conditions with ambient
temperatures of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind conditions should be five miles
per hour or less for herbicide applications that can be subject to drift, e.g., foliar spray
methods, to minimize herbicide drift for worker protection and to prevent damage to
desirable vegetation. Treated plants shall not be disturbed until the applied herbicide
has had time to take effect per the manufacturer’s instruction.
7.2.1 FOLIAR SPRAY TREATMENT
Foliar spray treatment involves applying a select herbicide at a specified concentration
directly to the exposed foliage of the plant to thoroughly wet all leaves. For the foliar
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 60 of 87
spray treatment to be effective, the exposed foliage needs a thorough coating of
herbicide, and the plant should be actively growing. The green or photosynthesizing
parts of the plant should be sprayed for uptake of the herbicide by the plant. Typically,
the foliar spray treatment is best used on smaller plants to ensure adequate cover of the
herbicide.
The disadvantage of the foliar spray treatment is the damage that may be caused to
desirable species in the localized area where spraying occurs, especially if a non-
selective herbicide like glyphosate is being used. Additionally, the foliar application
method is generally ineffective on invasive plants with thick waxy cuticles.
Foliar spray shall be by low pressure hand operated sprayers only. For backpack or
hand-held application of herbicide, a low-pressure regulated sprayer with a coarse
droplet size and single-nozzle wand shall be used. For this type of application use either
spray-to-wet applications, or low volume directed spray.
Prior to the use of hand-held herbicide applicators, the equipment should be checked to
make sure it is fully functional and does not have any leaks. After filling the closure cap
should be securely screwed on and not-cross threaded to prevent any spills or leakage.
For backpack sprayers, the rubber gasket and nipple in the sprayer lid should be
regularly lubricated for proper functioning. The applicator should not bend over or lean
too far forward to prevent any spills onto their person or on to desirable vegetation.
Prior to use, the pump of the backpack sprayer should be primed with 10 to 20 pumps.
When traveling between spraying points, the applicator shall keep their hand off the
lever to avoid any inadvertent spraying of herbicide.
To decrease the chances of spraying nontarget plants, preparation before spraying may
be needed in areas where weeds are mixed in with native plants. The target invasive
plant for control should be separated from natives and if the plant is tall, the plant
should be carefully bent downward, away from natives, and the herbicide solution
applied. After spraying, the plant should be released slowly and carefully to avoid any
herbicide drips or runoff. The herbicide applicator should be sure to observe what is
behind and around the target invasive species for control and be mindful of wind speed
and direction. Nozzle adjustments may be necessary to get the mist pattern for the best
coverage of the target invasive plant. Larger plants should be sprayed from multiple
angles to ensure adequate coverage of the plant with herbicide for effective control.
For application to small weeds (e.g., seedling stage) amongst dense native plants, if
herbicide application is deemed necessary, the herbicide can be applied by backpack
sprayer with a low-pressure regulated wand with the nozzle directed to the weed
foliage, thereby avoiding overspray. However, nozzle-to-plant application is time
intensive and requires highly trained applicators that can differentiate between native
and nonnative plants at the seedling stage; and therefore, it is typically not the most
cost-effective weed management method.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 61 of 87
7.2.2 RECOMMENDED HERBICIDES FOR THE CONTROL OF NONNATIVE SPECIES
The following subsections provide information and application rates for specific
herbicides recommended for use in the restoration and enhancement areas.
Categories of herbicides include pre-emergent and post-emergent. Pre-emergent
herbicides are applied to the soil and work by either disrupting plant germination or kill
newly germinated weed species and do not harm established plants. Post-emergent
herbicides work on established and actively growing weed species. Only post-emergent
herbicides are recommended for use in the restoration and enhancement areas. Pre-
emergent herbicides should not be used for habitat restoration since they may also
affect newly germinated native species preventing natural recruitment or establishment
of an applied seed mix. The soil residual life of herbicides, or the amount of time it
remains active in the soil, varies by herbicide and can be anywhere from several months
to several years before breaking down into inert compounds.
Only herbicides registered for use in wildlands should be used judiciously within the
restoration and enhancement areas. Herbicides that are registered for use in California
for natural areas are recommended for weed species at specific rates noted on the
labels. Pre-emergent chemicals are not recommended for use at any time during. The
following herbicides are recommended herbicides to implement this plan:
• Fluazifop-P-butyl (e.g., Fusilade®; EPA Toxicity Class III, low toxicity) will be
specified for foliar applications, at application rates recommended on the label,
for grasses.
• Glyphosate (e.g., Round-up®; EPA Toxicity Class III, low toxicity) will be specified
for foliar and stump cut applications, at application rates recommended on the
label, for most target invasive and nonnative species.
• Clopyralid (e.g., Transline®; EPA Toxicity Class III, low toxicity), will be specified
for foliar spray applications, at application rates recommended on the label, for
thistle control.
• Triclopyr (e.g., Garlon 4 ultra®; EPA Toxicity Class III, low toxicity) will be specified
for foliar spray applications and stump cut applications, at rates recommended
on the label, for woody species, sweet fennel, and other target invasive
herbaceous species.
Post-emergent herbicides are either selective (kills specific types of weeds such as
grasses or broadleaves) or non-selective (works on all plants). Grass-selective herbicides
include Fusilade® DX and Envoy®. Broadleaf-selective herbicides include clopyralid. Non-
selective herbicides include glyphosate and triclopyr.
Post-emergent herbicides can be broadcast sprayed in areas with a low density of native
species or applied with backpack sprayers in areas with a higher density of native
species. Selective herbicides can be broadcast sprayed to control the desired weed type
with little to no impact on natives of a different plant type. Non-selective herbicides can
be more efficient in areas with a mix of grass and broadleaf weed species since they can
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 62 of 87
treat all the weed species present at the site. However, non-selective herbicides can
cause the most harm to desirable native species and should only be broadcast sprayed
in areas with a low density of natives.
Caution should be taken to prevent overspray and herbicide drift onto the foliage of
native species as they can damage or kill the plant(s). Prior to selection and use, the
label of each herbicide should be read to determine if the active ingredient can
translocate through the soil and cause potential damage to the root system of native
species.
Fluazifop (Fluazifop-p-butyl Fusilade® DX)
The active ingredient in Fusilade® DX is fluazifop-p-butyl. Fusilade® DX is a selective
post-emergent herbicide used for the control of annual and perennial weed grasses. The
herbicide is systemic i.e., it is absorbed and moves from the foliage to the roots,
rhizomes, stolons, shoots, and meristematic regions of the grasses.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 63 of 87
Application Rate
Fusilade® DX application rates for annual and perennial grasses are 16-24 ounces (oz)
per acre (4 to 6 oz of active ingredient [a.i.] per acre). For control of seedlings the rate is
8 oz per acre (2 oz a.i. per acre). Add the following spray additives to the herbicide
mixture for optimum effectiveness:
• Crop oil concentrate containing 15-20% approved emulsifier at 0.5-1%
volume/volume (v/v) (0.5-1 gallon [gal]/100 gal)
• Nonionic surfactant containing at least 75% surface-active agent at 0.25-0.5% v/v
(1-2 quarts/100 gal)
• A non-toxic colorant or marking dye to insure even coverage of herbicide. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified
on the label of the dye as it can reduce product performance, especially at lower
herbicide application rates.
Weedy grass species should be treated at the appropriate growth stage for optimum
effectiveness. Grasses that have tillered (sprouted a shoot from its base), formed seed
heads, or exceeded the growth stages listed on the label should not be treated. Target
weed grasses should not be under stress (e.g., from moisture, temperature, low soil
fertility) for optimum control.
If the treatment area has a mix of weedy grasses, Fusilade application should be
implemented when the first grass reaches the specified growth stage for treatment
using the highest application rate for the grasses in the mixed population. The optimum
growth stage for treatment of annual grasses is when grasses are 2–8 inches tall, but
prior to tillering and/or seed head formation. It is important to note that in drought
years when available water is limited, nonnative grasses can flower early when plants
are less than 8 inches tall. Monitoring of flower production is critical to determine the
optimum time for weed control. Thoroughly coat the foliage with herbicide during foliar
application, but not to the point of runoff of the herbicide.
No more than 72 fluid ounces of Fusilade per acre a year should be applied to a
treatment area. It should not be applied if rainfall is expected within 1 hour of
application. Fusilade should not be applied directly to water, where surface water is
present, or where runoff into water bodies could occur. To reduce herbicide runoff,
avoid applications of herbicide within 48 hours of rainfall. Restrict entry into treated
areas as specified on the label.
Visual observations of control can be seen within one week of treatment; however, it is
dependent on the grass species and environmental conditions. Growth of treated
grasses typically stops soon after application. Signs of herbicide control include loss of
vigor, yellowing, reddening, and eventual death.
Glyphosate
Glyphosate (e.g., Roundup Pro® Concentrate or Roundup Pro® Max) is a broad-spectrum
post-emergence herbicide for the control of annual, perennial, and woody weed
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 64 of 87
species. The herbicide is systemic and moves from the treated foliage to the root
system.
Foliar application should be implemented when the target species are at the
appropriate growth stage for optimum effectiveness. Target annual and perennial
species should be actively growing. Application to annual species should be prior to seed
head formation of grasses and before bud formation in broadleaf weeds. Perennial
weeds should be treated after they reach the reproductive stage of growth (e.g., seed
head formation in grasses and bud formation for broadleaf species). If treatment is
necessary prior to perennials reaching the reproductive stage, the higher label
application rate should be used.
Application Rate
Most annual and perennial weed species can be effectively treated with a 2% solution of
glyphosate when applied during the appropriate growth stage. Follow label directions of
the glyphosate product used to mix a 2% solution. Add colorant or marking dyes to the
spray solution to aid the applicator in achieving good coverage of target species. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified on the
label as the amount of dye can reduce product performance, especially at lower
herbicide application rates.
Most glyphosate products contain a surfactant, and no additional surfactant is needed
or recommended to add to the mix except for glyphosate products registered for
aquatic use. Aquatic glyphosate formulations do not contain a surfactant in the
herbicide product. If using an aquatic formulation and a surfactant is added to the mix,
follow the directions on the herbicide label. However, it should be noted that in some
cases, specific project permits and conditions may not allow use of a surfactant for
aquatic applications.
Except where specified on the label, no more than 8 pounds (lbs) of glyphosate acid per
acre per year should be applied to a treatment area in California. The total glyphosate
acid amount is additive for all glyphosate products used in a given area, so it is
important to keep a record of the amount of all glyphosate acid used in a given area per
year. Glyphosate products have different acid concentrations and acid equivalents are
provided on all product labels.
Herbicide application should not occur if heavy rainfall is expected soon after
application. Herbicide should not be applied directly to water or to areas where surface
water is present. Restrict entry into treated areas as specified on the label.
Visual observations of control on annual weeds can be seen within 2 to 4 days and 7
days or more for perennial weeds. Signs of herbicide control include wilting and
yellowing of foliage advancing to complete browning of above-ground growth and
deterioration of root material.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 65 of 87
Glyphosate can also be used for the stump cut method. For the stump cut method,
generally a 50% solution is used for treatment. Label directions should be followed for
each method and for the species targeted for control.
Clopyralid
Clopyralid is a post-emergence selective broadleaf herbicide. It is particularly effective
for the control of thistle and clover species and is considered safe to use with
established native grass species. However, immature native grasses prior to tillering and
development of a secondary root system may be negatively affected by clopyralid.
Clopyralid is the active ingredient in the herbicide Transline®.
Application Rate
Clopyralid should be applied at ¼ to ⅔ pint per acre, depending on the weed species
being treated and associated growth stage. Add the following spray additives to the
herbicide mixture for optimum effectiveness:
• A non-ionic surfactant at a rate of 1 to 2 gal/100 gal of herbicide mixture.
• A non-toxic colorant or marking dye to insure even coverage of herbicide. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified
on the label of the dye as it can reduce product performance, especially at lower
herbicide application rates.
In general, the herbicide is most effective when weeds are small and actively growing.
The lower rate should be used only during highly favorable growing conditions and
when plants are 3 to 6 inches tall. The higher rates should be used if the plants are
stressed or in areas with high weed density. The foliage should be thoroughly coated for
effective control.
Application during extreme growing conditions such as drought, freezing conditions, or
wet foliage at the time of application may reduce the effectiveness of the herbicide.
Herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours of application. Avoid injury to non-target plants by
avoiding spray drift. Non-target plants can be affected by direct spray on plant foliage or
indirectly by root uptake through the soil. The maximum application rate per year in
California during the growing season is ⅔ pint per acre.
Clopyralid should not be applied directly to water, where surface water is present or
where runoff into water bodies could occur. Clopyralid should not be used in areas
where movement through the soil could contaminate ground water, such as loamy
sand, sandy soils or in areas with a shallow water table.
Sprayed material should not be used for composting or mulch as clopyralid may remain
for long periods in dead plant tissue and negatively affect future growth and
development of non-target species in treated areas.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 66 of 87
Triclopyr
Triclopyr (e.g., Garlon 3A, Garlon 4, or Pathfinder® II) is a systemic herbicide used for the
control of broadleaf species and grasses. Triclopyr can be used at any time during the
growing season and is most effective when used to treat actively growing plants.
Application Rate
For the control of broadleaf species triclopyr should be applied at 1 to 4.5 lbs acid
equivalent (a.e.) per acre in a total volume of 20 to 100 gallons of water. The herbicide
mixture can be applied at any time of the growing season. Add the following spray
additives to the herbicide mixture for optimum effectiveness:
• A non-ionic surfactant at the rate specified on the label of the surfactant. Use
the higher recommended concentrations of surfactant when applying lower
spray volumes per acre.
• A non-toxic colorant or marking dye to insure even coverage of herbicide. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified
on the label of the dye as it can reduce product performance, especially at lower
herbicide application rates.
The maximum application rate of triclopyr is 9 lbs a.e. per acre per year for Garlon 4 and
8 lbs a.e. per year for Pathfinder® II.
7.2.3 WEED SEED HANDLING, RESPROUT REDUCTION, AND PLANT MATTER
DISPOSAL
While the physical removal and chemical treatment of invasive species is a key part of
weed management, care must also be taken to reduce the chances of seed spreading,
resprouting, and other undesirable consequences of weed control. Preventing the
future propagation of weeds will increase the effectiveness of current practices and
reduce the severity of later infestation. Section 7.2.4 provides biosecurity measures for
preventing the spread of nonnative plant reproductive material during weed control
events.
In many cases it is possible to leave treated plant matter on site to dry out and
decompose. If no flowers or seeds are present, pull the plant and place it on the ground
to dry out only if the species is not rhizomatous and there is no potential for re-
sprouting. In such cases, it will be important to completely remove all root matter
through digging out the roots when mechanical methods are being used, and properly
removing and disposing of cut matter off-site. Thatch of plants treated with herbicides
that remain in the dead plant material, such as clopyralid should not be used as mulch
and if treating large areas, the material should be removed from the site.
If the plant thatch material is to be removed from the site and the conditions are met
where there is not seed material present and weeded material is not able to resprout
from root material, the thatch can be left to dry out on site for a few days to a week,
making it easier for removal since the material will be lighter and easier to work with.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 67 of 87
7.2.4 BIOSECURITY PROCEDURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE AND
OTHER NONNATIVE PLANT SPECIES
Implementing biosecurity procedures is essential to prevent the unintentional spread of
target invasive plant species during control activities and to mitigate the introduction of
new invasive species to the park. Biosecurity measures include cleaning clothing and
equipment, ensuring that equipment used on-site is free of any invasive plant species
reproductive material, and verifying materials used in the park, such as erosion control
devices, are weed seed-free.
Preventing the spread of invasive species is the first line of defense and a cost-effective
approach to controlling their impact. Consistent measures to ensure that seeds and
reproductive material of invasive plant species are not spread to new areas will help
avoid costly future efforts and potential ecological damage. By safeguarding sensitive
habitats from infestation, their ecological functions can be preserved, promoting the
overall health and resilience of the park's ecosystem.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES DURING CONTROL ACTIVITIES
Effective weed management not only involves the physical removal and chemical
treatment of invasive species but also requires careful attention to minimizing seed
dispersal, resprouting, and other unintended consequences of control measures. By
taking steps to prevent the future propagation of weeds, the effectiveness of current
practices can be enhanced while reducing the severity of subsequent infestations.
Although it is advisable to control weeds before seeds mature, this may not always be
feasible, such as when a weed can seed year-round, and monitoring each life stage is
challenging. In these situations, it is crucial to be aware of the presence of seeds during
control sessions. Even if the plant itself is removed, seeds left behind at the site or on
clothing, equipment, vehicles, or waste containers can undermine management efforts
and spread the infestation to new areas.
To reduce seed spread, follow these practices:
1. Remove seeds found on plants before cutting, hand-pulling, or herbicide
application, placing the material in appropriate disposal containers.
2. Collect seeds from the ground and place them in containers.
3. After each treatment, remove seeds from clothing and equipment, placing them
in disposal containers before leaving the area.
4. Thoroughly inspect and clean clothing, equipment, bags, etc., using a brush or
other tool, paying close attention to laces, socks, cuffs, pockets, etc.
5. Remove dirt from shoe treads to eliminate embedded seed material.
Vehicles should only be driven on approved pathways to limit contact with potential
invasive weed species seed material. Despite minimal contact, vehicles should be
inspected and cleaned of all weed seeds before leaving the site, focusing on tire treads,
bumpers, radiators, and undercarriages. If waste disposal containers are brought on-site
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 68 of 87
from other locations, inspect, and remove any weed seeds before using them in the
park.
Crews shall be trained by the qualified plant biologist on the Best Management Practices
(BMP) for cleaning equipment and clothing to prevent the spread of invasive species. As
an alternative, already developed sources for training crews is available online such as
from Cal-IPC training video that can be found here: Training Video: Best Management
Practices for Preventing the Spread of Invasive Plants – California Invasive Plant Council
(cal-ipc.org).
By implementing these measures, the spread of invasive species can be mitigated,
promoting a more effective and sustainable approach to weed management.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES FOR PROJECT MATERIALS
To minimize the introduction of invasive species, all materials used within the park
should be certified weed-free. This includes, but is not limited to, mulch materials,
erosion control products (e.g., straw wattles, hay bales), container plants, soil, and
aggregate (topsoil, sand, gravel, fill), and landscape materials such as plants, seeds, sod,
mulch, and soil amendments. Prior to use, all materials shall be inspected, and
confirmation of their weed seed-free status shall be obtained from the vendor.
For seed material used in restoration projects, the seed must be tested for the presence
of noxious weeds and the results provided to the City and the Restoration Specialist
upon request. The seed vendor shall be guaranteed and be required to provide proof
that the seed is free of noxious weeds. Any container plants used for a restoration
project must be inspected at the nursery to observe the facility conditions and to ensure
that the container plants are free of any noxious weeds and are kept in an environment
where noxious weeds are unable to contaminate the container plants.
7.3 MANAGEMENT METHODS FOR HIGH-PRIORITY INVASIVE
PLANTS
The Restoration Contractor is responsible for controlling high-priority invasive plants in
the project area. Most of the high-priority invasive plants will be controlled by the
irrigated grow-and-kill management program. If high-priority invasive plants need
separately timed or targeted treatments, then the Restoration Contractor shall follow
the methods described in the long-term method invasive plant management plan
prepared by Land IQ (2024) and included as Appendix 1 in this report.
