Item 4.1 - City of Poway Habitat Acquisition StrategyAPPROVED
APPROVED AS AMENDED O
(SEE MINUTES)
DENIED O
REMOVED O
CONTINUED
RESOLUTION NO.
DATE: December 2, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Singer, City Manager
INITIATED BY: Robert J. Manis, Director of Development Services
Rich Whipple, City Planner V&Z
SUBJECT: City of Poway Habitat Acquisition Strategy
Summary:
The Poway Subarea Habitat Conservation Plan ( PSHCP) requires the City to use its
habitat in -lieu fees to purchase land to assist in meeting the PSHCP's habitat goal of
preserving 10,800 acres of land in Poway. Staff has developed an implementation
strategy to acquire properties for habitat preservation using funds from the City's habitat
in -lieu fee account.
Recommended Action:
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report.
Background:
The PSHCP was adopted by the Poway City Council in 1996 and covers the entire City.
The PSHCP is a "subarea" conservation plan in the region and was prepared to
facilitate private property development in coordination with the wildlife agencies and
also to create sustainable, interconnected habitat preserves for the .purpose of
maintaining biological resources in Poway. Approximately 13,300 acres of the 25,216
acres of land within the City's jurisdiction are included within the PSHCP "Mitigation
Area ". The Mitigation Area includes all lands within the City where preservation or
management may contribute significantly to regional biological conservation. The
PSHCP requires a large portion (10,800 acres) of the Mitigation Area to be protected
and preserved in perpetuity. This area contains a significant amount of California
Gnatcatcher habitat vegetation (Coastal Sage Scrub) and serves as the City's regional
"fair share" of biological land preservation to protect the gnatcatcher and other
endangered species from extinction.
Findings:
As part of the PSHCP preservation requirements, habitat removal within the Mitigation
Area is limited to a maximum of two acres per parcel. A 2:1 mitigation ratio is typically
required to replace habitat lost to development when located within the Mitigation Area.
Due to the larger parcel sizes in the Mitigation Area, the mitigation habitat is commonly
preserved on site and protected through the placement of a biological conservation
open space easement over the mitigation land. Alternatively, a developer could
purchase the equivalent habitat elsewhere within the City or buy mitigation credits to
mitigate the habitat loss. In addition, a habitat in -lieu fee can be paid to mitigate the
1 of 25 December 2, 2014 Item # y • I
Habitat Acquisition Strategy
December 2, 2014
Page 2
loss within the Mitigation Area. The current habitat in -lieu fee is $17,000 per acre.
Through the placement of City land into Biological Conservation Easements (BCE),
dedication of private "mitigation" land associated with development, and the previous
purchase of property using habitat mitigation in -lieu fees, the City has preserved over
6,900 acres, or approximately 56% of its habitat preservation requirement. Although
over half of the preservation goal has been met, the City cannot meet the 10,800 acre
requirement with development dedications alone.
The PSHCP requires the City to use its habitat mitigation in -lieu fees to purchase
additional land for preservation purposes. The selection of mitigation parcels is up to
the City; however, the PSHCP provides criteria to assist staff in determining which
parcels to purchase. The criteria include, but are not limited to, high priority acquisition
areas (as defined in the PSHCP), biological significance, threat level from development,
important linkages that interconnect other open space parcels, land costs, parcel
location, and parcel availability. In the past year, staff has developed a proposed
strategy, using the criteria described in the PSHCP for habitat acquisition. This strategy
also includes a detailed list of potential parcels to target for acquisition, and provides a
thorough analysis of the priority areas as defined in the PSHCP. The acquisition
strategy is provided in the attachment to this report.
Since 1997, the City has acquired approximately 517 acres of land. The City has not
purchased any mitigation land since 2009. As a result, the current habitat in -lieu fee
account has grown and currently contains $1,366,881. In compliance with the PSHCP
and to demonstrate progress in implementing the PSHCP to the various "Wildlife
Agencies ", staff will use the strategy to identify properties to be purchased based on
available funding. All proposed land purchases will be presented to City Council prior to
taking action.
Fiscal Impact:
The City's Habitat In -Lieu Fee Fund balance is currently $1,366,881. Based on criteria
in the acquisition strategy, staff will utilize funds from this account to acquire properties
as parcels and funding is available.
Environmental Review:
This action, which may result in acquisition of properties for the purposes of habitat
preservation, is Categorically Exempt as a Class 13 Categorical Exemption from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15313(c) of the 2014
CEQA Guidelines, in that the action, may result in land acquisition intended to preserve
access to public lands where the purpose of the acquisition is to preserve the land in its
natural condition.
2 of 25 December 2, 2014 Item # H • 1
Habitat Acquisition Strategy
December 2, 2014
Page 3
Public Notification:
None.
Attachment:
A. PSHCP Acquisition Strategy (Memorandum)
3 of 25 December 2, 2014 Item # y • I
TO: Daniel Singer, City Manager
FROM: Bob Manis, Director of Development Services
Rich Whipple, City Planner
DATE: December 2, 2014
SUBJECT: City of Poway Subarea Habitat Conservation Plan (PSHCP) Acquisition
Strategy
The City of Poway encompasses an area that has many natural resources, including
creeks, canyons, grassland areas, and mountains. Historically, the City has protected
its biological and natural resources through General Plan policies and requirements of
the Poway Municipal Code (PMC).
Subsequent to the adoption of the Poway General Plan, the California Gnatcatcher was
listed as a federally threatened species in March 1993. As a listed species, state and
federal laws prohibited the disturbance of the bird and /or the removal of its habitat
without permit authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ( USFWS). As a
majority of the undeveloped land in Poway contains Gnatcatcher habitat, most new
development required review through a lengthy USFWS permit process. To facilitate
the permit and development process, the City worked with the USFWS and the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in the preparation and
implementation of the citywide Poway Subarea Habitat Conservation Plan (PSHCP). A
key objective of the PSHCP is to create sustainable, interconnected habitat preserves
for the purpose of maintaining viable populations of biological resources.
Implementation of the PSHCP ensures compatibility between development and
conservation in the City, while meeting the mitigation requirements for private and
public development projects.
The PSHCP was adopted by the Poway City Council in 1996 and covers the entire City.
There are 25,216 acres within the borders of the City of Poway. Within that land area,
approximately 13,300 acres are identified as the PSHCP "Mitigation Area ". The Wildlife
Agencies required, in the PSHCP, that 10,800 acres of the 13,300 acres be protected
and preserved in perpetuity. The 10,800 acres contain a large portion of the
Gnatcatcher habitat vegetation (Coastal Sage Scrub) and serves as the City's fair
share portion of preserved land, to protect the gnatcatcher and other endangered
species from extinction.
