Draft Resource Management Plan for Bottle Peak Preserve ... · conservation planning efforts...

Draft Resource Management Plan for

Bottle Peak Preserve San Diego County

May 2018

Bottle Peak Preserve May 2018 Draft Resource Management Plan

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 1 1.1. Purpose of Resource Management Plan ................................................. 1

1.1.1 MSCP Background ............................................................................. 4 1.1.2 Draft North County Plan ..................................................................... 4 1.1.3 Draft North County Plan Framework RMP and Management

Directives ........................................................................................... 5 1.2. Implementation ........................................................................................ 5

1.2.1 Management Approach ...................................................................... 5 1.2.2 Responsible Parties/Designation of Land Manager ........................... 6 1.2.3 Regulatory Context ............................................................................ 6 1.2.4 Limitations and Constraints ................................................................ 6

2.0 PRESERVE DESCRIPTION ......................................................................... 7 2.1 Legal Description ..................................................................................... 7 2.2 Geographical Setting ............................................................................... 7

2.2.1 Site Access ........................................................................................ 7 2.2.2 MSCP Context ................................................................................... 7

2.3 Physical and Climatic Conditions ............................................................. 9 2.3.1 Geology and Soils .............................................................................. 9 2.3.2 Climate ............................................................................................. 11 2.3.3 Hydrology ......................................................................................... 11 2.3.4 Fire History ....................................................................................... 13

2.4 Land Use ................................................................................................ 13 2.4.1 On-Site Land Use ............................................................................. 13 2.4.2 Adjacent Properties .......................................................................... 15 2.4.3 Easements or Rights ........................................................................ 15

2.5 Trails ...................................................................................................... 15

3.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES DESCRIPTION............................................ 17 3.1 Vegetation Communities/Habitat ........................................................... 17 3.2 Plant Species ......................................................................................... 25

3.2.1 Plant Species Present ...................................................................... 25 3.2.2 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Plant Species Present ............... 25 3.2.3 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Plant Species not Observed but

with High Potential to Occur ............................................................. 26 3.2.4 Non-native and/or Invasive Plant Species ........................................ 26

3.3 Wildlife Species ..................................................................................... 32 3.3.1 Wildlife Species Present .................................................................. 32 3.3.2 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Wildlife Species Present ............ 35

3.3.2.2 Birds ............................................................................................. 39 3.3.2.3 Mammals – Small Mammals ........................................................ 41


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3.3.2.4 Mammals – Large Mammals ........................................................ 41 3.3.2.5 Mammals – Bats .......................................................................... 41

3.3.3 Rare, Threatened or Endangered Wildlife with High Potential to Occur ............................................................................................... 43

3.3.4 Non-native and/or Invasive Wildlife Species .................................... 46 3.4 Overall Biological and Conservation Value ............................................ 47

3.4.1 Wildlife Linkages and Corridors ........................................................ 47

4.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES......................................................................... 48 4.1 Site History ............................................................................................ 49

4.1.1 Pre-Contact ...................................................................................... 49 4.1.2 Post-Contact .................................................................................... 51 4.1.3 Historic Overview of the Preserve .................................................... 53

4.2 Native American Consultation ................................................................ 56 4.3 Cultural Resource Descriptions ............................................................. 57

4.3.1 Prehistoric Resources ...................................................................... 57 4.3.2 Historic Resources ........................................................................... 59 4.3.3 Isolates ............................................................................................. 60

4.4 Resource Significance ........................................................................... 61

5.0 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT .................................................................... 63 5.1 Management Goals and Objectives ....................................................... 63

5.1.1 County-Specific ................................................................................ 63 5.1.4 North County Plan-Related .............................................................. 63 5.1.2 Management Directives and Implementation Measures .................. 64

5.2 Biological Resources Element (A) ......................................................... 65 5.2.1 Biological Monitoring ........................................................................ 65 5.2.2 MSCP Covered Species-Specific Monitoring and Management ...... 67 5.2.4 Future Research .............................................................................. 74

5.3 Vegetation Management Element (B) ................................................... 74 5.3.2 Non-Native Plant Species Removal and Control .............................. 75 5.3.3 Fire Prevention, Control, and Management ..................................... 76

5.4 Public Use, Trails, and Recreation Element (C) ..................................... 78 5.4.1 Public Access ................................................................................... 78 5.4.2 Fencing and Gates ........................................................................... 80 5.4.3 Trail and Access Road Maintenance ................................................ 81 5.4.4 Signage ............................................................................................ 81

5.5 Operations and Facility Maintenance Element (D) ................................. 81 5.5.1 Litter/Trash and Materials Storage ................................................... 81 5.5.2 Hydrological Management ............................................................... 82 5.5.3 Emergency, Safety and Police Services .......................................... 82 5.5.4 Adjacency Management Issues ....................................................... 82

5.6 Cultural Resources Element (E) ............................................................ 83

6.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 86


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TABLES Table 1. Rainfall Data for Escondido 2, California Weather Station (042863) ..... 11 Table 2. Preserve Fire Interval Data ................................................................... 13 Table 3. Vegetation Communities/Land Cover Types within the Preserve – VCM/Holland ....................................................................................................... 18 Table 4. Target Invasive Non-native Plant Species ........................................... 28 Table 5. Special-Status Wildlife with High Potential to Occur within the Preserve ............................................................................................................................ 43 Table 6. Bottle Peak Preserve Cultural Sites Recommendations ...................... 61 FIGURES Figure 1. Regional Location ............................................................................. 2 Figure 2. Preserve Vicinity Map ........................................................................ 3 Figure 3. Adjacent Conserved Lands ............................................................... 8 Figure 4. Soils Map ........................................................................................ 10 Figure 5. Hydrology ........................................................................................ 12 Figure 6. Fire History ...................................................................................... 14 Figure 7. Trails ............................................................................................... 16 Figure 8. Vegetation Communities – VCM ..................................................... 20 Figure 9. Vegetation Communities – Holland Code ........................................ 22 Figure 10. Special Status Plant Species .......................................................... 27 Figure 11. Invasive Non-native Plant Species .................................................. 30 Figure 12. Special Status Wildlife Species ....................................................... 37 Figure 13. Proposed Fuel Modification Zones .................................................. 77 APPENDICES Appendix A Management Directive and Implementation Measure Summary

Table Appendix B Baseline Biodiversity Survey for Bottle Peak Preserve Appendix C Cultural Resources Phase I Survey and Inventory, Bottle Peak

Preserve, San Diego County, California (Confidential) Appendix D Bottle Peak Preserve Vegetation Management Plan


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LIST OF ACRONYMS CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Cal-IPC California Invasive Plant Council CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife CESA California Endangered Species Act CNPS California Native Plant Society CRPR California Rare Plant Rank DPR County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation FESA Federal Endangered Species Act MSCP Multiple Species Conservation Program

NAHC Native American Heritage Commission NCCP Natural Community Conservation Plan PAMA Pre-Approved Mitigation Area RMP resource management plan SDMMP San Diego Management and Monitoring Program USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USGS U.S. Geological Survey


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1.0 Introduction Bottle Peak Preserve (Preserve) consists of approximately 418.39 acres of primarily Diegan coastal sage scrub and southern mixed chaparral located within the Draft North County Plan (North County Plan) preserve system. Specifically, the Preserve is located in the north-central portion of the unincorporated area San Diego County (County), approximately 5.5 miles east of Interstate 15 (I-15) (Figures 1 and 2). The Preserve was acquired in 2013 for inclusion in the North County Plan preserve system. The Preserve consists of high to very high value natural communities. Currently, the Preserve is not open to the public; however, there are existing undesignated trails and poorly maintained access roads. Public access is not currently planned for the Preserve. 1.1. Purpose of Resource Management Plan This Resource Management Plan (RMP) has been prepared as a guidance document to manage and preserve the biological and cultural resources within the Preserve, and to provide Management Directives pursuant to the requirements of the Draft North County Plan and Draft Framework Resource Management Plan. These sections specify that the County will be responsible for managing lands which it owns or acquires within the MSCP preserve system. More specifically, this RMP will:

a) guide the management of vegetation communities/habitats, plant and animal species, cultural resources, and programs described herein to protect and, where appropriate, enhance biological and cultural values;

b) serve as a guide for appropriate public uses of the Preserve;

c) provide a descriptive inventory of the vegetation communities/habitats, plant

and animal species, and the archaeological and/or historical resources that occur on this Preserve;

d) establish the baseline conditions from which adaptive management will be

determined and success will be measured; and

e) provide an overview of the operation and maintenance requirements to implement management goals.

Chapter 5 of this RMP includes Management Directives for Bottle Peak Preserve. It is recognized that the County owned land is only a small portion of the North County Plan Preserve system. The County does ensure management of other lands

Figure 1Vicinity Map

Bottle Peak Baseline Biodiversity Report

Source: ESRI

Scale: 1 = 760,320; 1 inch = 12 miles

6 0 6 12 Miles

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Property Boundary

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Figure 2 Property Location


Source: USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle Valley Center, CA 1978, Rodriguez Mountain, CA 1985

Scale: 1 = 24,000; 1 inch = 2,000 feet

1,000 0 1,000 2,000 Feet

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Property Boundary LEGEND

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that are dedicated as an open space easement for discretionary project mitigation, through requiring land developers to prepare Resource Management Plans. The County will spearhead a larger coordinated effort to ensure that other conserved lands in the area that make up the North County Plan preserve are also being monitored and managed consistent with this RMP and the Draft North County Plan once it is finalized. Basic land management/stewardship, as detailed in this RMP, will be ongoing. 1.1.1 MSCP Background The Draft North County Plan is a comprehensive habitat conservation planning program and one of three subregional habitat planning efforts in San Diego County which contribute to preservation of regional biodiversity through coordination with other habitat conservation planning efforts throughout southern California. The Draft North County Plan is being prepared as a Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), the Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Program pursuant to the California NCCP Act of 1991 and the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The Preserve is owned and operated by the County and is included within the Draft North County Plan Preserve system. 1.1.2 Draft North County Plan The County is preparing the Draft North County Plan as a habitat conservation planning effort which will expand the County’s MSCP into the northwestern unincorporated areas of the County. The North County Plan will help conserve habitat that benefits numerous species, including 29 covered species. The North County Plan will also enhance the region’s quality of life by providing the residents of San Diego County with passive recreational and educational opportunities as well as a functioning natural environment in which to live. The North County Plan area encompasses approximately 344,908 acres in and around the unincorporated communities of Pendleton-DeLuz, Fallbrook, Rainbow, Pala-Pauma Valley, Bonsall, Valley Center, Twin Oaks Valley, Hidden Meadows, Elfin Forest, Harmony Grove, Rincon Springs, Ramona, North County Metro and San Dieguito. The North County Plan goal is to preserve 102,930 acres of natural lands in a network of preserves. The North County Plan Preserve system will be assembled by a variety of means, beginning with the conservation and management of existing public lands.


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1.1.3 North County Plan Framework RMP and Management Directives The North County Plan Framework RMP is currently in draft form. The Draft Framework RMP provides detailed direction for all preserve management and biological monitoring within the Preserve system. The Draft Framework RMP also incorporates a requirement for the subsequent preparation and implementation of Management Directives to address management and monitoring issues at the site-specific level. Management Directives will be developed in accordance with the Draft Framework RMP using the information gained during the biological and cultural resources baseline surveys. Chapter 5 of this RMP includes Management Directives for Bottle Peak Preserve. The Management Directives will be revised once the North County Plan, including the Framework RMP, is finalized. 1.2. Implementation 1.2.1 Management Approach A key concept of the North County Plan is the use of “Adaptive Management Techniques” directed at the conservation and recovery of individual species. This term refers to modifying management actions when monitoring of the resources indicates that changes are needed. It is particularly useful where there is uncertainty regarding the efficacy of certain management measures and/or the needs of target species. Adaptive management and an associated monitoring program are designed to inform land managers of the status and trends of covered species, natural communities, and landscapes in a manner that provides data to allow informed management actions and decisions. It is anticipated that the recommended management actions provided in this RMP will be dynamic in nature. Applying adaptive management, the effectiveness and appropriateness of recommended management actions would be determined through review of management goal and objective achievement so that changes can be made to management directives and implementation measures as needed. Adaptive management techniques depend upon the specific issues impacting the resources. Therefore, the techniques herein may be subject to change or revisions when applied. Additionally, the monitoring protocols/requirements for North County Plan covered species and habitats will be revisited periodically by participants of the North County Plan and are subject to change based on adoption of updated protocols. It is anticipated that this RMP will be revised at least once every five years, as needed. The RMP may be revised on a shorter time scale if there is a change in circumstance, for example, acquisition of additional Preserve land or approval of the Draft North County Plan.


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1.2.2 Responsible Parties/Designation of Land Manager The County is responsible for management, biological monitoring, and meeting the conditions of the Draft North County Plan. The Preserve is operated, administered, and managed by the County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DPR Region Manager assigned to the Preserve is the land manager. DPR (Region Manager and staff of the Resources Management Division) will also be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the RMP. The Preserve is located in the management district of one supervising park ranger one park ranger, three park attendants, and one seasonal. The Preserve boundary is patrolled at a minimum twice a month and as often as weekly. It is expected that many of the implementation measures, especially the maintenance tasks, will be carried out by the DPR staff who are most familiar with the site and currently patrol the Preserve. 1.2.3 Regulatory Context The County’s park rangers manage County parks and enforce preserve rules and regulations pursuant to San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances Title 4, Division 1, Chapter 1 County Parks and Recreation. In addition, per County Code of Regulatory Ordinance Sec 41.111, 41.112, 41.113, all wildlife, plant, historical artifacts, and geologic features are protected and are not to be damaged or removed. Any person who violates any provision of these sections is guilty of a misdemeanor as provided in Sections 11.116, 11.117, and 11.118 of this Code, punishable by fines up to $2,500 a day for each day the person violates these sections. The park rangers will contact law enforcement who will cite the offending individual. In addition, if an individual does not comply with signs within a facility and ignores park ranger instructions, the individual could potentially be charged with a misdemeanor by law enforcement. 1.2.4 Limitations and Constraints The County allocates general funds for costs to implement the MSCP, including funding for land management, stewardship, and adaptive management and monitoring. Base funding for land management costs will be maintained for baseline preserves owned by the County and will be increased as lands are acquired in the future. The County estimates that current funding levels will provide for adaptive management and monitoring on all currently owned lands. Future regional funding sources are also anticipated to fund adaptive management and monitoring activities throughout the preserve system.


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2.0 PRESERVE DESCRIPTION 2.1 Legal Description The Preserve is located in the Valley Center Quadrangle and within Range 1 West and Township 12 South in portions of sections 5, 6, 7, and 8. The Preserve encompasses the following Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: 240-110-03; 240-340-06; 240-350-06, -07; 240-360-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -07; 240-370-01, -02, -03, -04, -05; and 240-380-01, -02, -03. 2.2 Geographical Setting The Preserve is located on the western portion of a block of largely undeveloped land that includes Rancho Guejito, the Black Mountain area of the Cleveland National Forest, and Mesa Grande. The Preserve consists of a small, shallow valley adjacent to the west slope of Bottle Peak, which is approximately 0.25 mile to the east of the Preserve. A portion of the Preserve is steeply sloping, especially along the western edge. Elevations range from 763 feet on the southwestern edge to 1,000 feet on the northwestern corner, and to 1,600 feet in the northeast corner. The central portion is roughly 1,500 feet in elevation, and the highest point at 1,726 feet is located in the northwest corner, rising steeply from the 1,000-foot-elevation Preserve line. On the western rim of the Preserve are three rocky peaks: Tombstone Peak, Old Rocky Peak, and Devil’s Anvil Peak. The peaks range between 1,580 feet (Devil’s Anvil Peak) and 1,725 feet in elevation (Tombstone Peak). 2.2.1 Site Access The Preserve is currently not open to the public. Access for DPR staff patrol purposes is through an easement off North Lake Wohlford Road. Access is also available by cooperative permission from the City of Escondido and The Escondido Creek Conservancy off Oakvale Road. Access to the west side of the Preserve is through Ryan Park owned by the City of Escondido. 2.2.2 MSCP Context The Preserve is located in the Guejito - Pauma Planning Unit and is considered “Preserve” under the Draft North County Plan (Figure 3). Open space Preserve is located directly to the east owned by the Escondido Creek Conservancy and is designated as Preserve under the Draft North County Plan. The City of Escondido owns open space land to the north and west of the Preserve. In addition, San Diego Habitat Conservancy owns open space land to the west of the Preserve. The City of Escondido has designated these lands as a Focused Planning Area, with a conservation level of less than 90%, in the Draft Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) Subarea Plan for the City of Escondido. The remaining land to the south and west of the Preserve is primarily rural residential development located within the City of Escondido draft MHCP.

Page x-xxBottle Peak Baseline Biodiversity Report

Source: SANGIS 2014; ESRI 2014; BING 2014

Scale: 1:12,000; 1 inch = 1,000 feet

Figure 3North County Plan Designations

and Conserved Lands

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1,000 0 1,000500 Feet

Property Boundary Conserved LandDraft North County Plan

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LEGEND


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2.3 Physical and Climatic Conditions 2.3.1 Geology and Soils The Preserve contains three soil types belonging to three soil series (Figure 4). All of the soils mapped on the Preserve are derived from granitic-base rock. In addition to the three soil series described below, it is noteworthy that Las Posas soil, derived from gabbro rock formations, occurs approximately 0.25 mile to the north of the Preserve. Las Posas soils are known to harbor a series of unusual plants due to the high concentrations of magnesium and iron within them, unlike the granitic rock soils occurring within the Preserve. Cieneba Series Cieneba soils make up the majority of the soils on the Preserve, with roughly 65% of the Preserve covered with the Cieneba very rocky coarse sandy loam, 30 to 75% slopes. According to Bowman 1973, this soil is “steep to very steep, has rock outcrops on about 20% of the surface and very large granodioritic boulders on about 30%, and is only 5 to 15 inches deep over hard granodiorite. Runoff is rapid to very rapid, and the erosion hazard is high to very high. The available water holding capacity is 1 inch to 1.5 inches.” Vista Series Vista series soils cover roughly 20% of the Preserve. They consist of well-drained, moderately deep and deep coarse sandy loams derived from granodiorite or quartz diorite. According to Bowman (1973), these soils are on upland and have slopes of 5 to 65%. The elevation ranges from 300 to 2,500 feet. The mean annual precipitation is between 14 and 18 inches, and the mean annual air temperature is between 60 and 62 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Vista rocky coarse sandy loam, 5 to 15% slopes, is moderately sloping to strongly sloping, and is 20 to 36 inches deep over weathered rock. Approximately 10% of the Preserve is covered with exposed bedrock, and approximately 10% is covered with large boulders. The available water-holding capacity is 2 to 4.5 inches. Runoff is medium to rapid, and the erosion hazard moderate to high. Greenfield Series Greenfield series soils cover roughly 15% of the Preserve. Greenfield soils consist of well-drained, very deep sandy loams derived from granitic alluvium. These soils are on alluvial fans and alluvial plains and have slopes of 0 to 15%. The elevation ranges from 400 to 800 feet for these soils. The mean annual precipitation is between 14 and 18 inches, and the mean annual air temperature is between 60 and 62°F. Greenfield sandy loam, 5 to 9% slopes, is moderately sloping. Runoff is slow to medium, and the erosion hazard is slight to moderate.


Source: ESRI 2014; BING 2014; SSURGO 2012

Scale: 1:12,000; 1 inch = 1,000 feetFigure 4

Soils Map

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1,000 0 1,000500 Feet

Property BoundarySoil Type

CmrG - Cieneba very rocky coarse sandy loam, 30 to 75 percent slopesGrC - Greenfield sandy loam, 5 to 9 percent slopesVsD - Vista coarse sandy loam, 9 to 15 percent slopesVvD - Vista rocky coarse sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes

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LEGEND


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2.3.2 Climate The climate of the Preserve is influenced by the Pacific High Pressure System from the Pacific Ocean. The precipitation from this system typically occurs in winter through a series of sporadic storms that progress southward from the north. The yearly variation from this system is high, with numerous below-normal rainfall seasons. Summers are generally warm and dry, with some coastal low-cloud influence occurring in the early part of the day. The closest consistent weather station to the Preserve is the Escondido station (Western Regional Climate Center 2014). Average annual precipitation at Escondido is 14.93 inches of rain, with the greatest amount, 3.46 inches, falling in February (Table 1). July and August are the driest months, with only 0.08 inch of rain recorded. The summer months, from June through September, are generally dry and receive less than 0.25 inch of rain. The Preserve is located at a higher elevation than the rest of Escondido, and potentially receives 1 or 2 inches more than the average rainfall in Escondido. The average high temperature for August is 88.6°F, but extreme temperatures associated with Santa Ana wind events can occur in September and October. Santa Ana wind events drop humidity to below 10%, and are the periods when wildfires typically occur.

Table 1. Rainfall Data for Escondido 2, California Weather Station (042863) Period of Record: May 1, 1979 through March 27, 2013 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual

Average Maximum Temperature (°F) 69.0 69.0 70.3 74.5 76.6 82.0 87.2 88.6 86.6 79.9 73.3 68.9 77.2

Average Minimum Temperature (°F) 43.1 44.4 47.1 50.4 54.6 58.1 62.1 63.3 61.4 55.2 46.6 41.8 52.3

Average Total Precipitation (inches) 3.00 3.46 2.71 1.14 0.26 0.12 0.08 0.08 0.20 0.74 1.33 1.82 14.93

2.3.3 Hydrology The Preserve is located in a saddle between two watersheds, San Luis Rey – Escondido and San Diego (Figure 5). The northern and western portions of the Preserve drain into Escondido Creek, which flows through the City of Escondido and enters the ocean through San Elijo Lagoon. The headwaters of Escondido Creek are located in Bear Valley, just above Lake Wohlford (Escondido Creek Conservancy 2014). Lake Wohlford is the largest storage reservoir on the creek, and is located approximately 0.25 mile northeast of the Preserve. Escondido Creek is channelized through approximately 6.25 miles of the City, with a portion of it contained underground beneath a major shopping center. The southern portion of the Preserve drains into a tributary to the San Dieguito River through San Pasqual Valley, upstream from Lake Hodges. Downstream from Lake Hodges, the San Dieguito River flows into the San Dieguito Lagoon at Del Mar and into the Pacific Ocean. Lake Hodges can hold up to 30,251 acre feet of water, and serves the San Dieguito


Source: ESRI 2014; BING 2014; CALHydro 2012; USGS 2012


Hydrology Map

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1,000 0 1,000500 Feet

Property BoundaryStream/CreekWatershed

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LEGEND

Study Area

San DiegoWatershed

San LuisRey-Escondido

Watershed


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Water and Santa Fe Irrigation Districts, and the City of San Diego. Lake Hodges is reliant solely on rainfall runoff; therefore, water levels at the lake are highly variable. Flood periods occur occasionally in this region. The greatest flood on record occurred in January 1916, during which more than 19 inches of rain fell in the City for the month (McGlashan and Ebert 1918). Other floods occurred in 1927, and more recently in 1980. The January 1916 flood is generally considered to be a 100-year flood, but the channel of Escondido Creek through Escondido was apparently designed to carry a 500-year level flood. In 1980, the San Dieguito River exhibited the largest spill since 1927 (Chin et al. 1991). The Preserve provides flow for both watersheds during flood periods.