8 NATIVE SEED MIXES AND INSTALLATION
8.1 NATIVE SEED MIXES
The seed mixes for Habitat Restoration Areas 1 and 2, Native Enhancement Areas 6 and
7, Native Revegetation Buffer Areas 3 and 4, and the low-diversity native erosion control
mix for Area 5 are presented in Table 8-1.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 69 of 87
Table 8-1 Seed Mixes for Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Scientific Name Common Name Area 1
PLS/Acre
Area 2
PLS/Acre
Area 3
PLS/Acre
Area 4
PLS/Acre
Area 5
PLS/Acre
Area 6
PLS/Acre
Area 7
PLS/Acre
5% Extra
PLS
Total
PLS
Achillea millefolium common yarrow 53,312 15,460 324,670
Acmispon glaber deerweed 387,600 64,600 387,600 387,600 387,600 193,800 387,600 201,391 4,229,201
Amsinckia menziesii common fiddleneck 2,760 55,200 55,200 55,200 55,200 13,800 13,800 23,660 496,862
Artemisia californica California sagebrush 371,250 371,250 123,750 132,413 2,780,663
Asclepias fascicularis narrow leaf milkweed 52,650 52,650 15,532 326,167
Baccharis pilularis coyote bush 720 720 259 5,443
Calandrinia menziesii red maids 89,600 8,960 8,960 8,960 26,970 566,362
Cucurbita foetidissima Buffalo gourd 1,440 1,440 1,440 1,440 1,440 1,440 990 20,790
Datura wrightii sacred datura 1,440 1,440 1,440 1,440 1,440 947 19,883
Deinandra fasciculata clustered tarplant 54,000 54,000 54,000 54,000 54,000 54,000 54,000 41,175 864,675
Elymus condensatus giant wild rye 27,200 16,320 8,473 177,929
Encelia californica bush sunflower 54,000 54,000 54,000 54,000 54,000 18,000 54,000 41,085 862,785
Ericameria palmeri Palmer’s goldenbush 320,000 320,000 320,000 104,000 2,184,000
Eriogonum fasciculatum California buckwheat 75,000 18,750 75,000 75,000 34,688 728,438
Eriophyllum
confertiforum
golden yarrow 288,750 57,750 57,750 57,750 92,833 1,949,496
Festuca microstachys small fescue 1,080,000 1,080,000 1,080,000 1,080,000 1,080,000 432,000 432,000 789,480 16,579,080
Grindelia camporum common gumplant 393,750 393,750 393,750 238,219 5,002,594
Hordeum intercedens vernal barley 1,371,420 1,371,420 1,371,420 1,371,420 548,568 11,519,928
Isocoma menziesii coastal goldenbush 96,000 19,200 96,000 96,000 38,688 812,448
Lasthenia californica California goldfields 1,400,000 1,400,000 1,400,000 1,400,000 560,000 11,760,000
Lupinus bicolor minature lupine 83,300 83,300 83,300 83,300 83,300 59,143 1,242,003
Lupinus succulentus arroyo lupine 24,990 24,990 24,990 24,990 24,990 24,990 24,990 19,055 400,152
Malacothamnus
fasciculatus
chaparral bush mallow 18,000 18,000 18,000 6,525 137,025
Marah macrocarpus wild cucumber 235 235 235 85 1,790
Phacelia cicutaria var.
hispida
caterpillar
scorpionweed
85,500 85,500 85,500 85,500 54,293 1,140,143
Phacelia distans common
scorpionweed
99,960 99,960 99,960
99,960 63,475 1,332,967
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 70 of 87
Scientific Name Common Name Area 1
PLS/Acre
Area 2
PLS/Acre
Area 3
PLS/Acre
Area 4
PLS/Acre
Area 5
PLS/Acre
Area 6
PLS/Acre
Area 7
PLS/Acre
5% Extra
PLS
Total
PLS
Phacelia ramosissima branching
scorpionweed
104,500 104,500 104,500 104,500 66,358 1,393,508
Phacelia tanacetifolia lacy scorpionweed 44,100 44,100 44,100 14,333 300,983
Plagiobothrys
acanthocarpus
adobe popcornflower 11,700 11,700 11,700 3,803 79,853
Plagiobothrys collinus Cooper's
popcornflower
17,550 17,550 17,550 5,704 119,779
Plantago erecta California plantain 1,800,000 1,440,000 1,440,000 1,440,000 1,440,000 720,000 720,000 1,171,800 24,607,800
Pseudognaphalium
californicum
ladies' tobacco 125,000 125,000 125,000 45,313 951,563
Salvia apiana white sage 63,000 63,000 15,750 20,475 429,975
Salvia mellifera black sage 182,000 182,000 45,500 59,150 1,242,150
Solanum douglasii Douglas' nightshade 1,800 900 900 605 12,710
Stipa pulchra1 purple needle grass 1,188,000 1,188,000 1,188,000 1,188,000 1,188,000 396,000 792,000 884,070 18,565,470
1 Seed of Stipa spp. shall be de-awned
PLS = Pure Live Seed
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 71 of 87
8.1.1 SEED SOURCE
The seed material shall be wild collected in Orange County Seed Collection Zone (Figure
8-1) as described in the Orange County Native Seed Partnership Strategic Plan (AECOM
2023). Native species that are not available for wild collection in sufficient quantities,
and that the Restoration Specialist deems to be important for the functional diversity of
the restored vegetation community, will be sourced from suppliers of native
commercially bulked seed that can be verified as collected or sourced from a suitable
bioclimatic zone in southern California.
Grass species that do not exist in large enough quantities can be sourced from southern
California, including commercially bulked Stipa species. For those species that function
as erosion control (lupines [Lupinus spp.] and California plantain [Plantago erecta]) or do
not exist in large enough quantities within the specified seed collection area, it will be
necessary to either (a) use seed stock from a seed collector/supplier that can be verified
as collected within the Orange County Seed Collection Zone, or (b) extend the collection
area on a species-by-species basis from appropriate sources in a similar microclimate
regime. The seed collector shall certify seed collection locations. Sources for all species
and any adjustments or substitutions shall be approved by the Restoration Specialist.
For seed that is sourced outside of the Orange County Seed Collection Zone, the City will
obtain approval by the Wildlife Agencies.
The required seed material shall be collected by a qualified native seed collection firm
that has a minimum of five years of experience and holds the necessary licenses/permits
through the term of the project. The selected firm must be approved by the Restoration
Specialist. Special local seed will be collected between fall 2024 and fall 2026.
The seed mixes shall be provided by species in pure live seed (PLS) amounts for
ordering. The seed collector shall assure the PLS for each species will be documented
with seed tests for individual seed lots. The individual lots must be tested for seed
viability and purity by an independent seed-testing laboratory certified by the
Association of Official Seed Analysts, or equivalent. Seed tests must be performed no
greater than 12 months before seed application. Collected seed shall not contain any
weed species listed as noxious or restricted in the state.
The specified PLS for each seed mix will be pre-mixed prior to shipping and supplied in
50-lbs. bags, or as requested by the Restoration Specialist. All bags will have seed tags
with the following information for each species: botanical name, PLS lbs. per acre and
total lbs, bulk lbs. per acre and total lbs, and percent total viability. The bag will also
include the total net weight of the contents in PLS lbs. and bulk lbs.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 72 of 87
Figure 8-1 Orange County Seed Collection Zone (AECOM 2023).
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 73 of 87
8.1.2 ADJUSTMENTS TO SEED MIXES PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
Adjustments will be made to the seed mixes based on the available material collected,
including addition of suitable plant species, and subtraction of plant species that were
not available for local collection. Experience with local seed collection in southern
California has proven that it can be difficult to collect enough of all desired species for
habitat restoration projects, even with two- to three-year lead times, due to the variable
nature of weather, year-to-year including rainfall, and accessibility of collection areas.
The seed mixes can be augmented with desirable plants species from other suitable
sources, including other wild collections in the Orange County Seed Collection Zone. The
total number of native plant species in each final seed mix for Areas 1 to 7 shall be at
least 75 percent of the number of plant species in the seed mixes presented in Table
8-1.
Employing an adaptive management strategy is crucial for optimizing seed mixes and
achieving successful habitat restoration. The following revised version highlights the
importance of site-specific adjustments and ongoing monitoring:
Adaptive management will play a vital role in fine-tuning seed mixes, allowing the
Restoration Specialist to respond to observations made during the site preparation
phase (fall 2024 to fall 2026). Specifically, vegetation responses to weeding treatments
and the emergence of any existing native soil seed bank will inform these adjustments.
The diverse seed mix, encompassing various species found in both the flower field and
coastal sage scrub (CSS) habitat restoration areas, is designed to account for microsite
variation. This variability will facilitate the selection of site-specific assemblages of plant
species within each area, promoting the development of ecologically appropriate
vegetation communities.
Through this adaptive approach, the Restoration Specialist can optimize the seed mixes
to support native plant establishment, improve overall habitat quality, and maximize the
likelihood of meeting restoration objectives. Monitoring and assessing plant community
responses will be an ongoing process, informing future management decisions and
ensuring long-term project success.
Exceptions to these sourcing guidelines will be made on a species-by-species basis,
balancing the value the functional value of the species (e.g., structural diversity, erosion
control, wildlife value) with conservation of local genetics for special status plants or
plants that provide a critical function in the lifecycle of special status wildlife.
For seed that is sourced outside of the Orange County Seed Collection Zone, the City will
obtain approval by the Wildlife Agencies.
8.2 SEED MIX INSTALLATION
The seed mixes are anticipated to be applied in Fall 2026, but no later than January 31,
2027. Seed mixes will be applied by hydroseeding application, mechanical broadcast
seeding followed by a cultipacker, or hand seeding. Seed application will be timed with
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 74 of 87
the start of the winter rains in late fall/early winter to germinate the seed mix soon after
installation and to take advantage of the entire rainfall season.
Area 1 shall be hydroseeded with a one-step installation method. The native seed mix
will be installed in Areas 2 and 5 by mechanical broadcast seeding followed by a
cultipacker to ensure good soil-to-seed contact. If any portions of these areas require
additional soil stabilization, then the hydroseed method may be used with the addition
of a soil stabilizer (e.g., bonded fiber matrix). Areas with significant native cover,
including Areas 4, 6, and 7, shall be hand seeded and then tamped for good soil-to-seed
contact. Area 3 is relatively small and can be hand seeded, although hydroseeding or
broadcast seeding followed by a cultipacker are also suitable methods.
8.2.1 HYDROSEEDING
Prior to hydroseed application, the site should be cleared of plant thatch to provide
good seed-to-soil contact.
Hydroseed mixing should be done in a clean tank. The hydroseeder must be equipped
with a continuous agitation recirculation system to produce a uniform slurry. Once the
seed and (arbuscular mycorrhizal) AM fungi inoculum are added to the mixing tank,
application must be within one hour of preparation. Commercially available
Rhizophagus intraradices is recommended for the AM fungi amendment, as it is
ubiquitous and will not impede the development of other native mycorrhizae species.
ONE-STEP HYDROSEEDING
The one-step application consists of the hydraulic application of a slurry mixture that
contains water, cellulose wood fiber, seed, AM fungi (if needed), and organic soil
stabilizer as follows:
• 2,000 lbs per acre of virgin cellulose wood fiber or recycled newsprint paper fiber
(Enviro Fiber S-100 Hydroseeding Mulch or comparable product)
• 60 lbs per acre of AM fungi amendment (approximately 3,300,000 live
propagules per acre of AM fungi based on the guarantee of the supplier)
• Specified seed mix
• 160 lbs per acre of organic M-binder (Ecology Control or comparable product).
8.2.2 MECHANICAL BROADCAST SEEDING IMPLEMENTATION
Prior to mechanical broadcast seeding, thatch material should be removed from the site
because a well-prepared seedbed is critical for seed- to-soil contact (USDA 2009). Good
seed-to-soil contact is key for successful germination of the seed mix.
Wheat bran should be added at ¼ the weight of the specified seed mix bulk weight to
facilitate seeding. The bran helps to keep the seeds evenly dispersed in the seeder and
produces uniform seeding of different sized seeds (St. John et al. 2012).
Materials to be applied during mechanical broadcast seeding include:
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 75 of 87
• Specified seed mix for each area
• 60 lbs per acre of AM fungi amendment (approximately 3,300,000 live
propagules per acre of AM fungi based on the guarantee of the supplier)
• Bran at ¼ the weight of the specified bulk seed
Prior to broadcast seeding, the surface of the soil should be lightly scarified with a hand
rake or a 6-foot wide cultipacker attached to an all-terrain vehicle, crawler type dozer,
or tractor. Scarification of the ground before applying the seed mix is important to
facilitate seed-to-soil contact.
The materials (seed mix, AM fungi, and wheat bran) should be divided into two equal
parts. Half of the seed should be broadcast across the entire area in a linear orientation
appropriate for the site to ensure even coverage. The remaining half of the seed should
be broadcast across the site in a linear orientation perpendicular to the first application.
Following seed broadcast, the seed material should be incorporated into the soil at less
than ½ inch deep with a cultipacker pulled by a tractor, ATV, or similar equipment. This
will increase seed-to-soil contact to improve germination success and reduce loss of
seed to wind, erosion, and seed predation.
MECHANICAL BROADCAST SEEDER CALIBRATION
Broadcast seeders require calibration prior to seed installation. Refer to the equipment
manual for specific guidelines on calibration and how to perform seeder adjustments.
The following are general guidelines for broadcast seeder calibration (USDA 2009).
Note: When calibrating the equipment, be sure to calibrate the broadcast seeder
accordingly if applying the seed in two separate passes. The seeding rate for calibration
should then be divided in half.
Step 1. Determine the bulk seeding rate per acre and convert to anticipated seed
per square foot.
Step 2. Several tarps should be placed at different locations within the test area.
Step 3. Run the broadcast seeder within the test area over the tarps and
determine bulk weight per square foot on the tarps.
Step 4. Increase or decrease the seed flow by adjusting the adjustable gate to
achieve the desired seeding rate.
8.2.3 HAND SEEDING IMPLEMENTATION
Prior to hand seeding, thick plant thatch should be removed to accomplish
incorporation of seed into the soil because a well-prepared seedbed is critical for seed-
to-soil contact (USDA 2009). Good seed-to-soil contact is key for successful germination
of the seed mix.
Hand seeding will be implemented using a small hand-held seed spreader to evenly
broadcast the seed mix.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 76 of 87
Wheat bran will be added at ¼ the weight of the specified seed mix bulk pounds to
facilitate seeding. The bran helps to keep the seeds evenly dispersed in the seeder and
produce uniform seeding of different sized seeds (St. John et al. 2012).
Materials to be applied during hand-broadcast seeding include:
• Specified seed mix for each area
• 60 lbs per acre of AM fungi amendment (approximately 3,300,000 live
propagules per acre of AM fungi based on the guarantee of the supplier)
• Bran at ¼ the weight of the specified bulk seed
Prior to hand seeding, the surface of the soil should be lightly scarified with a hand rake.
Scarification of the ground before applying the seed mix is important to facilitate seed-
to-soil contact.
The materials (seed mix, AM fungi, and wheat bran) should be divided into two equal
parts. Half of the seed should be hand broadcast by walking across the entire area in a
linear orientation appropriate for the site making sure of even coverage. The remaining
half of the seed should be hand-broadcast by walking across the site in a linear
orientation perpendicular to the first application.
Following seeding, the seed shall be raked into the soil with hand-held rakes. Raking of
the soil following seeding will aid in seed-to-soil contact and provide a thin covering of
soil over the applied seed mix. Seeds should be incorporated into the topsoil no more
than ¼ inch and less than ½ inch deep.
HAND BROADCAST SEEDER EQUIPMENT
A hand broadcast seeder is typically comprised of a seed hopper, agitator, flow gauge,
“on-off” lever, hand crank for seed dispersal, and shoulder harness.
HAND BROADCAST SEEDER CALIBRATION
Prior to seeding, the equipment requires calibration to ensure uniform distribution of
the seed mix if used in large areas. Calibration is not necessarily required if small areas,
such as underneath shrub canopies of edges of existing native shrubs are being seeded.
Refer to the equipment manual for specific guidelines on calibration and how to
perform seeder adjustments. The following describes general guidelines for seeder
calibration and is based on the EarthWay® hand crank broadcast spreader.
Note: when calibrating the equipment, be sure to calibrate the hand-seeders
accordingly if applying the seed in two separate passes. The seeding rate for calibration
should then be divided in half.
Step 1. Mark the beginning and end of an area 50 feet in length.
Step 2. Calculate the amount of specified seed mix including the AM fungi and
the wheat bran to be applied to a 1,000 square foot area.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 77 of 87
Step 3. Weigh and record the weight of enough seed mix to fill the seeder at
least half full.
Step 4. Select an appropriate Setting Rate position on the seeder for the seed
material. In general, start with the setting in the middle if unsure of the
appropriate setting rate.
Step 5. Start far enough behind the beginning of the 50-foot test area to achieve
the desired walking speed. Use a normal pace and crank the handle so that the
crank makes one revolution for each step then stop seeding at the end of the 50
feet.
Step 6. Measure the entire spread width of the broadcast seed.
Step 7. Record the weight of the remaining seed material in the seeder and
calculate the amount of seed applied.
Step 8. Calculate the amount of seed mix required for test area.
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑖𝑥 𝑝𝑒𝑟 1,000 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑡× 𝑆𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑥 50 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑡
1,000 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑡
=𝑆𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑖𝑥 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
Step 9. Compare the results in Step 7 with the calculation in Step 8. If too little or
too much seed was applied in the test area, adjust the rate setting accordingly
and repeat the test again until the desired application rate is achieved.
All hand-seeders should be calibrated prior to seeding since variations can occur
between equipment and the operator. The calibrated rate setting from one seeder can
be used as a guide or starting point for calibration of other seeders.
8.3 SUPPLEMENTAL IRRIGATION
Temporary irrigation will be used in the first two seasons to extend the rainy season.
The timing of irrigation events will depend on evapotranspiration between irrigation
events and soil moisture. Once seeds have germinated, deep irrigation will be
implemented to force the developing roots to grow down. The following management
scheme is anticipated as a guideline for water management of native shrubs:
• Irrigate soil to full field capacity to the desired depth (approximately 18 inches
after planting; and 18–24 inches during plant establishment).
• Once seedlings germinate, allow soil to dry down to approximately 50-60
percent of field capacity in the top 6-12 inches before the next irrigation cycle.
Depth of soil dry down between irrigation events will depend on development of
container plants.
Deep irrigations will promote deep root systems while shallow infrequent irrigations will
promote shallow root systems. Deep root systems will provide healthier and more
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 78 of 87
sustainable plants while plants with shallow root systems are more susceptible to
drought, disturbance, and erosion.
Wetting of the full root zone and drying of the soil between irrigation events is essential
to the maintenance of the plants and the promotion of a deep root zone that will
support the vegetation in the years after establishment. A soil probe or shovel should be
used to examine soil moisture and rooting depth directly.
8.4 SEED MIX ESTABLISHMENT
The health, development, and cover of native vegetative shall be estimated visually by
site walk overs, performed regularly during the post seed addition maintenance period
by the Restoration Contractor and verified during monitoring visits by the Restoration
Specialist.
For purposes of evaluating whether remedial seeding or replacement planting may be
required to achieve the project success criteria, the Restoration Specialist shall use the
following guidance for establishment of native cover. Observations will typically be
made in spring, but the actual timing of native cover estimates will depend on the
phenology of plant growth each year with respect to factors such as weather.
The target values for absolute cover of the native vegetation will be as follows for Area
1, the CSS restoration areas:
Seed Mix Establishment Monitoring Year 1. At least 10 to 15% absolute native cover.
Seed Mix Establishment Monitoring Year 2. At least 15 to 25% absolute native cover.
Seed Mix Establishment Monitoring Year 3. At least 25 to 35% absolute native cover.
Seed Mix Establishment Monitoring Year 4. At least 50 to 70% absolute native cover.
The target values for absolute cover of the native vegetation will be as follows for Area
2, the Fiddleneck-Phacelia Fields:
Seed Mix Establishment Monitoring Year 1. At least 5 to 10% absolute native cover.
Seed Mix Establishment Monitoring Year 2. At least 10 to 15% absolute native cover.
Seed Mix Establishment Monitoring Year 3. At least 15 to 25% absolute native cover.
Seed Mix Establishment Monitoring Year 4. At least 25 to 50% absolute native cover.
Actual cover values will depend in part on growing conditions (e.g., soil nutrients,
humidity, temperature, and rainfall) during the establishment and weed maintenance
periods. The established vegetation cover and distribution will likely not be uniform, in
response to microvariation in the project areas. Hence, some level of patchy distribution
of vegetation cover is expected and natural. Consequently, the target native cover
values shall apply to areas of homogenous vegetation cover and will exclude areas that
develop conditions that prevent significant vegetative growth, such as extreme soil
conditions that are not practical to amend to promote growth. Bare areas or seasonally
bare areas although not vegetated, still provide microsite diversity to the habitat.