To date, through placement of City land into Biological Conservation Easements (BCE),
dedication of private "mitigation" land associated with development, the purchase of
property using funds generated from the City Habitat In -Lieu fee, and the initial
dedication of approximately 4,600 acres of preserved lands from "Cornerstone parcels"
4 of 25 December 2, 2014 Item # H.1
such as Blue Sky /Mount Woodson and Iron Mountain, the City has preserved
approximately 56% of the preservation goal, or over 6,900 acres.
Habitat In -Lieu Fee
The purpose of the "in -lieu" fee is to provide an efficient and viable option for biological
resource impact mitigation. It is intended that the in -lieu fee serve as mitigation
compensation for direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts, where the direct purchase of
habitat lands by a project proponent or on -site preservation are determined by the City
to be infeasible. Over the last several years, the in -lieu fee typically has been used for
the removal of native habitat on private properties located outside the Mitigation Area
and for the purchase of open space parcels within the Mitigation Area. Per the PSHCP,
the Habitat In -Lieu Fee is to be assessed in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by
the City Council. The current fee is $17,000 per acre. The purpose of the Habitat In-
Lieu Fee is to provide the City the ability to acquire land within the Mitigation Area for
preservation and dedication.
Since the approval of the PSHCP, the City has collected over $1.8 million in Habitat In-
Lieu fees and has spent over $668,000 of that for the purchase of 517 acres containing
native habitat. In addition, approximately 1,860 acres has been dedicated to the
preserve in the form of mitigation land associated with development. Therefore, a total
of more than 2,377 acres have been added to the preserve's initial dedication of 4,600
acres.
Pursuant to the goals and policies of the PSHCP the selection and acquisition of habitat
parcels is entirely up to the City and is not subject to the further review or approval of
any other parry of the PSHCP Implementing Agreement. Supplemental to the City's
efforts, staff may also consider input from SANDAG's Environmental Management
Program committee and the County's Quarterly Acquisition committee. Through these
committees the City may consider input on potential acquisition sites in Poway that
could be of regional significance and /or provide supplemental funding sources to assist
in the purchase of the mitigation parcels. The current in -lieu fee balance is $1,366,881
as of October 1, 2014. The City has subsequently been formulating a program for the
review and consideration of available lands for habitat acquisition. Despite the past
recession, land costs in Poway still remain high. As such, City staff is looking carefully
at potential sites that will offer the greatest amount of preservation acreage for the
dollars available.
Parcel Selection Process
The selection of mitigation parcels is entirely up to the City. There are a number of
tools, or criteria in the PSHCP, to assist staff in evaluating the appropriate parcels to
purchase. The criteria include, but are not limited to: Proposed Resource Protection
Area (PRPA) priorities, parcel location, quality of habitat, land cost, linkage
connections, and parcel availability. The following is a discussion of the parcel
acquisition process.
The main direction for parcel acquisition is from a priority acquisition list provided in the
PSHCP. Most of the properties included in the PRPA provided a connective link to
other preserved parcels or open space areas. These groups of parcels, or corridors,
were placed into PRPA. The PRPAs were delineated based on their value to the
preserve system and potential risks of loss to development. These factors were used to
rate PRPAs into three categories; high, medium, and low.
5 of 25 2 December 2, 2014 Item #4.1
■ High is defined as areas that support concentrations of target species, large
contiguous blocks of sensitive vegetation communities, or essential habitat
linkages or wildlife movement corridors and within which development or other
impacts would irreparably damage preserve design (i.e. the unique aspects of
the Poway Subarea HCP including its core areas, linkages and buffers
compared to San Diego's regional conservation plan) and could not be
mitigated.
■ Medium is defined as areas that support sensitive habitats, target species, or
habitat linkages that are important to preserve design, but their loss or partial
loss could be at least partially mitigated elsewhere in the preserve. Examples
include coastal sage scrub habitats peripheral to core areas, or habitat linkages
for which alternative linkages exist in the event the first is lost.
■ Low is defined as areas that support sensitive resources of lesser importance to
preserve design than high or medium value PRPAs. Preservation of low value
PRPAs may add incrementally to total reserve size and resources, but loss of
these areas would not unduly damage overall preserve function.
Additional Factors to Consider
In addition to the PRPA list there are additional economic and environmental conditions
to be taken into consideration in the parcel selection process. These conditions include:
• Linkages
Linkages are habitat connections that allow for wildlife movement, recruitment,
and colonization between preserved areas. Linkages are typically regional and
consist primarily of undeveloped corridors through urbanized areas that
interconnect preserved areas such as mitigation and/or open space parcels.
Linkages can be defined at a finer scale to include connections between habitat
patches through otherwise disturbed habitat areas. Linkages may also exist
between habitats in the Mitigation Area and habitats in adjoining jurisdictions.
Many of the high priority PRPAs contain important linkages.
■ Location
The location of the parcel plays a significant role in its value to the overall
preserve system. Parcels located in the rural areas of the City may have a
higher biological value and a lower economic value. Conversely, parcels located
near or surrounded by urbanization may have a higher economic value as land
values will often be based on development potential vs. biological value. Equally
important is a parcel location to adjoining "Cornerstone Lands ", mitigation
parcels or other lands designated for open space. Parcels that interconnect
open space parcels, preserve wildlife corridors, or protect sensitive plant or
animal species provide the greatest benefit to the Preserve.
■ Biological Significance
The biological significance of a parcel is based on the type and quantity of
vegetation and the type and number of plant and animals species it supports. A
small parcel that contains quality vegetation may be considered biologically
significant. However, if that parcel is surrounded by development, it becomes
more of an island and less biologically valuable. Examples of this situation
consist of blocks of native vegetation located outside the PSHCP Mitigation
6 of 25 3 December 2, 2014 Item # q • I
Area. Large parcels located in the rural areas could contain habitat of lesser
quality, but through its sheer size are able to support a larger variety of plant and
animal species and, therefore, may be more biologically valuable. Careful
consideration must be given to a parcel's biological significance and what is best
for the Preserve when evaluating possible acquisition.
■ Economic Significance
As discussed above, the economic significance of a parcel is based on its
location and quality of vegetation. Parcels that contain quality habitat, but
possess views of the City will typically demand a higher price as their value is
based on the residential unit potential. Conversely, parcels located far from
infrastructure improvements and possess high quality vegetation are of greater
biological value. As the goal is to select properties that provide maximum
benefit to the Preserve, careful consideration must be given to the dollar versus
biological value ratio.
■ Development potential
Although a parcel may be located within the Mitigation Area, it still has
development potential. The PSHCP established a PRPA parcel acquisition
priority based on concentrations of target species, contiguous blocks of sensitive
vegetation communities, habitat linkages, and threat level from development. In
selecting a parcel for purchase, consideration must be given to the value of
biological preservation of the parcel versus damage to the preserve design that
cannot be mitigated if, developed. Another option to consider is the percentage of
the native habitat on the parcel that can be preserved after development.
