U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service San Diego National Wildlife ... · to the San Diego NWR Complex no later than August 18, 2014 (a 60-day comment period). Comments should be mailed to

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

San Diego National Wildlife RefugeDraft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment June 2014

Comprehensive Conservation Plans provide long-term guidance for management decisions and set forth goals, objectives, and strategies needed to accomplish refuge purposes and identify the Service’s best estimate of future needs. These plans detail program planning levels that are sometimes substantially above current budget allocations and, as such, are primarily for Service strategic planning and program prioritization purposes. The plans do not constitute a commitment for staffing increases, operational and maintenance increases, or funding for future land acquisition.

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge

Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment June 2014

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Vision Statement

Large, connected, healthy stands of southern California coastal lowland and foothill habitats, including coastal sage scrub, maritime succulent scrub, native grassland, chaparral, riparian woodland, and vernal pools, are conserved through an ecosystem approach to management and monitoring that draws on the talents of Federal, State, and local agencies and other conservation partners to leverage and maximize funds and staffing. Listed and sensitive plant and animal species are protected, and species that historically occurred on Refuge lands are reestablished. One of the last expanses of open space in coastal southern California, with exceptional biological, social, historical, and economic values, is protected as a sanctuary not just for plants and animals but also for people.

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Southwest Region 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-1832 Sacramento, CA 95825-1846 June 2014

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

──────────────────── Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

San Diego County, California

Type of Action: Administrative Lead Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Responsible Official: Ren Lohoefener, Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region For Further Information: Victoria Aires Touchstone, Refuge Planner

San Diego NWR Complex P.O. Box 2358, Chula Vista, CA 91912 (619) 476-9150 extension 103

Abstract: This Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (CCP/EA) describes and evaluates various alternatives for managing the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Four alternatives, including a no action Alternative (Alternative A) as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, are described, compared, and assessed for the San Diego NWR. The four alternatives are summarized as follows:

Alternative A (No Action) Under Alternative A, no changes to the present wildlife and habitat management actions implemented on the Refuge are proposed, and no new public use programs would be implemented. As is the case today, existing pathways and user-created trails would be subject to closure as deemed necessary to achieve Refuge purposes. This alternative represents the baseline from which other “action” alternatives will be evaluated. Alternative B (Maximize Habitat Values and Species Protection) New and expanded wildlife and habitat management actions would be implemented under Alternative B in an effort to protect, restore, and enhance habitat values for listed and sensitive species and to maintain species and habitat diversity on Refuge lands. The wildlife-dependent recreational uses currently occurring on the Refuge (i.e., wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, interpretation) would be managed to minimize disturbance to plants and wildlife, while also providing opportunities for the public to observe and appreciate the native species and natural lands protected within the Refuge. To minimize impacts to sensitive resources, opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, resource interpretation, and environmental education would be restricted to a designated trail system, and large areas of the Refuge would remain closed to public access. Within the Otay-Sweetwater Unit, the trail system would include trails limited to hiking only, as well as multiple-use trails (i.e., hiking, biking, and horseback riding). No dogs would be permitted on the Otay-Sweetwater Unit under Alternative B. Public access on the Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit would be limited to the designated trail system approved as part of the City of San Diego’s Carmel Mountain and Del Mar Mesa Preserves Management Plan. Alternative C (Expand Opportunities for Wildlife-dependent Recreational Uses) Alternative C proposes to expand the opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreational uses on the Otay-Sweetwater Unit, including providing hunting opportunities in three designated locations within this Unit. The wildlife and habitat management activities proposed for the

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San Diego National Wildlife Refuge ───────────────────────────────────

Refuge under Alternative C would remain consistent with those described under Alternative B. Additionally, public uses and access on the Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit would be consistent with those proposals presented in Alternative B. Under Alternative C, the designated trail system within the Otay-Sweetwater Unit would include additional trails not proposed in Alternative B and all trails would be designated for multiple use. In addition, interpretive and environmental education programs would be expanded; dogs would be permitted on the trails, provided they are maintained on a leash; and hunting, conducted in accordance with Refuge-specific regulations, would be permitted on portions of the following management areas: McGinty Mountain (400 acres), Las Montañas (300 acres), and Otay Mesa and Lakes (160 acres). Alternative D (Optimize Species Protection; Providing Opportunities for Compatible Public Uses) Alternative D, the preferred alternative, proposes to optimize species and habitat protection, while expanding opportunities for compatible public use. Wildlife and habitat management activities would include those described under Alternative B, as well as a proposal to implement a feral pig monitoring and eradication plan on the Refuge. No feral pigs currently occur on the Refuge, but feral pigs have been identified in the San Diego region. Initial implementation would involve monitoring for the presence of pigs, eradication would only be necessary if pigs are identified on Refuge lands. Habitat management and public use on the 60-acre Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit would occur as described under Alternative B. Alternative D proposes to expand existing interpretive and environmental education programs and establish a designated trail system with most trails open to non-motorized multiple use and few limited to hiking only. Existing user created trails are all subject to closure. Leashed dogs would be permitted on multiple use trails. Hunting for big game (i.e., deer, feral pig), resident small game (i.e., rabbits), and resident and migratory upland game birds (e.g., dove, quail, wild turkey) is proposed for a portion of the Otay Mesa and Lakes management area.