2.3.4 Fire History Based on historical fire data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and SANGIS.org, the Preserve has been affected by several different wildfires (Table 2 and Figure 6). The most recent fire to burn the Preserve was the Paradise Fire of October 2003, which burned the entire Preserve except for approximately 30 acres on the western slope. The Guejiuto fire of 1993 burned approximately 39.88 acres of the Preserve. Two large fires, the Oakvale Lodge Fire of 1955 and the Bottle Peak Fire of 1989, burned approximately 77% and 41.5% of the Preserve, respectively.

Table 2. Preserve Fire Interval Data

Fire Year Fire Name Interval (years) Acreage Burned Percent of Preserve Burned

1955 Oakvale Lodge -- 293.35 77.08% 1962 Bear Ridge 7 14.08 3.7% 1989 Bottle Peak 27 157.98 41.51% 1993 Guejito 4 39.88 10.48% 2003 Paradise 10 380.09 99.87%

2.4 Land Use 2.4.1 On-Site Land Use The Preserve consists of a small, shallow valley adjacent to the west slope of Bottle Peak, which is approximately 0.25 mile to the east of the Preserve. The Preserve was previously divided into 19 parcels, and a series of dirt access roads were scraped into the Preserve prior to the mid-1990s. Approximately 0.5 acre of cleared lands exists in one of the parcels on the Preserve. Other locations have been cleared in the past, including a fire break on the northeast edge of the Preserve along a dirt road that defines the Preserve’s boundary. Since the initial clearing of these areas, the vegetation has generally recovered, and the cleared areas are less prominent. A small (1 acre) pond is located in the northeastern part of the Preserve.


Source: SANGIS 2014; ESRI 2014; BING 2014


Fire History Map

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1,000 0 1,000500 Feet

Property BoundaryFire Burn History

Bear Ridge, 1962Bottle Peak, 1989Guejiuto, 1993Oakvalle Lodge, 1955Paradise, 2003

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LEGEND


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The pond is dry for the majority of the year, but has been filled in the past following heavy rainfall seasons. 2.4.2 Adjacent Properties Agricultural development occurs south of the Preserve, and residential development at the base of the slopes occurs west of the Preserve. A large aggregate quarry, is located next to Lake Wohlford Road to the north of the Preserve. Open space Preserve is located directly to the east owned by the Escondido Creek Conservancy. The City of Escondido owns open space land to the north and west of the Preserve. In addition, San Diego Habitat Conservancy owns open space land to the west of the Preserve. The remaining land to the south of the Preserve is primarily residential development. 2.4.3 Easements or Rights Escondido Irrigation District Escondido Irrigation District has an easement for pipes, pipe-lines and incidental purposes within the Preserve. The exact location of the easement is not known. Private Owners Private entities have easements throughout the Preserve for roads and highway purposes and utilities both private and public. The Preserve was previously divided into 19 parcels, and these easements are associated with a series of dirt access roads that were scraped into the Preserve prior to the mid-1990s. 2.5 Trails Numerous unauthorized dirt roads, totaling approximately 2.53 miles, exist on the Preserve as a result of a previous designation of 19 parcels on the Preserve (Figure 7). These unauthorized dirt roads are approximately 10 to 12 feet wide and may not be currently passable by vehicle. The main access road traverses from the northeast near the Lake Wohlford Dam off of Oakvale Road, and passes through the Preserve to the south, ending at an avocado grove. An alternate access route occurs from east of Lake Wohlford Road onto the Preserve and meets up with the main access road at the grassy central area. Spur vehicle trails proceed to the northwest and west around Old Rocky Peak and Devil’s Anvil Peak, and a loop vehicle trail exists on the west side of the main vehicle trail that occurs through the Preserve. Another vehicle trail, with a steep side spur, extends down a steep ridge that runs parallel to the eastern boundary of the Preserve. Partially overgrown foot trails, totaling 0.63 mile, extend northwest from the northern base of Old Rocky Peak, and eastward from near the east base of Anvil Peak. A


Source: ESRI 2014; BING 2014


Existing Trails

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1,000 0 1,000500 Feet

Foot TrailsVehicle Trails Property Boundary

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LEGEND


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third trail passes down the east side of the Preserve to the south. These foot trails are approximately 3 feet wide.

3.0 Biological Resources Description From April 2014 to through March 2015 AECOM conducted baseline biological resources surveys of the Preserve. The results of these surveys can be found in the biological resources report entitled, Baseline Biodiversity Report Bottle Peak Preserve, dated May 1, 2015, and attached as Appendix B. The survey results were used in the preparation of this RMP. The surveys documented 14 plant alliances, associations, or semi-natural stands within the Preserve. The surveys detected 162 plant species, 24 invertebrate species, 15 reptiles, 55 bird species, and 21 mammal species (four bats, seven small mammals, and five medium to large mammals). Fourteen special-status wildlife species were observed or detected within the Preserve. Three of the detected special-status wildlife species are proposed to be covered under the North County Plan. 3.1 Vegetation Communities/Habitat The Preserve consists of 14 plant alliances or associations (Table 3; Figure 8). These vegetation community types are described below and organized as they are in the classification key by functional group (e.g., non-native grassland, chaparral, sage scrub, woodland and disturbed habitat). The Vegetation Classification Manual (VCM) for Western San Diego County does not include unvegetated habitat (e.g. disturbed habitat and urban/developed); therefore, unvegetated habitat is described using the Oberbauer-modified Holland classification system (Oberbauer et al. 2008, Holland 1986).

Until the VCM was finalized in 2011, MSCP preserve lands were generally mapped using the Holland classification system. To ensure consistency with previous mapping efforts, the Preserve map data layer was cross-walked to the Holland system pursuant to the VCM (AECOM et al. 2011; Table 3). The vegetation types found on the Preserve following the Holland classification system is shown in Table 3 and Figure 9.


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Table 3. Vegetation Communities/Land Cover Types within the Preserve – VCM/Holland

VCM Code VCM Alliance/Association VCM Common Name Holland

Code Holland Classification Acres On the Preserve

Herbaceous Grassland 0.92 5.7 Brassica (nigra) and Other

Mustards Semi-Natural Stands Black Mustard and Other Mustards Semi-Natural Stands

42210 Nonnative Grassland: Broadleaf Dominated

0.92

Chaparral Chaparral 319.25 4.18.1 Ceanothus tomentosus

Association Woolly-Leaved Ceanothus Association

37120 Southern Mixed Chaparral

288.75

4.2.3 Adenostoma fasciculatum/ Xylococcus bicolor/ Ceanothus tomentosus Association

Chamise/Mission Manzanita/Woolly-Leaved Ceanothus Association

37120 Southern Mixed Chaparral

30.50

Sage Scrub Coastal Sage Scrub 62.52 4.23 Eriogonum fasciculatum

Alliance California Buckwheat Alliance 32500 Diegan Coastal Sage

Scrub 5.72

4.35 Malosma laurina Alliance Laurel Sumac Alliance 32000 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub

3.75

4.44.1 Salvia mellifera/Eriogonum fasciculatum Association

Black Sage/California Buckwheat Association

32500 Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub

2.00

4.7.1 Artemisia californica/ Eriogonum fasciculatum/ Malosma laurina Association

California Sagebrush/ California Buckwheat/ Laurel Sumac Association


44.26

4.8.1 Artemisia californica/Salvia mellifera Association

California Sagebrush/ Black Sage Association


6.79

Woodland Woodland 31.89 3.6.1 Quercus agrifolia/Artemisia

californica Association Coast Live Oak/California Sagebrush Association

71160 Coast Live Oak Woodland

15.11

3.6.2 Quercus agrifolia/Quercus (berberidifolia, acutidens) Association

Coast Live Oak/Scrub Oak Association

71160 Coast Live Oak Woodland

0.20


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VCM Code VCM Alliance/Association VCM Common Name Holland

Code Holland Classification Acres On the Preserve

3.6.4 Quercus agrifolia/ Toxicodendron diversilobum Association

Coast Live Oak/Poison Oak/Grass Association

71161 Open Coast Live Oak Woodland

11.18

3.7.2 Quercus engelmannii/ Quercus agrifolia/ Toxicodendron diversilobum/Grass Association

Engelmann Oak/Coast Live Oak/Poison Oak/Grass Association

71180 Engelmann Oak Woodland

5.40

Other Other 3.81 Disturbed Habitat Disturbed Habitat 3.81 Total 418.39



Scale: 1:12,000; 1 inch = 1,000 feet

Figure 8Vegetation Communities/Habitats

(VCM Classification)

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1,000 0 1,000500 Feet

Property BoundaryVegetation CommunitiesHerbaceous

3.7.2, NNG, Mediterranean California Naturalized Annual and Perennial Grassland Semi-Natural Stands5.7, NNG, Black Mustarsd and Other Mustards Semi-Natural Stands

Chaparral4.18.1, WLC, Woolly-Leaved Ceanothus Association4.2.3, CC-MM-WLC, Chamise - Mission Manzanita - Woolly-Leaved Ceanothus Association

Scrub4.23, CB, California Buckwheat Alliance4.35, LS, Laurel Sumac Alliance4.44.1, BS-CB, Black Sage - California Buckwheat Association4.7.1, CS-CB-LS, California Sagebrush - California Buckwheat - Laurel Sumac Association4.8.1, CS-BS, California Sagebrush - Black Sage Association

Woodland3.6.1, CLOW-CS, Coast Live Oak - California Sagebrush Association3.6.2, CLOW-SO, Coast Live Oak - Scrub Oak Association3.6.4, CLOW-H, Coast Live Oak - Poison Oak - Grass Association3.7.2, EOW-H, Engelman Oak - Coast Live Oak - Poison Oak - Grass Association

Disturbed or Developed Areas (Holland/Oberbauer Classification)AGR, AgricultureDEV, Urban/DevelopedDH, Disturbed Habitat

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Non-native Grassland

Black Mustard (Brassica [nigra]) and Other Mustards Semi-Natural Stands (5.7) The Black Mustard and Other Mustards Semi-Natural Stands is dominated by members of the family Brassicaceae. This vegetation occurs on 0.92 acre of the Preserve and is generally located in the area of dry pond bottom. The dominants of this stand are black mustard (Brassica nigra), short pod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), and London rocket (Sisymbrium irio). Other annual grasses and nonnative weeds such as ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) occur with these mustards. This habitat is listed as Tier III in the draft North County Plan. Chaparral Woolly-Leaved Ceanothus Association or Ceanothus tomentosus Association (4.18.1) Woolly-leaved ceanothus (Ceanothus tomentosus) is a dominant species in the shrub canopy of continuous stands of low-cover shrubs, including scrub oaks (Quercus berberidifolia, Q. x acutidens), San Diego mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus minutiflorus), and other shrubs. This is the dominant vegetation on the Preserve occurring on 288.75 acres along the central ridges and lowlands. Following adequate rains, this shrub community can be covered in dark blue from the flowers of the Ceanothus. Following fires, a number of annual plant species may appear within this association if there is sufficient rainfall. This habitat is listed as Tier III in the draft North County Plan. Chamise/Mission Manzanita/Woolly-Leaved Ceanothus Association (4.2.3) Chamise/Mission Manzanita/Woolly-Leaved Ceanothus association (Adenostoma fasciculatum/ Xylococcus bicolor/Ceanothus tomentosus association) is a widespread association in San Diego County. Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor), and woolly-leaved ceanothus (Ceanothus tomentosus) form an open or continuous canopy, and occur as co-dominant shrubs. This vegetation occurs on the central-western portion of the Preserve covering 30.50 acres. Herbaceous plants often occur in openings of this association, and following fire. This habitat is listed as Tier III in the draft North County Plan. Sage Scrub California Buckwheat Alliance (4.23) California buckwheat alliance (Eriogonum fasciculatum alliance) grows in low valleys and slopes and in a variety of soils. This alliance is one of the first to recolonize disturbed areas that have been previously cleared or cultivated, and it occurs in central-eastern portion of the Preserve in the flatter lands, covering 5.72 acres. It may mix with a wide variety of other shrubs, including California sagebrush (Artemisia californica),



Scale: 1:12,000; 1 inch = 1,000 feet

Figure 9Vegetation Communities/Habitats

(Holland/Oberbauer Classification)

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1,000 0 1,000500 Feet

Property BoundaryVegetation Community

Coast Live Oak WoodlandDiegan Coastal Sage ScrubDisturbed HabitatEngelmann Oak WoodlandGeneral AgricultureNon-Native GrasslandSouthern Mixed ChaparralUrban/Developed

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monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus), bush mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus), and a variety of others. This habitat is listed as Tier II in the draft North County Plan. Laurel Sumac Alliance (4.35) Laurel sumac alliance (Malosma laurina alliance) is dominated by laurel sumac or may be co-dominant with California sagebrush, California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), or toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia). Laurel sumac quickly regrows following fires, and is often the first sign of growth within a few weeks of a fire. This alliance occurs on 3.75 acres of west-facing slopes in the northwest portion of the Preserve. This habitat is listed as part of the Tier II coastal sage scrub in the draft North County Plan. Black Sage/California Buckwheat Association (4.44.1) Black sage/California buckwheat association (Salvia mellifera/Eriogonum fasciculatum association) is an open shrub canopy association dominated by black sage and California buckwheat. Other associates include coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis) and laurel sumac (Malosma laurina). This habitat is listed as part of the Tier II coastal sage scrub in the draft North County Plan. On the Preserve, this vegetation occurs on 2.00 acres in the northeast portion of the Preserve west of the dry pond. California Sagebrush/California Buckwheat/Laurel Sumac Association (4.7.1) California sagebrush/California buckwheat/laurel sumac association (Artemisia californica/ Eriogonum fasciculatum/Malosma laurina association) is the classic form of vegetation common in coastal regions of Southern California. The three listed species occur as co-dominants, but also in association with a number of other species, including sawtooth goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa), coyote bush, and chaparral candle (Hesperoyucca whipplei). This association occurs on 44.26 acres on west-facing slopes of the southwestern portion of the Preserve. It is listed as part of the Tier II coastal sage scrub in the draft North County Plan. California Sagebrush/Black Sage Association (4.8.1) California sagebrush/black sage association (Artemisia californica/Salvia mellifera association) occurs with these two species growing as co-dominants in a relatively open canopy. Other subdominant plants include California buckwheat, laurel sumac, and monkey flower. It is listed as part of the Tier II coastal sage scrub in the draft North County Plan. It occurs on 6.79 acres located near the center of the Preserve. Woodland Coast Live Oak/California Sagebrush Association (3.6.1)


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Coast live oak/California sagebrush association (Quercus agrifolia/Artemisia californica association) occurs where coast live oak is the dominant species in an open tree canopy and California sagebrush is dominant in an open shrub canopy. The open tree and open shrub canopies overlap with each other in this association. There may be a large number of other associated shrubs, including woolly-leaved ceanothus (Ceanothus tomentosus), chamise, and laurel sumac. Herbaceous cover in openings includes wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpa) and caterpillar phacelia (Phacelia cicutaria), as well as nonnative species. This association occurs on the southwestern corner of the Preserve below the slopes on 15.11 acres. It is classified as Tier I habitat in the draft North County Plan. Coast Live Oak/Scrub Oak Association (3.6.2) Coast live oak/scrub oak association (Quercus agrifolia/Quercus [berberidifolia, acutidens] association) grows with Quercus agrifolia as a dominant and scrub oaks (Quercus berberidifolia and Q. x acutidens) present in the shrub canopy. It may include a number of other shrubs as well, including species of ceanothus, toyon, and laurel sumac. This association is typical of slopes where coast live oak is not associated with riparian vegetation types. It is classified as Tier I habitat in the draft North County Plan. On the Preserve, it grows on 0.20 acre in an upper portion of a drainage that flows down the middle of the northern boundary. Coast Live Oak/Poison Oak/Grass Association (3.6.4) Coast live oak/poison oak/grass association (Quercus agrifolia-Toxicodendron diversilobum association) grows where coast live oak is dominant in the tree canopy and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is subdominant in the shrub canopy. This association usually contains an understory of native or nonnative annuals. This association is typically up slope from riparian areas. It is classified as Tier I habitat in the draft North County Plan. This vegetation grows along the eastern boundary and drainages crossing the northern boundary of the Preserve and comprises 11.18 acres. Engelmann Oak/Coast Live Oak/Poison Oak/Grass Association (3.7.2) Engelmann oak/coast live oak/poison oak/grass association (Quercus engelmannii-Quercus agrifolia/Toxicodendron diversilobum/grass association) occurs where Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) is present with coast live oak in upland areas. Poison oak is also present to some degree in most locations. This association occurs on 5.40 acres located in the central-eastern portion of the Preserve and around the areas dominated by California buckwheat on the rolling slopes. It is classified as Tier I habitat in the draft North County Plan.


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Other Disturbed Habitat (Holland 11300) The VCM does not have a “disturbed” classification. In the Oberbauer et al. (2008) modification of the Holland code, disturbed habitat refers to areas that have no native vegetation but is not developed. Disturbed areas are “areas that have been graded, repeatedly cleared for fuel management purposes, and/or experienced repeated use that prevents natural vegetation, such as dirt parking lots and well established trails, recently graded fuelbreaks, graded construction pads, construction staging areas, off-road vehicle trails, and old home sites” (Oberbauer et al. 2008). Vegetation on these types of sites, if present, is usually dominated by invasive annuals, including star thistle (Centaurea melitensis), tumbleweed (Salsola tragus), horehound (Marrubium vulgare), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and milk thistle (Silybum marianum). There are 3.81 acres of disturbed habitat on the Preserve occurring along the roads, vehicle trails, and widened foot trails. It is classified as Tier IV habitat in the draft North County Plan. 3.2 Plant Species 3.2.1 Plant Species Present A total of 162 species were observed within the Preserve during the 2014 baseline surveys. Appendix B provides a complete list of all plant species observed during the surveys. 3.2.2 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Plant Species Present The following section discusses special-status plant species observed within the Preserve. A special-status plant species is one listed by federal or state agencies as threatened or endangered; considered to be of special status by one or more special interest groups, such as the California Native Plant Society (e.g., California Rare Plant Rank [CRPR] List 1, 2, 3, and 4 Plant Species); or is included on the County’s Sensitive Plant list (A, B, C, or D Listed Plants). One special-status plant species, Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) was observed within the Preserve (Figure 10). Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) CRPR 4.2, County List D, North County Plan Covered Species

Engelmann oak is a perennial deciduous tree that grows 16 to 26 feet high in oak woodlands or grassland habitats. Engelmann oak often occurs with coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), in savannah-like habitats with annual grasses, or in areas where white sage (Salvia apiana) occurs. It is a drought-tolerant oak, and will regrow new leaves following rain after going dormant. Reiser (1994) indicates that Engelmann


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oak is relatively stable in Southern California, but reproduction has been limited as a result of cattle grazing and herbivory by small mammals and deer. The introduction of feral pig (Sus scrofa) in the County in the past few years and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) in the early 1990s further causes problems with oak reproduction, since they both consume acorns. Engelmann oak is known to hybridize with scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia) (Baldwin et al. 2012). Within the Preserve, Engelmann oak occurs with California buckwheat and California sagebrush in the central portion of the site. Individuals were also mapped with coast live oak in the vicinity of the old pond. 3.2.3 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Plant Species not Observed but with

High Potential to Occur Special-status plant species were evaluated for potential to occur on the Preserve based on habitats present and the locations of known recent occurrences (Appendix B). Based on the vegetation communities occurring on the Preserve, elevation, soils, and distribution of species within the vicinity, few rare plants have a high potential to occur within the Preserve. Vegetation mapping surveys in spring 2014 and 2015 did not result in identification of sensitive herbaceous annual plants due to the poor plant growth of the season. Special-status plant species with moderate potential to occur on-site include Rainbow manzanita (Arctostaphylos rainbowensis), Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae), Orcutt’s brodiaea (Brodiaea orcuttii), delicate clarkia (Clarkia delicate), summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia), flat-leaved monardella (Monardella hypoleuca ssp. lanata). 3.2.4 Non-native and/or Invasive Plant Species A total of 47 invasive non-native plant species have been observed on the Preserve and nine of those species were identified as high priority for removal. Table 4 lists the nine non-native invasive plant species that were mapped within the Preserve, along with their associated Cal-IPC Inventory Ranking. Target nonnative species were selected based on their invasive potential and ability for management. These target non-native invasive plant species locations are shown on Figure 11. The species listed as high priority for removal are discussed below. The species listed as moderate and low priority for removal are discussed in the Vegetation Management Plan for Bottle Peak Preserve (AECOM 2015, Appendix D).




Special Status Plant Species

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1,000 0 1,000500 Feet

Study Area100-foot Buffer

Special Status PlantsEngelmann Oak Woodland

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Table 4. Target Invasive Non-native Plant Species Common Name1 Scientific Name Cal-IPC Rating2

Silver Wattle Acacia dealbata Moderate Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Limited Fennel Foeniculum vulgare High Gazania Gazania linearis Moderate Natalgrass Melinis repens ssp. repens None Tree Tobacco Nicotiana glauca Moderate Wavyleaf Beeblossum Oenothera sinuosa None Milkthistle Silybum marianum Limited Tamarisk Tamarix ramosissima High

1 Species are included in this table due to their potential for being invasive and the possibility that they could

be removed from the site since they currently remain in low enough numbers or area for removal to be feasible.

2 Source: Cal-IPC Invasive Plant Inventory Database, updated June 2012. Overall rating listed for southwest region, factoring impact, invasiveness, distribution, and documentation level.

Inventory Categories High: Species have severe ecological impacts, are conducive to moderate to high rates of dispersal/establishment, and most are widely spread. Moderate: Species have substantial and apparent, but generally not severe, ecological impacts; are conducive to moderate to high rates of dispersal, though establishment is generally dependent on ecological disturbance; and distribution may range from limited to widespread. Limited: Species are invasive, but their ecological impacts are minor on a statewide level, or there was not enough information to justify a higher score; have low to moderate rates of invasiveness; and are generally limited but may be locally persistent and problematic. None: Species has not been listed by Cal-IPC.

Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) Silver wattle is native to southeastern Australia but has been found in disturbed areas, particularly roadsides throughout California. One individual of silver wattle was found along the old loop road in the southeast portion of the Preserve and should be removed. This individual tree was not of large size; however, this species is known to send out roots up to several meters away that can resprout after the main trunk is removed. Complete removal of the tree may require treatment with herbicide and repeated removal of resprouts. This individual can be cut and treated with Roundup. It can be treated any time but treatment would be most effective during the active growing season in spring. The tree should be cut and the stump painted with a Roundup solution. If runners are observed, their foliage should be treated with Roundup spray. The area around the stump should be monitored to ensure that additional sprouts do not emerge. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) Pampas grass has been found on the southern edge of the Preserve within and adjacent to the avocado grove there. It appears that at least one clump is growing north of the Preserve line. Pampas grass can be removed by cutting it back and treating it with Roundup during the spring active growing season. It will require


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multiple treatments and it may require digging out of the root system if it continues to regenerate. Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) Red gum is another native to Australia that is occasionally planted in cultivation but persists and spreads in some areas of California. It occurs along the eastern edge of the Preserve. While the Cal-IPC inventory categorizes eucalyptus species as having overall ratings of “limited” or ”moderate,” they are ranked as a high priority for removal/control on the Preserve because they are large, nonnative species. These trees could be cut for removal at any time of the year. Any resprouts could be treated with herbicide or physically removed. There are questions about the value of eucalyptus as raptor nesting locations and whether the trees should be removed. The conclusion is that the more natural vegetation is preferable due to the value of native trees and shrubs in providing nest sites for smaller birds that might be displaced by eucalyptus (Suddjian 2004). Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Fennel is native to southern Europe but has spread in wide portions of California. It has a Cal-IPC rating of high due to its ability to spread. Fennel reproduces by root crown and seed. In some locations, particularly parts of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, fennel is a widespread invasive that has altered landscapes or prevented the recovery of native vegetation from disturbance. Cutting, mowing, and chopping the plants leave the roots intact and ready to regrow. Repeated cuts may assist in killing the plants but the interval between the cuts must be short. Cutting while plants are producing seed will promote rather than reduce dispersal. Prescribed burning alone is not an effective means for removal of the plants, but fall burning with herbicide sprays the following two springs can reduce fennel cover by 95 to 100% (Bossard et al. 2000). Roundup sprayed on the plants is reported to reduce fennel cover by 75 to 80%. On the Preserve, fennel that occurs near the small earthen dam on-site should be removed. Use of Roundup would be most effective during the spring active growing season. Gazania (Gazania linearis) Gazania is an herbaceous perennial native to South Africa. It is widely used in ornamental cultivation in Southern California. It occasionally escapes from cultivation in more coastal areas of Northern California and throughout Southern California. The Cal-IPC invasive species rating for gazania is moderate due to its reported ability to escape into grassland and creekside vegetation. On the Preserve, this species was observed growing near the road to the northeast of the dry pond on-site in what may have been an intentional planting sometime in the past. A relatively low number of plants are growing there, and should be removed to reduce spreading potential.




Invasive Plant Species Locations

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1,000 0 1,000500 Feet

Study Area100-foot Buffer

Invasive Plant Species$+ Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)$+ Fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum)$+ Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)$+ Moundlily yucca (Yucca gloriosa)$+ Natalgrass (Melinis repens)$+ Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)$+ Red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)$+ Silver wattle (Acacia dealbata)$+ Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima)$+ Treasure flower (Gazania linearis)$+ Tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca)$+ Wavyleaf beeblossum (Oenothera sinuosa)#* Black mustard (Brassica nigra)#* Buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata)#* Curly dock (Rumex crispus)#* Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephala)#* Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense)#* London rocket (Sisymbrium irio)#* Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta)#* Mission fig (Opuntia Ficus-indica)#* Petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus)

#*Prickly Sow Thistle (Sonchus asper var. asper)Bristly ox tongue (Helminthotheca echioides)Prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola)

#* Tocalote (Centaurea melitensis)#* White horehound (Marrubium vulgare)#* Yellow oxalis (Oxalis pes-caprae)

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Because of its relatively low numbers, removal can occur mechanically any time of the year with follow-up to observe - any resprouts from the root bases. Natalgrass (Melinis repens ssp. repens) Natalgrass is a pink-colored grass that apparently spreads by wind and is native to South Africa. This species is an invasive pest in a number of locations world-wide including other parts of California, Australia, French Polynesia, Hawaii, and Florida. It has not been rated for the Cal-IPC list of invasive plants. This plant was found growing in cracks in rocks on the higher peaks on the Preserve. It is a relatively recent invader to San Diego County. However, due to its ease at dispersing to the isolated portions of the Preserve, if removed, it will need to be monitored to ensure it does not reinvade. It currently does not form dense stands in potential habitat areas. Efforts should be carried out to ensure that it remains only in low numbers. It can be controlled through physical removal and chemical treatment (Sylvan Kaufman 2014) during the spring active growing season, particularly prior to seed set. Tree Tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) Tree tobacco is a native to South America that has invaded disturbed areas throughout the southwestern United States. The Cal-IPC rating for invasiveness is moderate. This species was observed in the area near the off-site avocado orchard on the southern portion of the Preserve. Tree tobacco is generally associated with disturbed habitats, but it can spread into other parts of the Preserve along roads and trails. Control through the use of Roundup appears to work as foliar spray, drizzle, or cut stump application (Oneto et al. 2005) during the spring active growing season. Wavyleaf Beeblossom (Oenothera sinuosa) Wavyleaf beeblossom is native to Oklahoma and Texas but has spread through the Mojave Desert and most of California. It has not been rated in the Cal-IPC inventory of invasive plants. Wavyleaf beeblossom is an invasive species of concern in other locations of the southwestern United States. On the Preserve, it was found in two locations in the southeastern portion along the main north-south road near the southern leg of a loop road in that area. It is a perennial herb that would need to be excavated to remove it, and removal efforts would be necessary in consecutive periods to prevent reestablishment. Wavyleaf beeblossom is not easily recognized unless it is in flower. It should be removed during the spring active growing season when flowers make it more visible. Fountaingrass (Pennisetum setaceum) Fountaingrass occurs along the northern road into the site. It is not widespread on the site at this point. It is a rapidly spreading species that can be removed at this early stage of invasion of the Preserve. It will require spraying with Roundup and


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mechanical removal during winter months in order to make an effort to remove it before it flowers and disperses seed. Milkthistle (Silybum marianum) Milkthistle is a large, prickly thistle that can grow in dense thickets creating an impenetrable mass. It is native to the Mediterranean and has spread in pastures, moist soils and clays through large portions of California. Though its level of invasiveness is listed as limited in the Cal-IPC invasive plant inventory, its removal on-site should be a high priority. It can be dug up but the seeds must be gathered as well and it must be monitored for consecutive seasons to ensure that new seeds do not germinate. Removal would be best prior to flowering and seed set during the late winter months. Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) Tamarisk is native to Asia but has been introduced and has spread throughout much of North America. It is a very invasive species in riparian habitats throughout its occurrences. It not only modifies the vegetation communities and displaces native species of plants but its presence also affects animals inhabiting riparian vegetation. On the Cal-IPC list of invasive species, it is rated as high. It was observed along the northeast access road approximately 0.2 mile from the northeastern boundary of the Preserve. It should be removed from the Preserve and an examination should consider its potential source location. Mechanical removal is preferred; however, this species will need to be monitored for retreatment when the root systems resprout. It can be cut and treated at any time of the year. 3.3 Wildlife Species 3.3.1 Wildlife Species Present A total of 115 wildlife species were observed or detected within the Preserve during the 2014 and 2015 baseline inventory surveys, including 24 invertebrates, 15 reptiles, 55 birds, and 21 mammals. A total of 14 special-status wildlife species were observed or detected, two of which are planned to be covered under the draft North County Plan. Appendix B provides a complete list of all wildlife species observed during the surveys. Invertebrates A complete list of invertebrate species identified on the Preserve below the level of family is included in the faunal list of the Baseline Biodiversity Survey Report (Appendix B). No special-status butterfly species or other invertebrate species were detected during the 2014 and 2015 surveys and no special-status invertebrate species have a high potential to occur at the Preserve.


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Butterflies Ten species of butterfly were detected during butterfly surveys on the Preserve: mournful duskywing (Erynnis tristis), funereal duskywing (Erynnis funeralis), rural skipper (Ochlodes agricola), checkered white (Pontia protodice), mountain mahogany hairstreak (Satyrium tetra), hedgerow hairstreak (Satyrium saepium), marine blue (Leptotes marina), Bernardino dotted-blue (Euphilotes bernardino), Behr’s metalmark (Apodemia virgulti), and lady sp. (Vanessa sp.).

Hermes copper is a federal Species of Special Concern and a Group 1 County Sensitive Species. The host plant of Hermes copper is spiny redberry (Rhamnus crocea). Hermes copper is found in areas of mixed chaparral with Rhamnus crocea growing in association with California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). Rhamnus crocea has not been found during surveys to this point, but Eriogonum fasciculatum is widespread on the Preserve, and habitat is otherwise suitable for Hermes copper. Although all three butterfly surveys were conducted during the flight season of Hermes copper, none were observed. Amphibians No amphibian species were detected during pitfall trap array or visual encounter surveys. Amphibians that have potential to be present on the Preserve include Baja California treefrog (Pseudacris hypochondriaca), western toad (Bufo boreas), western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), and garden slender salamander (Batrachoseps major major). Western spadefoot has high potential to occur on the Preserve. Reptiles A total of 15 reptile species were observed within the Preserve: Belding’s orange-throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra beldingi), coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii), coastal whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri), Coronado Island skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus interparietalis), side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana), southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata), western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), granite night lizard (Xantusia henshawi), granite spiny lizard (Sceloporus orcutti), California striped racer (Coluber lateralis lateralis), coast patch-nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea), southern pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri), southwestern speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus), California kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae), and gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer). Four of the reptile species observed were CDFW California Species of Special Concern (CSC): Coronado island skink, coast patch-nosed snake, coast horned lizard, and orange-throated whiptail. Coast horned lizard is proposed to be covered under the draft North County Plan.


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Birds During surveys of the Preserve in 2014, a total of 79 bird species were detected, six of these being incidental detections and not detected during avian point count surveys. The most common species detected during diurnal point counts were Bewick’s wren (Thryomanes bewickii), western scrub jay (Aphelocoma californica), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), California towhee (Melozone crissalis), lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria), and house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus). However, several other species not mentioned above have high totals and appear to be more common than some of the above-mentioned species. Species such as double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), and common raven (Corvus corax) were typically detected flying over the Preserve in groups, but were not detected on every survey. Therefore, a single detection could have consisted of many individuals. Species such as yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronata), fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca), and white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) also appear to be very common; however, only during the fall surveys. These species are not resident and only occupy the Preserve for a portion of the year. Five species were detected during nocturnal surveys: black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), barn owl (Tyto alba) common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii), and northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos). Five special-status bird species were detected during 2014 surveys: double-crested cormorant, turkey vulture, barn owl, olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), and southern California rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens) (Figure 12). Of these species, only the southern California rufous-crowned sparrow and barn owl are likely residents and breeders within the Preserve boundary. However, no breeding behaviors were observed while surveyors were on-site. The double-crested cormorant was only observed flying over the Preserve, and the olive-sided flycatcher was a migrant using the Preserve as stop-over habitat during migration. Turkey vultures likely use the Preserve for foraging and potentially for roosting, but nesting is likely limited by human disturbance around suitable rocky outcroppings.

Mammals A complete list of mammal species observed within the Preserve during the 2014 and 2015 surveys is included in the faunal list of the Biological Diversity Baseline Report (Appendix B). Small Mammals Six small mammal species were captured during trapping from June 2 through June 6, 2014. A total of 222 traps were set and there were 136 captures. Some of these small mammals were likely the same individual going into the traps on consecutive nights, but no animals were marked. Species included: Cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus), California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), California towhee (Melozone


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crissalis), Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), Dulzura kangaroo rat (Dipodomys simulans), Dulzura pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis), and large-eared woodrat (Neotoma macrotis). Cactus mouse had the greatest number of captures, followed by the Dulzura pocket mouse. Western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) was captured during the pitfall array surveys. Several large clump nests were observed in large oak trees during surveys and were attributed to brush mouse (Peromyscus boylii). Therefore, eight different small mammal species were detected within the Preserve. Medium and Large Mammals A total of eight medium and large mammals were observed on-site including coyote (Canis latrans), Audubon’s cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and an unknown species of wood rat. Mule deer was the only special-status wildlife species detected, and it was detected on all three wildlife cameras. Bats Seven bat species were identified within the Preserve using the passive and active survey techniques, including big brown bat (Eptescus fuscus), small-footed myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum), Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis), western pipistrelle (Parastrellus hesperus), pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), and greater western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis). Two of these species are CDFW CSC: pallid bat, and greater western mastiff bat. When all three seasons (spring, summer, and fall) of passive and active bat surveys were combined, the western pipistrelle is the most common species, followed by the Yuma myotis and big brown bat. Less common were the pallid bat and Mexican free-tailed bat. The small-footed myotis and greater western mastiff bat were rarely detected in the project area. 3.3.2 Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Wildlife Species Present This section discusses special-status wildlife species observed at the Preserve (Figure 12). A special-status wildlife species is one listed by federal or state agencies as threatened or endangered; is included on the County’s Sensitive Animal List (Group 1 or 2 Species); or is covered under the draft North County Plan. Fourteen special-status wildlife species were detected at the Preserve. Information on each of these species is provided below.


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3.3.2.1 Herpetofauna Coronado island skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus interparietalis) California Species of Special Concern, County Group 2 Coronado island skink is a subspecies of western skink known from San Diego County and Baja California. The known elevational range is sea level to 8,300 feet. Coronado island skink is a habitat generalist, occurring in a wide variety of plant associations, including coastal sage, chaparral, oak woodlands, piñon-juniper, riparian woodlands, and pine forests (Jennings and Hayes 1994; Stebbins 2003). Within these habitats they are restricted to more mesic micro-habitats. This small, secretive reptile is declining as a result of habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Coronado island skink was detected in chaparral and scrub habitat on-site during surveys. It was captured in low numbers at pitfall trap arrays 1, 2, and 3 (Figure 12). This species likely inhabits most of the habitat throughout the Preserve. Belding’s orange-throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra beldingi)

California Special of Special Concern, County Group 2

In California, Belding’s orange-throated whiptail is found on the west side of the Peninsular Ranges between sea level and 3,000 feet in the southernmost counties (CDFG 1988). Belding’s orange-throated whiptail inhabits washes, streams, terraces, and other sandy areas associated with some perennial plants, open scrub, or coastal chaparral. The principal threat to this species is loss of open sage scrub. Development of floodplains and stream terraces has also greatly contributed to this species’ decline, as well as habitat fragmentation.

Belding’s orange-throated whiptail was detected in the open chaparral and scrub habitat on-site during surveys. This species was most frequently observed during visual encounter surveys (Figure 12). It was also one of the most frequently trapped species on the Preserve. It was captured at every pitfall trap array (Figure 12). This species likely inhabits most of the open chaparral and scrub habitat throughout the Preserve.

Coastal western whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri)

County Group 2

Coastal western whiptail is found in a variety of open habitats in California, including scrub, chaparral, woodland, and riparian areas. This subspecies is found in coastal Southern California, mostly west of the Peninsular Ranges and south of the Transverse Ranges, and north into Ventura County.

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Coastal whiptail was detected in the open chaparral and scrub habitat on-site during surveys. It was frequently observed during visual encounter surveys (Figure 12). It was also one of the most frequently trapped species on the Preserve. It was captured at pitfall trap arrays 1, 2, and 4 (Figure 12). This species likely inhabits most of the open chaparral and scrub habitat throughout the Preserve.

Coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei)

California Species of Special Concern, County Group 2, North County Plan Covered Species

Coast horned lizard is endemic to extreme southwestern California, from Los Angeles County into Baja California (Stebbins 2003). In San Diego County, it is relatively widespread and locally common from the coast to the western edge of the desert. Coast horned lizard is most often found on sandy or friable soil with a variety of habitats, from sage scrub and chaparral to coniferous and broadleaf woodlands (Stebbins 2003). Habitat requirements include open areas for sunning, bushes for cover, and fine loose soil for rapid burrowing.

Coastal horned lizard was detected in the open chaparral and scrub habitat on-site during surveys. It was observed in the loose sandy soil along the trails in the Preserve during visual encounter surveys (Figure 12). It was also captured at pitfall trap array 2 (Figure 12). This species likely inhabits most of the open chaparral and scrub habitats where they coincide with sandy or friable soils on the Preserve.

Coast patch nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea)

California Species of Special Concern, County Group 2

Coast patch-nosed snake occurs in California from the northern Carrizo Plains in San Luis Obispo County, south through the coastal zone, south and west of the deserts, and into coastal northern Baja California up to 7,000 feet in elevation (Marlow 2005). It occurs in semi-arid brushy areas within chaparral, desert scrub, washes, and sandy flats and rocky areas (Marlow 2005). This species seems to require at least a low shrub structure of minimum density; it is not found in habitats lacking this habitat characteristic (Jennings and Hayes 1994).

Coast patch nosed snake was detected in the open chaparral and scrub habitat during surveys. It was captured at pitfall trap arrays 1, 3, and 4 (Figure 12). This species likely inhabits most of the open chaparral and scrub habitats where they coincide with sandy or friable soils on the Preserve.


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3.3.2.2 Birds Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

CDFW Watch List

Double-crested cormorant is a yearlong resident along the entire coast of California and on inland lakes. Within San Diego County, this species occurs commonly as a nonbreeding visitor. It occurs year-round, but is far more abundant in fall and winter. It is a very occasional nester within the County, at Sweetwater Reservoir and San Diego Bay. The established nesting sites closest to the County include the Channel and Coronado Islands and the Salton Sea.

Double-crested cormorants are common in the coastal waters, bays, and inland ponds and lakes of San Diego County. The species requires undisturbed nest sites next to water on offshore rocks, islands, steep cliffs, dead branches of trees, wharfs, or jetties. Perching sites include unvegetated areas. The species is declining in numbers primarily as a result of habitat destruction and boating and fishing activities. It is also susceptible to reduced nesting success from pesticides in the water.

This species was observed on multiple occasions flying over the Preserve to and from nearby Lake Wohlford (Figure 12).

Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura)

County Group 1

Turkey vulture is a highly migratory species, but the County lies within the overlap zone of the species’ winter and summer ranges. Thus, the turkey vulture is present in the County year-round.

Turkey vultures are wide ranging birds that forage on the wing, searching for carrion in a variety of habitats. They nest in secluded rocky outcroppings, away from human activity. Many areas of San Diego County have suitable rocky substrates for nesting, but are not utilized for nesting due to frequent human disturbance.

This species was observed on multiple occasions flying over the Preserve and roosting on boulders on hilltops (Figure 12). The frequent use of the Preserve’s peaks by hikers probably limits the Preserve’s suitability for nesting.

Barn owl (Tyto alba)

County Group 2

Barn owl is a common, year-long resident in open habitats, including grassland, chaparral, riparian, and other wetlands. It occurs throughout California, from sea level to 5,500 feet, avoiding dense forests and open desert habitats. It is often found in the vicinity of human communities (Unitt 2004).


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This species feeds primarily on mice, rats, voles, pocket gophers, and ground squirrels. It also eats shrews, insects, crustaceans, reptiles, and amphibians. Small birds, such as blackbirds, are important prey items in the winter. Barn owl hunts on the wing or from a perch, and also hovers and stoops on prey. It hunts in open fields, wetlands, and grasslands. For nesting and roosting, barn owls prefer quiet cavities, either in trees or on built structures such as barns and silos.

Barn owl was detected on two occasions during nocturnal surveys within the Preserve (Figure 12). On both detections, the owl was heard calling, and only once was its silhouette observed. There is suitable nesting and roosting habitat within the oak woodlands found within the Preserve.

Olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)


Olive-sided flycatcher is an uncommon to common summer resident in a wide variety of forest and woodland habitats below 9,000 feet. It occurs throughout California, with the exception of the deserts, Central Valley, and other lowland valleys and basins. Its preferred nesting habitats include mixed conifer, montane hardwood-conifer, Douglas-fir, redwood, red fir, and lodgepole pine (Unitt 2004).

Olive-sided flycatcher requires large, tall trees, usually conifers, for nesting and roosting. It also requires lofty perches for singing and hunting, such as the dead tips or uppermost branches of the tallest trees in the vicinity. This species hunts for flying insects over forest canopy or adjacent meadows, clearings, or shrub-covered slopes in wide-ranging flights from high, conspicuous perches.

In San Diego County, this species typically arrives in mid-April, and most have departed by early October. This species was observed on one occasion within the Preserve, most likely using the Preserve as stop-over habitat during migration (Figure 12).

Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens)

CDFW Watch List, County Group 1

Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow is a resident species in San Diego County. This species prefers steep grassy or rocky slopes with open scrub at elevations from sea level to approximately 2,000 feet. Most of the species’ population occurs in coastal sage scrub, although it can occupy other coastal scrub habitats.

Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow is not migratory, but territory size may increase during the post-breeding season. This bird is secretive, and forages and nests on the ground, usually near vegetative cover. Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow maintains year- round territories. As with many species found in


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coastal scrub habitats, this species is primarily threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Southern California rufous-crowned sparrows were detected only from one point-count survey location (Point 1); however, suitable habitat occurs within the Preserve (Figure 12). It is likely that this species occupies habitat on the Preserve that was not surveyed.

3.3.2.3 Mammals – Small Mammals Dulzura pocket mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis)

California Species of Special Concern

Dulzura pocket mouse is found in a variety of vegetation communities within San Diego County, including coastal sage scrub, sagebrush, grassland, and various chaparral communities. Within the Preserve, this species was detected primarily in scrub and chaparral type habitats (Figure 12). This species was the second most commonly captured species during small mammal trapping within the Preserve, and the most commonly captured species in pitfall arrays. There were 56 captures, although this may represent the same individuals captured multiple times.

3.3.2.4 Mammals – Large Mammals Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

County Group 2

Mule deer is a fairly common species in large areas of native vegetation within San Diego County. Mule deer tends to be more numerous in the foothills and mountain ranges in the eastern part of the County. It has large home ranges and requires areas with dense vegetation for cover and fresh water. Several female deer were observed walking along trails on the Preserve going past the wildlife cameras (Figure 12). Additionally, one young buck was detected walking past a wildlife camera. The tracks and scat of mule deer were detected along several of the trails and within openings in chaparral vegetation within the Preserve. Due to the lack of permanent water, and since 2014 was a historically dry year, there was no water source on the Preserve. Mule deer foraged within the Preserve and moved through it en-route to areas with fresh water, such as Lake Wohlford to the east.

3.3.2.5 Mammals – Bats Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus)

California Species of Special Concern, County Group 2, North County Plan Covered Species


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Pallid bat is a wide-ranging species within the western half of the United States and from southern Canada to Mexico. It is known to occur at low elevations in rocky desert, canyon lands, and shrub-steppe grasslands, and is most abundant in xeric environments (Rambaldini 2005). Pallid bats may roost alone or in small to large groups. It has a wide range of roost locations depending on terrain, vegetation, and nearby built structures. Roost locations may include rock outcrops and crevices, cliffs, exfoliating tree bark, tree cavities, caves, mines, buildings, bridges, and other structures where they can wedge themselves or have suitable gripping surfaces. It tends to forage over a variety of habitats, including scrub environments, orchards, grasslands, and others.

Pallid bats were detected flying through the Preserve during summer active bat surveys. They were not detected roosting within the Preserve, but were observed flying through and potentially foraging. Pallid bats were detected flying through a small shallow valley near the center of the Preserve (Figure 12).

Greater western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus)


Greater western mastiff bat inhabits the southwestern United States from Northern California to Mexico and east to Texas. The species range is geomorphically determined in that it occurs in areas with significant rock features that provide suitable roosting habitat. It occurs in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands, and coniferous forest (Pierson 2005). The species is primarily a cliff-dwelling species that requires large rock slabs, crevices, and large boulders. This species is a large, fast flier that can cover large distances between roosting and foraging locations. It will forage over large open areas, including agricultural fields, chaparral, dry desert washes, flood plains, grasslands, oak woodlands, and other areas. Is has also been detected foraging over large bodies of water.