■ Land Cost
The cost of land is often based upon many of the above criteria. Land adjacent
to development or with expansive views will likely have an inflated price as its
value will often be based on its residential unit potential. For the purposes of
acquisition of mitigation land, the price should be based on the value of the
habitat. Depending upon location, type and quantity of vegetation, the habitat
cost of Coastal Sage Scrub can range from $3,000 to $30,000 (2014 $) per acre
according to some industry experts. Careful consideration must be taken when
purchasing habitat parcels to insure that the price paid reflects a balance
between its value to the Preserve vs. its residential and /or habitat value.
Proposed Resource Protection Areas (PRPA)
The PSHCP identified six high priority, thirteen medium priority, and four low priority
PRPAs. The City is initially focusing on the location, availability and habitat condition of
the high priority parcels. Since the list of PRPA's was prepared over 18 years ago it is
recognized that some of those parcels have been developed and are no longer
available for acquisition. As such, the City is also examining lesser priority parcels and
other properties outside the PRPA's that contain significant biological value, such as
those in the Twin Peaks Mountain and Rattlesnake Canyon areas. Many of the parcels
within the Twin Peaks Mountain and Rattlesnake Canyon area have a medium priority,
with a medium to high preservation value.
7 of 25 4 December 2, 2014 Item # � • I
PRPA List
Listed below are the high, medium and low priority PRPAs identified in the PSHCP and
all of the parcels within each PRPA. The list includes the status of individual parcels,
their size and condition. Parcels that are highlighted are considered "target" parcels.
Parcels that are not highlighted are considered developed, or are already preserved.
Those identified as preserved were in the PSHCP as target parcels, but have since
been preserved. Exhibit A to this memorandum contains a description of each of the
PRPAs and a map showing their general locations.
The list below includes 19 target parcels in the high priority PRPA. The list includes
the individual parcels, their size and condition.
PRPA
4a
APN
2770201400
PRIORITY
High
LOCATION
Old Coach
SIZE
5.39
CONDITION
Vacant
COMMENT
2770110400
High
Old Coach
13.29
Vacant
Li ouri
2770802400
High
Old Coach
4.85
Vacant
2770203200
High
Old Coach
9.40
Vacant
SFR Lot
2772011100
High
Old Coach
10.02
Vacant
2770202900
High
Old Coach
18.58
Vacant
2770202600
High
Old Coach
8.48
Vacant
Creek
2770202700
High
Old Coach
5.55
Vacant
2770203100
High
Old Coach
8.49
Developed
2770201500
Hi h
Old Coach
9.50
Develo ed
2770201300
High
Old Coach
14.63
Developed
8
2772012600
2771712200
Hi h
High
Old Coach
Old Coach
24.89
13.51
Preserved
Part Dev.
City OS
Sunroad Lot
2771402900
High
Old Coach
4.01
Part Dev.
Orchard
2771401200
High
Old Coach
6.34
Preserved
OSRM
2771400900
High
Old Coach
5.56
Preserved
OSRM
2771713700
Hi h
Old Coach
119.71
Preserved
City OS
2771401800
Hi h
Old Coach
4.25
Preserved
City OS
2783210400
High
Old Coach
44.72
Preserved
Blue Sky
2771401400
High
Old Coach
4.77
Preserved
Blue Sky
2783201000
High
Old Coach
8.57
Preserved
Blue Sky
2783201400
High
Old Coach
75.02
Preserved
Blue Sky
13a
2783210700
3213600100
High
High
Old Coach
Po ay Rd /SR67
5.59
170.00
Developed
Vacant
trailer
3211602300
Hi h
Poway Rd /SR67
76.42
Vacant
16
3211602200
3231000100
High
High
Poway Rd /SR67
SPP /S camore C n
37.29
40.00
Vacant
Vacant
Kuebler
3230704600
High
SPP /S camore C n
53.68
Vacant
Kuebler
3230702300
High
SPP /S camore C n
40.00
Vacant
Kuebler
17a
3230921500
High
Jt't'J "lciili0ic v "(i
S. end of Welton Ln.
I�J.ijG
10.00
r"
Vacant
3235200500
High
S. end of Welton Ln.
1.59
Vacant
SFR Lot
3235200400
High
S. end of Welton Ln.
1.07
Vacant
3230920600
Hi n
Claire Dr.
5.49
Develo ec,
3230920700
High
Sky Mountain Tr
10.00
Develo ec
?235200300
High
Sky Mountain Tr.
1.10
7)ev Loped
5
8 of 25 December 2, 2014 Item # q • 1
Listed below are the thirteen medium priority PRPAs identified in the PSHCP and the
target parcels within each PRPA. The list includes the individual parcels, their size and
condition.
PRPA
1
3235200200
Hi h
Sky Mountain Tr.
1.13
Developed
COMMENT
18
3235200600
3160630100
H rh
High
Sky Mountain Tr.
Cobblestone Creek
4.68
9.15
Developed
Vacant
3160630300
High
Cobblestone Creek
2.72
Vacant
3177910200
High
Sunwood Trail
28.10
Preserved
City OS
3160630200
High
Cobblestone Creek
4.10
Developed
SFR lot
3160630500
High
Cobblestone Creek
2.02
Developed
3160630600
High
Cobblestone Creek
1 1.63
Developed
3160630700
High
Cobblestone Creekj
1.53
Developed
Listed below are the thirteen medium priority PRPAs identified in the PSHCP and the
target parcels within each PRPA. The list includes the individual parcels, their size and
condition.
PRPA
1
APN
2760703400
PRIORIT
Medium
LOCATION
North Poway
SIZE
28.02
CONDITION
Vacant
COMMENT
2770201000 1 Medium Northeast Poway 41.21 1 Developed
2761400500
Medium
North Poway
20.46
Vacant
2761400600
Medium
North Poway
18.37
Vacant
2761400700
Medium
North Poway
16.45
Vacant
2761401500
Medium
North Poway
31.96
Vacant
SFR lot
2761401700
Medium
North Poway
41.97
Developea
PRPA
APN IPRIORITY LOCATION SIZE CONDITION COMMENT
4b
LOCATION
Twin Peaks Mt.
SIZE
14.66
2770201100 Medium Northeast Poway 41.56 Vacant
COMMENT
2770201000 1 Medium Northeast Poway 41.21 1 Developed
PRPA APN PRIORITY LOCATION I SIZE 1CONDITION1 COMMENT
6
- 772411600 1 Medium I Old CoacWMalone 1 25.49 1 Preserved
PRPA
10
APN
2754702100
PRIORITY
Medium
LOCATION
Twin Peaks Mt.