The draft CCP/EA addresses the potential effects of the various alternatives on the physical environment, biological and cultural resources, and the social/economic environment. The adverse and beneficial effects of implementing the alternatives are generally described in the following action categories: habitat and wildlife management, pest management, and public use. Providing Comments: Your comments on the draft CCP/EA should be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the San Diego NWR Complex no later than August 18, 2014 (a 60-day comment period). Comments should be mailed to Victoria Touchstone, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego NWR Complex, P.O. Box 2358, Chula Vista, CA 91912; faxed to (619) 476-9149; or emailed to [email protected] (please include “San Diego CCP” in the subject line). Comments should be provided to the Service during the public review period of this draft CCP/EA. This will enable us to analyze and respond to the comments at one time and to use this input in the preparation of the Final CCP. Comments should be specific and should address the document’s adequacy and the merits of the alternatives described. All comments received from the public will be placed in the Service’s record for this action. As part of the record, comments will be made available for inspection by the general public, and copies may be provided to the public. For persons who do not wish to have their names and other identifying information made available, anonymous comments will be accepted.

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Reader’s Guide

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will manage the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in accordance with an approved Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). The CCP provides long range guidance for Refuge management through its vision, goals, objectives, and strategies. The CCP also provides a basis for a long-term adaptive management process including implementation, monitoring progress, evaluating and adjusting, and revising plans accordingly. Additional step-down planning will occur prior to implementing certain programs and projects. This document combines both a draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP and EA). As required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of implementing the various management alternatives presented for the Refuge are evaluated in Chapter 5 of this document. This analysis has been conducted for each aspect of the environment described in Chapter 3 – Affected Environment (i.e., physical environment, biological resources, cultural resources, socio-economic environment). The adverse and beneficial effects of each alternative presented in Chapter 4 for the San Diego NWR are generally described under several action categories, including wildlife and habitat management (including habitat enhancement and restoration), public use, and where applicable, Refuge operations. The extent of analysis provided for the wildlife and habitat management, restoration, and public use proposals (strategies) included within each alternative reflects the level of detail currently available for the specific proposal. The environmental effects of implementing the various strategies are evaluated at the project-specific level whenever sufficient detail about the project and its implementation has been presented in Chapter 4. Following the completion of public review and evaluation of the comments received, the Service will select the alternative that can best achieve Refuge purposes, goals, and objectives. Assuming no significant adverse effects are identified, the Service will also issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Once the FONSI is signed, the Final CCP will be prepared. The following chapter and appendix descriptions are provided to assist readers in locating and understanding the various components of the draft CCP and EA. Chapter 1, Introduction, includes the purpose of and need for the CCP and EA; an overview of the National Wildlife Refuge System; legal and policy guidance for planning for and managing the resources on national wildlife refuges; setting, regional context, and history of the San Diego NWR; and the purposes for which the Refuge was established. Chapter 2, The Planning Process, describes the CCP planning process, including the public involvement aspects of the process. This chapter also provides background on major planning issues identified by Refuge staff, Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies, and/or the public, as well as a variety of management concerns and opportunities. Chapter 3, Affected Environment, describes the existing physical and biological environment, public uses, cultural resources, and socioeconomic conditions. They represent baseline conditions for the comparisons made in Chapter 5.

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RG-2 San Diego National Wildlife Refuge ───────────────────────────────────