However, if large areas totaling more than 10 percent of the land cover of either
restoration Area 1 or Area 2 are bare, then remedial measures are required following
the guidance in Section 2.9.1.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 79 of 87
8.5 REMEDIAL SEEDING
Areas of significant erosion shall be repaired and re-seeded in the first fall seasons after
damage. Re-seeding will also occur in areas if coverage is less than 10 percent in the
fiddleneck-phacelia fields or less than 15% of native species over any contiguous area of
200 square feet. As described previously, 5 percent extra seed shall be collected for the
project which would provide enough seed for approximately half an acre of remedial
seeding in the project. If more than a half an acre of seed is needed for remedial
seeding, the Restoration Specialist shall prepare a remedial seed mix that is appropriate
for the site conditions and consistent with the native seed mixes developed for this plan.
Seed shall be applied using the appropriate seeding method discussed in this section.
9 MAINTENANCE AFTER SEED INSTALLATION
One of the goals of this plan is to create native habitats that will be self-sustaining and
long term. Initially, maintenance of the project will be necessary to establish the newly
seeded areas. Maintenance will include any activities required to meet the goals and
success criteria set forth in this Plan, in the estimation of the Restoration Specialist. For
the project, maintenance includes the following:
• Weed control for nonnative plants, including annual grasses, mustards, and
thistles in Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7
• Weed management in Weed Management Buffer Area 5
• Supplemental irrigation to help establish the native seed mix in the first one to
two years
• Replacement hand seeding in areas of more than 200 square feet where
germination of the specified seed mix failed after one good season of rainfall
• Pest and disease control, if necessary (no rodenticides may be used)
• Removal of trash, debris, and litter (Restoration Contractor is only responsible
for trash produced as part of this project; Restoration Contractor is not
responsible for illegal dumping, trash left by others on the public pathways)
• Erosion control related to project implementation, if necessary
After the seed material is installed, the five-year maintenance and monitoring period
will begin. The site preparation and grow-and-kill phases will significantly reduce the
weed soil seed bank, which will improve establishment rates of the native seed, increase
the sustainability and quality of the restored habitat, and reduce post-seeding
maintenance effort. Because of the project area’s history of agriculture and other
disturbances, maintenance weeding is expected to be required. All maintenance
weeding shall be by hand weeding methods, and only limited selective use of chemical
methods to treat target invasive species shall be used, under the direction of the
Restoration Specialist.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 80 of 87
The establishment maintenance period will be for five years, or until project success
criteria have been met, with the first maintenance year beginning after installation of all
plant material (seeds and container plants) are complete. The most intense
maintenance will occur through the third year, and only seasonal spot-weeding activities
in the fourth and fifth years if necessary, is anticipated during the establishment and
maintenance period. Weed control shall be as needed to control weed species while
minimizing disturbance to the restoration and enhancement areas and will be scheduled
as determined by the Restoration Specialist.
The amount of maintenance each year will depend on weather conditions, development
of the native habitat, and density/species composition of weed species in the
restoration and enhancement areas. The following specifications for maintenance may
require adjustments as determined by the Restoration Specialist over the five-year
maintenance period. If the performance criteria of the HRMP are not met within the
timeframe of the project, any maintenance, supplemental seeding/planting, or any
other remedial measure necessary to achieve the performance criteria shall continue
until compliance is achieved.
9.1 POST-SEEDING WEED MANAGEMENT
After seed installation the primary method of weed management will be hand weeding;
however, under the direction of the Restoration Specialist, select use of other methods,
including targeted spot spray application of herbicide using a low-pressure nozzle for
high priority invasive species or perennial weeds, or line trimming of dense stands of
weeds, may be allowed. The Restoration Specialist must weigh the relative cost-benefit
of the effectiveness of weed control with either herbicide or line trimming compared to
unavoidable collateral damage to the native plants in the treatment area. Only post-
emergent herbicides will be used and applied according to methods and
recommendations described in this Plan, and consistent with the City’s herbicide use
policies.
Timing is critical to successful weed management, so the Restoration Specialist will
conduct phenological monitoring to determine the appropriate timing and method of
weed control events.
Post-seeding weed management will be concentrated where nonnative plants inhibit
native plant germination and/or growth, as well as to continue the control of high
priority invasive species that can readily re-establish in the restoration area. The amount
of post-seeding weeding required each year will depend on weather conditions,
development of the native habitats, and the density and type of weed species in the
restoration and enhancement areas. The objective of post-seeding weed management is
to reduce nonnative plants to a threshold level that allows desirable native species to
establish and thrive.
Careful weeding shall be done by trained crews to avoid damage to the establishment of
the native vegetation. Weeds should be removed on a regular basis, as necessary and if
possible, before they set seed and/or reach approximately 12 inches in height. All seed
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 81 of 87
material that has set prior to a weed control event should be carefully collected and
removed from the site so as not to be introduced into the weed seed bank. All weeded
material shall be raked, removed from the site, and properly disposed of.
Adaptive management is key to success and includes regular monitoring to guide the
scheduling and selection of control methods. Care should be taken to limit the amount
of soil disturbance and trampling of native seedlings from weeding activities. The
management of weeds must be balanced with the negative side effects on native plant
development (i.e., not all weeds in a site need to be treated). It is important to train the
crews to weed by sweeping through a site and target weed control for the weeds that
need to be weeded at the stage described above. Other weeds that have not reached
the desired control stage should be left to weed later. This will limit the amount of
disturbance in each area during a weed control event.
High priority invasives should be controlled according to the guidelines found in
Appendix 1 and under the direction of the Restoration Specialist.
10 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING AND REPORTING
The Restoration Specialist will provide oversight of the Restoration Contractor, conduct
horticultural and biological monitoring, and prepare annual reports on the status of the
habitat restoration project for the City. The City will provide a copy of the annual report
to the OCTA by March 31 of the following calendar year.
10.1 HORTICULTURAL MONITORING
Timing is critical to the success of the weed management program; the Restoration
Specialist shall conduct horticultural monitoring to assess the establishment of the
seeded and planted material and provided recommendations to the restoration
contactor to guide implementation activity, including with respect to the timing of
weeding species and remedial measures, as needed.
The Restoration Specialist will also keep track of annual spring survivorship of all planted
container material.
10.2 PRE-VEGETATION CLEARING BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS
SURVEYS
Weeding events scheduled during the bird breeding season will be carefully managed to
minimize potential impacts on nesting and foraging birds. After the initial weed thatch
clearing event, the short-term suitable bird habitat will be limited, reducing the
likelihood of significant impacts during the pre-seeding weed management phase.
However, after seed installation and native vegetation becomes more established, the
potential for conflict may increase. To mitigate these risks, a strategic approach to
weeding will be implemented, considering the needs of both nesting birds and the
developing habitat. This may involve targeted weeding methods, such as hand-pulling or
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 82 of 87
spot-spraying, to minimize disturbance to native plants and reduce impacts on bird
populations.
Because of the potential for coastal California gnatcatcher to occur, an Approved
Biologist shall conduct a nesting bird survey no more than 5 days prior to weed
management in the project area according to Section 3.2 during the breeding season
(February 15 to August 31). If no breeding California gnatcatcher are detected, then a
Qualified Biologist may continue to monitor the project area for other nesting birds
according to Section 3.2. Least Bell’s Vireo are not expected because there is not
suitable nesting habitat in the project area.
Disrupting the active nest of nearly any native bird species is unlawful under both the
federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and Section 3503 of the California Fish and
Game Code. Therefore, for any restoration activity conducted during the bird breeding
season (February 15 to August 31), a Qualified Biologist shall conduct a nesting bird
survey no more than 5 days before initial disturbance or removal of any vegetation.
The purpose of the pre-work surveys will be to document the location of any active
nests and to determine if any buffers or mitigation measures are necessary to avoid
potential violations. Around active CAGN nests, the Approved Biologist will establish a
100-foot disturbance buffer distance between noise-generating project activities and
the nest. For active nests of other native bird species detected during surveys, a
disturbance buffer shall be established by the qualified biologist. The width of the buffer
will be determined by the Qualified Biologist, based upon the biologist’s experience with
the species involved. For species highly adapted to human activity, a relatively narrow
buffer of 25 feet or less may be appropriate. For species easily disturbed by humans, a
buffer of 100 feet or more may be required.
Work could take place within an established nest buffer (for any species) only if
continually monitored by the Qualified Biologist to ensure against any actual disruption
of nesting activities. The Qualified Biologist shall have the authority to halt any and all
activities if they appear to be adversely affecting any nesting bird. Once established, the
nest buffer shall remain in place until the young have fledged or the nest is no longer
active, as determined by observation of bird behavior by the Qualified Biologist. For
CAGN nests, once the Approved Biologist has confirmed that the young have left the
nest, the buffer and exclusion zone may be removed, and maintenance activities within
these areas may resume.
10.3 SPRING VEGETATION PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Qualitative monitoring methods, such as photo points, field walk overs, species lists and
spring vegetation cover estimates, will be used to monitor the full extent of the project
area in a cost-effective manner, while providing relevant feedback to guide
management and restoration actions.
At least seven fixed photo points will be established, one for each area identified on
Figure 1-3, where estimates of vegetation cover classes by plant functional group will be
made annually to monitor the progress of the native revegetation and the trajectory of
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 83 of 87
the individual habitat restoration areas. If there is high variability within the restoration
zones, additional photo and vegetation cover assessment points shall be added, if
necessary, to ensure all conditions of the project area are represented to track the
progress of each area and to guide any necessary remedial actions.
10.3.1 PHOTO POINTS AND COVER ESTIMATES
Permanent photo points will be established to conduct photographic documentation of
restoration progress and development of the restoration habitat. Photo points shall be
established prior to implementation to provide a representative overview before
restoration for comparison to “after photos” taken annually during performance
monitoring. The geographic coordinates will be recorded using a sub-meter precision
global positioning (GPS) along with the general compass direction for each photo
location.
Photo points will be taken in spring, timed to capture maximum native cover of live
annuals and perennial growth. At each photo point location, relevé samples will be used
to estimate cover in a plot of approximately 300 square meters (approximate 10-meter
radius from the photo point) and assigned to one of the following modified Braun-
Blanquet cover-abundance scale classes: <1%, 1- 5%, >5-15%, >15-25%, >25-50%, >50-
75%, or >75%. These methods are modeled after the current “California Native Plant
Society – California Department of Fish and Wildlife Protocol for Combined Vegetation
Rapid Assessment and Relevé,” which was last updated in 2022.
If native annuals have senesced prior to sampling due to weather or timing, individual
plants can be included in the cover estimate made at each photo point if it is clearly
based on morphology and/or prior biological monitoring determines what species they
are and that they are from the current growing year.
10.3.2 SPECIES LISTS
Annual plant species lists of native and nonnative species that occur in each project
zone will be prepared based on field walkovers throughout the year, including spring.
Observations of flowering by species will be noted during monitoring activities and
documented in the species list generated for the project. Seedlings and juveniles of
shrubs germinated in the same year will be recorded to document recruitment of the
applied seed mixes.
Incidental observations of wildlife within the project will be recorded each year and
maintained as a cumulative list. Of special note are any observations of OCTA Covered
Species, including intermediate mariposa lily, many-stemmed dudleya, southern
tarplant, coast horned lizard, orange-throated whiptail, cactus wren, coastal California
gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, and bobcat.
10.3.3 CONTAINER PLANT SURVIVORSHIP
In the first two establishment years after planting, survivorship of container planted
material in Area 4 will be visually assessed during spring monitoring and will be
determined by counting the total number of dead container plants.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 84 of 87
10.3.4 FINAL PROJECT YEAR VEGETATION TRANSECT SAMPLING
In spring of the final project year, anticipated to be the fifth year of performance
monitoring (spring 2031), a quantitative measurement of vegetation cover will be made
in Areas 1 and 2 to demonstrate successful achievement of the project success criteria
for the habitat restoration areas (see Section 2.9). Three 50-meter, point intercept
transects, read every 0.5-meter (total of 100 readings) will be used to quantify plant
species cover, plant functional group cover (e.g., total native plant, total nonnative
plant, total perennial invasive woody plant, native shrub, native tree, native herbaceous,
nonnative annual grass, nonnative herbaceous) for each area for a total of 6 transects.
Transect locations will be determined randomly within the restoration area using a
numbered grid system and the locations will be presented in the final annual monitoring
report.
All live species that contact the bar, or in the case of overhanging vegetation, intercept
the upward projection of the bar shall be counted and recorded. If no vascular plants
are intercepted at a sample point, it is recorded as "bare ground” or “plant litter”. Plant
litter will be recorded in areas of no vegetative cover but with dead vegetative matter
covering the ground. Total cover is based on the number of points for each plant species
(native and nonnative) and unvegetated cover types (bare ground and plant litter)
recorded along the transect. Absolute cover is then calculated by dividing the total
number of points for each species or ground cover by the total number of points on the
transect. Since multiple plant species can be recorded at each point, the total absolute
percent cover may be greater than 100 percent because of overlap of plants at each
sampling point.
Seedlings will be identified for shrubs and subshrubs and will be determined by being
small, having a non-woody base, and usually the result of germination during the same
years as the transect reading. Juveniles and adults will be identified as definitely woody
at the base of the stem, with adults in flower, and/or with seed. Seedling and juveniles
present along the transect line or within a 1-meter belt adjacent to the transect line will
be recorded.
The results will be presented as the average absolute plant cover (n=3) for Area 1 and
Area 2. The results for each transect including the raw data shall be included in the final
report.
10.3.5 ANNUAL REPORTING
The Restoration Specialist shall prepare an annual report summarizing project activity to
date since the last report, that will include the results of spring monitoring, and other
required monitoring described in this section. Recommendations should be made for
future management based on the results of horticultural and biological monitoring.
The annual report shall be submitted to the City. The City shall submit each annual
report to OCTA by March 31 of the following year. The first annual report would be due
March 31, 2025, covering project activities in 2024, assuming implementation begins by
fall 2024.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 85 of 87
10.3.6 FINAL REPORT
The final project annual report, prepared by the Restoration Specialist, will provide a
comprehensive summary of project activities through 2031, encompassing the final year
of performance monitoring. This report will serve as a critical evaluation tool, assessing
the project's success based on the predetermined criteria outlined in Section 2.9.
If the final monitoring report indicates partial or complete failure to meet the
established success standards, the City will be required to submit contingency measures
within 90 days of OCTA's written notice. As detailed in Section 2.9.2, these measures
may include contingency actions and/or alternate success criteria designed to address
any identified issues and ensure the project's ultimate success.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 86 of 87
11 REFERENCES
AECOM. 2023. Orange County Native Seed Partnership Strategic Plan. Prepared for the
Natural Communities Coalition. May 2023.
Brooks, T, M. Griswold, T. Longcore, and M. Riedel-Lehrke. 2019. Habitat Restoration
and Enhancement Plan Update, County of Orange Central and Coastal Subregion
Natural Communities Coalition Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan.
Prepared for Natural Communities Coalition. https://occonservation.org/wp-
content/uploads/2019/03/HREPUpdate_DRAFT-2019.03.18lr.pdf
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) 2023. Survey Considerations for
California Endangered Species Act (CESA) Candidate Bumble Bee Species. June 6,
2023. https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=213150&inline
California Geological Survey, California Department of Conservation. 2024. Geologic
Map of California. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/gmc/ (Accessed Online
on March 15, 2024).
City of Costa Mesa. 2008. Fairview Park Master Plan March 1998, Revised February 2001
and November 2002, Updated November 2008.
City of Costa Mesa. 2011. Final Restoration Plan for the Fairview Park Wetlands and
Riparian Habitat Project. Submitted by the City by Letter Report dated February
2, 2011 to OCTA.
DiTomaso, J. M.; Kyser, G. B.; Oneto, S. R.; Wilson, R. G.; Orloff, S. B.; Anderson, L. W.;
Wright, S. D.; Roncoroni, J. A.; Miller, T. L.; Prather, T. S.; Ransom, C.; Beck, K. G.;
Duncan, C.; Wilson, K. A.; Mann, J. J., 2013. Weed control in natural areas in the
Western United States. Weed Research and Information Center, University of
California, 544 pp.
Ecological Restoration Institute (ERI). 2009. Northern Arizona University. Accessed
February 2009. http://www.eri.nau.edu/joomla/content/view/223/148/lang,en/
Glenn Lukos Associates, Inc. 2017. Submittal Requirements for 2016-2017 Wet Season
Survey for Listed Branchiopods Conducted for the Fairview Park Project, Located
in the City of Costa Mesa, County of Orange, California. Letter Report submitted
by Glenn Lukos Associates, Inc. to Stacey Love, USFWS. July 13, 2017.
Hamilton Biological 2023. Draft Biological Resources Technical Report, Fairview Park,
City of Costa Mesa, October 13, 2023.
Land IQ. 2024. 2023 Vegetation Map and Habitat Restoration Opportunities for Fairview
Park, Costa Mesa, California. Prepared for MIG to support the Fairview Park
Master Plan Update for the City of Costa Mesa. March 22, 2024.
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). 2012. Measure M2 Environmental
Mitigation Program Restoration Funding Guidelines. February 2012.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ Page 87 of 87
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS). 2009. Alexandria, LA. Conservation Planting Methods for Native and
Introduced Species. Plant Materials Technical Note No 14. 6 pages. August 2009.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1978. Soil Survey of Orange County
and Western Part of Riverside County, California.
Williams, P. H., R. W. Thorp, L. L. Richardson, and S. R. Colla. 2014. Bumble Bees of
North America: An Identification Guide. Princeton University Press.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Fairview Park CSS and Flower Fields HRMP
Land IQ
APPENDIX 1
LONG-TERM INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR FAIRVIEW PARK
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Appendix 1
Long-Term Invasive Plant
Management Plan for Fairview Park
Prepared for
MIG
360 East Second Street, Suite 675
Los Angeles, California 90012
Contact: Jenni Zell
Director of Los Angeles Operations
Director of Regenerative Design Studio
jzell@migcom.com
Prepared by
3791 Wade Street
Los Angeles, CA 90066
MARCH 2024
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Long-Term Invasive Plant Control Plan ........................................................................................... 1
1.1 Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Management Approach ................................................................................................................ 2
1.2.1 Adaptive Management ............................................................................................................. 3
1.2.2 Access ....................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.3 Volunteer Opportunities ........................................................................................................... 4
1.3 High-Priority Invasive Plants ......................................................................................................... 4
1.3.1 Level of Control ......................................................................................................................... 7
1.4 Prioritization of Invasive Plant Control Areas ............................................................................... 7
1.4.1 Priority 1 Control Areas ............................................................................................................ 9
1.4.2 Priority 2 Control Areas ............................................................................................................ 9
1.5 Biological Resource Protection ................................................................................................... 10
1.5.1 General Protective Measures ................................................................................................. 11
1.5.2 Qualifications for Biologist ...................................................................................................... 11
1.5.3 Environmental Training .......................................................................................................... 12
1.5.4 Sensitive Species Protection ................................................................................................... 12
1.5.5 Protective Buffers ................................................................................................................... 16
1.6 Invasive Plant Surveys and EDRR ................................................................................................ 16
1.6.1 Invasive Plant Surveys ............................................................................................................. 17
1.6.2 Early Detection and Rapid Response ...................................................................................... 17
1.7 Timing of Invasive Plant Control Treatments .............................................................................. 19
1.7.1 Vernal Pool Watershed ........................................................................................................... 24
1.7.2 Sensitive Habitat Areas (Potential CAGN and LBV Habitat) .................................................... 24
1.7.3 All Other Natural Areas ........................................................................................................... 25
1.8 Biosecurity Procedures to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Plants ............................................... 25
1.8.1 Biosecurity Measures During Control Activities ..................................................................... 25
1.9 High-Priority Invasive Plant Control Methods ............................................................................. 26
1.9.1 Physical Control Methods ....................................................................................................... 28
1.9.2 Chemical Control Methods ..................................................................................................... 30
1.10 Target Invasive Species Control Methods ................................................................................... 39
1.10.1 Artichoke Thistle ................................................................................................................. 39
1.10.2 Australian Saltbush ............................................................................................................. 39
1.10.3 Crown Daisy ........................................................................................................................ 40
1.10.4 Castor Bean ........................................................................................................................ 40
1.10.5 Fountaingrass ..................................................................................................................... 40
1.10.6 Giant Reed .......................................................................................................................... 41
1.10.7 Milk Thistle and Italian Thistle ............................................................................................ 42
1.10.8 Pride of Madeira ................................................................................................................. 42
1.10.9 Purple False Brome ............................................................................................................. 42
1.10.10 Mustard Species ................................................................................................................. 43
1.10.11 Nonnative Grass Control .................................................................................................... 44
1.10.12 Poison Hemlock .................................................................................................................. 44
1.10.13 Stinknet .............................................................................................................................. 44
1.10.14 Sweet Fennel ...................................................................................................................... 45
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ ii
1.10.15 Target Annual Invasive Control in the Vernal Pool Watershed .......................................... 45
1.11 Effectiveness Monitoring and Reporting ..................................................................................... 45
2 References ................................................................................................................................... 46
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1 High-Priority Invasive Plant Control Priority Areas. .................................................................. 8
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 High-Priority Invasive Plants for Long-Term Management ....................................................... 5
Table 1-2 High-Priority Invasive Plant Eradication or Containment Priorities Parkwide or in Sensitive
Habitat Areas: Vernal Pool Watershed (VPW) and Wetlands, Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS), and Riparian
Habitat Areas (WRA). ............................................................................................................................. 6
Table 1-3 Timing and Method of Treatment for High-Priority Invasive Plants Parkwide or in Sensitive
Habitat Areas: Vernal Pool Watershed (VPW) and Wetlands, Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS), and Riparian
Habitat Areas (WRA). ........................................................................................................................... 20
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 1
1 LONG-TERM INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL PLAN
This Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan aims to provide the City of Costa Mesa
with a strategic approach to controlling invasive plant species, ensuring the preservation
of valuable biological resources within Fairview Park. Numerous nonnative species are
present in Fairview Park, but this plan prioritizes the management of high-priority
invasive species that pose substantial threats to native habitat functionality and
biodiversity. Invasive plants were identified in the park during the 2023 biological
surveys and assessments conducted for the development of the Fairview Park Master
Plan Update.