SIZE
14.66
CONDITION
Vacant
COMMENT
2754702400
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
17.12
Vacant
2752602800
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
1.84
Vacant
2754700200
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
6.63
Vacant
2752604600
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
20.41
Vacant
3143700400
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
38.67
Vacant
3143700500
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
40.61
Vacant
3140310200
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
40.00
Vacant
3140320100
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
40.13
Vacant
3140320300
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
40.09
Vacant
3146502600
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
5.52
Vacant
9 of 25 6 December 2, 2014 Item # 9.1
PRPA
11
3146503600
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
1.84
Vacant
COMMENT
3140311000
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
10.00
Vacant
3140311100
Medium
Twin Peaks Mt.
10.00
Vacant
-��O
Medi;im
Tv;in Peaks Mt.
21.40
Preserved
Hospital OS
PRPA
11
APN
3211001900
PRIORITY
Medium
LOCATION
Rattlesnake Cyn.
SIZE
10.00
CONDITION
Vacant
COMMENT
3211002000
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
10.00
Vacant
3211002100
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
10.00
Vacant
3211002400
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
10.00
Vacant
3211000400
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
40.00
Vacant
3211001600
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
10.00
Vacant
City owned
3211002300
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
10.00
Vacant
City owned
3211001100
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
10.00
Vacant
City owned
3211001200
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
10.00
Vacant
City owned
3211001700
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
10.00
Vacant
City owned
3211001800
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
10.00
Vacant
City owned
3211004000
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
21.31
Preserved
City owned
3211004700
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
61.36
Preserved
Herita e OS
PRPA
12
APN
3212501100
PRIORITY
Medium
LOCATION
Rattlesnake Cyn.
SIZE
1.01
CONDITION
Vacant
COMMENT
3212501200
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212501300
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
0.99
Vacant
3212504100
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212501400
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.98
Vacant
3212600100
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212600600
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212600700
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212600800
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212600900
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212602900
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212603000
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212603100
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212703500
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
33.14
Vacant
3212601200
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.90
Vacant
3212601300
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212601400
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212601500
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212601600
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212601800
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212501600
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212501800
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212501900
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212502000
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212502200
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212502300
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212502400
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212502500
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212502600
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212502700
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.01
Vacant
3212601900
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
2.02
Vacant
3212602000
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
2.02
Vacant
3212602100
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
2.02
Vacant
3212601200
Medium
Rattlesnake Cyn.
1.90
Vacant
10 of 25 1 December 2, 2014 Item # H • 1
PRPA
13b
3212602200
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.69
Vacant
COMMENT
3220414200
3212602300
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
2.02
Vacant
3220414300
Medium
3212602400
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
2.02
Vacant
Medium
SR 67
3212602500
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
2.02
Vacant
Poway Rd S. /SR 67
64.16
3212502800
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.70
Vacant
3212502900
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503000
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503100
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503200
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503300
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503400
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503500
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503600
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503700
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503800
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212503900
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212504000
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
3212602600
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
2.02
Vacant
3212602700
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
2.02
Vacant
3212602800
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
2.02
Vacant
3212501500
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.86
Vacant
City owned
3212601700
Medium
Rattlesnake C n.
1.01
Vacant
City owned
PRPA
13b
APN
3213600500
PRIORITY
Medium
LOCATION
Poway Rd /SR 67
SIZE
141.00
CONDITION COMMENT
Vacant
COMMENT
3220414200
Medium
Poway Rd /SR 67
61.36
Vacant
Vacant
3220414300
Medium
SR 67
44.54
Vacant
15.07
3220410200
Medium
SR 67
40.00
Vacant
PRPA
14
APN
3220110500
PRIORITY
Medium
LOCATION
Poway Rd N. /SR 67
SIZE
135.77
CONDITION
Vacant
COMMENT
3220110600
Medium
Poway Rd N. /SR 67
182.70
Vacant
3220410700
Medium
3220401600
Medium
Poway Rd S. /SR 67
15.07
Vacant
Medium
Poway Rd S. /SR 67
3220400300
Medium
Poway Rd S. /SR 67
34.96
Vacant
Poway Rd S. /SR 67
64.16
3220400400
Medium
Poway Rd S. /SR 67
45.26
Vacant
PRPA
APN
PRIORITY
LOCATION
SIZE
CONDITION COMMENT
15
3232901200
Medium
E of Gate Drive
5.83
Vacant
3220410700
Medium
Poway Rd S. /SR 67
32.76
Vacant
5.80
3220410600
Medium
Poway Rd S. /SR 67
20.71
Vacant
E of Gate Drive
3220402900
Medium
Poway Rd S. /SR 67
64.16
Vacant
PRPA
17b
APN
3232802100
PRIORITY
Medium
LOCATION
E of Gate Drive
SIZE
9.11
CONDITION
Vacant
COMMENT
3232901200
Medium
E of Gate Drive
5.83
Vacant
2901100
Medium
E of Gate Drive
5.80
De. : ::oiled
3232901300
Medium
E of Gate Drive
5.80
Developed
11 of 25 December 2, 2014 Item # y' 1
PRPA
19
APN
3160202000
PRIORITY1
Medium
LOCATION
Van Dam Peak
I SIZE
41.15
I CONDITION
Vacant
COMMENT
2770802300 Low Hidden Valley Ranch Preserved City owned
3160202100
Medium
Van Dam Peak
41.16
Vacant
4.39 Developed
3160200400
Medium
Van Dam Peak
40.00
Vacant
2782803700 Low
3160200500
Medium
Van Dam Peak
40.00
Vacant
3160200800
Medium
Van Dam Peak
10.00
Vacant
Mohling lot
3161403900
Medium
Van Dam Peak
2.11
Vacant
3160202300
Medium
Van Dam Peak
20.44
Vacant
3160202400
Medium
Van Dam Peak
20.44
Vacant
3160202500
Medium
Van Dam Peak
20.44
Vacant
3160202200
1 Medium
Van Dam Peak
20.44
Preserved
City owned
Listed below are the four low priority PRPAs identified in the PSHCP and the target
parcels within each PRPA. The list includes the individual parcels, their size and
condition.
PRPA APN PRIORITY LOCATION SIZE CONDITION COMMENT
5
2731000400 Low Del Paso 40.00 Vacant
PRPA
I APN IPRIORITY LOCATION SIZE CONDITION COMMENT
7
SIZE CONDITION
30.11 Preserved
COMMENT
City owned
2770802700 Low Hidden Valley Ranch 199.63 Preserved
2782803400 Low
2770802300 Low Hidden Valley Ranch Preserved City owned
P7ii
APN PRIORITY
2781810100 Low
LOCATION
NW High Valley area
SIZE CONDITION
30.11 Preserved
COMMENT
City owned
3211610800 Low I SANREX 227.99 Vacant
2782803400 Low
NW High Valley area
4.00 Developed
2782804300 Low
NW High Valley area
4.39 Developed
2782804400 Low
NW High Valley area
4.17 Developed
2782803700 Low
NMI High Val!ev area
4.21 Developed
PRPA
APN PRIORITY LOCATION SIZE CONDITION COMMENT
20
3211610800 Low I SANREX 227.99 Vacant
3211610900 Low I SANREX/SDCWA 45.96 Vacant
Private Properties
From time to time, the City is contacted by private property owners, conservation entities,
or brokers asking if the City is interested in acquiring properties for preservation. These
properties may or may not be on the PRPA List and may contain high biological value.