Suitable roosting habitat is unlikely within the Preserve, but greater western mastiff bat was detected flying through the Preserve and potentially foraging within the Preserve. Great western mastiff bats were detected flying through the southeast corner of the Preserve through a shallow valley (Figure 12).The lack of water within the Preserve in 2014 may have deterred bats from spending time using the site for foraging, and they may be flying through en route to Lake Wohlford or other areas with water. Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis)

County Group 2

Yuma myotis is found throughout much of the western U.S. and into Canada (BCI 2008). The species is always found near lakes, creeks, or ponds, where the species forages over the water. Typically, individuals skim low over the water and snatch up


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flying insects, but they can forage in other mesic areas. The species roosts by day usually in buildings or bridges but has been documented using mines or caves (BCI 2008). Yuma myotis is threatened by loss of riparian habitat and the decline in permanent water sources in the southwest. Yuma myotis was detected during all three seasons of surveys (spring, summer and fall) and was considered the second most common species recorded in the Preserve. (Yuma myotis is currently not shown on Figure 12, this species will be added to the figure when the RMP is finalized.) 3.3.3 Rare, Threatened or Endangered Wildlife with High Potential to Occur Twenty special-status wildlife species have a high potential to occur within the Preserve as shown below in Table 5. Table 5. Special-Status Wildlife with High Potential to Occur within the Preserve

Species Status1 General Habitat

Habitat on Preserve (Holland

Classification) Invertebrates Hermes copper (Hermelycaena [Lycaena] hermes)

USFWS: Candidate County: Group 1 NC Plan: Covered

Larvae use redberry (Rhamnus crocea) as a foodplant, and the distribution of the Hermes copper is closely tied to the distribution of redberry, typically occurring in chaparral or coastal sage scrub. Adults visit flowers, especially those of flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum).

Southern Mixed Chaparral, Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub

Reptiles and Amphibians Northern three-lined boa (former subspecies of coastal rosy boa) (Lichanura orcutti)

CDFW: CSC County: Group 2

Scrub habitats with rock outcrops. Once common on the coast, now typically found in inland locations.

Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub

Red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber)

CDFW: CSC County: Group 2 NC Plan: Covered

Coastal sage scrub and grasslands. Occurs in rocky areas and dense vegetation with rodent burrows, cracks in rocks, or surface cover objects.

Nonnative Grassland: Broadleaf Dominated, Southern Mixed Chaparral, Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub

Southern California legless lizard (formerly silvery legless lizard) (Anniella stebbinsi)


Lives in burrows in loose, sandy soils. Often found in leaf litter and loose soil. Insectivorous. Moisture is essential. Found in beach dunes, pine-oak woodlands, chaparral, desert scrub, washes, and stream terraces.

Southern Mixed Chaparral, Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub, Coast Live Oak Woodland, Open Coast Live Oak Woodland, Engelmann Oak Woodland


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Classification) San Diego banded gecko (Coleonyx variegatus abbottii)

County: Group 2 Occurs in arid areas, including creosote flats, sagebrush desert, pinion-juniper woods, and chaparral. Prefers rocky areas, but may occur in rock-free areas such as sand dunes.


San Diego ringed neck snake (Diadophis punctatus similis)

County: Group 2 Prefers moist habitats, including wet meadows, rocky hillsides, gardens, grassland, chaparral, mixed coniferous woods, and woodlands.

Nonnative Grassland: Broadleaf Dominated, Southern Mixed Chaparral, Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub, Coast Live Oak Woodland, Open Coast Live Oak Woodland, Engelmann Oak Woodland

Western spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus hammondii)


Sandy or gravelly soil in grasslands, open chaparral and pine-oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub; vernal pools or freshwater marshes are essential for breeding.


Birds White tailed kite (Elanus caeruleus)

CDFW: Fully Protected; CSC (Nesting) County: Group 1

Widespread over the coastal slope of San Diego County, preferring riparian woodlands, oak groves, or sycamore groves adjacent to grasslands.

Coast Live Oak Woodland, Open Coast Live Oak Woodland, Engelmann Oak Woodland

Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperi)

CDFW: Watch List (Nesting) County: Group 1

Inhabits broken woodlands, woodland edges, and streamside groves. Nests in open woodlands or in deciduous trees in riparian areas.



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Classification) Red shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus)

County: Group 1 Occurs mainly in swamp and forest habitats; uses the same nesting site from year to year.


Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus)

CDFW: Watch List (Nesting) County: Group 1

A winter visitor, distributed over the coastal slope of San Diego County. The habitat of this species encompasses a variety of vegetation communities and land covers. It requires a certain amount of dense cover, but this can be localized and scattered through relatively open country.


Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

CDFW: Fully Protected; Watch List (Nesting and Wintering) NC Plan: Covered

Nests on cliff ledges and trees on steep slopes. Hunts for prey in nearby grasslands, sage scrub, or broken chaparral. Requires very large territories.


Western bluebird (Sialia mexicana)

County: Group 1 Frequents open woodlands for foraging, but requires suitable roosting and nesting cavities usually in snags. Availability of snags may limit population density.


Bell’s sage sparrow (Amphispiza belli belli)

CDFW: Watch List County: Group 1 NC Plan: Covered

Coastal sage scrub and sparse chaparral, typically in large unfragmented blocks in inland locales.


Mammals American Badger (Taxidea taxus)


Shrub, forest, and herbaceous habitats with friable soils. Needs sufficient food and friable soils. Preys on burrowing rodents.


Big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis)


Low-lying arid areas in Southern California.



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Classification) Pocketed free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus)


Rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops, and slopes in desert shrub and pine oak forests.


San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii)


Grasslands, open scrub habitats, disturbed areas, and agricultural fields.

Nonnative Grassland: Broadleaf Dominated, Southern Mixed Chaparral, Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub, Coast Live Oak Woodland, Open Coast Live Oak Woodland, Engelmann Oak Woodland, Disturbed Habitat

San Diego desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia)


Sagebrush scrub, annual grassland, chaparral, and desert scrubs, often with cactus patches, rock outcrops, or rock piles.


Mountain lion (Puma concolor)

County: Group 2 NC Plan: Covered

Rugged mountains, forests, deserts, and swamps.


3.3.4 Non-native and/or Invasive Wildlife Species No invasive invertebrates, herpetofauna, or mammal species were detected on the Preserve. One brown-headed cowbird (Molathrus ater) was detected as an incidental sighting during a general wildlife survey. Although brown-headed cowbird is a brood parasite that adversely affects native songbird populations, this species was detected as a flyover, and is most likely not occurring as a brood parasite on the Preserve. Brown-head cowbird typically parasitizes species occurring in riparian and


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grassland areas, and the majority of the Preserve is dominated by chaparral vegetation communities. 3.4 Overall Biological and Conservation Value The Preserve provides an important open space linkage between preserved lands, including conserved open space owned by Escondido Creek Conservancy to the northeast, San Diego Habitat Conservancy to the west and City of Escondido to the north and west. The habitat evaluation map ranks habitat areas as Very High, High, Moderate, or Low based on their potential to support priority coastal California gnatcatcher habitat, and wildlife corridors. According to the MSCP Habitat Evaluation Model, the majority of the habitat within the Preserve is rated as moderate to high value. The southern mixed chaparral is found covering a majority of the Preserve and is considered North County Plan Tier III habitat and supports several special status species including mule deer, Dulzura pocket-mouse, orange-throated whiptail, coast horned lizard. Coastal sage scrub is found covering a portion of the interior and the western boundary of the Preserve and is considered North County Plan Tier II habitat and supports coastal western whiptail, orange-throated whiptail and Dulzura pocket mouse. The coast live oak woodland within the Preserve is considered North County Plan Tier I habitat and supports several special status species including mule deer and Dulzura pocket mouse. Engelmann oak woodland was observed in the eastern portion of the Preserve and is considered North County Plan Tier I habitat and supports barn owl, double-crested cormorant, and Dulzura pocket mouse. A small patch of non-native grassland is located north of the coastal sage scrub habitat near the eastern boundary of the Preserve and is considered North County Plan Tier III and supports Dulzura pocket mouse. 3.4.1 Wildlife Linkages and Corridors Regionally, the Preserve is part of large, unfragmented area of undeveloped habitat that extends in nearly all directions except to the southwest. The City of Escondido is located to the southwest of the Preserve and virtually eliminates terrestrial wildlife movement in that direction. The Preserve has no fence around it, and therefore wildlife can easily move into and out of the Preserve to adjacent habitat areas. Avocado orchards exist to the south of the Preserve. Although avocado orchards are not high value wildlife habitat, they provide cover for many species to move through. Extensive habitat exists to the northwest of the Preserve towards Daley Ranch, although, Valley Center Road and some low density residential development may limit terrestrial wildlife movement to and from the Preserve in that direction. The Escondido Creek Conservancy owns Preserve directly east of the Preserve that is considered open space.


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Large patches of habitat occur north of the Preserve on the other side of Lake Wolford Road. Escondido Creek is located to the north and may provide additional resources for species that require fresh water. Many terrestrial species can easily move across the two-lane Lake Wohlford Road; however, the steep slopes do not provide ideal locations for wildlife to cross. Occasionally road killed mammals were observed along Lake Wohlford Road, particularly because the road is cut into the steep slope with many sharp curves and blind corners. There are no wildlife culverts or underpasses along the road further increasing the mortality risk to terrestrial species that attempt to cross this road. The Preserve is also a part of the Pacific Flyway, a major north/south migration route for birds that travel between North and South America. Many avian species pass through the Preserve during migration and/or may use the Preserve as migratory stopover habitat. Additionally, large patches of California gnatcatcher critical habitat exist to the northwest and south of the Preserve. The patches of sage scrub habitat may provide stepping stone habitat for California gnatcatchers dispersing between these patches of critical habitat.

There is potential for bats to move through the Preserve from roosting locations to foraging areas, such as Lake Wohlford. Bat surveys conducted around Lake Wohlford in 2013 (Rahn and Stricker 2014), identified large numbers of bats flying to the lake to forage, and discuss transit routes for bats moving to Lake Wohlford and possibly a connection between Lake Wohlford and Daley Ranch. Active bat surveys showed bats flying through the Preserve and heading in the direction of Lake Wohlford. 4.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES San Diego County is characterized by a rich and varied historical past. Cultural resources that reflect this history consist of archaeological remains, historic buildings, artifacts, photographs, oral histories, Native American stories and legends, and public documents. This RMP identifies the known cultural resources within the Preserve and provides strategies for managing and protecting them. According to the South Coastal Information Center (SCIC), cultural resources studies within a 0.25 mile radius of the Preserve have occurred from 1977 to recent years. Portions of the Preserve were surveyed from April 16 to April 25, 2014 by AECOM archaeologists. Results from these studies were combined into a final archaeological survey report that was completed for the Preserve in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and County environmental guidelines to assist in continued and future land use and resource protection planning. The results can be found in the report titled Cultural Resources Phase I Survey and Inventory, Bottle Peak Preserve, San Diego County, California, dated August 2014 (updated June 2015) ( Appendix C). This Phase I inventory involved site records searches, literature historic map reviews, Native American consultation, field survey, and resource documentation. The survey and inventory results were used in the preparation of this RMP.


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4.1 Site History The body of current research of Native American (Pre-Contact) occupation in San Diego County recognizes the existence of at least two major cultural traditions, Early Period/Archaic and Late Period, based upon general economic trends and material culture. Within San Diego County, the Early Period/Archaic includes the period from 10,000 to 1,300 years ago, while the Late Period is from 1,300 years ago to historic (Spanish) contact. The Post-contact/Historic Period covers the time from Spanish contact to present. 4.1.1 Pre-Contact The antiquity of human occupation in the New World has been the subject of considerable debate over the last few decades. The most widely accepted model currently is that humans first entered the western hemisphere between 13,000 and 10,000 B.C. The generally accepted archaeological record begins with the Clovis pattern, a widespread phenomenon in North America. Noted for its distinctive tool kit characterized by fluted projectile points, Clovis occupation dates to the end of the Pleistocene, around 11,500 B.C. (Meltzer 1993). Although no substantial Clovis sites are documented in the region, occasional isolated fluted points have been recovered in southern California (e.g., Kline and Kline 2007; Rondeau et al. 2007). Early Period/Archaic The earliest reliably dated human habitation in the region, the “San Dieguito complex,” occurred during the Early Prehistoric Period. After first being identified by Rogers (1939, 1945, 1966), other researchers such as Warren and True (1961), Warren (1967), and Moriarty (1969, 1987) have studied the assemblage of artifacts associated with the San Dieguito complex and refined and enhanced understanding of it. The complex occurs within Wallace’s (1955) “Early Man Horizon,” and Warren subsequently defined a broader San Dieguito tradition (1968). Recent calibrations of previously uncalibrated radiocarbon dates for the San Dieguito complex that ranged from sometime before 9,030 ± 350 years before present (B.P.) to between 8,490 ± 400 and 7,620 ± 380 years B.P. (Warren 1967, 1968) indicate that the oldest of these dates are actually between 10,000 and 11,000 B.P. (Warren et al. 1998). At the Harris Site (CA-SDI-149/316/4935B), a site located approximately 13 miles to the southwest of the Preserve along the San Dieguito River, the earliest component has been associated by Warren (1966, 1967; Warren and True 1961) and Vaughan (1982) with the San Dieguito complex. Characteristic artifacts from the lower levels at the site include leaf-shaped knives; ovoid bifaces; flake tools; choppers; core and pebble hammerstones; and several types of scrapers, crescents, and short-bladed shouldered points (Warren and True 1961; Warren 1966). Most of the evidence for the San Dieguito complex/Early Man Horizon was derived from the coastal region of San Diego County, but little evidence for the complex has been discovered in the coastal area north of San Diego County. Artifacts attributed


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to the complex have, however, recently been found in the Cuyamaca Mountains, approximately 28 miles southeast of the Preserve (Pigniolo 2005). The San Dieguito complex has been characterized by some researchers as having a primarily, but not exclusively, hunting subsistence orientation, in contrast to the more gathering-oriented complexes that were to follow (Warren 1967, 1968, 1987; Warren et al. 1998). Other researchers have interpreted the San Dieguito subsistence system to be possibly ancestral to, or as a developmental stage for, the subsequent predominantly gathering-oriented “La Jolla/Pauma complex” (e.g., Bull 1983; Ezell 1987; Gallegos 1985, 1987, 1991; Koerper et al. 1991). The lack of artifacts diagnostic of the San Dieguito complex or radiocarbon results from sites on the Preserve dating to this period does not allow for a definite assignment of any of the resources in the Preserve to this period. Between the Preserve and the coast, sites dating to the Archaic Period are more numerous. To the west of the Preserve, for example, along the coast around Batiquitos Lagoon, more than 20 sites have been documented spanning the early to middle Archaic Period from circa 8200 to 3500 B.P. (Gallegos 1991; Masters and Gallegos 1997). Investigations of a shell midden deposit at site CA-SDI-10,238, at the mouth of the San Dieguito River, indicate occupation of the site spanning the middle to early Archaic Period based on radiocarbon dates from 5790±110 to 7690±60 B.P. (Cooley et al. 2000). A large number of radiocarbon dates from the Del Mar Site (CA-SDI-10,940), also located near the mouth of the San Dieguito River, similarly span this period (Cooley 2008). Although, fewer sites that date to the Archaic Period are also documented in the near coastal area. The Harris Site (CA-SDI-149), and others in proximity to it along the San Dieguito River, 13 miles southwest of the Preserve, contain, in addition to the early San Dieguito component mentioned above, stratigraphic components with La Jolla complex assemblages dating to the Archaic Period (Carrico et al. 1993; Cooley 2006; Warren 1967; Warren and True 1961). As the distance from the coast increases, however, fewer sites dating to, or with assemblages with definitive assemblages characteristic of, the Archaic Period have been documented. While not plentiful, some sites have been documented, such as site CA-SDI-4608 located near Poway, in foothill circumstances, approximately 14.6 miles to the south of the Preserve. This site, located approximately the same distance from the coast as the Preserve, has produced both radiocarbon dating and an assemblage that places at least a portion of it within the Archaic Period, circa 5000 B.P. (Raven-Jennings and Smith 1999). Although the current paucity of sites in adjacent areas culturally associated with and/or definitely dating to the Archaic Period might suggest that sites from this period would be less likely to be present on the Preserve, earlier researchers proposed that such sites could be present in the area (True 1980; Warren et al. 1961:10). The lack of artifacts diagnostic of the Archaic La Jolla/Pauma complex or radiocarbon results dating to this period from the Preserve does not allow for a definite assignment of any of the resources on the Preserve to this period. Future


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investigations at sites on the Preserve, however, could reveal the presence of such diagnostic information. Late Period A material culture pattern, similar to that of historic Native Americans, first becomes apparent in the archaeological record during the Late Period (circa 1,300 to historic contact). The economic pattern during this period appears to be one of more intensive and efficient exploitation of local resources. The prosperity of these highly refined economic patterns is well evidenced by the numerous Kumeyaay/Diegueño and Luiseño habitation sites scattered throughout San Diego County. This increase in Late Period site density probably reflects both better preservation of the more recent archaeological record and a gradual population increase within the region. This period was characterized by the appearance of small, pressure-flaked arrow points (Cottonwood triangular, Desert side-notched, and Dos Cabezas serrated forms) indicative of a bow-and-arrow technology, the appearance of ceramics, the establishment of permanent or semi-permanent seasonal village sites, the presence of obsidian from the Imperial Valley source Obsidian Butte, the replacement of flexed inhumations with cremations, extensive use of the mortar and pestle, and an emphasis on collecting and processing inland plant foods, especially acorns. Prior to the current investigation, three of the seven sites previously recorded in the Preserve (CA-SDI-4971, CA-SDI-4976, and CA-SDI-8674) were known to contain artifacts diagnostic of the Late Prehistoric Period (Thesken and Carrico 1979). Another site, CA-SDI-4978, was also attributed to this period by Thesken and Carrico, but without any specific evidence to verify it. No diagnostic artifacts were recovered from previous investigations at the other three previously recorded sites on the Preserve (CA-SDI-4972, CA-SDI-4975, and CA-SDI-8673). Two of these seven sites, CA-SDI-4971 and CA-SDI-4972, were originally recorded to be bedrock feature milling sites with a sparse presence of possible habitation debris, and the other, CA-SDI-4975, is a site with habitation debris, including shellfish shell and fire-affected rocks. The current survey has added additional evidence for the Late Prehistoric affiliation of these sites, with mortars identified at sites CA-SDI-4971, CA-SDI-4972, and CA-SDI-4975 (now redefined as one site, CA-SDI-4971/4972/4975) and at site CA-SDI-8673. Also noted in the current survey was an arrow size projectile point as well as some additional ceramics at CA-SDI-4971/4972/4975. These results, and possibly radiocarbon results from future investigations of sites on the Preserve, could allow for an even more definite assignment of these and other sites on the Preserve to the Late Prehistoric Period. 4.1.2 Post-Contact The history of San Diego County is commonly presented in terms of Spanish, Mexican, and American periods. Certain themes are common to all periods, such as the development of transportation, settlement, and agriculture.


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Spanish Period (1769-1821) The Spanish Period represents exploration, the establishment of the San Diego Presidio and missions at San Diego (1769) and San Luis Rey (1798), and asistencias (chapels) to the San Diego Mission at Santa Ysabel (1818) and to the San Luis Rey Mission at Pala (1816). Horses, cattle, agricultural foods and weed seeds, and a new architectural style and method of building construction were also introduced. Spanish influence continued after 1821 when California became a part of Mexico. For a period of time under Mexican rule, the missions continued to operate as in the past, and laws governing the distribution of land were also retained. Mexican Period (1821-1848) The Mexican Period includes the initial retention of Spanish laws and practices until shortly before secularization of the missions in 1834, a decade after the end of Spanish rule. Although several grants of land were made prior to 1834, vast tracts of land were dispersed through land grants offered after secularization. Cattle ranching prevailed over agricultural activities, and the development of the hide and tallow trade increased during the early part of this period. The Pueblo of San Diego was established and transportation routes were expanded. The Mexican Period ended in 1848 as a result of the Mexican-American War. American Period (1848 to Present) The American Period began when Mexico ceded California to the United States under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Terms of the treaty brought about the creation of the Lands Commission, in response to the Homestead Act of 1851 that was adopted as a means of validating and settling land ownership claims throughout the state. Few Mexican ranchos remained intact because of legal costs and the difficulty of producing sufficient evidence to prove title claims. Much of the land that once constituted rancho holdings became available for settlement by immigrants to California. The influx of people to California and the San Diego region resulted from several factors including the discovery of gold in the state, the conclusion of the Civil War, the availability of free land through passage of the Homestead Act, and later, the importance of San Diego County as an agricultural area supported by roads, irrigation systems, and connecting railways. The 1880s saw “boom and bust” cycles that brought thousands of people to San Diego County, aided in no small part by the arrival of the railroad (Pourade 1964:169–172). By the end of the decade, many had left, though some remained to form the foundations of small communities based on dry farming, orchards, dairies, and livestock ranching (see, for example, May and Carrico 2001 and Jacques and Quillen 1983: Appendix B). Anchored by schools and post offices, these often sparse settlements—exemplified by early communities like Lakeside, Lusardi, and Stowe—were the basis of San Diego County’s farming and ranching lifestyle of the late 19th century and early 20th century (Cooley and Jordan 2008:16–18; Jordan


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and Cooley 2008:21–23; Jordan et al. 2008:17–22). The influence of modern military development, beginning in 1916 during World War I, moved much of the population away from this lifestyle, and the need to fight a two-ocean war during World War II resulted in substantial development in infrastructure and industry to support the military and to accommodate soldiers, sailors, and defense industry workers (see Hennessey 1993; Killory 1993 and City of San Diego et al. 1993). Since World War II, coastal residential densities have spiked, supported by the north/south Interstate 5 corridor connecting this once remote region to the urban centers of the California coastline. All of the historic sites within the Preserve appear to date to the American period, and more specifically to the 20th century. 4.1.3 Historic Overview of the Preserve Throughout the 1800s, the Bottle Peak area sat relatively untouched. Although the areas surrounding this land were key pieces in the local development of the rancho system, the topography of the Preserve kept it from being claimed by livestock-grazing ranchos. Private land grant holdings were in areas of more level land, valleys and locales that encompassed major drainages to support livestock ranching and other agricultural pursuits. Land grants in the area included Rincon del Diablo, Juan Bautista Alvarado’s land grant (circa 1843), less than 0.2 mile from the southwest portion of the Preserve, and Rancho Guejito y Cañada de Palomia, granted in 1845 to Guadalupe Alvarado’s husband José María Orozco, located 3 miles to the east. Rancho Los Vallecitos de San Marcos, granted to Jose Maria Alvarado (circa 1840), was located approximately 4.5 miles directly west of the Preserve, and the land grant of Rancho Bernardo, made to Joseph Snook (circa 1842), an English coastal trader and son-in-law to Juan Bautista Alvarado, was located 4 miles to the south of the Preserve. Rincon del Diablo, located within Escondido Valley, means “Corner of the Devil.” Although the origin of this name is unknown, one suggestion is that because this land was not under the control of the local missions during the Mission period, it belonged to the devil (Whetstone 1963). Beginning in the 1800s, stage coach lines operated through the region, using various trails in existence since the Mexican Period, when the area was mostly a cattle range. The development of the Bear Valley Dam, later Lake Wohlford, in 1894–1895 precipitated the construction of an extensive irrigation network, transporting water from the newly built dam to the agricultural communities of San Luis Rey, Escondido, and San Pasqual Valley. Close to the dam and in the midst of a rich surrounding farm community, the area became a desirable destination for agriculture. Despite this, the Preserve was never heavily developed. Located among varying topography with several hills and peaks, it was not attractive for heavy agricultural development. Although it was mainly the promise of agriculture, promoted heavily by developers and Escondido proprietors, that brought settlers and investors to the area, there