Cultural artifacts of significance are present within the soil profile across various areas of
the park. The invasive plant control methods outlined in this plan typically do not cause
significant soil disturbance. However, in instances where substantial digging is necessary
to remove a perennial high-priority invasive weed, the City should consult its records to
determine the likelihood of encountering culturally significant materials in the affected
area.
In cases where culturally significant materials are likely to be present, the City shall
engage an appropriate cultural monitor during all ground-disturbing activities to ensure
the protection of in-situ cultural resources. It is important to note that cutting or pulling
roots of plants from the topsoil does not require the presence of a cultural monitor.
This approach ensures that our efforts to manage invasive plants are balanced with the
preservation of culturally significant materials, promoting responsible stewardship of
both natural and cultural resources within the park.
1.1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of this plan is to preserve the ecological balance within Fairview Park
by focusing on invasive plant management.
Key objectives include:
1. Preventing excessive biomass production from invasive plants to protect native
species and maintain biodiversity.
2. Controlling invasive plant populations before they produce viable seeds to
ensure long-term control and reduce their negative impact on wildlife habitats
and native plant recruitment.
3. Prioritizing management efforts for invasive species that pose the greatest
threat to the park's biological resources, given limited resources available for
annual control.
Specific goals for controlling high-priority invasive plants in sensitive habitat areas and
fuel management zones (FMZ) include:
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 2
SENSITIVE HABITAT AREAS
1. In case of limited resources, first prioritize invasive weed control efforts in or
near existing sensitive habitat areas.
2. Address smaller infestations of the most invasive weed species before
controlling larger, more widespread, and ubiquitous weeds, especially if they risk
spreading into high-quality habitats. In general, prioritize the removal of small
populations of highly invasive species or species new to the area.
3. Implement management strategies to reduce disturbances (e.g., off-leash dogs,
trash dumping, off-trail hiking) within the park.
4. Close unnecessary or unauthorized trails to minimize disturbance frequency and
additional avenues for weed invasion into areas with sensitive native habitats.
FUEL MANAGEMENT ZONES
1. Apply weed abatement and fuel management techniques in areas that require
wildfire risk reduction, ensuring they align with the protection of sensitive
habitats and native-rich areas.
2. Utilize methods outlined in this plan to control target invasive species, taking
care to prevent their spread within sensitive habitats and other natural areas of
the park.
3. Employ weed abatement methods that do not disturb the soil, avoiding practices
like tilling that maintain high disturbance regimes, promoting disturbance-
adapted nonnative weeds, which act as dry, flashy fuel sources during summer
and fall fire seasons.
4. Time weed abatement efforts to control fuel modification areas before weed
seed set, managing fuel loads while simultaneously reducing nonnative weed
seed contributions to the soil.
1.2 MANAGEMENT APPROACH
This plan is based on the framework presented in the invasive plant land management
guide developed by the USFWS in collaboration with the California Invasive Plant
Council (Cal-IPC) in the Land Manager’s Guide to Developing and Invasive Plant
Management Plan (USFWS, Cal-IPC, 2018). By focusing on high-priority invasive plants
and implementing a strategic approach, the plan aims to maintain the park's ecological
balance and promote the long-term control of invasive species. This plan consists of
eight main steps:
1. Identify target invasive plants present in the park.
2. Prioritize the level of control based on invasive plant location and density to
maximize protection of sensitive resources.
3. Follow biological resource protection measures to avoid impacts to sensitive and
protected species.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 3
4. Conduct annual invasive plant surveys to guide treatment timing and methods.
5. Time invasive plant control treatments to maximize control and avoid impacts to
sensitive habitats and species.
6. Follow biosecurity procedures to prevent the spread of invasive plants.
7. Use the appropriate invasive plant control methods.
8. Conduct effectiveness monitoring and reporting to track invasive plant
populations and guide recommendations for the following year.
1.2.1 Adaptive Management
Invasive plant control will be implemented using an adaptive management approach,
which enables adjustments in response to observations, site conditions, best available
treatment methods, efficacy of previous control measures, and annual weather
variations. Adaptive management provides a flexible framework to address the
complexities of invasive plant management and respond to feedback from regular
monitoring.
Several fluctuating variables can impact the success of invasive plant control programs,
including weather, fire events, intense rainfall, nonnative species distribution, and
adjacent land management activities. Monitoring is a critical aspect of adaptive
management and is necessary for tracking changes over time, assessing the
effectiveness of control methods, and ensuring the protection of Fairview Park's
sensitive biological resources.
Existing knowledge and experience, combined with new observations, will inform
management adjustments while maintaining the plan's overall goals. Factors such as
historic disturbance levels, invasive species density, soil complexity, and proximity to
native habitats may require adapting strategies accordingly. The methods described in
this plan will be used in various combinations, considering field conditions, weather, and
monitoring results.
Adaptive management decisions will be based on experience from previous weed
control treatments within the park or other relevant areas, new knowledge from
reputable sources on alternative effective treatments, and new target invasive species
discovered during early detection surveys. Additionally, any invasive plant control
methods in this plan may be superseded by approved restoration plans for the park. For
instance, opportunistic control species, such as five horn bassia (Bassia hyssopifolia),
may be better controlled through a holistic weed management approach implemented
as part of a restoration project.
The described invasive plant control methods can be amended as needed to
accommodate improved methods or opportunities.
1.2.2 Access
The existing network of trails and fire roads can be used to access most of Fairview Park
and shall be used for access to the invasive plant populations targeted for control. In
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 4
general, access within the invasive plant control areas for weed control shall be by foot.
This is to protect sensitive resources to prevent harm to native plant and animal species,
damaging impacts to the soil such as compaction, and to prevent the unintentional
spread of invasive and nonnative weed seed that can be moved around by vehicles.
Some areas have difficult access due to steep terrain or dense vegetation. Park crews
shall be used for invasive species control in these areas as well as during sensitive times
of the year, such as the bird breeding season, to ensure that necessary biological
protection measures are followed (Section 1.5). As opportunities arise for volunteer
weeding events that may include control of the target invasive species recommended
for control in this plan, areas for volunteer weeding efforts should be carefully selected
to safeguard the safety of participants.
1.2.3 Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer participation in mechanical control techniques that do not require heavy
equipment, such as chainsaws or mowers, can be facilitated through organized events
supervised by a trained "weed management leader." These leaders should be
knowledgeable in identifying target weeds and common native species in the area, as
well as experienced in effective mechanical treatment methods to demonstrate proper
weeding techniques for volunteers.
To maximize the effectiveness of these events, selected sites should be easily accessible,
located near existing trails or roads, and have manageable slopes. Focusing on a single
target species per event can simplify identification, enabling volunteers to contribute
more effectively to invasive plant control efforts.
1.3 HIGH-PRIORITY INVASIVE PLANTS
Due to limited resources, management efforts should focus on controlling invasive
species that pose the greatest threat to the park's biological resources. Priority should
be given to protecting sensitive habitat areas and high investment areas, such as
restoration sites or locations where extensive efforts have already been made to control
invasive species. Continued efforts in these areas will likely be necessary until invasive
species are eradicated, and habitat restoration goals for the area are met.
Plant species list generated during surveys and assessments for the Fairview Park
Master Plan Update were the basis for determining the high-priority invasive species
targeted for control. The species are all Cal-IPC rated invasive plants species or locally
invasive plants that are a threat to sensitive habitat areas in Fairview Park. Table 1-1
presents the high-priority invasive plants, Cal-IPC rating, and growth characteristics.
Table 1-2 presents the general location where the high-priority invasive plants occur and
the level of control targeted.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 5
Table 1-1 High-Priority Invasive Plants for Long-Term Management
Scientific
Name
Common
Name Cal-IPC Rating* Bloom Period Lifeform Duration Methods of Reproduction
Arundo donax Giant reed High May to June Grass Perennial Vegetative; roots,
rhizomes, stems with nodes
Atriplex semibaccata Australian saltbush Moderate April to Dec. Subshrub Perennial Seed
Bassia hyssopifolia Five horn bassia Limited June to July Herbaceous Annual Seed
Brachypodium distachyon Purple false brome Moderate April to July Grass Annual/Perennial Seed
Brassica nigra Black mustard Moderate April to July Herbaceous Annual Seed
Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome Moderate April to June Grass Annual Seed
Carduus pycnocephalus Italian thistle Moderate Feb. to July Herbaceous Annual Seed
Carduus tenuiflorus Slender flowered thistle Limited April to Aug. Herbaceous Annual Seed
Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle Moderate July to Sep. Herbaceous Perennial Seed
Conium maculatum Poison hemlock Moderate April to Se. Herbaceous Biennial Seed
Cynara cardunculus Artichoke thistle Moderate April to July Herbaceous Perennial Seed
Echium candicans Pride of Madeira Limited Feb. to Oct. Shrub Perennial Seed
Foeniculum vulgare Sweet fennel Moderate May to Sep. Herbaceous Perennial
Primarily seed; occasionally
vegetatively from root and
crown fragments
Glebionis coronaria Crown daisy Limited March to July Herbaceous Annual Seed
Hirschfeldia incana Shortpod mustard Moderate Year Round Herbaceous Perennial Seed
Oncosiphon pilulifer Stinknet High March to July Herbaceous Annual Seed
Pennisetum setaceum Fountaingrass Moderate July to Aug. Grass Perennial Seed
Raphanus sativus Wild radish Limited Feb. to July Herbaceous Annual/Biennial Seed
Ricinus communis Castor bean Limited Year Round Shrub Perennial
Primarily seed; occasionally
vegetatively from root and
stem fragments
Rumex crispus Curly dock Limited Year Round Herbaceous Perennial Seed
Salsola australis Russian thistle Locally Invasive March to Jan. Herbaceous Annual Seed
Silybum marianum Milk thistle Limited April to July Herbaceous Annual/Biennial Seed
Sisymbrium irio London rocket Limited Jan. to April Herbaceous Annual Seed
Solanum rostratum Buffalobur Locally Invasive May to Sep. Herbaceous Annual Seed
* “Locally Invasive” is not a Cal-IPC rating, but Land IQ has identified these species as locally invasive with ecological impacts on sensitive biological resources in Fairview
Park.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 6
Table 1-2 High-Priority Invasive Plant Eradication or Containment Priorities Parkwide or in Sensitive Habitat Areas: Vernal Pool Watershed
(VPW) and Wetlands, Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS), and Riparian Habitat Areas (WRA).
ERADICATE CONTAIN
Scientific
Name
Common
Name General Location in Fairview Park
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
VP
W
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
Arundo donax Giant reed Drainages on the west bluff X X
Atriplex semibaccata Australian saltbush Nonnative annual grasslands and trail edges X X
Bassia hyssopifolia Five horn smotherweed Vernal pool watershed, moist disturbed soils X
Brachypodium distachyon Purple false brome Vernal pool watershed, nonnative annual grasslands X X X
Brassica nigra Black mustard Common on slopes and on imported fill material X X
Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome Nonnative annual grassland, disturbed areas X
Carduus pycnocephalus Italian thistle Poison hemlock patches, riparian and wetland areas X X X
Carduus tenuiflorus Slender flowered thistle Poison hemlock patches, riparian and wetland areas X X X
Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle Riparian and wetland areas, disturbed areas X X X
Conium maculatum Poison hemlock North facing bluff slopes and west bluff drain X X
Cynara cardunculus Artichoke thistle Nonnative annual grassland with clayey soils X
Echium candicans Pride of Madeira Landscaped areas X
Foeniculum vulgare Sweet fennel Throughout Park X X X
Glebionis coronaria Crown daisy Vernal pool watershed, fuel modification zones X X
Hirschfeldia incana Shortpod mustard Occurs on mesa X X
Oncosiphon pilulifer Stinknet Occurs on mesa and along trails X X
Pennisetum setaceum Fountaingrass Disturbed areas, Fairview Park Channel X
Raphanus sativus Wild radish Common in disturbed soils X X
Ricinus communis Castor bean Base of the earthen drain west bluff area X
Rumex crispus Curly dock Vernal pool watershed X X
Salsola australis Tumbleweed Vernal pool watershed X X
Silybum marianum Milk thistle Throughout Park X
Sisymbrium irio London rocket Common in disturbed soils X X
Solanum rostratum Buffalobur Vernal pool watershed X
ERADICATE = Complete removal of the invasive plant population and monitoring to ensure that is does not reestablish.
CONTAIN = Eradication is not practical, feasible, or necessary but the invasive plant population should be managed to contain its current population size until the habitat can be
restored or otherwise enhanced, and to prevent the spread of the invasive plant to another sensitive habitat in Fairview Park.
Sensitive Habitat Areas = CSS Areas that have potential for nesting coastal California gnatcatcher nesting, and all riparian and wetland areas, including vernal pools.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 7
1.3.1 Level of Control
The key to effective management is consistent and structured approaches for
prioritizing monitoring, control, and eradication of invasive species. The approach for
invasive species control presented in this plan is based on the knowledge that not all
invasive species can be eradicated from the Park but may only be controllable in
portions of the Park, such as sensitive habitats, or localized small populations, and larger
more established populations may only feasibly be controlled to stop their spread.
The plan identifies three levels of control effort for target invasive species to ensure
efficient management and protection of sensitive habitats and species. These levels
include:
• Parkwide Eradication: High-priority invasive species with the most significant
potential to harm sensitive habitats and species are targeted for complete
eradication from the park. Feasibility assessments consider the extent of the
species' spread, and the costs associated with control efforts.
• Containment Control: For well-established and ubiquitous invasive species,
complete eradication may be challenging and cost prohibitive. Control efforts
should focus on areas susceptible to species spread, such as access trails, roads,
and locations subject to annual disturbances like fuel modification zones or
grassy areas near Placentia Avenue.
• Opportunistic Control: Invasive species rated by Cal-IPC that are present within
the park but may be costly to eradicate or contain fall under opportunistic
control. Control measures for these species should be implemented when
populations overlap with treatment areas for other high-priority species and
resources permit.
1.4 PRIORITIZATION OF INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL AREAS
Control of high-priority invasive plants will be carried out in a phased approach, with the
highest priority given to sensitive habitat areas (Priority 1 Control Areas). As time and
resources permit, control efforts will expand to all other natural areas within the park,
designated as Priority 2 Control Areas (Figure 1-1).
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 8
Figure 1-1 High-Priority Invasive Plant Control Priority Areas.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 9
1.4.1 Priority 1 Control Areas
Priority 1 Control Areas encompass the following sensitive habitat areas:
1. Vernal pool watersheds, including vernal pools, which support rare plants and
sensitive aquatic resources like the federally endangered San Diego fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta sandiegonensis) and Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus
woottoni)
2. Suitable coastal sage scrub habitat for the federally threatened and state Species
of Special Concern, coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica
californica) (CAGN)
3. Suitable riparian habitat for the state and federally endangered, Least Bell's vireo
(Vireo bellii pusillus) (LBV)
1.4.2 Priority 2 Control Areas
Priority 2 Control Areas include:
1. Fuel Modification Zones
2. Areas within the historic vernal pool watershed that are covered by improper fill
material or disconnected hydrologically from the vernal pools by the improper
fill material; these areas are identified for future habitat restoration, including
removal of the fill material to restore the historic vernal pool watershed
3. All other natural areas within the park
Control efforts should initially target Priority 1 Control Areas, with the primary goal of
eradicating specified target invasive plant species. Once treatment in Priority 1 areas is
complete, remaining resources should be allocated to managing invasive species in
Priority 2 Control Areas.
In cases where target invasive species populations are small or pose a significant threat
to the park's natural areas and sensitive biological resources, parkwide eradication is the
goal. If eradication is not feasible or necessary, such as when populations are
widespread within the park and surrounding areas, containment and long-term control
are the primary objectives.
FUEL MODIFICATION ZONES
Fuel Modification Zones (FMZ) are managed to minimize fire risk to buildings and
provide firefighters with a defensible space during fire events. The 100-ft FMZ
requirement set by OCFA is primarily maintained along the park's property line adjacent
to habitable structures. Currently, these areas are dominated by nonnative annual
grasses and forbs, with annual mowing during the summer season to manage fire risk
while preserving nonnative plant dominance.
Several high-priority invasive plants are present within the FMZs, including black
mustard (Brassica nigra), short pod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), and crown daisy
(Glebionis coronaria). These species should be controlled at the appropriate time of the
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 10
year, as outlined in Section 1.7, to ensure effective management. This may necessitate
conducting control efforts at different times than fuel modification activities. If control is
not feasible during the optimal treatment periods due to resource constraints, the seed
and vegetative reproductive material of invasive species should be carefully bagged and
removed from the FMZs to prevent their spread into adjacent natural areas of the park.
Annual surveys conducted by a qualified plant biologist during treatment, monitoring, or
early detection efforts should include FMZs to identify any new invasive species
requiring control or known invasive species that are encroaching on the FMZs.
Opportunities may arise to collaborate with OCFA on alternative fuel modification
strategies that fulfill fuel reduction objectives, such as horizontal and vertical fuel breaks
or trimming of dead standing vegetation. These strategies could incorporate desirable
native species to replace current nonnative species, thereby enhancing wildlife habitat
quality and reducing the spread of undesirable invasive species within the park.
1.5 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE PROTECTION
The primary goal of the invasive plant control plan is to protect the natural resources
within the park. This section outlines measures to minimize potential adverse impacts
on:
1. Protected, sensitive, or locally rare plant and wildlife species
2. Nesting birds in or near treatment areas
When feasible, conduct invasive species control, including physical and chemical
methods, outside the avian breeding season to limit impacts on sensitive species and
biological resources in Fairview Park.
Although it is recommended to implement control measures outside the nesting season
whenever possible, certain high-priority invasive plants may require control during the
nesting season for effective management. The following resource protection measures
should be implemented during the nesting season:
1. Schedule vegetation removal outside the nesting season (nesting seasons are as
follows: February 15 to August 15 for songbirds; January 15 to August 15 for
raptors; February 15 to August 31 for CAGN; and March 1 to September 15 for
LBV) when possible.
2. If vegetation removal must occur during the nesting season, conduct thorough
surveys for nesting birds in all suitable habitats prior to vegetation clearing
activities. Surveys should be performed by a permitted and approved biologist.
Raptor nesting surveys are only necessary in potential raptor nesting habitats,
such as the park's existing riparian areas.
Successful implementation of the invasive plant management plan will enhance the
quality and availability of nesting habitat for native and migratory birds. However,
precautions must be taken to protect nesting birds throughout the process.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 11
1.5.1 General Protective Measures
The following are general protective measures that shall be implemented during
invasive weed control activities.
Weed Control Hours: Weed control activities will be limited to daylight hours.
