draft mshcp narrow endemic and criteria area ... - State of California

Southern California Edison
Draft Valley-Ivyglen Transmission Project MSHCP Plant Surveys
January 2008
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Prior to field surveys, records from the CDFG California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB)
RareFind3 (CNDDB 2007) and the California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS) Inventory of
Rare and Endangered Plants (CNPS 2007) were reviewed for potential occurrence of any
sensitive species or habitats within the quadrangles wherein the proposed Valley-Ivyglen
Transmission Line Project lies. In addition, two previous studies conducted in association
with the project, Draft Biological Resources Report Valley-Ivyglen Transmission Line Project
Riverside County, California (Entrix, Inc. 2006) and Final Biological Technical Report for the
Valley-Ivyglen Transmission Line Project Riverside County, California (AMEC 2006), were
reviewed.
Field maps were created prior to field visits (1 inch = 400 feet) which depicted the aerial view
of the proposed transmission line route, known sensitive species points from CNDDB (2007)
data and previous survey efforts (Entrix 2005 and AMEC 2006), and vegetation communities
that were mapped during 2006 field surveys (AMEC 2006).
Between 28 May and 5 June 2007, AMEC biologists conducted surveys for MSHCP Narrow
Endemic and Criteria Area plant species within the preferred transmission line route.
Surveyed areas included a 200-foot-wide corridor centered on the transmission line route.
Botanical surveys were conducted following the CDFG Guidelines for Assessing the Effects
of Proposed Project on Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants and Natural Communities
(CDFG 2006) and the CNPS Botanical Survey Guidelines (CNPS 2001). Botanical surveys
were performed when most plant species would be detectable. Areas with potential habitat for
special-status species (i.e., mesic sites, rocky outcrops, clay or alkaline soils, etc.) were
surveyed on foot. Other areas were surveyed by vehicle in areas where there was little to no
potential for special-status species to occur or in highly disturbed areas. All plant species
encountered during the field surveys were identified and recorded (Appendix A). Species
that could not be identified immediately were brought into the laboratory for further
investigation. Scientific and common names of plants follow The Jepson Manual (Hickman
1993) or more recently published taxonomical revisions of genera.
As part of the proposed project, a telecommunication route will also be installed along the
proposed transmission line route. Areas where telecommunication construction activities will
involve trenching and/or boring activities associated with the installation of the
telecommunication line were also surveyed.
Biological survey data was collected by numerous techniques including the use of a handheld
Global Positioning System (GPS), standardized data forms, photographs, and aerial
field maps. Surveys were conducted according to Table 2, which indicates survey dates.
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