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existed another intriguing opportunity awaiting potential immigrants into the region: gold. By the 1840s, a solid vein was discovered within the surrounding mountains from which gold and silver could be extracted (Lorey 2000). During this time, the El Diablo and Oro Fino mines, the two major mines in Escondido, were established. In 1860, Judge Oliver S. Witherby bought Rincon del Diablo and quickly set to examine his newly acquired Preserve for gold. It is unclear the extent of mining activities that took place under his ownership from 1860 to 1868, as no detailed accounts or descriptions of any activities exist. With the purchase of the land by the Wolfskills in 1868, who were interested primarily in cattle, mining in the area was abandoned, largely if not completely. Mining started up again with the purchase of the land in 1886 by the Escondido Land and Town Company, increasing through the 1890s, when several mining claims were established throughout the area, including the Bottle Peak Mine, established by farmer and patent holder W.P. Bevington (California State Mining Bureau 1897; Lorey 2000). Worked during the decade and into the turn of the century, the mine, while still rich in quartz, steadily lost promise. The mine appeared, like most mines in the Escondido and San Pasqual Valley, headed for closure until 1908, when it was discovered to contain high- grade ore (Hill Publishing Company 1908). Bevington and partner Ed Granville, an early Escondido businessman, tried to capitalize on this discovery, developing a 67-foot-long tunnel running into the mountainside (Lorey 2000). Heavily worked, Bottle Peak was quickly exhausted of its valuable resources. Unable to expand on its once great promise and no longer profitable, by 1914, like most claims in the area, the mine was abandoned (California State Mining Bureau 1914). With the passing of the Land Ordinance of 1785, vast amounts of land needed to be surveyed, as the immediate goal of the ordinance was for Congress to raise money through the sale of land in the largely unmapped territory of the western United States. In 1812, Congress created the General Land Office (GLO) and placed it under the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department. Along with the new organization, a new method of surveying was also employed. Previously, land had been surveyed using metes and bounds, but the Land Ordinance of 1785 mandated that surveyors use a new rectangular system, where the land was partitioned into townships and ranges, with 36 sections per township, each being 1 square mile or 640 acres. The Preserve is located within township (T) 12 South and range (R) 1 west (T12S/R1W) and was surveyed in 1872, 1874, 1900, 1934, and 1943. The earliest survey plat map, dated 1872, indicates the Preserve as being within an unsurveyed area marked as “high rocky and precipitous mountains.” A better attempt at surveying these sections was undertaken for the 1874 survey plat. Sections 5 and 8 are still indicated as “rough hills,” but the west half of section 6 and the whole of section 7 contain survey information such as gulches, roads, trails, and structures. Most of these historic modifications are located to the west of the Preserve; within the Preserve, only gulches are indicated. The “Lomas Muertas” are indicated as trending northwest-southeast between sections 7 and 8. The 1900 plat map continues to fill in holes in the survey coverage, and contains information for sections 5 and 8 (see Figure 5). Within section 5, “Baine’s H”[ouse] is shown within the Preserve in the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of the section. To the south, in the


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northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 5, a structure is shown just outside of the Preserve line labeled “Jna Bevington.” Below the Bevington structure, to the south of the Preserve, the area is indicated as being “Brushy Flats.” To facilitate settlement of the west, the Homestead Act of 1862 was passed by Congress. This act enabled Americans to obtain 160 acres of public land for $1.25 per acre in return for living on the land, building a dwelling, and farming a portion of the land for 5 years. Within or adjacent to the Preserve, four land patents were granted between 1890 and 1934 under the authority of the Homestead Act, including that of Robert Baines, issued in 1902 and encompassing the area of the house documented on the 1900 plat map. The southern section of the Preserve was issued to Laniska Lomax in 1896. In 1934, portions of sections 5 and 6 within the Preserve were issued to Hattie Pierce. This same year, a resurvey of sections 5 and 6 occurred. This resurvey delineated a reestablishment of the section lines in their true and original positions. This retracement resulted in the “crooked” section lines still in place today. One additional patent was issued under the Homestead Act of 1862 for land adjacent to the southern end of the Preserve to Nepheus Packard in 1890, and several other sections of land adjacent to the Preserve were purchased between 1879 and 1943 under the authority of the April 24, 1820, Sale-Cash Entry (3 Stat. 566). By 1879, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) had been established, and it began the topographic mapping of the United States in 1882. Two topographic maps from 1901 cover the Preserve: Escondido (1:62,500) and San Luis Rey (1:125,000) (USGS 1901a, 1901b). Two additional historic topographic maps from the 1940s are available for the Preserve: 1942 Escondido (1:62,500) and 1948 Valley Center (1:24,000) (USGS 1942, 1948). A dirt road is observed on the 1901 San Luis Rey topographic map entering from the southeastern portion outside of the Preserve leading to Bottle Peak Spring and a building that may have been a spring house. The road continues approximately 500 feet to the west of the spring to a second structure located within the Preserve. No remains of the building were located on the Preserve, and the road is now a foot path. Three buildings are on the 1942 Escondido topographic map (Figure 9). The eastern structure, most likely a homestead, is situated just outside of the eastern boundary of the Preserve and may represent the Bevington structure documented on the 1874 plat map. The road that leads to this Preserve (P-37-033825) approaches the residence from the west. Another road (P-37-033826) is seen on the Valley Center 1948 topographic map approaching from the north and merging into P-37-033825. The western structure seen on the 1942 Escondido topographic map may represent the Baines homestead, but no remains of the building were identified during the field survey. Although these roads are still in use today, the original configurations of most of the roads are gone. As seen in the historic aerials, P-37-033826 has undergone numerous changes, including its redirection to the west with construction of the


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earthen dam (CA-SDI-21246) between 1953 and 1964. By 1971, the road is redirected again to the east of the earthen dam. The new road alignment intersects with P-37-033825 and does not proceed south to the spring. The scars on the landscape from the original road, south of the homestead to the spring, are still visible on the 1971 aerial. By 1970, no standing structures were evident on any relevant parcel. Since that time, the area has remained undeveloped. All parcels have been classified as non-irrigated agricultural properties. 4.2 Native American Consultation A letter was sent to the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) on April 10, 2014. A response letter from the NAHC, dated August 14, 2014, was received on August 14, 2014. The search of the Sacred Lands File by the NAHC failed to indicate the presence of resources on the Preserve or the immediate surrounding area. The NAHC response also included a list of local Native American contacts. On April 14, 2014, letters were sent to the Native American contacts provided by the NAHC, requesting further information on resources and soliciting comment on the Preserve survey. On May 5, 2014, a response was received from Shasta Gaughen of the Pala Band of Mission Indians indicating no comments concerning the Preserve. On May 6, 2014, follow-up phone calls were made to the Native American contacts provided by the NAHC. AECOM spoke to Ron Christman of the Kumeyaay Cultural Historical Commission and Lavonne Peck of the La Jolla Band of Mission Indians on May 6, 2014, both of whom had no concerns regarding the Preserve survey. Messages were left for the remaining representatives. On May 15, 2014, a response letter from Rosa Duro from the Rincon Culture Committee with the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians was received. The committee noted that the Preserve is within the Luiseno Aboriginal Territory and the group is concerned about the overall impact activities on the Preserve may have on the protection and preservation of Native American cultural assets. Ms. Duro, on behalf of the tribe, requested to be kept informed of any changes or updates in regards to the Preserve. On May 13, 2014, a response letter was received by Carmen Lucas from the Kwaaymii Laguna Band of Mission Indians asking that the San Pasqual Indian Reservation cultural resources group be included on ground disturbing and survey activities. Copies of all correspondence with Native American representatives are attached as Appendix D. Prior to initiating the pedestrian survey, Clinton Linton (Red Tail Monitoring & Research of the Santa Ysabel Band of Diegueño Indians) and Cami Mojado (Saving Sacred Sites of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians), both contacts listed by the NAHC, were retained contractually to provide Native American monitoring services for the pedestrian survey. During the survey, two Native American tribal representatives were present. A representative from Red Tail Monitoring & Research was present on April 16 and 17, 2014. From April 21 to 23, 2014, a monitor representing Saving Sacred Sites participated.


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4.3 Cultural Resource Descriptions 4.3.1 Prehistoric Resources CA-SDI-4976 This resource was originally recorded by C.E. Drover in 1977 as a rock shelter with a fire-blackened ceiling and a sherd of Tizon Brown Ware. In the vicinity of the shelter, brown organic soils were observed, with some disturbance from erosion. During the current survey, the rock shelter was not relocated due to slope and thick vegetation. CA-SDI-4978 This resource was originally recorded by C.E. Drover in 1977 as a rock shelter with a fire-blackened ceiling. No artifacts were observed during the original recordation at the site. Soils consisted of orange-brown granitic soils in the vicinity of the resource, with brown organic soils at the site. During the current survey, the rock shelter was not relocated due to slope and thick vegetation. CA-SDI-8673 Update This resource was originally recorded by Thesken and Carrico (1979) during a survey for an environmental impact report (EIR) by WESTEC. The site measured approximately 165 feet east/west by 250 feet north/south. The site was recorded as a milling complex with three loci (A, B, C) consisting of three bedrock outcroppings with 14 elements, including slicks and rubs, a rock alignment (acorn storage platform), and a lithic scatter with one bifacial mano. During the current survey, the resource was relocated and, with the use of a GPS unit, remapped. Locus A was not relocated; this may have been due to thick brush and poison oak, which hindered the ability to survey the area completely. Locus B was relocated. Locus C was not relocated where it had been previously documented. During the current survey, three loci were recorded and labeled locus 1 (previously locus C), locus 2 (newly identified locus), and locus 3 (previously locus B). Locus 1 contains more than four bedrock outcrop features consisting of slicks, rubs, and basins. Locus 2 is a large bedrock outcrop approximately 33 feet in diameter and almost flat, with the ground on a slight slope to the west. This locus has four features consisting of at least 10 elements, with high exfoliation and deterioration of the surface of the outcrop. Locus 3 is within the previously recorded site boundaries and consists of at least two bedrock outcrop features and more than 25 milling elements, including basins, slicks and rubs, a conical mortar, and a granary, along with lithics and two groundstone tools. The ground within the site boundaries contains dark brown organic soil. CA-SDI-8674 Update This resource was originally recorded by Thesken and Carrico (1979) during a survey for an Environmental Impact Report survey by WESTEC. The site measured


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approximately 984 feet by 656 feet. The site was described as a broad scatter of 13 pieces of debitage, two metates, two manos, two shell fragments, three Tizon Brown pottery sherds, and a milling slick. The current survey expanded the site to 870 feet by 1,165 feet north/south. The north and northwest portions of the site were relocated and expanded to encompass four boulder milling features; lithics tools consisting of one utilized edge tool, two scrapers, and a biface; lithic flakes and debitage; and shell. The milling features consist of four milling slicks on four boulders. Lithic materials observed include quartz, quartzite, meta-volcanic, Santiago Peak Volcanic (SPV), and felspar. The shell fragments include Chione and a possible Tivela. Observed within the previously recorded southwestern portion of the site were up to 15 pieces of lithic debitage. The metates, manos, and pottery documented by the 1979 survey were not relocated. The original site boundaries include a large area in the north portion of the site that has been disturbed by the breach/rebuilding of the dam in the late 1990s. Additionally, disturbances by agriculture and cattle ranching, unauthorized pedestrian hiking trails, and off-road-vehicle, and equestrian activities are present throughout the site. There are car parts and modern trash scatters within the boundaries of the site. Soils range from dark brown midden to course, large-grained granitic sand. The site boundaries were not strictly defined along the south and southwest borders due to the boundary extending beyond the present Preserve parcels, as well as steep slope, thick brush, and poison oak in the drainage area in the southern portion of the site. The area to the north of the site is void of material and appears on historic maps as having been used for agricultural purposes. CA-SDI-21249 This resource is a milling and lithic scatter. The site is situated in an open area between, and on the west and east slopes of, two small hill tops with a steep drainage approximately 350 feet to the north. The milling features includes three bedrock boulder outcrops, two with distinct milling slicks and one with a lightly ground surface. Lithic artifacts consist of six pieces of quartz, quartzite, and feldspar debitage and SPV materials. The soils range from brown sands to course large-grained decomposing granitic sand. CA-SDI-21250 This resource is an isolated milling feature with a small 6-inch slick on a large granitic boulder measuring 10 feet by 13 feet. The area around the site has been disturbed by vehicle activity and the feature has been disturbed by wind and water erosion.


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CA-SDI-21251 This resource includes two milling features. The two milling features had a high degree of exfoliation (Feature 1 and 2) and were located among numerous boulders. There may be more features within the site, but thick brush made it difficult to examine the area in full. Feature 1 is a low-lying outcrop measuring 3.3 feet by 5 feet and is approximately 3 inches above ground with a milling slick measuring 0.65 feet by 0.7 feet. Feature 2 is a boulder that sits approximately 2.3 feet above ground and measures 3.3 feet by 5 feet and includes a natural depression with numerous pecked areas and only a few high spots of milled surface observed. CA-SDI-21252 This resource is a large granitic boulder incorporating two separate shelters. The shelters are at approximately 1,600 feet elevation on a southwest-facing slope overlooking Escondido Creek. The first shelter was formed by the top of the boulder breaking along a plane and sliding east, landing next to the remaining portion of the boulder. The movement of the boulder created a “V” shape between the pieces, allowing for an approximately 23-foot by 5.2-foot interior dimension of the shelter. The opening of this shelter has a constructed rock wall of approximately four courses high. The first course of rock is well embedded into the soil, with the second course somewhat embedded. However, the remaining two courses of rocks may have been restacked in the recent past. The second shelter is a deep overhang facing west. This shelter is approximately 15 feet wide by 7.6 feet deep, with a drip line at approximately 4.5 feet high at the opening. Both shelters have blackened ceilings and appear to have very little disturbance. Although there are no artifacts observed in association with the shelters, a few pieces of glass were observed. CA-SDI-21253 This resource is a possible granary on a large boulder. The resource includes up to 17 rocks intermingled with fragmented cortex from the boulder. The boulder is 11.5 feet by 8.2 feet and rises above-ground approximately 6.5 feet on the west side. The components of the feature are displaced from their original context, and no other artifacts were observed within the area. 4.3.2 Historic Resources CA-SDI-21246 This resource consists of an earthen dam. The earthen dam is approximately 315 feet long by 6.5 feet wide, with a pond located on the north side measuring approximately 238 feet by 156 feet. According to historic maps, the dam was constructed sometime in the late 1950s to the early 1960s. The dam appears to have been constructed from the native soils to the north and south by use of mechanical equipment. There is no indication of the dam on the 1953 aerial (USDA 1953) or on the 1942 Escondido


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(1:62,500) topographic maps (USGS 1942). However, the 1964 aerial (USDA 1964) shows the earthen damn as well as recent scaring to the north (USDA 1964). CA-SDI-21247 This resource is a historic trash scatter. The site consists of a concentration of historic artifacts within a larger area of scattered artifacts measuring approximately 60 feet in diameter. Artifacts observed include sanitary cans, bottle glass and glass fragments, metal buckets, a 50-gallon barrel, blue enamel metal pot fragments, machinery parts, sheet metal fragments, a metal wash basin, a ceramic wash basin, metal straps, eight-strand wire cable, two-strand barbed wire, and wire netting. CA-SDI-21248 This resource is a historic glass and can scatter. The site measures 10 feet by 6.5 feet. Artifacts consist of partially embedded sanitary cans, juice cans, ribbed cans, a hole-in-top milk can measuring 3-7/8 inches by 3 inches, a complete ketchup bottle (Duraglas), glass fragments, meat cans, mason jars, and crock pot fragments. The openings of the cans are rotary, church key, and punched by a knife and/or pick. P-37-033825 (Historic Road 1) This resource consists of a historic road alignment. The road is seen on the 1942 Escondido (1:62,500) and 1948 Valley Center (1:24,000) topographic maps (USGS 1942, 1948) leading to structures that may have been associated with early homesteading and farming. Remnants of the road can be seen on modern aerials, and the road is still in use for unauthorized off-roading, hiking, and horse trails. No remains of the structures were found on the Preserve P-37-033826 (Historic Road 2) This resource consists of a historic road alignment. The road is seen on the 1948 Valley Center 1:24,000 (USGS 1948) topographic map and the 1947 aerial (USDA 1947) photographs. The original alignment of the road is barely visible on modern aerials and has, in the past, been redirected numerous times. Portions of the original road alignment are now being used as unauthorized foot paths and trails. 4.3.3 Isolates P-37-033827 This resource is the remains of an old flatbed truck likely from the 1940s. The remnants of the vehicle are partially embedded in the ground. Artifacts include the bed, frame, and some of the elements of the drivetrain. Water erosion is visible in the area, and more of the truck’s remains may be in the thicker brush that was not able to be surveyed. The isolate may be associated with farming or mining in the area.


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P-37-033829 This resource consists of a 50-gallon barrel and fragments of an old glass liquor bottle. The 50-gallon drum has been smashed and used for target practice. The glass fragments include the base and neck from a liquor bottle with a bulbous neck, external thread closure, and a Duraglas maker’s mark. No other artifacts were located within the vicinity of the isolate. 4.4 Resource Significance As a result of combining three previously recorded sites based on observations during the current survey, 19 cultural resources are present within or contiguous to the Preserve. Four of these resources are isolates that are not considered significant. The remaining 15 resources consist of five previously recorded sites (including newly combined site CA-SDI-4971/4972/4975) and 10 newly identified sites. Nine of the sites are prehistoric, five are historic, and one is multi-component. Two of the prehistoric cultural resources previously recorded within the Preserve (CA-SDI-4976 and CA-SDI-4978) could not be relocated during the current survey due to access issues resulting from dense vegetation. Although vegetation did not appear to compromise visibility at the other five previously recorded site locations, at site CA-SDI-4932, dense and/or poisonous vegetation did prevent survey of the possible full extent of the site. Consequently, the full content and extent (boundary) of this site must still be treated as incompletely defined. The existence of a subsurface component to any resource cannot be definitively identified without testing. However, an analysis of the potential for the present resources to contain a subsurface component, based on the presence of artifacts and features previously excavated or observed at the surface, is listed in Table 6. Evaluation of resources was not conducted as part of this study, but preliminary evaluation recommendations are included in Table 6 for planning purposes.

Table 6. Bottle Peak Preserve Cultural Sites Recommendations Trinomial or Primary Number Description

Potential Significance

Evaluation Recommendation

CA-SDI-4971/4972/4975

Prehistoric village site – milling site, midden soils, lithic, ceramic, and shell scatter

High Possibly CEQA significant; avoidance and preservation, or treatment plan

CA-SDI-8673 Prehistoric camp site – milling features, lithic scatter, granary



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Trinomial or Primary Number Description

Potential Significance

Evaluation Recommendation

CA-SDI-8674 Prehistoric camp site – milling features, lithic and shell scatter


CA-SDI-4976* Rock shelter – Tizon brown ceramic

Moderate Possibly CEQA significant; avoidance and preservation, or treatment plan

CA-SDI-4978* Rock shelter Moderate Possibly CEQA significant; avoidance and preservation, or treatment plan

CA-SDI-21249 Prehistoric site – three milling features and lithic scatter


CA-SDI-21246 Earthen dam Low Avoidance and preservation

CA-SDI-21247 Historic trash scatter Low Avoidance and preservation

CA-SDI-21250 Prehistoric milling site Low Avoidance and preservation

CA-SDI-21251 Prehistoric milling site Low Avoidance and preservation

CA-SDI-21252 Rock shelters Moderate Possibly CEQA significant; avoidance and preservation, or treatment plan

CA-SDI-21248 Historic trash scatter Low Avoidance and preservation

CA-SDI-21253 Prehistoric milling site – two features

Low Avoidance and preservation

P-37-033825 Historic route Low Avoidance and preservation

P-37-033826 Historic route Low Avoidance and preservation

*Could not be relocated during present survey effort


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5.0 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 5.1 Management Goals and Objectives Management of the natural and cultural resources within the Preserve will be guided by the general goals and objectives of both the County and the Draft North County Plan as described below. 5.1.1 County-Specific County-specific goals and objectives used to guide the management of resources within the Preserve can be found in the County Strategic Plan, the DPR Strategic Plan, as well as the North County Metropolitan Subregional Plan. The County’s overall goal or mission, as indicated in the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan, is to efficiently provide public services that build strong and sustainable communities. The Strategic Plan for Parks and Recreation is closely aligned with the County’s strategic initiatives. The DPR Strategic Plan 2016-2021, outlines the department’s priorities for accomplishing its mission over a five-year period. The overall goal or mission of DPR is to provide exceptional parks and recreation experiences and preserving regionally significant natural and cultural resources. DPR makes this mission a reality through programs that assist our communities to prepare for unexpected natural disasters, enhance and diversify services, encourage recreation, preservation of the region’s natural and cultural resources, provide opportunities to inspire active, healthy lifestyle choices, and promote cultural awareness and celebrate diversity. In addition, County specific goals and guidelines can be found in the San Diego County General Plan. Specifically, the Preserve is located within the North County Metropolitan Subregional Plan. The North County Metropolitan Subregional Plan provides goals and policies which are designed to fit the specific or unique circumstances existing within this Plan area. Goals provided in this Plan promote orderly development, protect environmental and man-made resources, and implement the County's objectives for growth management and the structure of government for the Subregion. To this end, the North County Metropolitan Subregional Plan provides policies and recommendations which are meant to guide the allocation of County resources towards prescribed outcomes consistent with the goals. 5.1.4 North County Plan-Related The Draft North County Plan provides both general and preserve segment-specific goals and objectives. The Preserve is located in the Guejito - Pauma Planning Unit and is considered “Preserve” under the Draft North County Plan. The overall MSCP goal is to maintain and enhance biological diversity in the region and conserve viable


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populations of endangered, threatened, and key sensitive species and their habitat, thereby preventing local extirpation and ultimate extinction. This is intended to minimize the need for future listings, while enabling economic growth in the region. In order to maintain the biodiversity and ecosystem health in the region while ensuring quality of life and economic growth opportunities, the Draft North County Plan incorporates the following underlying biological and social goals: Develop a Preserve system that will preserve ecosystem functions and values, maintain the range of natural biological communities and native species within the Plan area and contribute to the recovery of endangered, threatened, and sensitive species and their habitats. Protect the quality of life for residents and visitors by maintaining the scenic beauty, natural biological diversity, cultural resources, and recreational opportunities within the Plan area. In addition, the Draft North County Plan provides specific conservation goals for the Guejito - Pauma Planning Unit. The objectives for the Planning Unit are applicable to the Preserve:

• Conserve and adaptively manage 6,238 acres of Baseline Preserve, including Hellhole Canyon County Preserve, Bottle Peak Preserve (owned by County), Bottle Peak (owned by Escodido Creek Conservancy), Bureau of Land Management Preserve, private Preserve with biological open space easement.