Work Area and Staging: Equipment staging, such as for vehicle parking, equipment
storage, or waste bin storage, will be restricted to the smallest area practicable in
designated work areas, routes, temporary interior access, or the limits of existing
roadways/pathways.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas and/or Exclusion: Where appropriate, fencing,
flagging, or biological monitoring will be used to minimize or avoid disturbance to
environmentally sensitive areas and listed species habitat which will include patches of
coastal sage scrub, the vernal pool watershed, riparian, and other sensitive habitats.
Invasive Species: The spread or introduction of nonnative, invasive species will be
avoided. Invasive plant material will be removed using approved protocols and disposed
of at an appropriate upland disposal or compost area in a manner that will not promote
their spread. The project will use weed free erosion control materials such as burlap rice
straw wattles and certified weed-free mulch, if needed.
Equipment Maintenance and Materials Storage: Vehicle traffic will be confined to
existing roads and trailways. All machinery must be in good working condition, showing
no signs of fuel or oil leaks. Oil, grease, or other fluids will be washed off at off-site
designated wash stations prior to entering the site. Inspection and evaluation for the
potential for fluid leakage will be performed daily prior to use. All fuel and chemical
storage, servicing, and refueling will be done in the designated staging area or other
suitable location with secondary containment to prevent spills from traveling to surface
water or drainages.
Herbicide Handling: All herbicide mixing shall occur in designated work staging areas
and conducted in such a manner as all potential spills shall be captured in containment
bins. Herbicide mixing shall not occur within 100 feet of an open body of water. Filling of
spray backpacks shall be done in containment bin to collect any potential spills. Park
crews shall have spill kits in their vehicles and all spills shall be cleaned up immediately
and all contaminated material properly disposed of off-site.
Trash Removed Daily: All trash, especially food-related refuse that may attract potential
predators or scavengers, will be properly contained in sealed containers or bags,
removed from the work site, and disposed of daily.
1.5.2 Qualifications for Biologist
The following definitions describe a qualified biologist and an agency approved biologist
for purposes of conducting surveys and biological monitoring:
Qualified Biologist: The minimum qualifications for the Qualified Biologist include a
bachelor’s degree in biological or environmental science, natural resources
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 12
management, or related discipline; field experience in the habitat types that occur at
the project site; familiarity with the listed species (or closely related species) that may
occur at the project site; and prior preconstruction survey, construction monitoring, or
construction oversight experience.
Approved Biologist: For listed species, such as the coastal California gnatcatcher, least
Bell’s vireo, and Crotch’s bumble bee, additional qualifications are required for
biologists who would be responsible for species surveying. For this plan, the Approved
Biologist will have the following qualifications:
• A federal section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit for coastal California gnatcatcher
surveys
• At least five years’ direct experience with least Bell’s vireo to survey for this
species
• Approved by CDFW to survey for Crotch’s bumble bee on the project site
Because the qualifications for the Approved Biologist exceed those for the Qualified
Biologist, any activity indicated as appropriate for the Qualified Biologist below may also
be completed by an Approved Biologist. Where sensitive species may be directly or
indirectly impacted by project implementation, the following species protection
measures shall be implemented, as appropriate.
1.5.3 Environmental Training
Prior to involving new or existing personnel in restoration activities, all new restoration
personnel will undergo environmental awareness training led by a Qualified Biologist.
This training will cover the identification, habitat requirements, legal protections,
avoidance and minimization measures, and applicable protection measures for special-
status species and nesting birds that may be present in or near the project site.
Personnel will be informed of the procedures to follow if a special-status species or
nesting bird is encountered during project activities.
Training may be conducted in an online or virtual meeting format. For extended projects
requiring multiple training events, a training video developed under the supervision of
the Qualified Biologist may be used to educate new personnel, provided that a Qualified
Biologist is available by phone to address questions about the training or any concerns
that may arise during project activities.
1.5.4 Sensitive Species Protection
Surveys shall be conducted for the following threatened, rare, or endangered species
that are known to or have the potential to occur at Fairview Park. The following are
recommended survey guidelines. All existing resources to be protected will be identified
by the required biologist and flagged prior to any project disturbance.
COASTAL CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER
Habitat Avoidance: Invasive plant treatment impacts will be avoided or minimized in
coastal sage scrub and other vegetation communities suitable for the coastal California
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 13
gnatcatcher (CAGN) during the breeding season. If surveys determine that the habitat is
occupied or that impacts to these habitats cannot be avoided, any possible incidental
“take” of CAGN individuals will be avoided or minimized through implementation of the
measures listed below.
Work Window: To avoid or minimize impacts to nesting CAGN, all clearing of vegetation
in CAGN suitable habitat will occur outside of the breeding season (September 1
through February 14). If the breeding season cannot be avoided, a United States Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Approved Biologist will conduct pre-work nesting bird
surveys prior to weed treatments. A minimum of 3 surveys are recommended to be
conducted during the nesting season prior to the start of work activities with the third
and final survey within 5 days of initiating the start of work. If no active CAGN nests are
found, project activities may proceed.
Work Restrictions Near Active Nests: If an active CAGN nest is detected during the
surveys, work will be suspended until the end of the nesting season (August 31), or until
the young have fledged; alternatively, the following conditions will apply:
• A USFWS-Approved Biologist will establish a 100-foot disturbance buffer
distance between noise-generating project activities and CAGN nest(s). Noise-
buffer distances may be modified in coordination with the USFWS Field Office
based on project-specific characteristics or the City may choose to submit their
own analysis and buffer recommendations for USFWS’s consideration.
• Once the buffer is established, a Qualified Biologist will monitor the nest during
treatment activities for signs of adverse effects, including distress/disturbance. If
adverse effects are detected, the Qualified Biologist will have the authority to
stop all treatment activities in the vicinity of the nest and implement additional
protection measures. If no work is to occur within or near the buffer, and no
adverse impacts were detected during any previous monitoring activities, work
can proceed outside the buffer without the need for a monitor being present.
• A Qualified Biologist will continue to monitor the nest and will determine when
young have fledged (in coordination with a USFWS-Approved Biologist). Once
the USFWS-Approved Biologist has confirmed that the young have left the nest,
the protective buffer may be removed, and treatment activities within these
areas may resume.
LEAST BELL’S VIREO
Habitat Avoidance: Invasive plant treatment impacts will be avoided or minimized in
areas suitable for least Bell’s vireo (LBV) habitat during the breeding season (March 15
through September 15). If surveys determine that the habitat is occupied or that
impacts to these habitats cannot be avoided, any possible incidental “take” of LBV
individuals will be avoided or minimized through implementation of the measures listed
below.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 14
Work Window: To avoid or minimize impacts to nesting LBV, all clearing of vegetation in
occupied habitat or suitable habitat will occur outside the breeding season (September
16 through March 14). If the breeding season cannot be avoided, a USFWS-Approved
Biologist will conduct pre-work nesting bird surveys prior to weed treatments. A
minimum of 3 surveys are recommended to be conducted during the nesting season
prior to the start of work activities with the third and final survey within 5 days of the
start of work. If no active LBV nests are found, project activities may proceed.
Work Restrictions Near Active Nests: If an active LBV nest is detected during the survey,
work will be suspended until the end of the nesting season (September 15), or until the
young have fledged; alternatively, the following conditions will apply:
• A USFWS-Approved Biologist will establish a 100-foot disturbance buffer
distance between noise-generating project activities and LBV nest(s). Noise-
buffer distances may be modified in coordination with the USFWS Field Office
based on project-specific characteristics or the City may choose to submit their
own analysis and buffer recommendations for USFWS’s consideration.
• Once the buffer is established, a Qualified Biologist will monitor the nest during
treatment activities for signs of adverse effects, including distress/disturbance. If
adverse effects are detected, the Qualified Biologist will have the authority to
stop all treatment activities in the vicinity of the nest and implement additional
protection measures. If no work is to occur within or near the buffer, and no
adverse impacts were detected during any previous monitoring activities, work
can proceed outside the buffer without the need for a monitor being present.
• A Qualified Biologist will continue to monitor the nest and will determine when
young have fledged (in coordination with a USFWS-Approved Biologist). Once
the USFWS-Approved Biologist has confirmed that the young have left the nest,
the protective buffer may be removed, and treatment activities within these
areas may resume.
CROTCH’S BUMBLE BEE
Habitat Avoidance: Impacts to burrows/nests occupied by Crotch’s bumble bee (CRBB)
(Bombus crotchii), candidate species for state endangered status, will be avoided. If
CRBB are observed, the area shall be considered occupied, and work shall not occur
until the end of the flight season.
Surveys shall be performed by a CDFW-Approved Biologist or entomologist familiar with
CRBB behavior and life history. Surveys shall be conducted during the flying season
(April through mid-October), when the species is most likely to be detected above
ground and include a minimum of 3 surveys with a 3-week space between surveys. If no
CRBB are found within the work area, project activities may proceed. If Crotch’s bumble
bee is found within the work area, the City may propose site-specific measures in
coordination with CDFW to avoid take or obtain an Incidental Take Permit.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 15
BURROWING OWL
Avoidance: Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) (BUOW), state Species of Special
Concern, are not known to nest at Fairview Park but are known to occupy the Park in
the winter. The restoration activities shall avoid impacts to nesting BUOW and known
overwintering locations. If a BUOW is observed on the project site, work shall be
suspended, and the Qualified Biologist shall immediately contact CDFW to develop a
plan for avoidance prior to initiating any ground disturbance on the project site.
BREEDING / NESTING BIRDS
Avoidance: To the extent feasible, weed control activities should be scheduled to avoid
the bird nesting season (February 15 through August 31 for songbirds; January 15 to
August 15 for raptors). If it is not possible to schedule weed control activities between
September 1 and February 14, or January 14 in suitable raptor nesting areas, then pre-
work surveys for nesting birds will be conducted by a Qualified Biologist to avoid
impacts to nesting birds.
Pre-work breeding/nesting bird surveys will be conducted during the bird nesting
season (February 15 through August 31 for songbirds; January 15 to August 15 for
raptors) if vegetation removal or other activities are planned that could violate the
California Fish and Game Code and/or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). A Qualified
Biologist will conduct pre-work breeding/nesting bird surveys no more than 5 days prior
to the initiation of any site-disturbance activities that may impact nesting birds. During
this survey, the biologist will inspect all vegetation and other potential nesting habitats
in the work area for nests. Active nesting is present if a bird is building a nest or sitting in
a nest, if a nest has eggs or chicks in it, or if adults are observed carrying food to the
nest. If no breeding/nesting birds are observed, work activities may begin. If
breeding/nesting birds are observed, the measures described below shall be
implemented.
Work Restrictions Near Active Nests: If an active nest is detected, work will be
suspended until the young have fledged or until the end of the nesting season (August
31); alternatively, the following conditions will apply:
• A Qualified Biologist will establish a disturbance buffer distance between noise-
generating project activities and the nest. Noise buffer distances (typically up to
300 feet for raptors and up to 100 feet for other species) will be determined by
the Qualified Biologist based upon consideration of the bird species and the
nature of the planned project activity.
• If a buffer is established, a Qualified Biologist will monitor the nest during weed
control activities for signs of adverse effects, including distress/disturbance. If
adverse effects are detected, the Qualified Biologist will have the authority to
stop all weed control activities in the vicinity of the nest and implement
additional protection or avoidance measures. If no work is to occur within or
near the buffer, and no adverse impacts were detected during any previous
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 16
monitoring activities, work can proceed outside the buffer without the need for
a monitor being present.
• A Qualified Biologist will continue to monitor the nest and will determine when
the young have fledged. Once the Biologist has confirmed that the young have
left the nest, the buffer and exclusion zone may be removed, and weed control
activities within these areas may resume.
1.5.5 Protective Buffers
All buffers shall be clearly marked in the field sufficiently to prevent the crew from
entering the buffers with the minimal amount of flagging to prevent drawing the
attention of the nest to predators. The buffer locations shall be shown in the field to the
crews that will be working in the area along with a map provided of all nest locations
and associated buffers. The crew shall be informed of all restrictions to work activities
within the buffer as well as any access information that may be required for avoidance
of the buffer. For instance, access points shall be determined to prevent repeated travel
near a buffer during the workday.
1.6 INVASIVE PLANT SURVEYS AND EDRR
A brief high-priority invasive plant control plan will be developed annually by a qualified
biologist possessing the necessary expertise in native and nonnative plants of California.
The minimum qualifications for the qualified biologist include:
1. A bachelor's degree in biological or environmental science, natural resources
management, botany, or a related discipline.
2. Field experience in the park's habitat types.
3. Familiarity with sensitive or rare plant species that are present or may occur at
the park.
4. Knowledge of invasive plant species found in the park.
The qualified biologist will survey the park at the appropriate time to identify and assess
the location, density, and phenology of target invasive species. Survey data should
encompass the following:
1. Invasive plant population coordinates.
2. Invasive plant species.
3. Population size.
4. Phenology or life stage of most of the invasive plant population.
5. General location description.
Based on the most up-to-date best practices, the qualified biologist will provide the park
maintenance crews with recommended treatment methods for each target invasive
species. The plan should include:
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 17
1. The phenological stage of the target invasive plants for treatment.
2. Recommended treatment methods.
3. Necessary follow-up treatments and their anticipated timing.
4. A map of the location, including information on population size.
5. The number and timing of treatments throughout the year.
6. Protective measures for sensitive species or habitats to be implemented before
treatments.
By following these guidelines, the park's invasive weed management plan will be
effectively developed and implemented, ensuring the preservation of the park's diverse
ecosystems.
1.6.1 Invasive Plant Surveys
To determine appropriate timing and control methods, initial weed surveys for annual
treatment should be conducted during winter, ensuring that weed treatment can take
place before the start of the earliest bird nesting season, which begins on January 15 for
raptor species. If additional weed control is required during the growing season,
subsequent surveys by the qualified plant biologist will identify optimal timing and
methods for follow-up treatments. Surveys should be timed to prevent significant seed
set, ensuring that treatment can effectively control the population before viable seeds
are produced.
Follow-up surveys may be needed at appropriate times depending on the weed
treatment method used. For example, after stump cut treatments, populations should
generally be checked about one month after treatment to address any emerging
resprouts or seedlings that may have germinated around the treated mature plant.
For invasive species that can sustain their life cycle throughout the year and emerge
under favorable conditions, species-specific surveys may be necessary to determine
multiple follow-up treatments. An example of such a species is castor bean (Ricinus
communis), which can flower and germinate year-round when adequate soil moisture is
available, including during summer months.
1.6.2 Early Detection and Rapid Response
Alongside managing known high-priority invasive species populations, it is crucial to
continually assess the park for newly introduced invasive species or populations in
previously undetected areas. Implementing an Early Detection and Rapid Response
(EDRR) management approach is the most cost-effective method for detecting invasive
plants before they become a widespread problem.
EDRR efforts should focus on:
• Detecting new invasive plants requiring control
• Identifying new populations of known invasive species for inclusion in
subsequent treatment events
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 18
Annual focused surveys, conducted by a qualified plant biologist, should be
supplemented by documenting incidental findings during other park activities. Surveys
should prioritize areas susceptible to new infestations, such as trails, landscaped areas,
fuel modification zones, or potential vector corridors.
Preventing invasive species introduction is the primary and most cost-effective long-
term defense. Prevention measures include restricting invasive plant installation in
landscaped park areas. Promptly treating new infestations while eradication remains
feasible is the next line of defense. If eradication is not possible due to cost or feasibility
constraints, containment efforts may be necessary to protect sensitive park resources.
Containment typically requires long-term or indefinite control.
By systematically surveying for new populations of known invasive plants and detecting
new invasive species annually, the goal is to eradicate these species before they cause
ecological harm or become uncontrollable (USFWS 2015). Early control is key, as the
chances of successful eradication diminish, and control efforts increase once the species
are established and mature.
SURVEYS FOR NEW INVASIVE SPECIES
Detection of new invasive species can be integrated with other invasive plant surveys
conducted throughout the year. However, it is recommended to perform at least one
targeted early detection survey during the optimal time for detecting most invasive
species within the park. Spring is the most suitable season for this survey, as most plants
are actively growing, allowing for treatment of newly detected invasive species during
subsequent control events.
Prior to early detection surveys, gather and review background information to guide
detection and control prioritization:
• Review invasive plant species occurrences in the surrounding area (e.g., within
50 miles). Information on invasive plant species in the area can be obtained from
many web-based sources including CalWeedMapper, Calflora, Biodiversity
Serving Our Nation (BISON), EDDMapS, and iNaturalist.
• Consult with local invasive plant experts and land managers to see if there are
any additional species that should be considered for early detection.
• Lists of invasive plant species from other available sources including the U. S.
Department of Agriculture, from the local Santa Ana River and Orange Weed
Management Area (WMA), or other conservation management partnerships or
collectives.
Surveys for detecting new invasive species populations should be conducted annually,
using a systematic and repeatable approach. Focus on areas with a higher likelihood of
invasion, such as trails, roads, access points, and areas subject to regular disturbance
like fuel modification zones and annually mowed nonnative grasslands. Additionally,
assess areas adjacent to residential properties for invasive plants potentially introduced
from yards and escaped landscaping plants.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 19
The City could collaborate with residents and property owners to educate the public on
avoiding the use of invasive target plant species in their yards, minimizing the potential
for degradation of native park habitats. By working together and implementing these
strategies, the park's ecosystem can be better protected from the harmful effects of
invasive species.
1.7 TIMING OF INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL TREATMENTS
Successful control and protection of native habitats rely on consistent and well-timed
invasive plant treatments. Annual control efforts should be adjusted to each species'
requirements, such as the number of treatments needed, and consider any constraints
like avoiding herbicide use in sensitive areas (e.g., vernal pools and vernal pool
watershed).
The treatments shall be primarily focused outside of any sensitive times for sensitive
species, such as when there is standing water in the vernal pools, the breeding season
for bird species that are sensitive or protected under the MBTA, or during the flight
season of Crotch’s bumble bee. If work outside these sensitive periods cannot be
avoided, the appropriate protective measures, including biological surveying and
monitoring needs to be conducted during the breeding season to detect breeding
activity. If breeding activity is observed, appropriate protective buffers shall be placed
around sensitive areas, such as an active bird nest, and no work shall occur in these
areas until the nests are no longer active. Monitoring by a biologist with appropriate
requirements, approvals, and permits may be necessary. Protective measures are
described in more detail in Section 1.5.
Multiple control events using the most effective control strategies for the target invasive
species shall be anticipated during a control year for effective control. Table 1-3 shows
the control timing and strategies for the target invasive species.
The following provides timing for the different habitat areas of the Park along with
important management notes for control activities.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 20
Table 1-3 Timing and Method of Treatment for High-Priority Invasive Plants Parkwide or in Sensitive Habitat Areas: Vernal Pool Watershed
(VPW) and Wetlands, Coastal Sage Scrub (CSS), and Riparian Habitat Areas (WRA).