Staff will evaluate those parcels on a case -by -case basis against the criteria in this
strategy. However, it is not likely they will hold as high of a priority for acquisition as
those already on the list.
Tax Default Parcels
From time to time, the City becomes aware of tax default parcels located within Poway.
Many of these parcels are located within the Mitigation Area and contain biologically
significant habitat and may or may not be in the PRPA list as a target parcel. Staff will
12 of 25 9 December 2, 2014 Item # q.1
seek to consider the tax default parcels in the list of potential acquisition sites, if they
meet the parcel selection requirements.
Summary
Section 7.6 Funding /Financing of the PSHCP states that implementation of the PSHCP
will be financed through in -lieu mitigation fees and state /federal grants. A major portion
of the in -lieu fees must be used by the City to purchase lands within the Mitigation
Area. The acquisitions shall be preferentially directed to lands within the PRPAs with
first priority given to habitat located in high priority PRPAs. The PSCHP encourages
annual acquisition of mitigation parcels to help reach the 10,800 preservation acres
required by the PSHCP.
The City Council has directed staff to develop a strategy to study and potentially
acquire parcels of land to implement future preservation efforts consistent with the
PSHCP. City staff is presently refining the list of PRPA parcels, noted above, to
determine availability and the best acquisition opportunities. The list includes priority
acquisition parcels within the PRPAs. Future acquisition efforts will target those parcels
that best meet the preservation goals of the PSHCP.
While the PSHCP encourages acquisitions from the high priority PRPA list, selection
from this list is not mandatory. Staff will use this acquisition strategy to make
recommendations to the City Council regarding parcels to acquire for open space
preservation based on the funds available in the City's Habitat In -Lieu account, parcel
availability, and consideration of the factors outlined in this memorandum.
13 of 25 10 December 2, 2014 Item # q •1
Exhibit A
SUPPORTING SECTIONS FROM THE
POWAY SUBAREA HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (PSHCP)
Excerpt from Section 5.5 of the Poway Subarea Habitat Conservation Plan (PSHCP)
PROPOSED RESOURCE PROTECTION AREAS (PRPAs)
The following section discusses the attributes of each of the PRPAs and rates each for its
preservation value, the risk to this value under existing levels of protection, and its priority for
acquisition to enhance protection. Where PRPAs overlap the County Resource Conservation
Areas (RCAs), the RCAs are identified by number. Where appropriate, the results of the
region's Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) California gnatcatcher and
composite habitat evaluation models are also presented (Ogden et al. 1995).
The California gnatcatcher habitat evaluation model developed for the MSCP is consistent with
the evaluation process developed by the Scientific Review Panel (SRP 1993) for determining
the long -term conservation value of land for the coastal sage scrub identified in the State's
Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP). The model rates habitats from no value to very
high value for long -term conservation of gnatcatchers based on patch size, vegetation
composition, connectivity, slope, elevation, and climatic zone. Much of the coastal sage scrub
habitat in Poway rates as very high value by this model, with higher and steeper elevation
areas varying down to moderate habitat value. Many of the PRPAs contain predominantly very
high quality habitat based on this model. In the following discussions, model results are
presented only for those PRPAs not rated as predominantly very high quality habitat by this
model.
The composite habitat evaluation model considers other sensitive habitats and target species in
addition to coastal sage scrub and gnatcatchers in rating areas for their regional importance in
the MSCP study area. Thus, such areas as wetland habitats, wildlife movement corridors, and
areas of clay soils may rate as high or very high habitat value using this model. Nearly all
PRPAs contain predominantly very high quality habitat based on this model. Again, only results
for PRPAs not rated as predominantly very high quality by this model are presented in the
following discussion.
PRPA 1
This area supports coastal sage scrub on relatively flat slopes adjacent to the San Dieguito
River Valley and the corresponding Mitigation Area for the San Dieguito River Park (SDRP). It
also contains oak riparian woodland. It is relatively undisturbed and known to support a number
of California gnatcatcher pairs. Flatter coastal sage areas are currently underrepresented in
protected areas, such as cornerstone lands and areas of 45 percent or greater slopes. PRPA 1
is immediately adjacent to coastal sage on non - developable 45 percent or greater slopes, and
includes scattered oak woodlands in County RCA 55. Protecting this area would add to the
value of this larger block of habitat and help ensure connectivity to the SDRP. Limited
development of rural residences may degrade the biological resources, but would probably not
sever the linkage.
11
14 of 25 December 2, 2014 Item # �- l
PRPA 2
PRPA 2 is also adjacent to the SDRP Mitigation Area, supports coastal sage on relatively flat
slopes, and is part of a much larger block of coastal sage scrub supporting California
gnatcatchers and other sensitive species. It is relatively undisturbed, is contiguous with
significant riparian oak vegetation, and forms part of an important linkage between the Poway
Subarea Mitigation Area and the SDRP Mitigation Area. PRPA 2 is included in County RCAs 56
and 69. It is at low to moderate risk of fragmentation by rural residential development.
PRPA 3
PRPA 3 represents a large (approximately 360 acres), relatively flat area of coastal sage scrub
immediately north of the Old Coach Golf Estates Planned Community. Although partly
disturbed by a variety of dirt roads and trails, this area warrants further study as a potential
cornerstone. In addition to coastal sage scrub that is known to support orange- throated
whiptails, the area contains some oak woodlands and grasslands and is surrounded on most
sides by non - developable slopes of greater than 45 percent. The area could be fragmented by
rural residential development under current constraints.
PRPA 4a
This area represents a constrained linkage through coastal sage scrub and riparian oak
woodland east of the Old Coach Golf Estates. Existing, scattered housing has fragmented the
coastal sage linkages in the vicinity. Protection of a few key parcels here might ensure that
further development, allowed under existing zoning, would not sever this already constrained
linkage. Remaining parcels in this area should be targeted for acquisition and restoration to
maintain the linkage.
PRPA 4b
This PRPA primarily represents the riparian vegetation and adjoining coastal sage scrub and
chaparral communities along Thompson Creek. Although it scores low as gnatcatcher habitat,
this area rates very high using the composite habitat evaluation model. Riparian vegetation is
off limits to development, but houses in adjacent chaparral could degrade habitat quality in the
area, which includes County RCA 57.