• Maintain the viability of conserved natural vegetation communities within the

Baseline Preserve in this Planning Unit, including scrub (1,621 acres), chaparral (4,040 acres), grassland/meadow/seep (2 acres), riparian (88 acres), and upland woodland and forest (454 acres).

• Conserve occurrences of a minimum of eleven Covered Species, including

Harbison’s dun skipper, arroyo toad, western spadefoot toad, southwestern pond turtle, coast horned lizard, coastal cactus wren, western burrowing owl, Stephens’ kangaroo rat, pallid bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, and Engelmann oak.

5.1.2 Management Directives and Implementation Measures Based on the above management goals and objectives, recommended management directives have been identified. In accordance with the Draft Framework RMP, specific conservation actions that will be performed on preserve lands fall into three categories: land stewardship, adaptive management actions, and biological monitoring. In general, land stewardship consists of the activities necessary for maintaining the integrity (i.e. functional ecosystem and protected resources) of


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preserved lands. Adaptive management actions include activities that are designed to benefit specific ecological features (e.g. certain species, vegetation communities or ecological processes) based upon information that has been gained through casual observations or scientific monitoring. Biological monitoring refers to focused assessments of species and vegetation communities. The Management Directives have been designated as Priority 1 or Priority 2. This designation recognizes the fact that many of the directives cannot be immediately implemented, but instead will occur over the life of the Draft North County Plan. The timing of many of the management directives will be directly related to priority. The priorities are, therefore, intended to assist in decisions on how to spend management funds. Priority designations are as follows:

Priority 1: Directives that protect the resources in the Preserve and the MSCP Preserve, including management actions that are necessary to ensure that sensitive species are adequately protected.

Priority 2: Directives other than those required for sensitive species status and other long-term items that may be implemented during the life of the MSCP as funding becomes available.

The Draft Framework RMP provides habitat specific management and monitoring guidelines which address the major factors that impact specific habitat types including scrub, chaparral, grassland, meadow, and seeps, vernal pools, bog and marsh, riparian and bottomland habitat, and upland woodland and forest. The major factors that can impact these habitats include hydrology, invasive non-native plant and animal species, and fire. Species that are most likely to benefit from these habitat-based management and monitoring guidelines are detailed for each habitat type. Additionally, the Draft North County Plan conservation analysis for specific species (such as narrow endemics, threatened or endangered species) and provides species specific management and monitoring guidance. This RMP includes management directives and implementation measures to meet Draft North County Plan goals and objectives under the following elements: A) Biological Resources, B) Vegetation Management, C) Public Use, Trails, and Recreation, D) Operations and Facility Maintenance, and E) Cultural Resources. 5.2 Biological Resources Element (A) 5.2.1 Biological Monitoring Biological monitoring will be performed onsite to gather information that will assist DPR in making informed land management decisions to conform to Draft North County Plan goals and objectives, as well as DPR objectives. The biological monitoring that will occur will be designed to guide decisions at the individual preserve level. The first year of monitoring has been conducted (baseline surveys) and the results are included as Appendix B. Additional monitoring results will be


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incorporated into stand-alone monitoring reports and the Draft North County Plan Annual Report. These reports may recommend revisions to the management directives contained within this RMP. Monitoring at the preserve scale is focused on obtaining information for management purposes, but can also be useful for subregional and ecoregional monitoring assessment. DPR will monitor the status and trends of covered species (in accordance with the Draft Framework RMP) and collect data on key environmental resources within preserves to select, prioritize, and measure the effectiveness of management activities. In most instances, the array of threats or stressors on preserved habitats, their mechanisms of action, and the responses of the habitats and associated species are not completely understood at this time. Therefore, Management Directives must comprehensively address resource management issues for each preserve. Information collected within each preserve will be aggregated for analysis at the subregion and ecoregion scales. Currently, DPR will follow the habitat and species specific monitoring requirements outlined in the Draft North County Plan. When the Draft North County Plan is finalized, this RMP will be revised to include updated monitoring methodology. Management Directive A.1 – Conduct habitat monitoring to ensure MSCP goals and DPR objective are met (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure A.1.1: DPR will conduct habitat monitoring on an eight to ten-year interval within the Preserve, and annually for 5 years after a burn. Ongoing monitoring within the Preserve will identify any adverse changes in vegetation community distribution and habitat quality, such as changes from fire, invasion by nonnative plants, or decline of existing species, and indicate if modifications to current management actions are needed. More frequent monitoring may be required following a significant fire within the Preserve. The main product of this monitoring will be a report that will include a discussion of vegetation community monitoring objectives, monitoring methods to meet those objectives, and an updated vegetation community map for the Preserve.

Implementation Measure A.1.2: DPR will conduct general wildlife and rare plant surveys at eight to ten-year intervals utilizing and refining baseline monitoring methods to assess trends, relative abundance, and distribution status. This information will be included in a monitoring report at the survey intervals. Implementation Measure A.1.3: Additionally, DPR will conduct monitoring for currently treated invasive non-native plant species according to standard monitoring intervals for each species outlined in an annual work plan. DPR will also monitor, during regular patrols of the Preserve and at eight to ten year intervals, to assess invasion or re-invasion by invasive non-native plants within the Preserve. Treatment/removal of invasive species identified during regular patrols will be prioritized in annual work plans. Results of invasive non-native


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plant species removal projects will be summarized in a monitoring report per the removal timing.

Management Directive A.2 – Meet the corridor monitoring requirements of the North County Plan (Priority 2) The Preserve is located within the Guejito - Pauma Planning Unit, approximately 35,453 acres, including Rancho Guejito, the most intact Mexican land grant Preserve remaining within San Diego County. It includes portions of the County community/subregional Planning Units of Valley Center and Pala/Pauma. Existing land use is primarily undeveloped natural land with some rural residential and agricultural uses. Agricultural use is primarily cattle grazing, with some orchards and row crops. The Preserve connects future preserve lands in Pre-Approved Mitigation Areas (PAMA) to the east. The Preserve also functions as a “stepping stone” to other preserved properties within the Planning Unit. During baseline biological surveys of the Preserve it was noted tracks and scat of mule deer along several of the trails and within openings in chaparral vegetation within the Preserve. Due to the lack of permanent water, and since 2014 was a historically dry year, there was no water source on the Preserve. Mule deer foraged within the Preserve and moved through it en-route to areas with fresh water, such as Lake Wohlford to the east. Therefore, while corridor monitoring within the Preserve will take place at the Preserve-level, it anticipated that it will provide data for better understanding wildlife movement on a regional scale. Implementation Measure A.2.1: DPR will conduct corridor monitoring at eight to ten-year intervals in conjunction with habitat monitoring and general wildlife and rare plant surveys (as described in implementation measures A.1.1 and A.1.2). The scope of monitoring will be sufficient to determine if corridors are being utilized, but not to determine the extent of use (i.e. how many individuals of any given species use a corridor). The main product of this monitoring will be a report documenting the results of the current assessment of habitat linkage function including a list of focal species detected. 5.2.2 MSCP Covered Species-Specific Monitoring and Management Not all species occurring within the Preserve are expected to require species-specific management. It is expected, rather, that other management directives and implementation measures outlined under the Biological Resources and Vegetation Management elements should be sufficient to protect and manage optimal habitat conditions for most, if not all, species to maintain and/or thrive within the Preserve. The Draft North County Plan provides habitat specific management and monitoring guidelines that will benefit certain covered species for the following habitat types: scrub, chaparral, grassland, meadow and seep, vernal pools, bog and marsh, riparian and bottomland habitat, and upland woodland and forest. The Draft


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Framework RMP outlines the major factors that are a risk to these specific habitats and discusses management and monitoring to reduce the threats. Additionally, the Draft North County Plan draft Framework RMP provides species specific monitoring and management conditions for covered species that may need more specialized management directives. When the Draft North County Plan is finalized, this RMP will be revised to include updated monitoring methodology. The top management issues at the Preserve include protecting the on-site water resources for water quality and sensitive species. This will include the removal of invasive, nonnative species including Tamarisk and fennel. Another top management issue will be to maintain and enhance the viability of the Preserve’s North County Plan-covered resources (e.g., coast horned lizard, pallid bat, and Engelmann oak). Management Directive A.3 – Provide for management and monitoring of North County MSCP Covered Species (Priority 1) DPR will implement habitat-based and, in some cases, species specific monitoring and management as outlined in the Draft Framework RMP of the Draft North County Plan for all Draft North County Plan covered species detected within the Preserve.

In order to avoid repetition, the following is a list of common risk/threats to Draft North County Plan covered species found on the Preserve and the corresponding management directives or implementation measures to address these factors:

• Invasive non-native plants: Implementation measure A.1.3 and

management directives B.1 and B.2

• Wildfires: Multiple implementation measures under management directive B.3.

The County will house all monitoring and management data in a County database. In addition, the County will submit data to regional data management entities for inclusion in a regional database including, but not limited to, the SD-MTX database maintained by SDMMP and USGS. Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) Management Goal: Ensure persistence of Engelmann oak by protecting,

maintaining and enhancing existing populations within the Preserve.

Monitoring Goal: Monitor status, habitat condition, and threats/stressors results to

determine appropriate adaptive management actions to protect Engelmann oak populations within conserved lands. Monitor and evaluate the response of Engelmann oak to implemented


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management actions and adjust as necessary to ensure species persistence.

Management Objective:

• Maintain robust populations of Engelmann oak by maintaining a <20% cover of invasive nonnative plant species within the vicinity of the on-site Engelmann oak population.

Monitoring Objectives:

• In 2019, conduct a baseline population and habitat assessment within known occurrences of Engelmann Oak on the Preserve to determine the number of individuals and population extent. Collect covariate data on vegetation composition and cover, soils, invasive non-native plants, and other threats. Use rare plant monitoring protocols and forms developed by San Diego Management and Monitoring Program. Using the information collected, identify or refine appropriate management actions.

Monitoring 1. Monitor status of Engelmann oak

a. Effectiveness monitoring will be completed every five years and will include rare plant surveys in appropriate habitat to inspect for presence of rare plants including Englemann oak.

2. Protect known occurrences of Engelmann oak

a. Protect known populations to minimize disturbance and edge effects. i. Protect areas of known occurrences from disturbance through fencing,

signage, realignment of trails, and enforcement. DPR staff will inspect the boundary of the Preserve twice a month and as often as weekly, to assess for the integrity of fencing, signage, and to watch for any new disturbances, including trespass and fire. DPR staff will correct access controls as possible, while onsite, and will coordinate enforcement if necessary. DPR staff will reduce or eliminate unauthorized recreational usage in the understory of Engelmann oak woodlands.

ii. If populations of Engelmann oak are identified during monitoring surveys to be impacted by shot hole borer/Fusarium dieback, removal of infected branches will be considered to help reduce vector populations and the spread of this pest-disease complex. Pruning would be conducted by a qualified arborist and would follow best management practices, such as those described in Lynch and Eskalen (2014). Management actions may include, but not limited to: o Inspect western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), red willow (Salix

laevigata) and castor bean (Ricinus communis) concurrently, as these plant species are often infected before oaks. Inspect for single exit hole (0.033 inch) with wet discoloration.

o Remove infected castor bean and sterilize before transport.


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o Prune and remove infected branches, following proper pruning procedures.

o Chip infested wood onsite to a size of one inch or smaller. o Sterilization in July - August: cover chips/logs with sturdy plastic for at

least 6 weeks. Temperatures during these months should preferably be above 95°F (35°C).

o Sterilization in September - June: cover chips/logs with sturdy plastic for at least 6 months.

o Sterilize pruning tools with either 5% household bleach, Lysol cleaning solution, or 70% ethyl alcohol to prevent the spread of the pathogens through pruning tools.

o Avoid moving infested wood and chipping material out of infested areas unless the material is covered or contained during transport.

3. Monitor known occurrences of Engelmann oak

a. Conduct monitoring of known occurrences of Engelmann oak every other year following the most current Management and Monitoring Strategic Plan (MSP) Rare Plant Protocol (SDMMP 2017). The MSP Rare Plant Protocol is a rapid assessment protocol for assessing the status, habitat and threats to a rare plant population. The current MSP rare plant protocol provides details on how to conduct the monitoring and how to complete a Rare Plant Occurrence Monitoring Form. The protocol includes the following steps: • Within each habitat plot, conduct occurrence status assessment as

described in the protocol, using the Rare Plants Occurrence Monitoring Form.

• Map the perimeter of the current extent of the occurrence. This will represent the maximum extent of the occurrence. In subsequent years, the occurrence may vary in size and the maximum extent will expand to include all areas occupied by the plant across survey years.

• Conduct photo-monitoring. • Conduct habitat assessment within sampling area using the Rare Plant

Occurrence Monitoring Form. • Document the threats assessment within the habitat plot on the Rare

Plant Occurrence Monitoring Form. Assess the Engelmann oak woodland for any other threats.

Management • Identify and implement best management practices (BMPs) to address

threats from invasive pests and other nonnative (exotic) species or diseases. If Engelmann Oaks are threatened from invasive pests and other nonnative (exotic) species or diseases, such as goldspotted oak borer (Agrilus auroguttatus), shot hole borer (Euwallacea sp.), oak ambrosia beetle (Monarthrum sp.), and fusarium dieback fungus (Fusarium sp.), DPR will complete an inventory of natural communities at risk on conserved lands. DPR will coordinate with the County, Wildlife Agencies, and other entities addressing this issue to determine


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BMPs and appropriate actions (e.g., treatment, removal, restoration). DPR will identify and implement an invasive species/pest/disease control plan using appropriate funding source(s).

• Prevent net loss of Engelmann oak woodland within conserved lands. If any decrease in distribution of known Engelmann oak occurrences is detected, determine the cause and take corrective actions. If it is determined that Engelmann oak woodland enhancement is warranted on the conserved land, DPR will determine funding from appropriate sources for restoration efforts. Habitat restoration will be implemented by a qualified restoration biologist using best available information on methods to enhance seedling recruitment.

Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum) Management Goal: Ensure the persistence of San Diego coast horned lizard within

the Preserve by protecting and maintaining occupied habitat, as well as managing and enhancing unoccupied areas that have potential to provide ample foraging, breeding and aestivating opportunities.

Monitoring Goal: Monitor the status and evaluate the response of coast horned

lizard on the Preserve to non-native predator control. Management Objectives:

• Maintain the coast horned lizard population on the Preserve. Based on the results of the monitoring and threats assessment performed every 5 years, conduct adaptive management actions as necessary (i.e., inspect and manage the species), starting in 2020.

Monitoring Objectives: • Starting in 2019, evaluate the status of coast horned lizard populations within

the Preserve every five years. In addition, evaluate the habitat condition (collect covariate data) and identify potential threats to coast horned lizards (invasive ant species, particularly Argentine ants) on the Preserve every five years. Based on the results of the threats assessment, habitat condition assessment, and species status surveys, evaluate whether or not the identified potential threats are having a negative impact on the resident coast horned lizard breeding success/recruitment.

Monitoring 1. Monitor status and quality of habitat for San Diego coast horned lizard

within conserved lands a. Perform presence/absence surveys every five years.


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b. DPR and/or DPR consultants will monitor for native and nonnative ant species distributions on the Preserve. DPR will establish a schedule for general stewardship monitoring along the urban/wildlands interface to identify any Argentine ant infestations. The frequency of monitoring will depend upon the level of urban/wildlands interface that occurs on conserved lands and the type of urban development.

2. Protect occupied habitat a. Measures to protect occupied habitat to minimize disturbance and edge

effects will include: • Identify and address any activities along the urban-wildland interfaces

that facilitate Argentine ant infestations. Argentine ant infestations can be facilitated by over-watering of landscaping which can create an artificially damp soil conditions preferred by Argentine ants. DPR will establish a schedule for general stewardship monitoring along the urban/wildlands interface to identify any activities that facilitate Argentine ant infestations. If situations occur, DPR staff will coordinate with adjacent land owners to address the situation.

• If new trails, staging areas, or other facilities that involve human presence are proposed on the Preserve, these facilities will be sited away (100 foot buffer) from areas of occupied coast horned lizard habitat to the extent feasible. The goal will be to avoid the introduction of new facilities or trails that could reduce habitat quality, increase risk of trampling, or allow for unauthorized collecting.

• DPR will implement a public awareness program that includes information for residential developments adjacent to conserved lands with occupied coast horned lizard habitat about the significance of collecting, off-road driving, and uncontrolled pets to the coast horned lizard.

3. Monitor status and threats of occupied habitat DPR will perform a threats assessment in the vicinity of occupied San Diego coast horned lizard habitat every five years. Until SDMMP or other appropriate entity develops a species-specific threats assessment protocol, the threats assessment protocol in SDMMP’s Rare Plant Monitoring Protocol (IMG form) will be used for the assessment. The threats assessment will include an evaluation of human activities, invasive animal species (primarily Argentine ants), invasive plant species, roadkill/mortality, and other threats to the habitat requirements of coast horned lizard. Management • Prevent net loss of suitable habitat. If any decrease in distribution of areas of

suitable coast horned lizard habitat (areas of open scrub with sandy or friable soils) is detected (significant disturbance of suitable habitat of more than 20%), determine the cause and take corrective actions (e.g., removal of threats from


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increased human activity such as unauthorized trail use, restoration following major wildfires that result in vegetation types changes with less open ground cover).

Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus) Management Goal: Ensure the persistence of pallid bat within the Preserve by

protecting and maintaining occupied habitat as well as managing and enhancing unoccupied areas that have potential to support suitable roosting and foraging habitat.

Monitoring Goal: Monitor status, habitat condition, and threats to determine

appropriate adaptive management actions to protect pallid bat within conserved lands. Monitor and evaluate the response of pallid bat to management actions and adjust as necessary to ensure species persistence.

Management Objectives:

• Maintain the pallid bat population on the Preserve. Based on the results of the monitoring and threats assessment performed every 5 years, conduct adaptive management actions as necessary (i.e., inspect and manage the species), starting in 2020.

Monitoring Objectives:

• Starting in 2019, evaluate the status of pallid bat populations within the Preserve every five years. In addition, evaluate the habitat condition (collect covariate data) and identify potential threats to pallid bats (significant disturbance of suitable habitat of more than 20%) on the Preserve every five years. Based on the results of the threats assessment, habitat condition assessment, and species status surveys, evaluate whether or not the identified potential threats are having a negative impact on the resident pallid bat foraging, roosting and breeding behavior.

Monitoring 1. Monitor status and quality of habitat for pallid bat

a. Effectiveness monitoring surveys will be performed every 5 years to determine status and quality of on-site pallid bat status. Monitoring surveys will be performed by a bat specialist using standard complimentary bat survey techniques (bat detectors, mist-netting, roost searches) to detect if pallid bat are either roosting or foraging onsite. Habitat monitoring through Implementation Measure A.1.1 will provide information regarding quality of on-site habitat.

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• Management actions will include DPR staff coordinating with regional species experts to evaluate the potential to construct artificial water sources on the Preserve. DPR will use Bat Conservation Internationals’ ‘Water for Wildlife’ research and document (Taylor 2007) as a guide.

5.2.4 Future Research The North County Plan Preserve presents a rich array of research opportunities for the academic and professional communities, primarily in disciplines related to biology, ecology, and natural resources management, but also ranging to environmental design, sociology, and park use and administration. As little literature or previous research exists on the majority of species inhabiting the region, there are a multitude of unanswered questions posed by the development of a multiple species and habitat system. In addition, research on vegetation associations and habitats, natural regeneration, restoration, fragmentation, edge effects, genetics, viability, predation, wildlife movement, and much more would be useful to provide information on the health and dynamics of this open space system as well as how to improve conditions. Therefore, the County of San Diego encourages research within the North County Plan Preserve in order to gain valuable information unavailable through other means.

Management Directive A.4 – Allow for future research opportunities for the academic and professional scientific and biologic activities within the Preserve (Priority 2)

Implementation Measure A.4.1: DPR will accept and review proposals for scientific research, monitoring, and habitat restoration and enhancement activities which are permitted within the North County Plan Preserve. Proposed research activities will be subject to approval by DPR. All such activities must obtain any necessary permits and shall be consistent with this RMP. Additionally, any person conducting research of any kind within the Preserve shall obtain a Right-of-Entry Permit from DPR, which will outline the precautions to be taken to preserve and protect sensitive biological and cultural resources within the Preserve and require results of any research to be made available to DPR.

5.3 Vegetation Management Element (B) In 2015, AECOM prepared a Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) for the Preserve (AECOM 2015, Appendix D) in addition to the baseline surveys. The VMP outlines invasive non-native plant species management, habitat restoration, and fire management. These recommendations were used to develop the management directives and implementation measures provided below. Non-native plant species management, habitat restoration, and fire management activities will be included in the North County Plan Annual Report. 5.3.1 Habitat Restoration


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Management Directive B.1 – Restore degraded habitats to protect and enhance populations of rare and sensitive species through stabilization of eroded lands and strategic revegetation (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure B.1.1: The VMP for the Preserve states that there is a current need for active restoration for a number of graded pads that were originally proposed for home sites, and a few of the wider and more erosive roads within the Preserve (AECOM 2015). The areas proposed for active restoration were previously cleared, and in some cases graded, and are becoming more degraded by erosion. These areas will likely require some soil contouring to reduce erosion and provide a stable slope for planting. In some cases, the act of creating a more stable slope will provide a surface that will be more readily vegetated by seeds dispersing onto the Preserve naturally. Otherwise, native plants and seed can be installed utilizing plant sources nearby. This may involve propagation of native stock collected from the area and then planting. Appropriate erosion control measures, such as placement of straw waddles and soil stabilizing mesh and burlap materials, should be installed to prevent or reduce erosion during the initial revegetation periods. Restoration should prioritize seed application over installation of container plants. Appropriate CEQA environmental documentation shall be prepared for proposed active restoration efforts.

5.3.2 Non-Native Plant Species Removal and Control Management Directive B.2 – Reduce, control, or where feasible eradicate invasive, non-native flora known to be detrimental to native species and/or the local ecosystem (Priority 1) As described in Section 3.2.4, 47 Cal-IPC rated invasive, non-native plant species were identified within the Preserve. Nine (9) invasive non-native plant species including silver wattle, eucalyptus, fennel, gazania, natalgrass, tree tobacco, wavyleaf beeblossum, milkthistle, and tamarisk have been identified as high priority for removal.

Implementation Measure B.2.1: DPR staff and/or licensed County herbicide applicators will treat silver wattle, eucalyptus, fennel, gazania, natalgrass, tree tobacco, wavyleaf beeblossum, milkthistle, and tamarisk following the methods outlined in the Bottle Peak Preserve Vegetation Management Plan (AECOM 2015). Implementation Measure B.2.2: Park Rangers will routinely pull weeds or remove any invasive, non-native plants in early stages of growth observed during patrols along trails or access roads.


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Implementation Measure B.2.3: DPR will coordinate with other agencies, non-profit organizations, and/or volunteer groups in order to seek funding and implement removal of silver wattle, eucalyptus, fennel, gazania, natalgrass, tree tobacco, wavyleaf beeblossum, milkthistle, and tamarisk, or other invasive non-native plants found during plant surveys and monitoring (as described in implementation measures A.1.2 and A.1.3) within the Preserve.