Control Event 1
(Jan. to
Feb. 15)
Control Event 2
(Spring to
Early Summer)
Control Event 3
(Summer to
Fall)
Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Physical/Mechanical Treatment
Method (P)
Chemical Treatment
Method (C)
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
Arundo donax Giant reed Cut and dig out plant removing all plant
material
Foliar herbicide
application – glyphosate
--- P/C P/C --- P/C P/C --- P/C P/C
Atriplex
semibaccata
Australian
saltbush
Hand-pull removing all rooting material Foliar herbicide
application - glyphosate
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Bassia
hyssopifolia
Five horn bassia Hand-pull removing all rooting material N/A P --- --- P --- --- P --- ---
Brachypodium
distachyon
Purple false
brome
Hand-pull small patches; or mow before
viable seed production but after soil
moisture depleted
Foliar herbicide
application - fluazifop
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P P
Brassica nigra Black mustard Hand-pull removing all rooting material;
or mow after flowering but before viable
seed production cutting close to the
ground to prevent resprouting (this may
require removal of thick plant thatch in
sensitive habitat areas); remove viable
seeds from mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application - glyphosate
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P P
Bromus diandrus Ripgut brome Hand-pull small patches; or mow before
viable seed production close to the
ground removing bolting stems (this
may require removal of thick plant
thatch in sensitive habitat areas)
Foliar herbicide
application - fluazifop
P --- --- P --- --- P --- ---
Carduus
pycnocephalus
Italian thistle Hand-pull removing all rooting material;
remove viable seeds from mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application – glyphosate
or clopyralid
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P P
Carduus
tenuiflorus
Slender
flowered thistle
Hand-pull removing all rooting material;
remove viable seeds from mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application – glyphosate
or clopyralid
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P P
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 21
Control Event 1
(Jan. to
Feb. 15)
Control Event 2
(Spring to
Early Summer)
Control Event 3
(Summer to
Fall)
Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Physical/Mechanical Treatment
Method (P)
Chemical Treatment
Method (C)
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle Hand-pull removing as much of the tap
root as possible; remove viable seeds
from mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application - clopyralid
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Conium
maculatum
Poison hemlock Hand-pull removing all rooting material;
remove viable seeds from mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application - glyphosate
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Cynara
cardunculus
Artichoke thistle Hand-pull removing as much of the tap
root as possible; remove viable seeds
from mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application - clopyralid
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Echium
candicans
Pride of Madeira Cut and dig out plant removing all plant
material
Foliar herbicide
application; or
Stump cut herbicide
application (requires
follow-up treatment of
resprouts)
--- P/C P/C --- P/C P/C --- P/C P/C
Foeniculum
vulgare
Sweet fennel Cut and dig out plant removing at least 3
to 6” of the root crown; remove viable
seeds from mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application – triclopyr in
winter; glyphosate all
other times most
effective before flowering
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Glebionis
coronaria
Crown daisy Hand-pull removing all rooting material
including any viable seed
Foliar herbicide
application - glyphosate
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P P
Hirschfeldia
incana
Shortpod
mustard
Hand-pull removing all rooting material;
or mow after flowering but before viable
seed production cutting close to the
ground to prevent resprouting; remove
viable seeds from mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application - glyphosate
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Oncosiphon
pilulifer
Stinknet Hand-pull removing all rooting material;
remove viable seeds from mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application – glyphosate
most effective in the
bolting stage
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 22
Control Event 1
(Jan. to
Feb. 15)
Control Event 2
(Spring to
Early Summer)
Control Event 3
(Summer to
Fall)
Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Physical/Mechanical Treatment
Method (P)
Chemical Treatment
Method (C)
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
Pennisetum
setaceum
Fountaingrass Hand-pull seedlings; Cut and dig out
mature plants removing all plant
material; remove viable seeds from
mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application – fluazifop; or
glyphosate best control
when applied during
flowering stage
P P P P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Raphanus
sativus
Wild radish Hand-pull removing all rooting material;
mow after flowering but before viable
seed production cutting close to the
ground to prevent resprouting
Foliar herbicide
application - glyphosate
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P P
Ricinus
communis
Castor bean Hand-pull seedlings; cut and dig out
mature plants removing all plant
material; remove viable seeds from
mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application or
Stump cut herbicide
application (requires
follow-up treatments to
foliar spray any resprouts)
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Rumex crispus Curly dock Hand-pull removing as much as the tap
root (minimum of 2 inches) as possible
to prevent resprouting
Foliar herbicide
application – glyphosate
or clopyralid
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Salsola australis Russian thistle Hand-pull removing as much of the root
as possible before seed set
Foliar herbicide
application – glyphosate
before seed set; triclopyr
most effective on young
plants
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Silybum
marianum
Milk thistle Hand-pull removing as much of the root
as possible; remove viable seeds from
mature plants
Foliar herbicide
application – clopyralid
from seedling to bud
stage
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P/C P/C
Sisymbrium irio London rocket Hand-pull removing all rooting material;
or mow after flowering but before viable
seed production cutting close to the
Foliar herbicide
application - glyphosate
P P/C P/C P P/C P/C P P P
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 23
Control Event 1
(Jan. to
Feb. 15)
Control Event 2
(Spring to
Early Summer)
Control Event 3
(Summer to
Fall)
Scientific
Name
Common
Name
Physical/Mechanical Treatment
Method (P)
Chemical Treatment
Method (C)
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
VP
W
WR
A
/
C
S
S
Pa
r
k
w
i
d
e
ground to prevent resprouting; remove
viable seeds from mature plants
Solanum
rostratum
Buffalobur Hand-pull removing as much of the root
as possible
Foliar herbicide
application - glyphosate
P --- --- P --- --- P --- ---
Notes:
1. Sensitive Habitat Areas = CSS Areas that have potential for nesting coastal California gnatcatcher nesting, and all riparian and wetland areas, including vernal pools.
2. P = Physical or mechanical control method appropriate for the life stage of the invasive plant. C = Chemical control method. “---” = Species does not currently or is
not expected to occur in an area, or species is not a target for control in this portion of the Park, and no control method is provided.
3. The number of weed control events per year will be dependent on weed growth throughout the season, annual weather conditions, incidence of standing water and
saturated soil conditions in the vernal pool areas, and ability to do nesting bird surveys during the bird nesting season.
4. Treatments during the nesting seasons will require pre-work biological surveys and monitoring around active nests: CAGN nesting season 2/15 to 8/31; LBV 3/15 to
9/15; Raptors 1/15 to 8/15; CRBB 4/1 to Oct 15; MBTA Protected Birds 2/15 to 8/31.
5. The City shall provide a cultural monitor to protect culturally significant materials if significant digging is required in areas with protected cultural resources. Cutting
or pulling out the roots of the plant from the topsoil does not require a cultural monitor.
6. All treatments shall occur before viable seed production when possible; if control cannot occur before viable seed production all seed material shall be cut, bagged,
removed, and properly disposed of off-site.
7. No weed control treatments shall occur in the vernal pool watershed when there is standing water or while the soil is saturated—until the surface is dry enough to walk
on without disturbing the soil surface.
8. No herbicide treatment of any kind shall be conducted in the vernal pool watershed—except for the improper fill material soil that was placed on the mesa.
9. No mowing with mechanical equipment shall occur in the vernal pool watershed
10. Only aquatic approved herbicides shall be used within 100 feet of water.
11. A state licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) shall be consulted to provide written herbicide recommendations for species specific herbicide control methods for the Park.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 24
1.7.1 Vernal Pool Watershed
No weed control shall be implemented in areas with standing water or saturated soils
that occurs during the rainy season October through April. No herbicides shall be used
within the vernal pool watershed at any time of the year. The use of mechanical
equipment including mowers shall not be used in the vernal pool watershed to prevent
negative impacts to the soil, such as ruts, and the potential crushing of fairy shrimp cysts
(i.e., eggs).
• Control Event 1 timed to be in the winter prior to standing water in the pools
and prior to nesting bird season. Only physical methods allowed, such as hand
weeding or line trimming. No mowing with equipment or herbicides is allowed.
• Control Event 2 timed to be during the late spring early summer when there is
no longer standing water in the vernal pools or saturated soil conditions. The
timing should coincide with the most effective treatment time with the target
invasives species. Pre-work surveys are required prior to implementing this
control event. Only physical methods allowed. No mowing with equipment or
herbicides is allowed.
• Control Event 3 timed in the fall after the bird nesting season has ended.
Actively growing or senesced perennial species shall be hand-pulled and
removed. Senesced annuals need not be pulled unless the standing biomass
would degrade bird habitat or impact the function of vernal pool, only remaining
intact and viable seed material need be cut and removed from the site. Care
shall be taken so as not to shatter seed pods so as not to contribute weed seed
to the seed bank.
1.7.2 Sensitive Habitat Areas (Potential CAGN and LBV Habitat)
• Control Event 1 timed to be in the winter prior to bird nesting season February
15 in coastal sage scrub areas that are potential habitat for CAGN and prior to
raptor nesting season January 15 in riparian areas that are potential LBV habitat
as there is suitable habitat for raptor nests in the riparian habitat within the
Park. Methods can be either physical or chemical.
• Control Event 2 timed to be in mid-spring. The timing should coincide with the
most effective treatment time with the target invasives species. Pre-work
surveys are required prior to implementing this control event. Control can be
either physical or chemical methods.
• Control Event 3 timed to be after the nesting season has ended August 31 in
CAGN potential habitat and September 15 in LBV potential habitat areas.
Actively growing or senesced perennial species shall be hand-pulled and
removed. Senesced annuals need not be pulled unless the standing biomass
would degrade bird habitat only remaining intact and viable seed material need
be cut and removed from the site. Care shall be taken so as not to shatter seed
pods so as not to contribute weed seed to the seed bank.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 25
1.7.3 All Other Natural Areas
• Control Event 1 timed to be in the winter prior to bird nesting season February
15. If suitable raptor nesting habitat is present, the control should be timed prior
to January 15. Methods can be either physical or chemical.
• Control Event 2 timed in spring to be at the optimum time for most target
invasive species to be treated. Requires a pre-project survey by a qualified bird
biologist within one week of work.
• Control Event 3 timed to be in the summer at the optimum time for most target
invasive species to be treated. Requires a pre-project survey by a qualified bird
biologist within one week of work if it occurs prior to August 31.
1.8 BIOSECURITY PROCEDURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF
INVASIVE PLANTS
Implementing biosecurity procedures is essential to prevent the unintentional spread of
target invasive plant species during control activities and to mitigate the introduction of
new invasive species to the park. Biosecurity measures include cleaning clothing and
equipment, ensuring that equipment used on-site is free of any invasive plant species
reproductive material, and verifying materials used in the park, such as erosion control
devices, are weed seed-free.
Preventing the spread of invasive species is the first line of defense and a cost-effective
approach to controlling their impact. Consistent measures to ensure that seeds and
reproductive material of invasive plant species are not spread to new areas will help
avoid costly future efforts and potential ecological damage. By safeguarding sensitive
habitats from infestation, their ecological functions can be preserved, promoting the
overall health and resilience of the park's ecosystem.
1.8.1 Biosecurity Measures During Control Activities
Effective weed management not only involves the physical removal and chemical
treatment of invasive species but also requires careful attention to minimizing seed
dispersal, resprouting, and other unintended consequences of control measures. By
taking steps to prevent the future propagation of weeds, the effectiveness of current
practices can be enhanced while reducing the severity of subsequent infestations.
Although it is advisable to control weeds before seeds mature, this may not always be
feasible, such as when a weed can seed year-round, and monitoring each life stage is
challenging. In these situations, it is crucial to be aware of the presence of seeds during
control sessions. Even if the plant itself is removed, seeds left behind at the site or on
clothing, equipment, vehicles, or waste containers can undermine management efforts
and spread the infestation to new areas.
To reduce seed spread, follow these practices:
1. Remove seeds found on plants before cutting, hand-pulling, or herbicide
application, placing the material in appropriate disposal containers.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 26
2. Collect seeds from the ground and place them in containers.
3. After each treatment, remove seeds from clothing and equipment, placing them
in disposal containers before leaving the area.
4. Thoroughly inspect and clean clothing, equipment, bags, etc., using a brush or
other tool, paying close attention to laces, socks, cuffs, pockets, etc.
5. Remove dirt from shoe treads to eliminate embedded seed material.
Vehicles should only be driven on approved pathways to limit contact with potential
invasive weed species seed material. Despite minimal contact, vehicles should be
inspected and cleaned of all weed seeds before leaving the site, focusing on tire treads,
bumpers, radiators, and undercarriages. If waste disposal containers are brought on-site
from other locations, inspect, and remove any weed seeds before using them in the
park.
Crews shall be trained by the qualified plant biologist on the Best Management Practices
(BMP) for cleaning equipment and clothing to prevent the spread of invasive species. As
an alternative, already developed sources for training crews is available online such as
from Cal-IPC video that can be found here Training Video: Best Management Practices
for Preventing the Spread of Invasive Plants – California Invasive Plant Council (cal-
ipc.org).
By implementing these measures, the spread of invasive species can be mitigated,
promoting a more effective and sustainable approach to weed management.
BIOSECURITY MEASURES FOR PROJECT MATERIALS USED IN THE PARK
To minimize the introduction of invasive species, all materials used within the park
should be certified weed-free. This includes, but is not limited to, mulch materials,
erosion control products (e.g., straw wattles, hay bales), container plants, soil, and
aggregate (topsoil, sand, gravel, fill), and landscape materials such as plants, seeds, sod,
mulch, and soil amendments. Prior to use, all materials shall be inspected, and
confirmation of their weed seed-free status shall be obtained from the vendor.
In landscape areas, it is recommended to not plant any invasive plants including trees to
prevent the infestation of these invasive plants into natural areas of the park,
particularly in the sensitive habitat areas. Resources to check when making landscaping
plant palettes includes Don’t Plant a Pest! – California Invasive Plant Council (cal-
ipc.org) and The Cal-IPC Inventory – California Invasive Plant Council which is a list of
invasive plants in California that either are rated as an invasive plant or are on the watch
or alert list.
1.9 HIGH-PRIORITY INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL METHODS
These guidelines for physical and chemical control methods are based on Land IQ's
experience in Southern California, with a focus on treating the target invasive species
recommended for control in this plan. Control methods have been cross-referenced
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 27
using "Invasive Plants of California's Wildlands" (Bossard et al., 2000) and "Weed
Control in Natural Areas in the Western United States" (DiTomaso et al., 2013).
Nonnative plants identified as highly invasive in Fairview Park are designated as "High-
Priority Invasive Plants" and targeted for focused control efforts. Repeated treatments
over multiple years will likely be necessary for effective control of these invasive plants.
A minimum of five years may be needed to eradicate some species, while others may
require long-term management with containment as the primary goal when eradication
is not feasible.
Recommended control methods consider site conditions, population density of invasive
plants, biological constraints (e.g., avian breeding season, rare vegetation presence),
regional management experience, and published weed control methods. Ideally, weeds
should be controlled before seed production to limit soil seed bank accumulation. Care
should be taken to avoid damaging native plants during weed control activities.
Methods for control include physical and chemical approaches. Before initiating
herbicide treatment, a written herbicide application recommendation from a California
Licensed Pest Control Advisor should be obtained, confirming appropriate dosage,
timing, and application method. All herbicides used for the project require approval
from the City before use.
Effective invasive plant species control involves managing the existing weed seed bank
and implementing timely control measures to prevent additional seed or propagule
input from target invasive species. Successful control may take several years, depending
on population size and annual treatment frequency. Invasive species reproducing from
seed should be controlled before seed set to deplete the existing weed seed bank and
minimize new seed entry. Species that reproduce vegetatively should be controlled at
the optimal time during their growing season.
Table 1-1 presents key phenological information for the target invasive species along
with their reproductive strategies to help guide timing for scheduling survey events by
the qualified plant biologist and control events.
The density and vigor of invasive plant species in any given season or year is highly
dependent on annual weather patterns, including the timing and amount of rainfall, as
well as diurnal temperature variations. This necessitates an adaptive weed management
approach that allows flexibility in the timing and intensity of treatment events each
year. Adaptive management is also crucial due to the difficulty and impracticality of
quantifying the nonnative seed bank of target invasive species in the park. Instead,
weed management efforts can only be estimated based on prior biological monitoring
and experience with similar treatment efforts.
Invasive weed management is vital for the successful establishment and maintenance of
native habitats within the park. Special care must be taken when weeding around native
plants and within high-quality native habitats, requiring additional labor and expertise.
Working around native species often necessitates increased use of manual methods
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 28
(e.g., hand-cutting or pulling) and reduces opportunities for time-saving mechanized
equipment like mowers and line trimmers.
The number of years required for invasive species eradication through annual weed
treatment events will depend on site-specific factors such as weed density, type of weed
species, annual weather patterns, and variables like landscape position and soil type.
Weed management methods will be selected based on the type and density of target
invasive species present, the density of native species, accessibility, and location within
the park. Several control methods can be employed to manage invasive species at
Fairview Park:
1. Mechanical Methods: Manual hand-pulling or cutting; taproot extraction with
tools, such as weed extractors or shovels; mowing or line trimming
2. Chemical Methods: Targeted low-pressure foliar herbicide application; stump-
cut and herbicide application
Each weed control method has advantages and disadvantages, with considerations
including implementation timing, equipment and trained staff availability, biological
resource protection, and site access limitations for equipment. Nonnative seedlings and
flowering plants should be controlled before producing viable weed seeds to minimize
contributions to the weed seed bank. If weeding is delayed until after seed
development, seed material should be cut, bagged, and disposed of off-site.
Soil disruption should be minimized to reduce the germination of new weed individuals,
injury to native species, and disturbance to biological soil crusts. Care should be taken
not to disturb deep soil layers that could bring up buried weed seeds that would not
otherwise germinate without disturbance.
Careful weeding by trained crews is necessary to avoid damage to native species in
areas with significant native cover or sensitive species. Adaptive management, including
regular monitoring to guide the scheduling and selection of weed control methods, is
key to success. General guidelines for control methods are presented in Table 1-3.
1.9.1 Physical Control Methods
Physical control methods recommended include hand-pulling, cutting, or removal with
digging equipment. These methods are best used for isolated individuals or small
patches for the most efficient control. Digging with a shovel, pick or mattock can be
labor intensive especially for larger mature individuals. Hand-pulling is best suited for
seedlings or smaller plants that can be easily pulled. In many instances removal of all or
most of the invasive species is necessary for effective control to limit resprouting from
the roots or root crown. Using hand garden tools such as picks, cultivators, weeders,
specialized hoes, mattocks, and trowels, can help to loosen the soil around the roots.
After loosening the soil, pull vertically from the ground to remove as much of the root
system as possible, especially weed species with a long tap root.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 29
MOWING/LINE TRIMMING
Mowing with mechanical equipment, such as a rotary mower, flail mower, or mulcher
attached to a tractor or skid steer, or hand-operated motorized cutting tools such as line
trimmers are generally an efficient method to use in areas with a high density of target
invasive grasses and herbaceous species in areas with little to no native vegetation
present. Mowing is appropriate in larger areas that are flat to moderately sloped.
Careful mowing should be implemented to limit injury to native species when cutting.
The use of mechanical equipment including mowers shall not be used in the vernal pool
watershed to prevent negative impacts to the soil, such as ruts, and the potential
crushing of fairy shrimp cysts (i.e., eggs). In areas with a steeper slope or with a higher
density of natives, walk behind, hand-operated mowers or line trimmers should be
used.
Line trimming can be accomplished with a gas-powered, hand-operated line trimmer
fitted with a string, brush blade, or similar instrument in areas inaccessible to larger
equipment. Like line trimming, a gas-powered, hand-operated, shafted hedge trimmer
with an articulating blade can be used to trim target invasive weeds above the soil
surface from a standing position. Shafted hedge trimmers can be effective for cutting
denser patches of broadleaf weeds after they have flowered, such as mustard species
(Brassica, Sisymbrium, and Hirschfeldia). Line and hedge trimmers are most effective in
areas that are inaccessible to larger equipment, or when working around dense, existing
native vegetation that excludes the use of larger equipment.
Fire prevention measures must be taken to avoid accidental fires from sparks during
machinery operation or line trimming with blades. These measures may include always
having a water truck on site near the mowing activity, shovels carried on the mower and
water truck, and water fire extinguishers. The weed material should be cut as close to
the ground as possible to limit re-sprouting of herbaceous species and ensure removal
of bolting crowns of grasses. Care should be taken to not damage biological soil crusts
where present.
HAND/MECHANICAL PULLING OR CUTTING
Hand-pulling or cutting of target invasive weeds is one of the least disruptive methods
but is an inefficient method of weed control in dense stands. Hand-pulling or cutting
should be reserved for controlling isolated individuals, controlling small infestations in
areas that are inaccessible to equipment, or where high densities of native or sensitive
species are present. Hand-pulling is a very useful manual technique to use on young
plants and small patches of weeds.
Hand-cutting can be used to remove the flowering stalks of target invasive weeds prior
to seed development with tools such as sickles or vinyl knives. If cut material contains
viable seed, then it should be properly disposed of off-site.
When hand-pulling target invasive weeds, the plants should be grasped near the base
pulling in the direction the plant is growing to be able to better extract most of the roots
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 30
out of the ground. Short tugs work better than one long pull to prevent breaking the
plant before the main roots are removed.
Isolated individuals of select invasive species can be pulled by hand or with a tool such
as the Weed Wrench™. Using hand garden tools such as picks, cultivators, weeders,
specialized hoes, mattocks, and trowels, can help to loosen the soil around the roots.
After loosening the soil, pull vertically from the ground to remove as much of the root
system as possible, especially weed species with a long tap root. When using a weed
wrench, the clamp should be placed on the lowest point on the trunk of the plant as
much as possible. The base of the weed wrench should be on the ground, but if it is not
touching, rocks or branches can be placed underneath to improve leverage. Using your
weight the weed wrench should be pulled toward you and not pushed away or injury
could occur.