PRPA 5
This 37 -acre parcel is immediately adjacent to the existing Lower Sycamore Creek Cornerstone
and the Old Coach Golf Estates open space areas. It supports coastal sage scrub, riparian
woodland, and a variety of sensitive species, but it is surrounded on three sides by existing
development and is therefore highly edge- affected. Under the special development
requirements (Section 7) this parcel could support one dwelling unit, or a maximum of 2 acres
of vegetation removal, which would degrade biological value slightly more. This area deserves
consideration for acquisition as a buffer for the existing cornerstone and open spaces only if it
is readily available and acquisition would not use resources better applied to higher priority
parcels.
PRPA 6
This PRPA, lying between the large avocado orchard and Old Coach Golf Estates, supports
oak riparian forest, coastal sage scrub, and disturbed and developed habitats. Its primary
benefit to the preserve system is in widening and buffering the habitat linkage and wildlife
15 of 25 12 December 2, 2014 Item # L •l
movement corridor along Sycamore Creek through this already constrained area. PRPA
designation for this area encourages any future development on this property to be clustered in
areas not currently supporting native vegetation, such as in the existing avocado orchard.
Restoration or enhancement in the remaining native habitat areas of PRPA 6 should be
considered.
PRPA 7
This area represents a constrained linkage and wildlife movement corridor. The large avocado
orchard in this vicinity funnels wildlife movements around it either to the west (along Sycamore
Creek) or the east, along a prominent ridge through PRPA 7. The ridge top may represent a
movement corridor for mountain lions, deer, and other animals. PRPA 7 also represents a
chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat linkage between the Mount Beatrice Cornerstone and
the Blue Sky -Mount Woodson cornerstone. Although only rated as low quality habitat by the
regional habitat evaluation models, this PRPA deserves consideration for acquisition to
preserve this linkage if there is an increased risk of its disruption.
PRPA 8
One or more undeveloped parcels in this area are considered essential to preserving the
habitat linkage between Blue Sky Ecological Reserve and habitats to the north via Sycamore
Creek and the Old Coach Golf Estates open space areas. The Butcher property (see Section
5.1.10) was purchased by the City of Poway as mitigation to help preserve this highly
constrained linkage and movement corridor. Other parcels in PRPA 8, between the Butcher
property and Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, should be targeted for acquisition to ensure the
integrity of this connection.
PRPA 9
This area of approximately 60 acres lies between the Blue Sky —Mount Woodson
cornerstone and two biological open space easements south of Lake Poway. It is covered by
coastal sage scrub and supports some gnatcatchers. However, it is highly edge- affected by
surrounding development and has some disturbance onsite. As a result it is rated only as
moderate quality habitat by both regional habitat evaluation models. This area is therefore
low to medium priority for acquisition. Preserving it would add incrementally to protected
sage scrub habitat, would help buffer the large cornerstone, and would tie in existing open
spaces supporting coastal sage scrub. However, this PRPA should only be acquired if readily
available and so long as it does not take resources from higher priority PRPAs.
PRPA 10
This is an area of relatively gentle, coastal sage and chaparral covered slopes in the southern
and western portions of Twin Peaks. It is contiguous with existing open space easements for
the Rancho Arbolitos Planned Community that also support coastal sage scrub. Together,
PRPA 10 and the existing open space area support approximately 17 gnatcatcher pairs
(Ogden, unpublished 1994 data). This PRPA overlays with the Twin Peaks RCA (County RCA
59). It was rated as moderate value gnatcatcher habitat and high value multiple species
habitat by the two regional habitat evaluation models. Under current zoning, PRPA 10 could
be fragmented by rural residential housing. Thus, this area deserves some consideration for
further protection to maintain the Twin Peaks gnatcatcher population. Other areas of
gnatcatcher habitat on Twin Peaks are steeper, and are less likely to be fragmented by
housing development than would PRPA 10.
16 of 25 13 December 2, 2014 Item # q.1
PRPA 11
This PRPA north and west of Rattlesnake Canyon represents a relatively flat area of coastal
sage scrub that supports large numbers of gnatcatchers and other sensitive species. It is part of
the County- designated Rattlesnake Canyon Mitigation Area (County RCA 62) and was
identified as an important biological resource area in the Poway Detailed Biological Assessment
(ERCE 1991). Because the area mostly lies on slopes of less than 45 percent it could be
partially built out and moderately fragmented according to its zoning as RR -A. Relatively flat
coastal sage scrub areas are under - represented in current cornerstones and other protected
areas. This PRPA also represents the closest significant area of gnatcatcher habitat to Twin
Peaks and may support a source population for Twin Peaks.
PRPA 12
This PRPA lies along the lower portions of Rattlesnake Creek. It consists primarily of steep
slopes supporting coastal sage scrub and chaparral, with oak riparian forest along the creek.
The area was zoned for residential development by the County of San Diego before the City
of Poway was incorporated, and is subdivided into many small parcels (average
approximately one acre). While the potential build out analysis based on zoning and parcel
size indicates that the area could be largely developed, existing constraints due to slopes and
sensitive vegetation types make this highly unlikely. Many of the parcels will probably not be
developed and may be available at reasonable cost as additional biological open space within
the Mitigation Area.
PRPA 13a
This high priority PRPA contains the central swath of coastal sage scrub habitat connecting
north to south through Poway. Protecting this important core and linkage area is essential to the
Poway Subarea HCP. Habitat in this PRPA is predominantly coastal sage scrub on relatively
gentle slopes. It is known to support gnatcatchers, and is part of a larger area of contiguous
sage scrub. The precise boundaries of PRPA 13a could be adjusted based upon further study,
so long as the contiguity of sage scrub habitat is kept substantially intact and free of
development between the Blue Sky —Mount Woodson Cornerstone and the Sanrex property.
Under existing and proposed constraints on development, this area could be moderately to
heavily fragmented by rural residential housing. Parcels in this area should be targeted for
acquisition to protect this essential core and linkage habitat.
PRPA 13b
PRPA 13b includes two areas of predominantly sage scrub on either side and immediately
adjacent to PRPA 13a. These areas support a number of target species, including healthy
populations of gnatcatchers. Under existing development constraints, these areas could be
moderately to heavily fragmented by rural residential housing. They are medium priority areas
for acquisition to minimize detrimental effects of this potential fragmentation. Adding parcels in
PRPA 13b to the preserve system would buffer the essential north -south sage scrub linkage
(PRPA 13a) and add valuable core habitat. The western portion of this PRPA also connects
with the Rattlesnake Canyon Cornerstone to the west.
17 of 25 14 December 2, 2014 Item # `4.1
PRPA 14
PRPA 14 lies east of State Highway 67 at the base of Iron Mountain and steep slopes north of
Iron Mountain. It provides a buffer to the Iron Mountain and Rock Haven Cornerstones, adds a
band of coastal sage scrub bordering along already protected chaparral vegetation, and
provides an alternative north -south linkage for gnatcatchers to that defined by PRPA 13a.