Management Directive B.3 – Manage and minimize the expansion of invasive, non-native flora within the Preserve (Priority 2)

Implementation Measure B.3.1: DPR will identify and assess upstream sources of invasive, non-native plants on adjacent properties that have the potential to expand into the Preserve. DPR will coordinate with the adjacent land owners and managers of those properties and encourage them to treat and control the invasive, non-native plants on their Preserve.

5.3.3 Fire Prevention, Control, and Management The Preserve is mapped on the CAL FIRE California Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) map as Very High Fire Hazard (CAL FIRE 2009). No official fuel modification zones are currently found on the Preserve. Emergency access roads are found within the Preserve in the form of existing dirt roads, refer to Section 2.5 of this RMP for a description of on-site dirt roads. Management Directive B.4 – Provide for necessary fire management activities that are sensitive to natural and cultural resources protection (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure B.4.1: As shown in Figure 13, DPR staff will create fuel modification zones on the Preserve adjacent to the existing residential structures that are within 100 feet of the Preserve boundary. Fuel modification will not take place in riparian habitat. Management of the fuel modification zone will adhere to CalFire requirements. In addition, DPR will strive to minimize impacts during maintenance activities and, if possible, conduct activities outside of the bird breeding season (September 15 – March 15). If maintenance activities must occur during the bird breeding season, nesting bird surveys will be performed prior to initiating trimming activities.

FIGURE 13Potential Fuel Modification Zones, Bottle Peak Preserve1,000

Feet´

Bottle Peak Preserve RMP

Bottle Peak Preserve BoundaryFuel Modification Area to be Created

50' 60'20'


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Implementation Measure B.4.2: The existing dirt roads within the Preserve acting as access roads will be maintained as needed to keep the roads fuel free. In addition, DPR will continue to coordinate with City of Escondido Fire Department, Valley Center Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, and San Pasqual Reservation Fire Department Station to determine what improvements need to be made to make fire response feasible throughout the Preserve. Implementation Measure B.4.3: DPR will continue to coordinate with City of Escondido Fire Department, Valley Center Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, and San Pasqual Reservation Fire Department Station to ensure that the fire response and implementation measures outlined in this RMP and in the VMP (AECOM 2015) are up-to-date and adequate for effective fire response within the Preserve. As part of this effort, DPR will review fire history maps at least once every 10 years to determine if Preserve lands are within natural fire return intervals and for estimation of fuel age class.

5.4 Public Use, Trails, and Recreation Element (C) **THE PRESERVE IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC** 5.4.1 Public Access The Preserve is currently not open to the public; however numerous vehicle trails, totaling approximately 2.53 miles, exist on the Preserve as a result of a previous designation of 19 parcels on the Preserve (Figure 7). These unmaintained vehicle trails consist of dirt access roads that are approximately 10 to 12 feet wide and may not be currently passable by vehicle. The main access road traverses from the northeast near the Lake Wohlford Dam off of Oakvale Road, and passes through the Preserve to the south, ending at an avocado grove. An alternate access route occurs from east of Lake Wohlford Road onto the Preserve and meets up with the main access road at the grassy central area. Spur vehicle trails proceed to the northwest and west around Old Rocky Peak and Devil’s Anvil Peak, and a loop vehicle trail exists on the west side of the main vehicle trail that occurs through the Preserve. Another vehicle trail, with a steep side spur, extends down a steep ridge that runs parallel to the eastern boundary of the Preserve. Partially overgrown foot trails, totaling 0.63 mile, extend northwest from the northern base of Old Rocky Peak, and eastward from near the east base of Anvil Peak. A third trail passes down the east side of the Preserve to the south. These foot trails are approximately 3 feet wide. These dirt trails are only utilized by DPR staff for patrolling of the Preserve.


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Management Directive C.1 – Limit types of public uses to those that are appropriate for the site (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure C.1.1: DPR rangers will patrol and monitor the Preserve for any unauthorized public access. DPR staff will document any illegal access, and inform any unauthorized persons observed on site that the Preserve is not open to the public and request that they leave the Preserve. In addition, they will enforce the following prohibited uses and restrictions within the Preserve. DPR staff may call the sheriff for legal enforcement, as appropriate.

a. Off-road or cross-country vehicle and public off-highway recreational vehicle activity are considered incompatible uses in the draft North County Plan preserve, and are therefore prohibited in the Preserve, except for law enforcement, Preserve management, and/or emergency purposes.

b. Hunting or discharge of firearms is an incompatible use in the draft North County Plan preserve, and is therefore prohibited in the Preserve, except for law enforcement, and/or emergency purposes.

c. Poaching or collecting plant or animal species, archaeological or historical artifacts or fossils from the Preserve is generally prohibited; however, the County may authorize collecting upon approval for scientific research, revegetation or restoration purposes, or species recovery programs. In addition, impacts to historic features are prohibited except upon approval by the County.

d. Fishing, swimming, and wading in rivers, streams, or creeks e. Camping (including homeless and itinerant worker camps) f. Feeding wildlife g. Domestic animals, except horses and leashed dogs h. Smoking i. Campfires/Open Flames j. Graffiti k. Paintball Games l. Geocaching (off-trail) m. Use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones or aircraft)

Implementation Measure C.1.2: DPR staff will ensure that prohibited uses are clearly specified on posted signage.


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Management Directive C.2 – Manage access in sensitive biological resource areas within the Preserve (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure C.2.1: DPR has identified and mapped sensitive vegetation communities, special-status plant and wildlife species (including narrow endemics and County-listed species), so that these areas can be avoided and/or monitored. Updated information on sensitive resources in relation to access points (i.e., existing access roads and unofficial trails) will be obtained in conjunction with routine monitoring activities (see implementation measures A.1.1, A.1.2, and C.5.1).

Management Directive C.3 – Analyze any future proposed public access such that recreational use of the Preserve is consistent with the protection and enhancement of biological and cultural resources (Priority 2) The Preserve is currently not open to the public and there are no immediate plans to open it to the public.

Implementation Measure C.3.1: If, in the future, it is decided to open the Preserve to the public, DPR will develop a Public Access Plan to determine the appropriate level of public access and recreational use within the Preserve, and provide recommendations for preferred trail alignments and features compatible with the protection and enhancement of biological and cultural resources. DPR will ensure that any proposed trail system is compatible with the North County Plan objectives and the County-approved Community Trails Master Plan (County of San Diego 2009a).

Implementation Measure C.3.2: DPR will ensure that any future proposed trail system will undergo environmental review in accordance with CEQA prior to public use of the Preserve.

5.4.2 Fencing and Gates Currently, a gate is located off of Lake Wohlford Road allowing access to a dirt road that leads to the northern portion of the Preserve. DPR has an easement on this road for access to the Preserve. The Preserve is not fenced. Management Directive C.4 – Install and maintain fences and gates within the Preserve as deemed necessary for access control (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure C.4.1: Points of unauthorized access and sensitive species impacts will continue to be identified in conjunction with habitat, plant and wildlife, and access road monitoring activities (as described in implementation measures A.1.1, A.1.2, and C.5.1). DPR will ensure that any installation of fences or gates will be designed and located so they do not impede wildlife movement or impact cultural resources.


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5.4.3 Trail and Access Road Maintenance The Preserve is not open to the public. However, the Preserve contains numerous unauthorized dirt roads totaling approximately 2.53 miles throughout the north central portion of the Preserve and unauthorized dirt trails totaling 0.63 miles. Management Directive C.5 – Properly maintain access roads and trails for user safety, and to protect natural and cultural resources (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure C.5.1: DPR staff will determine existing dirt access roads to be used for maintenance purposes. These roads will be monitored for degradation and unauthorized use. DPR staff will provide necessary repair/maintenance as needed.

5.4.4 Signage Signage stating County rules and regulations are currently posted in the northern and southern portions of the Preserve. These signs are posted at the Preserve boundary where access points are located. Management Directive C.6 – Install and maintain appropriate signage to effectively communicate Preserve rules and regulations (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure C.6.1: DPR staff will identify unofficial access areas for signage then install appropriate signs stating County rules and regulations. The posted signs will be regularly inspected and maintained in good condition. Signs shall be kept free from vandalism and will be repaired or replaced as necessary.

5.5 Operations and Facility Maintenance Element (D) 5.5.1 Litter/Trash and Materials Storage Management Directive D.1 – Maintain a safe and healthy environment for Preserve users (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure D.1.1: DPR prohibits the permanent storage of hazardous and toxic materials within the Preserve. Any temporary storage must be in accordance with applicable regulations, and otherwise designed to minimize any potential impacts.

Management Directive D.2 – Enforce regulations regarding littering/dumping (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure D.2.1: DPR staff will enforce regulations regarding littering/dumping (County Code of Regulatory Ordinance Section 41.116).


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Penalties for littering and dumping will be imposed by law enforcement officers sufficient to prevent recurrence and reimburse costs to remove and dispose of debris, restore the area if needed, and pay for additional DPR staff time. Areas where dumping recurs will be evaluated for potential barrier placement. Additional monitoring and enforcement will be provided as needed.

5.5.2 Hydrological Management As stated in Section 2.3.3, the northern and western portions of the Preserve drain into Escondido Creek, which flows through the City of Escondido and enters the ocean through San Elijo Lagoon. The southern portion of the Preserve drains into a tributary to the San Dieguito River through San Pasqual Valley, upstream from Lake Hodges. There are no surface water resources on the Preserve. Management Directive D.3 – Retain the drainages located in the north, south, and western portions of the Preserve in their natural condition (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure D.3.1: DPR will conduct visual assessments of the conditions of the drainages in conjunction with habitat monitoring (see implementation measure A.1.1) to determine if nonnative invasive plants are recurring.

5.5.3 Emergency, Safety and Police Services Management Directive D.4 – Cooperate with public health and safety personnel to achieve their goals while helping to reduce or eliminate impacts to biological and cultural resources within the Preserve (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure D.4.1: DPR will allow law enforcement officials and all medical, rescue and other emergency agencies to access the Preserve as necessary to enforce the law and carry out operations necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. DPR will coordinate with the applicable agencies to inform field personnel of the locations of particularly sensitive biological and significant cultural resources and how to minimize damage to these resources.

5.5.4 Adjacency Management Issues As described in Section 2.4.2, there is currently agricultural development south of the Preserve, and residential development at the base of the slopes occurs west of the Preserve. A large aggregate quarry, is located next to Lake Wohlford Road to the north of the Preserve. Open space properties are located directly to the north, east, and west. Land to the south of the Preserve is primarily residential development. The establishment of the North County Plan preserve system does not include regulatory authority on properties adjacent to the Preserve; however, the


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County will require adjacent Preserve owners to follow guidelines when planning and implementing uses and activities that can be regulated. Management Directive D.5 – Coordinate with adjacent open space land managers (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure D.5.1: DPR will coordinate with the City of Escondido Lakes and Open Space Division, San Diego Habitat Conservancy and the Escondido Creek Conservancy (in association with their contiguous open spaces) on an annual basis, or more regularly as needed, to ensure contiguous preserved land is managed consistently and in accordance with the North County Plan. Coordination will include discussion of conservation goals; threats; methodology for management, monitoring, restoration, and reintroduction; results of management tasks and scientific research; and potential future projects.

Management Directive D.6 - Enforce Preserve boundaries (Priority 1)

Implementation Measure D.6.1: DPR staff will enforce, prevent, and remove illegal intrusions into the Preserve (e.g., parking areas, orchards, decks) on an annual basis, in addition to a complaint basis.

Management Directive D.7 – Educate residents of surrounding areas regarding adjacency issues (Priority 2)

Implementation Measure D.7.1: DPR will post this RMP on the DPR website (www.sdparks.org) to heighten the environmental awareness of adjacent residents, and inform residents of appropriate landscaping, construction or disturbance within the Preserve boundaries, pet intrusion, fire management, and other adjacency issues. See also implementation measure B.2.1.

5.6 Cultural Resources Element (E) The goal of this cultural resources section of the RMP is long-term protection and preservation of recorded and undiscovered cultural resources, public interpretation and educational opportunities, and consultation with local Native American tribes regarding the significance of cultural resources as well as usage of the Preserve for their traditional gathering and ceremonial practices. Management Directive E.1 – Identify, record, and assess the significance of any new cultural resources discovered within the Preserve (Priority 1) As noted in the archaeological survey report (AECOM 2014, updated 2015), within the total of 382 acres in the Preserve, the field survey encompassed approximately 213 acres. No consistent attempt was made to survey areas exceeding 20% slope, but to access visible and relatively flat areas on knoll tops of less than 20% slope, a route was required to sometimes traverse up faces exceeding 20% slope. These

http://www.sdparks.org/


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intervening access routes, to the degree possible, were surveyed. Some of the areas exceeding 20% slope were also densely vegetated with impenetrable chaparral vegetation. A small area in the northwest portion of the Preserve within an area of less than 20% slope could not be accessed due to steep drainages and very dense vegetation. It is possible that cultural resources exist in these unsurveyed areas. If future ground disturbing activities are proposed in these areas, significant adverse effects on potentially significant unknown resources could occur.

Implementation Measure E.1.1: DPR will identify and record cultural resource sites in previously unsurveyed areas of the Preserve where, if in the future, brush is removed as a result of wildfire or planned ground disturbing activities, including clearing, grubbing or new trail development efforts. No removal or modification of cultural resources shall occur without written approval by the Director of Parks and Recreation. All management activities within the Preserve including, but not limited to, routine maintenance and habitat restoration, will take into consideration potential impacts to cultural resources and shall avoid adverse impacts to any cultural resources to the maximum extent possible. No ground disturbing activities will be allowed on or in any cultural resource site within the Preserve until the impacts have been assessed. If in the future, avoidance of significant sites is not feasible, appropriate mitigation measures will be established in conjunction with consultation with Native American tribes. Removal or disturbance of cultural resources shall not occur prior to completion of an approved mitigation program, such as data recovery and a grading monitoring program consisting of a qualified consultant and Luiseno and Kumeyaay Native American representatives. Preservation in place is the preferred mitigation measure. Implementation Measure E.1.2: In the event that human remains are discovered during archaeological surveys or testing, DPR staff will immediately stop all work and notify the County Coroner. If the Coroner determines the remains are Native American, the Most Likely Descendant, as identified by the NAHC, will be contacted in order to determine proper treatment and disposition of the remains. Per County guidelines, any time human remains are encountered, the site is considered significant (County 2007).

Management Directive E.2 – Promote cultural resources interpretation and educational programs (Priority 2)

Implementation Measure E.2.1: Currently, there is no public education or interpretation of prehistoric and ethnographic resources within the Preserve. DPR will develop off-site, and when possible, on-site interpretive programs for Native American heritage, local and regional history, and prehistory appropriate to the Preserve in coordination with Luiseno and Kumeyaay tribal representatives, particularly the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians whose reservations are located northeast of the Preserve.


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Interpretive signage should focus on Luiseno and Kumeyaay land use within the vicinity of the Preserve including plant and animal food sources, hunting and gathering techniques, non-food resource uses, such as clothing, housing, basketry and pottery making, and lithic technology, as well as seasonal land use. Multiple opportunities for public education exist on the Preserve. The presence of historic road alignments leading to early occupations of the Preserve can in themselves act as a resource for educational opportunities and can serve as the starting point for discussions about historic land use in the area. Signage could elaborate on the terrain and its landforms, identifying how they relate to prehistoric and historic occupations and exploitation of the area. Interpretive maps could show the direction and location of former ranchos and their functions, as well as point out the location of late 19th century/early 20th century homesteads and cultural features such as the earthen dam. The Preserve provides an opportunity to take often abstract elements of history, for example the Homestead Act, and tie it to the reality of San Diego County’s past and present. Trails developed on historic roadways may also help to physically illustrate, and allow visitors to experience, how historic settlers in the region moved, and in doing so shaped the landscape of San Diego County.

Management Directive E.3 – Honor Native American Heritage and promote Native American ceremonies, gathering, and cultural practices (Priority 2)

Implementation Measure E.3.1: DPR will continue to coordinate and consult with tribal representatives who may have knowledge of the Preserve area, including those representing the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, in order to keep them informed of activities associated with the Preserve. Consultation shall be conducted frequently in order to identify appropriate management of pre-contact and ethnographic cultural resources. The tribes will be encouraged to participate in surveys, evaluation, recordation, protection and preservation of cultural resources.

Implementation Measure E.3.2: DPR will open the Preserve to traditional uses by the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians and other local tribes which may have traditionally used the Preserve area. All activities by Native Americans in the Preserve shall be conducted with a Right-of-Entry permit specifically designed for the Preserve.


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6.0 REFERENCES

AECOM, California Department of Fish and Game Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program and Conservation Biology Institute. 2011. Vegetation Classification Manual for Western San Diego County. Prepared for the San Diego Association of Governments.

Baldwin, B. G., Goldman, D., Keil, D., J., Patterson, R., Rosatti, T., J., and D.

Wilken. 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California. Second Edition. California Native Plant Society.

Bat Conservation International (BCI). 2008. Bat Species Profiles. Last revised: 2008.

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California's Wildlands. University of California Press. Berkeley, CA, Carla C. Bossard, John M. Randall, Marc C. Hoshovsky, Editors, 360 pages, 133 color photos, 76 line illustrations, 79 maps. University of California Press.

Bull, Charles. 1983. Shaking the Foundations: The Evidence of San Diego

Prehistory. San Diego State University Cultural Resource Management Center Casual Papers 1(3):15–64. Department of Anthropology, San Diego State University.

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1988. California Statewide Wildlife

Habitat Relationships System. Volume 1: Amphibians and Reptiles. David Zeiner, W. Laudenslayer, and K. Mayer, eds. The Resource Agency. Sacramento. 269 pp.

CaliforniaHerps. 2012. “California Reptiles and Amphibians.” Accessed August

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Inventory Database.” Berkley, California: California Invasive Plant Council. Accessed April 2012. http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/inventory/weedlist.php.

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Plants. Version 8-01a. Sacramento, California: CNPS. Online ed. Accessed July 2012. http://cnps.site.aplus.net/cgi-bin/inv/inventory.cgi.

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Carrico, Richard L., Theodore G. Cooley, and Joyce M. Clevenger. 1993. Archaeological Excavations at the Harris Site Complex, San Diego County, California. Report prepared by Ogden Environmental and Energy Services, and on file at the South Coastal Information Center (SCIC), San Diego State University, San Diego.

City of San Diego, IS Architecture, and Walter Enterprises. 1993. Uptown Historic

Context and Oral History Report. On file at AECOM, San Diego. Cooley, Theodore G. 2006. Continuing Discoveries of the San Dieguito and Other

Cultural Patterns in and around the C.W. Harris Site (SDI-149). Paper presented at the Annual Meetings of the Society for California Archaeology, San Jose.

. 2008. Dating at the Spindrift Site Relative to Other La Jolla Sites and the

Adjacent San Diego Coastal Area. Paper presented at the Annual Meetings of the Society for California Archaeology, Burbank.

Cooley, Theodore G., and Stacey C. Jordan. 2008. Cultural Resources Phase I

Survey and Inventory, Lusardi Creek Preserve, San Diego County, California. Report prepared by ICF Jones & Stokes for the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation and on file at the South Coastal Information Center, San Diego State University.

County of San Diego. 2009. County Trails Program: Community Trails Master Plan.

2005, updated 2009. Available at: http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/reusable_components/images/parks/doc/tocrev.pdf

____. 2007. County Guidelines for Determining Significance - Cultural Resources:

Archaeological and Historic Resources. Electronic Document. Accessed March 29, 2013. http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/pds/docs/Cultural_Guidelines.pdf

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a Dead Horse? In, San Dieguito – La Jolla: Chronology and Controversy, edited by D.R. Gallegos, pp. 15–22. San Diego County Archaeological Society Research Paper No. 1.

Gallegos, Dennis R. 1985. Batiquitos Lagoon Revisited. Casual Papers Cultural

Resource Management 2(1). Department of Anthropology, San Diego State University, California.

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____.1987. A Review and Synthesis of Environmental and Cultural Material for the Batiquitos Lagoon Region. In San Dieguito-La Jolla: Chronology and Controversy, edited by D. Gallegos, pp. 23–34. San Diego County Archaeological Society Research Paper No. 1.

____. 1991. Antiquity and Adaptation at Agua Hedionda, Carlsbad, California. In

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Effectiveness. Prepared for Caltrans. December. Jacques, Terri E., and Dennis K. Quillen. 1983. Archaeological and Historical Impact

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Concern in California. Final report. Commissioned by the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division Endangered Species Project. November 1, 1994. Accessed August 2012. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/nongame/publications/docs/herp_ssc.pdf.

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and Inventory of the Lakeside Linkage Open Space Preserve, San Diego County, California. Report on file at the South Coastal Information Center (SCIC), San Diego State University, San Diego.

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Killory, Christine. 1993. Temporary Suburbs: The Lost Opportunity of San Diego’s

National Defense Housing Projects. Journal of San Diego History 39(1–2). Kline, George E., and Victoria L. Kline. 2007. Fluted Point Recovered from San Diego

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Adaptations and the Transition Phase Problem: Evidence from the Allan O. Kelly Site, Agua Hedionda Lagoon. In Hunter-Gatherers of Early Holocene Coastal California, edited by J. M. Erlandson and R. H. Colton, 43–62. Perspectives in California Archaeology, vol. 1, J. E. Arnold, series editor. Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles.

Lorey III, Frank. 2000. The Gold Mining Days of Escondido and San Diego County.

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Bottle Peak Preserve Draft RMP May 2018 Technical Appendices

APPENDIX A

Management Directive and Implementation Measure Summary Table

Bottle Peak Preserve

Bottle Peak Preserve RMP May 2018 Appendix A: Management Directive and Implementation Summary Table

1

Management Directives Implementation Measures Timeframe Responsible Party*

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ELEMENT (A) A.1 Conduct habitat monitoring to ensure MSCP

goals and DPR objective are met (Priority 1) A.1.1: DPR will conduct habitat monitoring on an eight to ten-year interval within the Preserve, and annually for 5 years after a burn. Ongoing monitoring within the

Preserve will identify any adverse changes in vegetation community distribution and habitat quality, such as changes from fire, invasion by nonnative plants, or decline of existing species, and indicate if modifications to current management actions are needed. More frequent monitoring may be required following a significant fire within the Preserve. The main product of this monitoring will be a report that will include a discussion of vegetation community monitoring objectives, monitoring methods to meet those objectives, and an updated vegetation community map for the Preserve.

A.1.2: DPR will conduct general wildlife and rare plant surveys at eight to ten-year intervals utilizing and refining baseline monitoring methods to assess trends, relative abundance, and distribution status. This information will be included in a monitoring report at the survey intervals.

A.1.3: Additionally, DPR will conduct monitoring for currently treated invasive non-native plant species according to standard monitoring intervals for each species

outlined in an annual work plan. DPR will also monitor, during regular patrols of the Preserve and at eight to ten year intervals, to assess invasion or re-invasion by invasive non-native plants within the Preserve. Treatment/removal of invasive species identified during regular patrols will be prioritized in annual work plans. Results of invasive non-native plant species removal projects will be summarized in a monitoring report per the removal timing.