CUT-AND-DIG
Larger mature invasive species can be controlled by cutting the upper foliage of the
plant and digging out the root system. Plant foliage can be cut with a handsaw, loppers,
axe, or similar tools and removed to allow for better access to the roots. The root
material can be dug out and removed with a shovel, mattock, Pulaski, or similar tool. As
much of the root material should be removed as possible for effective control since
many of the target invasive weed species can readily resprout from remaining roots.
Removed root material should be properly disposed of to prevent resprouting. For
example, the removed roots and rhizomes of giant reed (Arundo donax) or even cut
stems with nodes can resprout if they are touching wet soil.
RAKING AND REMOVAL OF WEEDED BIOMASS
Plant biomass of weeded invasive species shall be removed from the vernal pool
watershed and other sensitive habitat areas since plant thatch degrades the quality of
bird habitat and the functioning of the vernal pool habitats. Thick pant thatch also
inhibits germination and recruitment of desirable native species and would hinder the
natural.
Raking of the cut material can be done with handheld rakes and collected on burlap
bags to be removed from the Park.
1.9.2 Chemical Control Methods
Herbicide treatment is specified mainly for dense areas of the target invasive species
with low densities of native species and are invasive species that are perennial or that
may re-sprout from taproots and rhizomes. Limited use of selected herbicides is
specified when no other effective alternative is feasible for effective control. Most
herbicides are not selective for weeds only; in other words, herbicides must be applied
with the least harmful effect to non-target native species.
For effective control of target invasive species populations, they must be controlled
before they produce viable seed. Most herbicides are not selective for weeds only (i.e.,
these herbicides must be applied with the least harmful effect to non-target native
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 31
species). In general, only post-emergent herbicides, which kill plants after they have
germinated and are actively growing, are recommended.
Herbicides shall not be used in the vernal pool watershed at any time of year, except for
area on the mesa with improper fill material. Herbicides use in all other natural areas
during the breeding season can be used if a pre-work survey by a qualified biologist is
conducted prior to treatment. Herbicides may be used in the fuel modification zones
outside the breeding season and during the breeding season if prework surveys for
nesting birds is conducted.
Only herbicides registered for use in California and in wildlands should be used
judiciously for the control of target invasive species. Herbicides that are registered for
use in California natural areas are recommended to be used at rates specified on the
herbicide labels for the target invasive species. The recommended herbicides registered
for use in California that are proposed in these guidelines are glyphosate, a non-specific
broad-spectrum herbicide registered for use on almost all weed species, fluazifop-p-
butyl for the control of weedy grasses, clopyralid for the treatment of thistles in the
rosette stage, and triclopyr for the treatment of woody invasive plant species.
A state licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) shall be consulted to provide written
herbicide recommendations for species specific control methods for the Park. The
herbicide applicator must have a pest control business license that requires at least one
individual employed by the business be in possession of a qualified applicator’s license.
All licenses must be issued by the State of California and be currently registered in the
county of work. If a qualified applicator is not present during the herbicide treatment,
all applicators must have undergone documented herbicide training.
Personnel must wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by law and
follow all herbicide label directions and precautions. PPE includes but is not limited to
chemical-resistant nitrile gloves, eye protection, chemical protective suits, e.g., Tyvek®,
and protective footwear. All re-entry times specified on an herbicide label must be
observed and posted. Herbicide preparation must be conducted only in approved
staging areas more than 100 feet from a stream course or any body of water. Only
herbicides and surfactants approved for aquatic use should be used within 100 feet of a
stream course or any body of water.
A colorant or marking dye is recommended to ensure even coverage of herbicide. The
material should be a non-toxic material such as Blazon®, Turf Mark®, or equivalent. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified on the
label as it can reduce product performance of the active ingredient of the select
herbicide, especially at lower herbicide application rates.
Herbicide treatment should be conducted only when weather conditions are conducive
to effective uptake of the herbicide by target species when plants are at the specified
growth stage. Optimal weather includes sunny and dry conditions with ambient
temperatures of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind conditions should be five miles
per hour or less for herbicide applications that can be subject to drift, e.g., foliar spray
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 32
methods, to minimize herbicide drift for worker protection and to prevent damage to
desirable vegetation. Treated plants shall not be disturbed until the applied herbicide
has had time to take effect per the manufacturer’s instruction.
FOLIAR SPRAY TREATMENT
Foliar spray treatment involves applying a select herbicide at a specified concentration
directly to the exposed foliage of the plant to thoroughly wet all leaves. For the foliar
spray treatment to be effective, the exposed foliage needs a thorough coating of
herbicide, and the plant should be actively growing. The green or photosynthesizing
parts of the plant should be sprayed for uptake of the herbicide by the plant. Typically,
the foliar spray treatment is best used on smaller plants to ensure adequate cover of the
herbicide.
The disadvantage of the foliar spray treatment is the damage that may be caused to
desirable species in the localized area where spraying occurs, especially if a non-
selective herbicide like glyphosate is being used. Additionally, the foliar application
method is generally ineffective on invasive plants with thick waxy cuticles.
Foliar spray shall be by low pressure hand operated sprayers only and broadcast
herbicide shall not be done anywhere in the Park. For backpack or hand-held application
of herbicide, a low-pressure regulated sprayer with a coarse droplet size and single-
nozzle wand shall be used. For this type of application use either spray-to-wet
applications, or low volume directed spray.
Prior to use of hand-held herbicide applicators, the equipment should be checked to
make sure it is fully functional and does not have any leaks. After filling the closure cap
should be securely screwed on and not-cross threaded to prevent any spills or leakage.
For backpack sprayers, the rubber gasket and nipple in the sprayer lid should be
regularly lubricated for proper functioning. The applicator should not bend over or lean
too far forward to prevent any spills onto their person or on to desirable vegetation.
Prior to use, the pump of the backpack sprayer should be primed with 10 to 20 pumps.
When traveling between spraying points, the applicator shall keep their hand off the
lever to avoid any inadvertent spraying of herbicide.
To decrease the chances of spraying nontarget plants, preparation before spraying may
be needed in areas where weeds are mixed in with native plants. The target invasive
plant for control should be separated from natives and if the plant is tall, the plant
should be carefully bent downward, away from natives, and the herbicide solution
applied. After spraying, the plant should be released slowly and carefully to avoid any
herbicide drips or runoff. The herbicide applicator should be sure to observe what is
behind and around the target invasive species for control and be mindful of wind speed
and direction. Nozzle adjustments may be necessary to get the mist pattern for best
coverage of the target invasive plant. Larger plants should be sprayed from multiple
angles to ensure adequate coverage of the plant with herbicide for effective control.
For application to small weeds (e.g., seedling stage) amongst dense native plants, if
herbicide application is deemed necessary, the herbicide can be applied by backpack
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 33
sprayer with a low-pressure regulated wand with the nozzle directed to the weed
foliage, thereby avoiding overspray. However, nozzle-to-plant application is time
intensive and requires highly trained applicators that can differentiate between native
and nonnative plants at the seedling stage; and therefore, it is typically not the most
cost-effective weed management method. However, this treatment method may be
needed since it is recommended to conduct herbicide treatment outside of the bird
nesting season (January 15 to September 15) in sensitive habitat areas.
STUMP CUT AND HERBICIDE TREATMENT
Treatment of larger and well-established individuals, including high priority invasive
species that may re-sprout from taproots or rhizomes, is best accomplished by using the
stump cut and herbicide application method. Advantages of the stump-cut treatment
compared with foliar application for larger individuals, includes the following:
• Lower quantity of herbicides required to treat the invasive species; and
• Localized application of the herbicides reduces the likelihood of herbicide
contact with non-target native species, during application.
Typically, the stump cut and herbicide treatment is used in late summer and early fall
when plants are translocating energy reserves to the rootstock and when seed dispersal
is not enhanced by weeding activities optimal timing though is dependent on the weed
species being treated.
The stump cut treatment method process involves cutting the stump of an invasive
species flat at about 8 to 10 inches in height, then immediately (within 2 minutes or
less) treating the exposed cambium of the cut stump with a select herbicide at a
specified concentration. The stump cut treatment should be implemented in the
following steps:
Step 1. Plants will be cleanly cut, horizontally, close to the ground (using a saw, rotary
brush cutter or similar tool).
• If the weed species has already set seed, seed material shall be immediately
collected, bagged, and removed from the project area prior to cutting
• The cut vegetation will be removed from the project area the same day it is
cut and properly disposed of off-site or in a designated buffer area.
Step 2. The stumps or stems will be re-cut, cleared of sawdust and immediately painted
with the specified herbicide within two minutes of cutting, before the cut surface begins
to congeal, to ensure penetration of the herbicide. The herbicide should be applied to
the cambium in 60 seconds or less after cutting.
• Apply the herbicide on the cut stump (the percent solution will be dependent
on the weed species treated and herbicide used). Apply carefully to avoid any
drips or damage to surrounding native species.
Plants generally should be checked about one month after initial stum cut treatment to
determine the success of the herbicide treatment. Any re-growth from the treated
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 34
stumps should be treated with the foliar herbicide application method in the same
growing season or as re-growth appears in the next growing season. Any new seedlings
and small saplings observed during follow-up treatments can be hand-pulled, ensuring
that the root system is removed. The pulled material should be removed from the
project area or chipped and stockpiled for composting, as some species can regenerate
when moisture is available.
If it is not possible for the herbicide applicator to work alongside the crew who is cutting
the plants for treatment, then the herbicide treatment Step 2 may be applied within one
week of the initial cutting. However, the cut stump must be re-cut to expose fresh
cambium for effective herbicide treatment. If the stump cannot be re-cut, then
herbicide application is not recommended as it will no longer be effective since the
surface would be congealed and the herbicide would not be taken up by the plant.
RECOMMENDED HERBICIDES FOR USE IN FAIRVIEW PARK
The following sections provide information and application rates for specific herbicides
recommended for use in the restoration areas.
Categories of herbicides include pre-emergent and post-emergent. Pre-emergent
herbicides work on newly germinated weed species. They prevent them from
developing and do not harm established plants. Post-emergent herbicides work on
established and actively growing weed species. Only post-emergent herbicides are
recommended for use. Pre-emergent herbicides should not be used for habitat
restoration since they may also affect newly germinated native species.
Only herbicides registered for use in wildlands should be used judiciously within the
Conservation Easement. Herbicides that are registered for use in California for natural
areas are recommended for weed species at specific rates noted on the labels. Pre-
emergent chemicals are not recommended for use at any time during. The following
herbicides are recommended herbicides to implement this plan:
• Fluazifop-P-butyl (e.g., Fusilade®; EPA Toxicity Class III, low toxicity) will be
specified for foliar applications, at application rates recommended on the label,
for grasses.
• Glyphosate (e.g., Round-up®; EPA Toxicity Class III, low toxicity) will be specified
for foliar and stump cut applications, at application rates recommended on the
label, for most target invasive species.
• Clopyralid (e.g., Transline®; EPA Toxicity Class III, low toxicity), will be specified
for foliar spray applications, at application rates recommended on the label, for
thistle control.
• Triclopyr (e.g., Garlon 4 ultra®; EPA Toxicity Class III, low toxicity) will be specified
for foliar spray applications and stump-cut application, at rates recommended on
the label, for woody species, sweet fennel, and other target invasive herbaceous
species.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 35
Post-emergent herbicides are either selective (kills specific types of weeds such as
grasses or broadleaves) or non-selective (works on all plants). Grass-selective herbicides
include Fusilade® DX and Envoy®. Broadleaf-selective herbicides include Clopyralid. Non-
selective herbicides include glyphosate and triclopyr.
Post-emergent herbicides can be broadcast sprayed in areas with a low density of native
species or applied with backpack sprayers in areas with a higher density of native
species. Selective herbicides can be broadcast sprayed to control the desired weed type
with little to no impact on natives of a different plant type. Non-selective herbicides can
be more efficient in areas with a mix of grass and broadleaf weed species since they can
treat all the weed species present at the site. However, non-selective herbicides can
cause the most harm to desirable native species and should only be broadcast sprayed
in areas with a low density of natives.
Caution should be taken to prevent overspray and herbicide drift onto the foliage of
native species as they can damage or kill the plant(s). Prior to selection and use, the
label of each herbicide should be read to determine if the active ingredient can
translocate through the soil and cause potential damage to the root system of native
species. For example, imazapyr translocates through the soil and its use should be
limited to the stump cut treatment method to reduce the amount of herbicide
introduced into the soil and prevent herbicide drift.
Fluazifop (Fluazifop-p-butyl Fusilade® DX)
The active ingredient in Fusilade® DX is fluazifop-p-butyl. Fusilade® DX is a selective
post-emergent herbicide used for the control of annual and perennial weed grasses. The
herbicide is systemic i.e., it is absorbed and moves from the foliage to the roots,
rhizomes, stolons, shoots, and meristematic regions of the grasses.
Application Rate
Fusilade® DX application rates for annual and perennial grasses are 16-24 ounces (oz)
per acre (4 to 6 oz of active ingredient [a.i.] per acre). For control of seedlings the rate is
8 oz per acre (2 oz a.i. per acre). Add the following spray additives to the herbicide
mixture for optimum effectiveness:
• Crop oil concentrate containing 15-20% approved emulsifier at 0.5-1%
volume/volume (v/v) (0.5-1 gallon [gal]/100 gal)
• Nonionic surfactant containing at least 75% surface-active agent at 0.25-0.5% v/v
(1-2 quarts/100 gal)
• A non-toxic colorant or marking dye to insure even coverage of herbicide. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified
on the label of the dye as it can reduce product performance, especially at lower
herbicide application rates.
Weedy grass species should be treated at the appropriate growth stage for optimum
effectiveness. Grasses that have tillered (sprouted a shoot from its base), formed seed
heads, or exceeded the growth stages listed on the label should not be treated. Target
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 36
weed grasses should not be under stress (e.g., from moisture, temperature, low soil
fertility) for optimum control.
If the treatment area has a mix of weedy grasses, Fusilade application should be
implemented when the first grass reaches the specified growth stage for treatment
using the highest application rate for the grasses in the mixed population. The optimum
growth stage for treatment of annual grasses is when grasses are 2–8 inches tall, but
prior to tillering and/or seed head formation. It is important to note that in drought
years when available water is limited, nonnative grasses can flower early when plants
are less than 8 inches tall. Monitoring of flower production is critical to determine the
optimum time for weed control. Thoroughly coat the foliage with herbicide during foliar
application, but not to the point of runoff of the herbicide.
No more than 72 fluid ounces of Fusilade per acre a year should be applied to a
treatment area. It should not be applied if rainfall is expected within 1 hour of
application. Fusilade should not be applied directly to water, where surface water is
present, or where runoff into water bodies could occur. To reduce herbicide runoff,
avoid applications of herbicide within 48 hours of rainfall. Restrict entry into treated
areas as specified on the label.
Visual observations of control can be seen within one week of treatment; however, it is
dependent on the grass species and environmental conditions. Growth of treated
grasses typically stops soon after application. Signs of herbicide control include loss of
vigor, yellowing, reddening, and eventual death.
Glyphosate
Glyphosate (e.g., Roundup Pro® Concentrate or Roundup Pro® Max) is a broad-spectrum
post-emergence herbicide for the control of annual, perennial, and woody weed
species. The herbicide is systemic and moves from the treated foliage to the root
system.
Foliar application should be implemented when the target species are at the
appropriate growth stage for optimum effectiveness. Target annual and perennial
species should be actively growing. Application to annual species should be prior to seed
head formation of grasses and before bud formation in broadleaf weeds. Perennial
weeds should be treated after they reach the reproductive stage of growth, seed head
formation in grasses and bud formation for broadleaf species. If treatment is necessary
prior to perennials reaching the reproductive stage, the higher label application rate
should be used.
Application Rate
Most annual and perennial weed species can be effectively treated with a 2% solution of
glyphosate when applied during the appropriate growth stage. Follow label directions of
the glyphosate product used to mix a 2% solution. Add colorant or marking dyes to the
spray solution to aid the applicator in achieving good coverage of target species. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified on the
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 37
label as the amount of dye can reduce product performance, especially at lower
herbicide application rates.
Most glyphosate products contain a surfactant, and no additional surfactant is needed
or recommended to add to the mix except for glyphosate products registered for
aquatic use. Aquatic glyphosate formulations do not contain a surfactant in the
herbicide product. If using an aquatic formulation and a surfactant is added to the mix,
follow the directions on the herbicide label. However, it should be noted that in some
cases, specific project permits and conditions may not allow use of a surfactant for
aquatic applications.
Except where specified on the label, no more than 8 pounds (lbs) of glyphosate acid per
acre per year should be applied to a treatment area in California. The total glyphosate
acid amount is additive for all glyphosate products used in a given area, so it is
important to keep a record of the amount of all glyphosate acid used in a given area per
year. Glyphosate products have different acid concentrations and acid equivalents are
provided on all product labels.
Herbicide application should not occur if heavy rainfall is expected soon after
application. Herbicide should not be applied directly to water or to areas where surface
water is present. Restrict entry into treated areas as specified on the label.
Visual observations of control on annual weeds can be seen within 2 to 4 days and 7
days or more for perennial weeds. Signs of herbicide control include wilting and
yellowing of foliage advancing to complete browning of above-ground growth and
deterioration of root material.
Clopyralid
Clopyralid is a post-emergence selective broadleaf herbicide. It is particularly effective
for the control of thistle and clover species and is considered safe to use with
established native grass species. However, immature native grasses prior to tillering and
development of a secondary root system may be negatively affected by clopyralid.
Clopyralid is the active ingredient in the herbicide Transline®.
Application Rate
Clopyralid should be applied at ¼ to ⅔ pint per acre, depending on the weed species
being treated and associated growth stage. Add the following spray additives to the
herbicide mixture for optimum effectiveness:
• A non-ionic surfactant at a rate of 1 to 2 gal/100 gal of herbicide mixture.
• A non-toxic colorant or marking dye to insure even coverage of herbicide. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified
on the label of the dye as it can reduce product performance, especially at lower
herbicide application rates.
In general, the herbicide is most effective when weeds are small and actively growing.
The lower rate should be used only during highly favorable growing conditions and
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 38
when plants are 3 to 6 inches tall. The higher rates should be used if the plants are
stressed or in areas with high weed density. The foliage should be thoroughly coated for
effective control.
Application during extreme growing conditions such as drought, freezing conditions, or
wet foliage at the time of application may reduce the effectiveness of the herbicide.
Herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours of application. Avoid injury to non-target plants by
avoiding spray drift. Non-target plants can be affected by direct spray on plant foliage or
indirectly by root uptake through the soil. The maximum application rate per year in
California during the growing season is ⅔ pint per acre.
Clopyralid should not be applied directly to water, where surface water is present or
where runoff into water bodies could occur. Clopyralid should not be used in areas
where movement through the soil could contaminate ground water, such as loamy
sand, sandy soils or in areas with a shallow water table.
Sprayed material should not be used for composting or mulch as clopyralid may remain
for long periods in dead plant tissue and negatively affect future growth and
development of non-target species in treated areas.
Triclopyr
Triclopyr (e.g., Garlon 3A, Renovate® 3) is a systemic herbicide used for the control of
broadleaf species and grasses. Triclopyr can be used at any time during the growing
season and is most effective when used to treat actively growing plants.
Application Rate
For the control of broadleaf species triclopyr should be applied at 1 to 4.5 lbs acid
equivalent (a.e.) per acre in a total volume of 20 to 100 gallons of water. The herbicide
mixture can be applied at any time of the growing season. Add the following spray
additives to the herbicide mixture for optimum effectiveness:
• A non-ionic surfactant at the rate specified on the label of the surfactant. Use
the higher recommended concentrations of surfactant when applying lower
spray volumes per acre.
• A non-toxic colorant or marking dye to insure even coverage of herbicide. The
dye should be mixed with the herbicide at no more than half the rate specified
on the label of the dye as it can reduce product performance, especially at lower
herbicide application rates.
The maximum application rate of triclopyr is 9 lbs a.e. per acre per year.
Herbicides Approved for Aquatic Use
Only herbicides and surfactants approved for aquatic use should be used in riparian
habitats for treatment of weed species. It is important to note that permits may not
allow the use of a surfactant in riparian habitats. The purpose of a surfactant is to
provide more uniform coverage and penetration of the herbicide into the plant.