Effectively, designating this area as a PRPA helps focus attention on clustering development
close to Highway 67, and away from the already protected areas, on several large parcels
lining the east side of the highway. Otherwise, the sage scrub in this area could become
moderately fragmented by scattered residential housing in the foothills bordering the
cornerstones.
PRPA 15
PRPA 15 lies between the east side of Highway 67 and the Iron Mountain Cornerstone. It
supports predominantly coastal sage scrub habitat occupied by gnatcatchers. San Diego
horned lizards and slender -pod jewelflower have also been observed there. This PRPA is at
relatively low risk of fragmentation under existing and proposed development requirements.
Similar areas north and south of this PRPA are already highly fragmented by housing
development and agriculture, increasing the importance of this area to maintaining the linkage
between the high elevation chaparral habitats to the east and the lower, sage -scrub dominated
landscape to the west. Parcels in this area should be considered for acquisition to maintain an
unfragmented connection.
PRPA 16
This PRPA contains a constrained coastal sage scrub linkage connecting the large open space
areas in the eastern portion of the Mitigation Area with those surrounding the South Poway
Planned Community. A narrow band of coastal sage scrub, constricted by existing development
and habitat disturbance, links larger areas east and west of the Sanrex property. This coastal
sage scrub linkage supports at least one sensitive plant species, slender -pod jewelflower. A
variety of sensitive species are found in the broader areas it connects, including San Diego barrel
cactus, San Diego horned lizard, and California gnatcatcher. Further development or habitat
disturbance in the area could sever this important linkage and wildlife movement corridor. Under
current development restrictions this area could be moderately to highly fragmented by rural
residential housing.
PRPA 17a
This area adjoins the South Poway Planned Community Cornerstone in an area already
constrained by adjacent development. It supports coastal sage scrub known to be occupied by
gnatcatchers and San Diego barrel cactus. This PRPA is part of a partially fragmented habitat
linkage north of the planned community. Parcels within the PRPA are zoned for RR -C, and
could be largely developed under this designation, further degrading the linkage. Parcels in this
area should be targeted for acquisition and restoration to help buffer the cornerstone and
preserve the function of the coastal sage scrub linkage.
18 of 25 15 December 2, 2014 Item # y • 1
PRPA 17b
This portion of PRPA 17 supports similar resources and similar risks as PRPA 17a, but is more
removed from the existing cornerstone, is not known to support as many sensitive resources,
and may be more edge affected. Acquiring parcels in this area would add incrementally to the
existing resources in the preserve and help buffer the South Poway Cornerstone. However, it is
of lower priority than PRPA 17a for the above reasons.
PRPA 18
This highly constrained and disturbed area is nevertheless important to overall preserve
function and thus of high priority. It represents a "weak link" in the highly fragmented and
constrained regional habitat linkage and wildlife movement corridor connecting through the
South Poway Cornerstone to Van Dam Peak and Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, west of
Poway. The northern half of this PRPA is an island of coastal sage scrub and chaparral that is
contiguous with a portion of the Public Review Draft MSCP proposed preserve area in the City
of San Diego. It is considered a "stepping stone linkage" connecting sage scrub habitat in the
South Poway Cornerstone and Van Dam Peak. The southern half of the PRPA supports oak
riparian woodland in County RCA 64. This habitat is currently highly disturbed by human
activities and a portion of it is currently being restored to mitigate for impacts of the Scripps
Poway Parkway Extension on wetlands and oaks. A mobile home park currently exists under
the canopy of the mature oak trees in the floodplain of Beeler Creek. Other residences lie on
either side of the riparian woodland, which also supports a small city Park. This riparian strip
once functioned as an important wildlife movement corridor. Its current utility is marginal at
best for deer, mountain lions, or other target species, due to human impacts. The City of
Poway is planning to relocate the mobile home park out of the flood plain of Beeler Creek. This
area should be protected and restored as soon as feasible.
PRPA 19
This area occupies the eastern and southern flanks of Van Dam Peak and is adjacent to the
existing Van Dam Cornerstone. It supports mostly high quality sage scrub habitat that supports
numerous gnatcatchers as well as other target species. The area is currently at low to
moderate risk of fragmentation, but given the already somewhat isolated nature of Van Dam
Peak, any further fragmentation could be highly detrimental to the function of this core
gnatcatcher population, as well as to the regional linkage in this area. Parcels in PRPA 19
should be considered for acquisition to add to the existing cornerstone and help maintain the
"stepping stone linkage" with the South Poway Cornerstone.
PRPA 20
PRPA 20 comprises that portion of the Sanrex property lying within the City of Poway. It forms
part of the broad biological core area that remains largely intact from southeastern Poway to
Sycamore Canyon County Park. The Sanrex property supports a high quality mosaic of
coastal sage scrub and chaparral and a wide variety of sensitive species. The property is
currently at relatively low risk of development due to existing land use,constraints (steep
slopes) and its management as a land mitigation bank. However, this biologically valuable
property is not 100% protected until the land is purchased for habitat preservation. This would
add a valuable cornerstone to the regional preserve system. Because of the high biological
value and availability of property in the PRPA, public acquisition within the Sanrex property is
encouraged by the Subarea HCP.
19 of 25 16 December 2, 2014 Item # L4 • �
Table 5 -4
ACQUISITION PRIORITY RANKINGS FOR
PROPOSED RESOURCE PROTECTION AREASl
Preservation
PRPA PrioritY2 Value
Risk Comments
1 Medium Medium
Medium Although development could impact
portions of the area, the linkage
should remain functional.
2 Medium Medium
Medium Relatively flat coastal sage scrub,
moderate risk of fragmentation.
3 Medium Medium
High Relatively flat coastal sage scrub,
high risk of fragmentation.
4a High High
High Constrained sage scrub linkage;
target parcel(s) for purchase.
Thompson Creek riparian; probably
4 b Medium Medium
Medium degradation from adjoining
development.
Edge affected sage scrub and
5 Low Medium
Low riparian. May buffer existing open
space preserves.
Coastal sage scrub and oak riparian
6 Medium Medium
Medium forest fragmented by avocado
orchard. Effectively widens the
Sycamore Creek corridor.
Constrained linkage and
7 Low Medium
Low movement corridor through
chaparral. Consider acquisition if
risk increases.
Highly constrained linkage;
8 High High
High target parcel(s) for purchase.
Edge affected. Would connect
9 Low Low
High small, isolated easements to
cornerstone. Consider acquisition if
available.
20 of 25 17 December 2, 2014- Item # 14.1
Table 5 -4 (Continued)
ACQUISITION PRIORITY RANKINGS FOR
PROPOSED RESOURCE PROTECTION AREASl
PRPA Priority2
Preservation
Value
Risk
Comments
10 Medium
Medium
Medium
Scenic value in addition to
gnatcatcher habitat.