Every 8 to 10 years for other habitat types Every 8 to 10 years Regular DPR staff patrols and every 8 – 10 years

RMD RMD OPS & RMD

A.2 Meet the corridor monitoring requirements of the North County Plan (Priority 2)

A.2.1: DPR will conduct corridor monitoring at eight to ten-year intervals in conjunction with habitat monitoring and general wildlife and rare plant surveys (as described in implementation measures A.1.1 and A.1.2). The scope of monitoring will be sufficient to determine if corridors are being utilized, but not to determine the extent of use (i.e. how many individuals of any given species use a corridor). The main product of this monitoring will be a report documenting the results of the current assessment of habitat linkage function including a list of focal species detected.

Every 8 to 10 years

RMD

A.3 Provide for management and monitoring of North County Plan Covered Species (Priority 1)

Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) Monitoring

1. Monitor status of Engelmann oak a. Effectiveness monitoring will be completed every five years and will include rare plant surveys in appropriate habitat to inspect for presence of

rare plants including Englemann oak.

2. Protect known occurrences of Engelmann oak a. Protect known populations to minimize disturbance and edge effects.

i. Protect areas of known occurrences from disturbance through fencing, signage, realignment of trails, and enforcement. DPR staff will inspect the boundary of the Preserve twice a month and as often as weekly, to assess for the integrity of fencing, signage, and to watch for any new disturbances, including trespass and fire. DPR staff will correct access controls as possible, while onsite, and will coordinate enforcement if necessary. DPR staff will reduce or eliminate unauthorized recreational usage in the understory of Engelmann oak woodlands.

ii. If populations of Engelmann oak are identified during monitoring surveys to be impacted by shot hole borer/Fusarium dieback, removal of infected branches will be considered to help reduce vector populations and the spread of this pest-disease complex. Pruning would be conducted by a qualified arborist and would follow best management practices, such as those described in Lynch and Eskalen (2014). Management actions may include, but not limited to:

o Inspect western sycamore (Platanus racemosa), red willow (Salix laevigata) and castor bean (Ricinus communis) concurrently, as these plant species are often infected before oaks. Inspect for single exit hole (0.033 inch) with wet discoloration.

o Remove infected castor bean and sterilize before transport. o Prune and remove infected branches, following proper pruning procedures. o Chip infested wood onsite to a size of one inch or smaller. o Sterilization in July - August: cover chips/logs with sturdy plastic for at least 6 weeks. Temperatures during these months should

preferably be above 95°F (35°C). o Sterilization in September - June: cover chips/logs with sturdy plastic for at least 6 months. o Sterilize pruning tools with either 5% household bleach, Lysol cleaning solution, or 70% ethyl alcohol to prevent the spread of the

pathogens through pruning tools. o Avoid moving infested wood and chipping material out of infested areas unless the material is covered or contained during transport.

On-going RMD


2


3. Monitor known occurrences of Engelmann oak

a. Conduct monitoring of known occurrences of Engelmann oak every other year following the most current Management and Monitoring Strategic Plan (MSP) Rare Plant Protocol. The MSP Rare Plant Protocol is a rapid assessment protocol for assessing the status, habitat and threats to a rare plant population. The current MSP rare plant protocol provides details on how to conduct the monitoring and how to complete a Rare Plant Occurrence Monitoring Form. The protocol includes the following steps:

• Within each habitat plot, conduct occurrence status assessment as described in the protocol, using the Rare Plants Occurrence Monitoring Form. • Map the perimeter of the current extent of the occurrence. This will represent the maximum extent of the occurrence. In subsequent years, the

occurrence may vary in size and the maximum extent will expand to include all areas occupied by the plant across survey years. • Conduct photo-monitoring. • Conduct habitat assessment within sampling area using the Rare Plant Occurrence Monitoring Form. • Document the threats assessment within the habitat plot on the Rare Plant Occurrence Monitoring Form. Assess the Engelmann oak woodland for any

other threats. Management

• Identify and implement best management practices (BMPs) to address threats from invasive pests and other nonnative (exotic) species or diseases. If Engelmann Oaks are threatened from invasive pests and other nonnative (exotic) species or diseases, such as goldspotted oak borer (Agrilus auroguttatus), shot hole borer (Euwallacea sp.), oak ambrosia beetle (Monarthrum sp.), and fusarium dieback fungus (Fusarium sp.), DPR will complete an inventory of natural communities at risk on conserved lands. DPR will coordinate with the County, Wildlife Agencies, and other entities addressing this issue to determine BMPs and appropriate actions (e.g., treatment, removal, restoration). DPR will identify and implement an invasive species/pest/disease control plan using appropriate funding source(s).

• Prevent net loss of Engelmann oak woodland within conserved lands. If any decrease in distribution of known Engelmann oak occurrences is detected,

determine the cause and take corrective actions. If it is determined that Engelmann oak woodland enhancement is warranted on the conserved land, DPR will determine funding from appropriate sources for restoration efforts. Habitat restoration will be implemented by a qualified restoration biologist using best available information on methods to enhance seedling recruitment.

Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum) Monitoring

1. Monitor status and quality of habitat for San Diego coast horned lizard within the Preserve a. Perform presence/absence surveys every five years.

b. DPR and/or DPR consultants will monitor for native and nonnative ant species distributions on the Preserve. DPR will establish a schedule for

general stewardship monitoring along the urban/wildlands interface to identify any Argentine ant infestations. The frequency of monitoring will depend upon the level of urban/wildlands interface that occurs on conserved lands and the type of urban development.

2. Protect occupied habitat

a. Measures to protect occupied habitat to minimize disturbance and edge effects will include: • Identify and address any activities along the urban-wildland interfaces that facilitate Argentine ant infestations. Argentine ant infestations can be facilitated

by over-watering of landscaping which can create an artificially damp soil conditions preferred by Argentine ants. DPR will establish a schedule for general stewardship monitoring along the urban/wildlands interface to identify any activities that facilitate Argentine ant infestations. If situations occur, DPR staff will coordinate with adjacent land owners to address the situation.

• If new trails, staging areas, or other facilities that involve human presence are proposed on the Preserve, these facilities will be sited away (100 foot buffer) from areas of occupied coast horned lizard habitat to the extent feasible. The goal will be to avoid the introduction of new facilities or trails that could reduce habitat quality, increase risk of trampling, or allow for unauthorized collecting.

• DPR will implement a public awareness program that includes information for residential developments adjacent to conserved lands with occupied coast horned lizard habitat about the significance of collecting, off-road driving, and uncontrolled pets to the coast horned lizard.


3


3. Monitor status and threats of occupied habitat

DPR will perform a threats assessment in the vicinity of occupied San Diego coast horned lizard habitat every five years. Until SDMMP or other appropriate entity develops a species-specific threats assessment protocol, the threats assessment protocol in SDMMP’s Rare Plant Monitoring Protocol (IMG form) will be used for the assessment. The threats assessment will include an evaluation of human activities, invasive animal species (primarily Argentine ants), invasive plant species, roadkill/mortality, and other threats to the habitat requirements of coast horned lizard.

Management

• Prevent net loss of suitable habitat. If any decrease in distribution of areas of suitable coast horned lizard habitat (areas of open scrub with sandy or friable soils) is detected (significant disturbance of suitable habitat of more than 20%), determine the cause and take corrective actions (e.g., removal of threats from increased human activity such as unauthorized trail use, restoration following major wildfires that result in vegetation types changes with less open ground cover).

Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus) Monitoring

1. Monitor status and quality of habitat for pallid bat a. Effectiveness monitoring surveys will be performed every 5 years to determine status and quality of on-site pallid bat status. Monitoring surveys will

be performed by a bat specialist using standard complimentary bat survey techniques (bat detectors, mist-netting, roost searches) to detect if pallid bat are either roosting or foraging onsite. Habitat monitoring through Implementation Measure A.1.1 will provide information regarding quality of on-site habitat.

Management

• Management actions will include DPR staff coordinating with regional species experts to evaluate the potential to construct artificial water sources on the Preserve. DPR will use Bat Conservation Internationals’ ‘Water for Wildlife’ research and document (Taylor 2007) as a guide.

A.4 Allow for future research opportunities for the academic and professional scientific and biologic activities within the Preserve (Priority 2)

A.4.1: DPR will accept and review proposals for scientific research, monitoring, and habitat restoration and enhancement activities which are permitted within the North County Plan Preserve. Proposed research activities will be subject to approval by DPR. All such activities must obtain any necessary permits and shall be consistent with this RMP. Additionally, any person conducting research of any kind within the Preserve shall obtain a Right-of-Entry Permit from DPR, which will outline the precautions to be taken to preserve and protect sensitive biological and cultural resources within the Preserve and require results of any research to be made available to DPR.

On-going RMD

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ELEMENT (B) B.1 Restore degraded habitats to protect and

enhance populations of rare and sensitive species through stabilization of eroded lands and strategic revegetation (Priority 1)

B.1.1: The VMP for the Preserve states that there is a current need for active restoration for a number of graded pads that were originally proposed for home sites, and a few of the wider and more erosive roads within the Preserve. The areas proposed for active restoration were previously cleared, and in some cases graded, and are becoming more degraded by erosion. These areas will likely require some soil contouring to reduce erosion and provide a stable slope for planting. In some cases, the act of creating a more stable slope will provide a surface that will be more readily vegetated by seeds dispersing onto the Preserve naturally. Otherwise, native plants and seed can be installed utilizing plant sources nearby. This may involve propagation of native stock collected from the area and then planting. Appropriate erosion control measures, such as placement of straw waddles and soil stabilizing mesh and burlap materials, should be installed to prevent or reduce erosion during the initial revegetation periods. Restoration should prioritize seed application over installation of container plants. Appropriate CEQA environmental documentation shall be prepared for proposed active restoration efforts.

On-going

OPS & RMD

B.2 Reduce, control, or where feasible eradicate invasive, non-native flora known to be detrimental to native species and/or the local ecosystem (Priority 1)

B.2.1: DPR staff and/or licensed County herbicide applicators will treat silver wattle, eucalyptus, fennel, gazania, natalgrass, tree tobacco, wavyleaf beeblossum, milkthistle, and tamarisk following the methods outlined in the Bottle Peak Preserve Vegetation Management Plan.

B.2.2: Park Rangers will routinely pull weeds or remove any invasive, non-native plants in early stages of growth observed during patrols along trails or access roads. B.2.3: DPR will coordinate with other agencies, non-profit organizations, and/or volunteer groups in order to seek funding and implement removal of silver wattle,

eucalyptus, fennel, gazania, natalgrass, tree tobacco, wavyleaf beeblossum, milkthistle, and tamarisk, or other invasive non-native plants found during plant surveys and monitoring (as described in implementation measures A.1.2 and A.1.3) within the Preserve.

On-going

As-needed On-going

OPS OPS OPS


4


B.3 Manage and minimize the expansion of

invasive, non-native flora within the Preserve (Priority 2)

B.3.1: DPR will identify and assess upstream sources of invasive, non-native plants on adjacent properties that have the potential to expand into the Preserve. DPR will coordinate with the adjacent land owners and managers of those properties and encourage them to treat and control the invasive, non-native plants on their Preserve.

On-going OPS

B.4 Provide for necessary fire management activities that are sensitive to natural and cultural resources protection (Priority 1)

B.4.1: As shown in Figure 13, DPR staff will create fuel modification zones on the Preserve adjacent to the existing residential structures that are within 100 feet of the Preserve boundary. Fuel modification will not take place in riparian habitat. Management of the fuel modification zone will adhere to CalFire requirements. In addition, DPR will strive to minimize impacts during maintenance activities and, if possible, conduct activities outside of the bird breeding season (September 15 – March 15). If maintenance activities must occur during the bird breeding season, nesting bird surveys will be performed prior to initiating trimming activities.

B.4.2: The existing dirt roads within the Preserve acting as access roads will be maintained as needed to keep the roads fuel free. In addition, DPR will continue to

coordinate with Valley Center Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, and San Pasqual Reservation Fire Department Station to determine what improvements need to be made to make fire response feasible throughout the Preserve.

B.4.3: DPR will continue to coordinate with City of Escondido Fire Department, Valley Center Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, and San Pasqual Reservation Fire

Department Station to ensure that the fire response and implementation measures outlined in this RMP and in the VMP (AECOM 2015) are up-to-date and adequate for effective fire response within the Preserve. As part of this effort, DPR will review fire history maps at least once every 10 years to determine if Preserve lands are within natural fire return intervals and for estimation of fuel age class.

On-going On-going As-needed

OPS OPS OPS

PUBLIC USE, TRAILS & RECREATION ELEMENT (C) C.1 Limit types of public uses to those that are

appropriate for the site (Priority 1) C.1.1: DPR rangers will patrol and monitor the Preserve for any unauthorized public access. DPR staff will document any illegal access, and inform any unauthorized

persons observed on site that the Preserve is not open to the public and request that they leave the Preserve. In addition, they will enforce the following prohibited uses and restrictions within the Preserve. DPR staff may call the sheriff for legal enforcement, as appropriate.

a. Off-road or cross-country vehicle and public off-highway recreational vehicle activity are considered incompatible uses in the draft North County Plan

preserve, and are therefore prohibited in the Preserve, except for law enforcement, Preserve management, and/or emergency purposes. b. Hunting or discharge of firearms is an incompatible use in the draft North County Plan preserve, and is therefore prohibited in the Preserve, except for law

enforcement, and/or emergency purposes. c. Poaching or collecting plant or animal species, archaeological or historical artifacts or fossils from the Preserve is generally prohibited; however, the County

may authorize collecting upon approval for scientific research, revegetation or restoration purposes, or species recovery programs. In addition, impacts to historic features are prohibited except upon approval by the County.

d. Fishing, swimming, and wading in rivers, streams, or creeks e. Camping (including homeless and itinerant worker camps) f. Feeding wildlife g. Domestic animals, except horses and leashed dogs h. Smoking i. Campfires/Open Flames j. Graffiti k. Paintball Games l. Geocaching (off-trail) m. Use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones or aircraft)

C.1.2: DPR staff will ensure that prohibited uses are clearly specified on posted signage.

On-going

On-going

OPS OPS

C.2 Manage access in sensitive biological resource areas within the Preserve (Priority 1)

C.2.1: DPR has identified and mapped sensitive vegetation communities, special-status plant and wildlife species (including narrow endemics and County-listed species), so that these areas can be avoided and/or monitored. Updated information on sensitive resources in relation to access points (i.e., existing access roads and unofficial trails) will be obtained in conjunction with routine monitoring activities (see implementation measures A.1.1, A.1.2, and C.5.1).

Every 8-10 years RMD


5


C.3 Analyze any future proposed public access such that recreational use of the Preserve is consistent with the protection and enhancement of biological and cultural resources (Priority 2)

The Preserve is currently not open to the public and there are no immediate plans to open it to the public.

C.3.1: If, in the future, it is decided to open the Preserve to the public, DPR will develop a Public Access Plan to determine the appropriate level of public access and recreational use within the Preserve, and provide recommendations for preferred trail alignments and features compatible with the protection and enhancement of biological and cultural resources. DPR will ensure that any proposed trail system is compatible with the North County Plan objectives and the County-approved Community Trails Master Plan.

C.3.2: DPR will ensure that any future proposed trail system will undergo environmental review in accordance with CEQA prior to public use of the Preserve.

As-Needed As-needed

RMD & OPS RMD

C.4 Install and maintain fences and gates within the Preserve as deemed necessary for access control (Priority 1)

C.4.1: Points of unauthorized access and sensitive species impacts will continue to be identified in conjunction with habitat, plant and wildlife, and access road monitoring activities (as described in implementation measures A.1.1, A.1.2, and C.5.1). DPR will ensure that any installation of fences or gates will be designed and located so they do not impede wildlife movement or impact cultural resources.

As-needed

OPS & RMD

C.5 Properly maintain access roads and trails for user safety, and to protect natural and cultural resources (Priority 1)

C.5.1: DPR staff will determine existing dirt access roads to be used for maintenance purposes. These roads will be monitored for degradation and unauthorized use. DPR staff will provide necessary repair/maintenance as needed.

On-going OPS

C.6 Install and maintain appropriate signage to effectively communicate Preserve rules and regulations (Priority 1)

C.6.1: DPR staff will identify unofficial access areas for signage then install appropriate signs stating County rules and regulations. The posted signs will be regularly inspected and maintained in good condition. Signs shall be kept free from vandalism and will be repaired or replaced as necessary.

On-going OPS

OPERATIONS & FACILITY MAINTENANCE ELEMENT (D) D.1 Maintain a safe and healthy environment for

Preserve users (Priority 1) D.1.1: DPR prohibits the permanent storage of hazardous and toxic materials within the Preserve. Any temporary storage must be in accordance with applicable

regulations, and otherwise designed to minimize any potential impacts.

On-going OPS

D.2 Enforce regulations regarding littering/dumping (Priority 1)

D.2.1: DPR staff will enforce regulations regarding littering/dumping (County Code of Regulatory Ordinance Section 41.116). Penalties for littering and dumping will be imposed by law enforcement officers sufficient to prevent recurrence and reimburse costs to remove and dispose of debris, restore the area if needed, and pay for additional DPR staff time. Areas where dumping recurs will be evaluated for potential barrier placement. Additional monitoring and enforcement will be provided as needed.

On-going OPS

D.3 Retain the drainages located in the north, south, and western portions of the Preserve in their natural condition (Priority 1)

D.3.1: DPR will conduct visual assessments of the conditions of the drainages in conjunction with habitat monitoring (see implementation measure A.1.1) to determine if nonnative invasive plants are recurring.

On-going OPS

D.4 Cooperate with public health and safety personnel to achieve their goals while helping to reduce or eliminate impacts to biological and cultural resources within the Preserve (Priority 1)

D.4.1: DPR will allow law enforcement officials and all medical, rescue and other emergency agencies to access the Preserve as necessary to enforce the law and carry out operations necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. DPR will coordinate with the applicable agencies to inform field personnel of the locations of particularly sensitive biological and significant cultural resources and how to minimize damage to these resources.

On-going OPS

D.5 Coordinate with adjacent open space land managers (Priority 1)

D.7.1: DPR will coordinate with the City of Escondido Lakes and Open Space Division, San Diego Habitat Conservancy and the Escondido Creek Conservancy (in association with their contiguous open spaces) on an annual basis, or more regularly as needed, to ensure contiguous preserved land is managed consistently and in accordance with the North County Plan. Coordination will include discussion of conservation goals; threats; methodology for management, monitoring, restoration, and reintroduction; results of management tasks and scientific research; and potential future projects.

Annually OPS

D.6 Enforce Preserve boundaries (Priority 1) D.6.1: DPR staff will enforce, prevent, and remove illegal intrusions into the Preserve (e.g., parking areas, orchards, decks) on an annual basis, in addition to a complaint basis.

Annually OPS & RMD

D.7 Educate residents of surrounding areas regarding adjacency issues (Priority 2)

D.7.1: DPR will post this RMP on the DPR website (www.sdparks.org) to heighten the environmental awareness of adjacent residents, and inform residents of appropriate landscaping, construction or disturbance within the Preserve boundaries, pet intrusion, fire management, and other adjacency issues. See also implementation measure B.2.1.

On-going OPS & RMD

CULTURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT (E)


6


E.1 Identify, record, and assess the significance of any new cultural resources discovered within the Preserve (Priority 1)

E.1.1: DPR will identify and record cultural resource sites in previously unsurveyed areas of the Preserve where, if in the future, brush is removed as a result of wildfire or planned ground disturbing activities, including clearing, grubbing or new trail development efforts. No removal or modification of cultural resources shall occur without written approval by the Director of Parks and Recreation. All management activities within the Preserve including, but not limited to, routine maintenance and habitat restoration, will take into consideration potential impacts to cultural resources and shall avoid adverse impacts to any cultural resources to the maximum extent possible. No ground disturbing activities will be allowed on or in any cultural resource site within the Preserve until the impacts have been assessed. If in the future, avoidance of significant sites is not feasible, appropriate mitigation measures will be established in conjunction with consultation with Native American tribes. Removal or disturbance of cultural resources shall not occur prior to completion of an approved mitigation program, such as data recovery and a grading monitoring program consisting of a qualified consultant and Luiseno and Kumeyaay Native American representatives. Preservation in place is the preferred mitigation measure.

E.1.2: In the event that human remains are discovered during archaeological surveys or testing, DPR staff will immediately stop all work and notify the County Coroner. If the Coroner determines the remains are Native American, the Most Likely Descendant, as identified by the NAHC, will be contacted in order to determine proper treatment and disposition of the remains. Per County guidelines, any time human remains are encountered, the site is considered significant (County 2007).

As-needed As-needed

RMD RMD

E.2 Promote cultural resources interpretation and educational programs (Priority 2)

E.2.1: Currently, there is no public education or interpretation of prehistoric and ethnographic resources within the Preserve. DPR will develop off-site, and when possible, on-site interpretive programs for Native American heritage, local and regional history, and prehistory appropriate to the Preserve in coordination with Luiseno and Kumeyaay tribal representatives, particularly the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians whose reservations are located northeast of the Preserve. Interpretive signage should focus on Luiseno and Kumeyaay land use within the vicinity of the Preserve including plant and animal food sources, hunting and gathering techniques, non-food resource uses, such as clothing, housing, basketry and pottery making, and lithic technology, as well as seasonal land use. Multiple opportunities for public education exist on the Preserve. The presence of historic road alignments leading to early occupations of the Preserve can in themselves act as a resource for educational opportunities and can serve as the starting point for discussions about historic land use in the area. Signage could elaborate on the terrain and its landforms, identifying how they relate to prehistoric and historic occupations and exploitation of the area. Interpretive maps could show the direction and location of former ranchos and their functions, as well as point out the location of late 19th century/early 20th century homesteads and cultural features such as the earthen dam. The Preserve provides an opportunity to take often abstract elements of history, for example the Homestead Act, and tie it to the reality of San Diego County’s past and present. Trails developed on historic roadways may also help to physically illustrate, and allow visitors to experience, how historic settlers in the region moved, and in doing so shaped the landscape of San Diego County.

On-going Director of DPR, OPS & RMD

E.3 Honor Native American heritage and promote Native American ceremonies, gathering, and cultural practices (Priority 2)

E.3.1: DPR will continue to coordinate and consult with tribal representatives who may have knowledge of the Preserve area, including those representing the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, in order to keep them informed of activities associated with the Preserve. Consultation shall be conducted frequently in order to identify appropriate management of pre-contact and ethnographic cultural resources. The tribes will be encouraged to participate in surveys, evaluation, recordation, protection and preservation of cultural resources.

E.3.2: DPR will open the Preserve to traditional uses by the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians and other local tribes which may

have traditionally used the Preserve area. All activities by Native Americans in the Preserve shall be conducted with a Right-of-Entry permit specifically designed for the Preserve.

On-going As-needed

OPS & RMD OPS & RMD

* DEV = Development Division Staff OPS = Operations Division Staff RMD = Resource Management Division Staff


APPENDIX B

Biological Diversity Baseline Report for Bottle Peak Preserve

(See http://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/AboutUs/Plans/public-review-documents.html)


APPENDIX C

Cultural Resources Phase I Survey and Inventory Bottle Peak Preserve,

San Diego County, California (Confidential)


APPENDIX D

Vegetation Management Plan for Bottle Peak Preserve

(See http://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/AboutUs/Plans/public-review-documents.html)

Draft Resource Management Plan for Bottle Peak Preserve ... · conservation planning efforts...

Documents

Transcript of Draft Resource Management Plan for Bottle Peak Preserve ... · conservation planning efforts...