Approved aquatic herbicides include Round-up® Custom (active ingredient glyphosate)
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 39
and Renovate® 3 (active ingredient triclopyr). Non-ionic surfactants approved for
aquatic use include Liberate® and Rainier®.
1.10 TARGET INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL METHODS
The following are specific control methods for the target invasive species presented in
this plan. As stated previously, no herbicides or mechanical mowing shall be done in the
vernal pool watersheds and only physical control methods presented below shall be
implemented for the target invasive species in the vernal pool watershed.
1.10.1 Artichoke Thistle
The type of herbicide used for artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus) control is
dependent on its growth stage. In the seedling to rosette stage in winter to early spring,
clopyralid (e.g., Transline®) should be applied at 1.5 to 4 oz a.e. per acre. Foliage should
be thoroughly coated for effective control. The higher rates should be used if the plants
are stressed or in areas with high weed density. Physical control methods include hand
pulling seedlings and cutting plants in the rosette stage. When using physical methods,
as much of the root system should be removed as possible to limit resprouting
(DiTomaso et al. 2013). It should be noted that while physical control methods can
effectively control artichoke thistle, it may take longer than chemical control methods
with more treatments per year and more years of control.
For mature, bolting artichoke thistle plants, a foliar application of 2% glyphosate should
be used. Glyphosate treatments should be done after bolting when the plants are
actively translocating fluids to the root system. If sprayed before bolting, the above-
ground material may die back, but many of the plants will resprout from the roots later
in the season (Bossard et al. 2000).
Physical methods include cutting the mature plant and removing as much of the upper
taproot as possible to prevent resprouting. Plants can be cut with a mower, line trimmer
or hoe. The most effective cutting method is the use of a hoe to cut down below the soil
to remove part of the upper tap root system. Mowers and brush cutters can be used to
deplete mature plants of their resources. Repeat mowing will be necessary during the
growing season prior to seed set over multiple seasons for effective control.
1.10.2 Australian Saltbush
Australian saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata) is a perennial subshrub that can be controlled
by hand-pulling, removing as much of the root material as possible. While plants are
easy to hand-pull, they are brittle, and care should be taken not to break the mainstem
when pulling to ensure as much of the root material is removed as possible. Chemical
methods of control include foliar application of glyphosate that can be used from
postemergence to mature plants that are rapidly growing. If seeds are present before
treatment, seeds should be carefully cut and removed from the plant and properly
disposed of off-site.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 40
1.10.3 Crown Daisy
Crown daisy (Glebionis coronaria) is an annual herb that reproduces from seed that can
be controlled by hand-pulling removing as much of the root material as possible. Line
trimming is most effective after the plant has flowered or produced fruits, cutting the
plants as close to the base as possible. Follow-up treatments will likely be required if line
trimming is the method used. Foliar application of glyphosate is most effective when the
plant is mature but prior to seed set. If seed set has already occurred, line trimming
should be the method used. If seeds are present before treatment, seeds should be
carefully cut and removed from the plant and properly disposed of off-site.
1.10.4 Castor Bean
Castor bean (Ricinus communis) can be either a summer annual, perennial, shrub, or
even a small tree up to 10 feet tall. The seeds are highly poisonous as well as to a lesser
degree the foliage. Protective gloves should be worn during hand-pulling activities since
all plant parts are toxic to humans. Hands should be thoroughly washed after working
with castor bean.
Seedlings and smaller castor bean individuals should be hand-pulled, removing as much
of the root system as possible to prevent resprouting. Medium sized individuals can be
pulled with hand-held tools such as a weed wrench. Hand-pulling can be best
accomplished in soils that are wet and even larger individuals can be hand-pulled in wet
sandy soils. Hand-pulling is more difficult when soil conditions are dry and should not be
the method used if most of the root system cannot be removed. If plants are broken
during hand-pulling, they will readily resprout with multiple shoots from the root crown.
Mature plants should be treated with a foliar herbicide application of a 2% solution of
glyphosate. Foliar herbicide application can occur at any life stage of the castor bean
from seedlings to large mature plants. Control is optimum between seedling to bloom
stage and is most effective at flower bud and flowering stage. Herbicide control should
be done before seed production has started.
For larger individuals, the stump cut method as described above can be used. The cut
stumps should be treated with a 25% solution of glyphosate applied to the cut stump.
The stump cut treatment can be done on mature plants at any time of the year. Smaller
plants can be cut with loppers while hand saws or chain saws may be required for larger
plants.
If seed production has occurred prior to any treatment, seeds should be cut from the
plant, bagged, and removed from the site to prevent the seeds from entering the weed
seed bank.
1.10.5 Fountaingrass
Fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum) is a perennial grass that reproduces by seed.
Small populations can be effectively controlled by digging up the plant removing as
much of the root system as possible. Roots of mature plants can be dug out of the
ground with a pick, shovel, or mattock. Flowers shall be cut and removed prior to
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 41
digging out the plant and the material bagged and removed from the site. Mowing is not
an effective control method for fountaingrass.
Herbicide control methods included foliar application. Plants can be treated with
fluazifop from postemergence to rapidly growing plants. Foliar application of glyphosate
with a 1 to 2% solution is effective from postemergence to rapidly growing plants from
mid-summer to fall. The most effective treatment timing for foliar application of
glyphosate is during the flowering stage in the summer.
1.10.6 Giant Reed
Giant reed (Arundo donax) is a perennial grass that is bamboo-like with hollow cane-like
stems that can grow upwards to 25 feet tall. Giant reed does not produce by seed but
can readily reproduce from roots, rhizomes, and stem material.
Foliar herbicide spray should consist of spraying giant reed with an 8% solution of
Roundup Custom™ (a glyphosate herbicide approved for aquatic use), and the
surfactant Liberate® (approved for aquatic use) directly to exposed green foliage. The
green foliage should be thoroughly wetted with herbicide with a minimum of 75% of the
plant treated. Since the root and rhizomes of giant reed are so substantial sufficient
herbicide needs to be translocated to the roots for effective control. Tall stalks shall be
carefully bent downward, and herbicide solution applied, being careful to avoid spraying
any adjacent native species. Similarly, giant reed in that is in or near standing water
should be carefully bent so that the foliage is over land and not water for spraying.
Treatment shall occur when giant reed is actively growing starting early spring and is
most effective at the end of summer or beginning of the fall season when it is actively
translocating resources to its root system. Herbicide control is least effective during the
winter months when temperatures are colder and giant reed is primarily dormant.
Control of mature well-established stands of giant reed can take between 3 and 7 years
to control where hydrologic conditions favor the regrowth of giant reed.
For large, dense giant reed stands with a lot of standing biomass, it may be necessary to
cut the canes prior to herbicide treatments. When cutting is done, all cut cane material
should be removed from the Park or mulched in place. Mulched in place canes should
be thoroughly shredded to prevent potential resprouting from stem nodes. The initial
cutting should be in the late fall/early winter. Follow-up herbicide treatment of giant
reed resprouts as described above during the growing season will be necessary. It is
recommended the resprouts are a minimum of three feet tall for there to be sufficient
foliage to treat.
Giant reed can be removed by cutting the canes and digging up the roots, culms, and
rhizomes. As much of the roots and rhizomes need to be removed as possible to prevent
resprouting. Hand-removal is most efficient and effective for smaller infestations or in
areas previously treated with herbicides and only a few viable giant reed canes remain.
All plant material should be collected and properly disposed of off-site.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 42
1.10.7 Milk Thistle and Italian Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an annual or biennial species and typically emerges
during the fall after first rains. Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) and slender
flowered thistle (Carduus tenuiflorus) are annual species and seedlings emerge after the
first rains.
Physical control methods include hand pulling seedlings, cutting with hand tools, or
mowing. When using hand tools such as grubbing hoes, plants should be cut a minimum
of 2 to 4 inches below the ground to prevent resprouting. Mowing is most effective
when done after the plants have bolted and are about to flower, as plants will regrow if
plants are cut before fully bolted. Plants should be cut or mowed prior to seed
production.
The type of herbicide used for control is dependent on their growth stages. In the
seedling to bud stage, clopyralid (e.g., Transline®) should be applied at 1.5 to 6 oz a.e.
per acre for control of milk thistle and 1.5 to 8 oz a.e. per acre for Italian thistle and
slender flowered thistle (DiTomaso et al. 2013). However, it should be noted that the
maximum application rate for clopyralid in California is ⅔ pint per acre per annual
growing season. Foliage should be thoroughly coated for effective control. The higher
rates should be used if the plants are stressed or in areas with high weed density. A
foliar application of 2% glyphosate for milk thistle and glyphosate at a rate of 1.5 to 3 lbs
a.e. per acre for Italian thistle and slender flowered thistle can be used at any time
during the growth stage for effective control.
1.10.8 Pride of Madeira
Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans) can be controlled by hand-pulling seedlings and
younger plants. Larger mature plants can be controlled by cutting the upper foliage of
the plant and digging out the root system. Plant foliage can be cut with a handsaw,
loppers, axe, or similar tools and removed to allow for better access to the roots. The
root material can be dug out and removed with a shovel, mattock, Pulaski, or similar
tool. As much of the root material should be removed as possible for effective control
since Pride of Madeira can readily resprout from remaining roots.
Foliar herbicide application of a 1 to 2% solution of glyphosate is most effective from
late spring to summer and should be timed before seed production. Stump cut
treatments can also be effective using glyphosate. If seed production has occurred prior
to any treatment, seeds should be cut from the plant, bagged, and removed from the
site to prevent the seeds from entering the weed seed bank.
1.10.9 Purple False Brome
Purple false brome (Brachypodium distachyon) is a fast growing annual or perennial
grass with a short life cycle that allows for multiple life cycles during a growing season
(Bakker et al. 2009). First emergence is typically during the fall after the first rains
however, emergence can occur any time following a rain event. Purple false brome
produces a dense thatch that inhibits germination of many native species and the first
step for control is to eliminate the dense thatch in a restoration area. Initial mowing and
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 43
dethatching will allow for natural recruitment of natives; however, other nonnative
herbaceous species can invade after clearing.
Treatment methods for the control of purple false brome include mowing, mechanized
or line trimming and foliar herbicide application. When mowing, the plants should be
cut as close to the ground as possible. Effective herbicide treatments include fluazifop at
4 to 6 oz a.i./acre from post-emergence to prior to the boot stage or 0.56 to 1.1 lb a.i.
per acre of glyphosate from post-emergence application to rapidly growing, non-
stressed plants (DiTomaso et al. 2013). Given the fast-growing nature of purple false
brome and its ability to have multiple life cycles in a growing season, multiple
treatments during a growing season are optimal for increased control. Treatments must
be implemented prior to seed set to limit seed banking. Typical timing for treatments is
to implement the first control event in winter after emergence with follow-up
treatment(s) in spring for later germinating populations and resprouts.
Growth and flower production are dependent on annual rainfall and subsequent soil
moisture availability. Monitoring growth and development is important particularly
during drought years to plan treatment accordingly for effective control. For example,
the flowering height of purple false brome in treatment areas was observed at only a
height of 1 to 2 inches in response to the 2015 drought conditions. As a result, physical
control methods, such as mowing required more time than usual to ensure that the
tractor, or skid steer, mounted mower stayed close enough to the ground to cut the
flowering parts of the grass. The low flowering height required the use of a flail mower,
instead of a rotary mower, mounted to a hydraulically driven skid steer so the grass
could be mowed at the soil surface. The additional time and equipment for the physical
control of purple false brome control in dry years increases the cost of control. An
alternative option for treating low stature plants is broadcast herbicide application of
fluazifop or glyphosate.
1.10.10 Mustard Species
Control methods for mustard species such as black mustard (Brassica nigra), shortpod
mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), and London rocket (Sisymbrium irio) consist of mowing,
hand pulling, and foliar herbicide application. Mowing or hand cutting treatments are
most effective for actively growing plants that have flowered but prior to setting seed to
limit contributions back to the weed seed bank. Cutting is most effective for the annual
mustard species black mustard and London rocket compared to the perennial shortpod
mustard; however, follow-up treatments will likely be necessary for all the mustard
species since resprouting can occur. Foliar herbicide application of a 2% solution of
glyphosate is most effective when plants are younger prior to flowering, particularly for
black mustard. When hand pulling, as much of the taproot as possible should be
removed (DiTomaso et al. 2013).
Treatment times depend on annual weather, but typical treatment times are in the
winter after emergence from rainfall and a follow-up treatment(s) in spring before seed
set. Shortpod mustard can germinate and grow at any time of the year conditions are
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 44
right and follow-up treatments may be needed in the summer. Several years of control
are necessary to eliminate mustard species.
1.10.11 Nonnative Grass Control
Ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) is a nonnative annual grass that typically emerges after
the first rains. Growth and development are dependent upon rainfall events, with
flower production earlier in the season during drought years along with a decrease in
biomass and height of the plants. Nonnative annual grasses are typically the first
nonnative species to germinate after rains. Control methods include, hand pulling,
cutting, mowing, and herbicide application. Timing for control of nonnative grasses is
typically in winter with follow-up treatments in spring for later-germinating individuals.
Smaller infestations can be controlled with hand pulling before seed development.
Mowing can reduce seed production when timed right after flowering but before seeds
mature. Plants cut earlier than this stage will grow back. When mowing, the material
should be cut to about 2 inches to remove the bolting stems (DiTomaso et al. 2013). If
mowing is the only option for control, mowing should be repeated every 3 weeks, as
needed.
Ripgut brome can be controlled with a 0.375 to 1.1 lbs a.e. per acre of glyphosate at
postemergence in early spring to rapidly growing plants that are not stressed. Fluazifop
at a rate of 4 to 6 oz a.i. per acre for mature plants and 2 oz a.i. per acre for seedlings
can also be used with the most effective treatment time before the boot stage.
1.10.12 Poison Hemlock
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a biennial species that reproduces by seed. For
small infestations, hand-pulling is the recommended method for control. When hand-
pulling, the entire taproot should be removed to prevent resprouting. Care should be
taken when handling poison hemlock as all plant parts are toxic to humans. Gloves
should be worn during control activities and hands should be thoroughly washed after
working with poison hemlock. This includes handling of dried material since it takes
several years for the toxins present to dissipate. Foliar application of a 1 to 1.5%
glyphosate solution is most effective from postemergence to rapidly growing plants
prior to bolting. Higher rates of glyphosate can be used for control of plants from bud to
full bloom stage. If seed production has occurred prior to any treatment, seeds should
be cut from the plant, bagged, and removed from the site to prevent the seeds from
entering the weed seed bank.
1.10.13 Stinknet
Stinknet (Oncosiphon pilulifer) is an annual species that reproduces from seed that can
be controlled by physical methods or chemical methods. Hand-pulling removing all the
root material is the best method and is recommended for smaller infestations. Larger
populations can be controlled with line trimming once plants reach the bud stage. If
viable seed has already formed, line trimming is not recommended since the seed can
be easily dispersed, unless the seed material can be removed before cutting. Follow-up
control will be needed if cutting is the method used. Care should be taken when
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 45
handling stinknet as it can cause contact dermatitis for some individuals. Protective gear
includes long sleeve shirts, pants, and gloves to prevent skin contact. Chemical control
methods include foliar application of glyphosate. Timing of chemical control methods is
critical, and plants should be treated in the rosette stage up to bolting stage but before
flowering. Once the plants have flowered, chemical control efficacy diminishes
(McDonald, 2023).
1.10.14 Sweet Fennel
Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a perennial species that typically emerges in mid-
winter to early spring. Control methods include slashing, hand pulling, and herbicide
application. Slashing is best used just before the flowering stage of fennel plants, but
repeated slashing of new growth is likely required to kill the plant. Hand pulling is best
for seedlings and younger, smaller plants as the root system needs to be removed for
effective control. When cutting or digging out plants a minimum of 3 to 6 inches of the
taproot should be removed for effective control. Physical methods for control of sweet
fennel are very labor intensive. It is important to note that digging up plants causes soil
disturbance that can lead to increased germination of exposed seeds therefore, digging
should be limited to less dense populations (DiTomaso et al. 2013).
Foliar herbicide application of a 2 to 5% solution of glyphosate is most effective from
post-emergence to prior to flowering stage. Control with glyphosate is less effective
after fennel has bolted (DiTomaso et al. 2013). A 0.5 to 1% solution of triclopyr is most
effective during the wet season from late February to early March (DiTomaso. et al.
2013) but can be used from post emergence but prior to flowering. The stump cut
method can be used for larger mature plants using a 100% solution of glyphosate.
Timing for treatments is dependent on weather with the first treatment typically in late
winter with follow-up treatments in spring. Populations should be checked after using
any treatment method to check for resprouts and new seedlings.
1.10.15 Target Annual Invasive Control in the Vernal Pool
Watershed
Specific target invasive species to be controlled in the vernal pool watershed include five
horn bassia (Bassia hyssopifolia), curly dock (Rumex crispus), Russian thistle (Salsola
australis), and buffalobur (Solanum rostratum). Control shall be by hand-pulling or line-
trimming methods. When hand-pulling, as much of the root material shall be removed
as possible. For curly dock, a perennial species, as much of the tap root, at least to a
depth of 2 inches, shall be removed to prevent resprouting. Mowing should be done
before seed production. Multiple mowing events should be planned to treat subsequent
resprouts, including for annual species.
1.11 EFFECTIVENESS MONITORING AND REPORTING
In addition to annual invasive plant surveys by a qualified biologist (see Section 1.6) to
determine the appropriate method and timing of control events, and sensitive species
surveys (see Section 1.5) before work in sensitive habitat areas during the bird breeding
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 46
season, control effectiveness monitoring should also be performed. Effectiveness
monitoring involves an annual survey of invasive plant control effectiveness, conducted
at least one month after the last annual invasive plant treatment. This survey assesses
treated invasive plant populations' estimated size and new locations to guide
recommendations for the following year.
The Qualified Biologist should confirm treatments are executed during the year and
record key information for a running treatment log, including treatment location,
species treated, treatment timing, and treatment method. Treatment areas' spatial
locations can be tracked using the 2023 vegetation cover map, recording the polygon in
which treatment occurred based on the vegetation map geodatabase. Alternatively, GPS
locations can be collected at control locations and entered into a geodatabase for
archiving treatment locations.
Recording control treatments is essential for invasive plant management, demonstrating
treatment effectiveness and facilitating adaptive management when necessary. More
detailed information allows for better management practice adjustments as needed. If
resources and time for monitoring and reporting are limited, a minimum amount of
basic information should be collected to inform decision-making.
All eradicated populations should be monitored for at least three years to ensure no
new recruits emerge from the weed seed bank. Continued surveying is necessary for
target invasive species that have been eradicated but are present in the surrounding
area and have a high probability of reinvading the park, focusing on areas with the
highest potential for recurrence.
Comparing year-to-year monitoring results can yield analytical insights, such as:
• Increase or decrease in target invasive cover within mapped populations and
parkwide.
• New occurrences or spread of currently targeted invasive species.
• Eradication of a target invasive weed species.
These quantitative results can document the weed management program's success,
help secure future funding sources, and guide adaptive management recommendations
to improve future invasive weed management efforts.
2 REFERENCES
Bossard, C.C., J.M. Randall, and M.C. Hoshovsky. 2000. Invasive Plants of California’s
Wildlands. California, University of California Press.
DiTomaso, J.M. G.B. Kyser, et al. 2013. Weed Control in natural areas in the Western
United States. University of California Weed Research and Information Center,
University of California Davis. 544 pp.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A
Long-Term Invasive Plant Management Plan for Fairview Park
Land IQ 47
McDonald CJ, Larios L, Rodriguez C. 2023. UC IPM Natural Area Pests: Stinknet. UC ANR
Publication 7601. Oakland, CA.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Invasive Plant Council. 2018. Land
Manager’s Guide to Developing an Invasive Plant Management Plan. Cal-IPC
Publication 2018-01. National Wildlife Refuge System, Pacific Southwest Region,
Inventory and Monitoring Initiative, Sacramento, CA. California Invasive Plant
Council, Berkeley, CA. Available at www.cal-ipc.org and data.gov.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Utah State University. 2015. Invasive plant inventory
and early detection prioritization tool: a user’s guide, version 4.0, February 2018.
USFWS, National Wildlife Refuge System, Pacific Southwest Region, Inventory
and Monitoring Program, Sacramento, CA. 136pp.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
AGREEMENT NO. C-1-2509
EXHIBIT A