11 Medium
High
Medium
Important gnatcatcher habitat. At
moderate risk of fragmentation.
12 Medium
Medium
Medium
Many small parcels may not be
developable; consider opportunistic
purchases.
13a High
High
High
Very important sage scrub core and
linkage at high risk of fragmentation.
Target for acquisition.
Important sage scrub habitat at
13b Medium
Medium
High
periphery of essential linkage (11a).
High risk of fragmentation.
Alternative sage scrub linkage and
14 Medium
Medium
Medium
buffer to cornerstones. Some risk of
fragmentation.
Valuable connection from sage scrub
15 Medium
Medium
Medium
to Iron Mountain. Linkage may be
fragmented but functional after
buildout.
Important linkage; consider
16 High
High
High
purchase to allow restoration
following construction of
Scripps Poway Parkway
extension.
Target for acquisition to widen
17a High
High
High
coastal sage scrub linkage.
Edge affected. Consider for
17b Medium
Medium
High
acquisition as buffer.
21 of 25 18 December 2, 2014 Item # q • 1
Table 5 -4 (Continued)
ACQUISITION PRIORITY RANKINGS FOR
PROPOSED RESOURCE PROTECTION AREASl
Preservation
PRPA Priority' Value RisV Comments
18 High High. High Restoration needed; part of
regional linkage /corridor.
19 Medium High Medium Consider acquisitions to add to
existing cornerstone, maintain
linkages.
20 Low High Medium Part of regional core and linkage;
currently managed as a
habitat mitigation bank but
not 100% protected
1 These priority rankings were developed based on available information and are subject to revision as
new information warrants.
2 Priority for acquisition: High = target parcels for acquisition as essential portions of preserve; Medium
= study for acquisition opportunities as important additions to preserve; Low = consider parcels for
acquisition as opportunities are presented, but not at the expense of protecting higher priority
parcels.
3 Preservation Value: High = biological resources, including linkages or corridors, whose loss would
irreparably damage preserve design and could not be mitigated; Medium = biological resources
onsite are important to preserve design, but their loss may be partially mitigable elsewhere in the
preserve; Low = loss of biological resources onsite would not disrupt overall preserve function.
4 Risk of loss of onsite resources: High = existing zoning, ordinances, and guidelines are insufficient to
protect the onsite biological resources; Medium = existing zoning, ordinances and guidelines offer
partial protection to onsite resource values; Low = existing zoning, ordinances and guidelines
sufficiently protect onsite resource values.
7.7 HABITAT MITIGATION COMPENSATION "IN- LIEU" FEE PROCESS AND SCHEDULE
7.7.1 Purpose and Intent
The purpose of the "in -lieu" fee is to provide an efficient and viable option for biological resource
impact mitigation. This option will promote the interim protection, permanent acquisition, and
preservation of critical resources within the Mitigation Area. It is intended that the in -lieu fee serve as
mitigation compensation for direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts, where the direct purchase of
habitat lands by a project proponent is determined by the City to be infeasible, on a project -by- project
22 of 25 19 December 2, 2014 Item #q-1
basis. The in -lieu fee will be administered by the City through the established Resource Conservation
Area Acquisition Fund Account. The fee will include adequate funds to cover the long -term operation,
maintenance, and management costs of the HCP preserve system.
7.7.2 Project Qualifications for the In -Lieu Fee Option
Section 7.2 of the Implementing Agreement/Management Authorization and Section 7.5 of this HCP
describe the Compensation Mitigation and Mitigation Ratios to be applied throughout the duration of the
incremental implementation of the Agreement and the HCP. As described therein, the in -lieu fee option
may be considered after onsite /offsite and in- kind /out -of -kind mitigation measures have been fully
considered, to the satisfaction of the City.
7.7.3 In -Lieu Fee Process
1. The City will accept and deposit such fees in the established fund account. As determined
by the Parties of the Agreement, the fee will satisfy the mitigation compensation
requirements of both planned public and private development projects located within the
City's jurisdiction, and also for such projects located in other jurisdictions.
2. Funds accepted and deposited in the account established for such purpose will be expended
by the City as soon as possible following the approval of project mitigation measures, but no
later than one year from the date of such approval unless extension of this period is mutually
agreed to by the wildlife agencies and the City of Poway. The City will use such funds to
acquire habitat lands within the Mitigation Area, with first priority given to habitat located in
high priority PRPAs.
3. Pursuant to established City policy, the City will contract the professional services of an
independent third party certified appraiser in connection with its purchase of private land for
public purposes. Habitat land purchase will be based on the prevailing fair - market value.
4. The habitat land acquisition will be of the general type and approximate quantity approved
under the mitigation measures for the specific development project. The actual acquisition by
the City shall be within the Mitigation Area and directed preferentially in PRPAs. Acquisitions
shall not be subject to the further review or approval of any other party of the Agreement. In
conjunction with acquisition, the City will execute a biological open space easement upon the
acquired habitat land. The easement document will be drafted to identify the USFWS and
CDFW as co- beneficiaries of such easement in perpetuity. On an annual basis, the City will
initiate a General Plan Amendment/Zone Change to redesignate the land use and zoning of
recorded easements to the Open Space- Resource Management designation, in order to
permanently protect and preserve the habitat within such recorded easements
23 of 25 20 December 2, 2014 Item # L1 - j
7.7.4 In -Lieu Fee Schedule
1. The in -lieu fee will apply only to non- wetland habitats. Impacts to wetlands, such
as vernal pools and other habitats subject to the no net loss goal, shall first be avoided to the
greatest extent possible. Unavoidable wetland impact compensation mitigation will consist of
the creation of wetland habitats or restoration of disturbed wetland habitats.
2. In -lieu mitigation fees shall be assessed in accordance with a fee schedule adopted
by the City Council.
3. The City will re- evaluate the in -lieu fee every two years and may consider adjustments based
on market land value and comparable sales of habitat mitigation land.
4. The City will direct the purchase and preservation of land within the Mitigation Area through
the use of mitigation fees which will be used for the following purposes:
■ To purchase and hold preserve lands - State law allows Poway to hold and receive
property, purchase and sell property, receive gifts of property, reduce or eliminate tax
burdens on lands, and limit liability.
■ Operate mitigation banks - The City or a selected land conservancy shall assemble or
purchase land to be used as a mitigation bank and broker trades of land and
agreements for public or private entities to receive mitigation credit in exchange for
purchase of lands in a mitigation bank. The mitigation banks will exist within the.
Mitigation Area and preferably within PRPAs.
24 of 25 21 December 2, 2014 Item # 14 .1
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25 of 25 December 2, 2014 Item #