Chapter 4, Alternatives, describes the management alternatives considered for the San Diego NWR. The alternatives each address a different approach to achieving Refuge goals and objectives. Alternative A (No Action) describes the current management practices on the Refuge. Chapter 5, Environmental Consequences, describes the potential impacts of implementing the various alternatives on the resources, programs, and conditions outlined in Chapter 3. Chapter 6, Implementation, presents the details of how the proposed action for the San Diego NWR would be implemented if it is selected as the preferred alternative. This chapter also provides details regarding the objectives and strategies necessary to achieve Refuge goals, and addresses step-down planning, adaptive management, compliance requirements, and Refuge operations, including funding and staffing proposals. Chapter 7, References Cited, provides bibliographic references for the citations in this document. Appendix A, Compatibility Determinations (draft), describe uses, anticipated impacts, stipulations, and a determination of compatibility for the uses proposed on each Refuge. Uses proposed on the San Diego NWR under the various alternatives include hunting, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, interpretation, research, non-motorized recreational trails, dog walking, and research. Appendix B, List of Preparers, Planning Team Members, and Persons/Agencies Consulted, lists those individuals involved in the preparation of the draft CCP and EA, as well as those agencies and individuals consulted during the preparation of this planning document. Appendix C, Scoping Comments, summarizes the range of comments provided during the planning process by agencies, tribes, organizations, members of the public, and other entities. Appendix D, Integrated Pest Management Plan (draft), is a step-down management plan that provides guidance for managing pests on the Refuge, including invasive plant species control. Appendix E, Feral Pig Monitoring and Eradication Plan (draft), is a step-down plan that addresses the need to monitor for the presence of feral pigs on the Refuge. Although not currently present on the Refuge, feral pigs may extend their current range onto the Refuge, at which time actions to eradicate the pigs from the Refuge would be implemented. Appendix F, Geology and Soils of the San Diego NWR, provides expanded information about the geology and soil types present within each management area of the Refuge. Appendix G, Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards, presents the current (6/4/13) Federal and State of California ambient air quality standards (AAQS), which define the maximum amount of a pollutant that can be present in outdoor air without harm to the public's health. Appendix H, Species Lists, contains lists of those species observed and or expected to occur on the San Diego NWR. Appendix I, Table of Acquisition History for the San Diego NWR, lists the acquisition date, method of acquisition, and acreage acquired for the various acquisitions that have occurred between April 1996 and August 2013.

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Appendix J, Request for Cultural Resource Compliance Form, is the form used to initiate cultural resource review prior to implementing ground-disturbing activities. Appendix K, Federal Laws and Executive Orders Relevant to the San Diego National Wildlife, describes the Federal laws and Executive orders relevant to the management of the San Diego NWR, along with an overview of Service policies relevant refuge management. Appendix L, Wilderness Inventory, outlines the process used to determine that the San Diego NWR does not meet the criteria for a wilderness review or designation. Appendix M, Glossary of Terms and Acronyms, contains acronyms, abbreviations, and definitions of terms used in this document. Appendix N, Distribution List, contains the list of Federal, Tribal, State, and local agencies, nongovernmental organizations, libraries, and individuals and other entities who received notification of the availability of the Draft CCP and EA, as well as other notices and planning updates associated with this planning effort.

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Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Introduction and Background ................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Purpose and Need ....................................................................................................................................... 1-6

1.3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Wildlife Refuge System ................................................ 1-8 1.3.1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ........................................................................................................ 1-8

1.3.2 National Wildlife Refuge System ................................................................................................... 1-8

1.4 Legal and Policy Guidance ......................................................................................................................... 1-9 1.4.1 National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 .................................................... 1-11

1.4.2 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 ................................................................ 1-12

1.5 San Diego National Wildlife Refuge ....................................................................................................... 1-13 1.5.1 Location ............................................................................................................................................ 1-13 1.5.2 Physical Setting ............................................................................................................................... 1-13 1.5.3 Ecosystem Context ......................................................................................................................... 1-15 1.5.4 Refuge Purposes ............................................................................................................................. 1-18 1.5.5 Refuge Vision Statement and Goals ............................................................................................. 1-18 1.5.6 History of Refuge Establishment ................................................................................................. 1-19

2. THE PLANNING PROCESS .................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.1 Preparing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan ..................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Preplanning .................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.3 Public Involvement in Planning ................................................................................................................ 2-2

2.4 Overview of Issues and Public Scoping Comments ................................................................................ 2-3

2.5 Management Concerns and Opportunities .............................................................................................. 2-5

2.6 Development of a Refuge Vision ............................................................................................................... 2-9

2.7 Development of Refuge Goals, Objectives, and Strategies ................................................................... 2-9

2.8 Development of Alternatives ..................................................................................................................... 2-9

2.9 Selection of the Proposed Action ............................................................................................................ 2-10

2.10 Plan Implementation ................................................................................................................................ 2-10

3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT .............................................................................................................. 3-1

3.1 Environmental Setting ............................................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1.1 Location and Property Decription ................................................................................................. 3-1 3.1.2 Regional Context .............................................................................................................................. 3-1

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ii San Diego National Wildlife Refuge ──────────────────────────────────────

3.2 Physical Environment ................................................................................................................................ 3-1 3.2.1 Topography and Visual Quality ...................................................................................................... 3-2

3.2.1.1 Site Topography ................................................................................................................ 3-2 3.2.1.2 Site Visibility ................................................................................................................... 3-10 3.2.1.3 Designated Scenic Highways ........................................................................................ 3-10

3.2.2 Geology and Soils ........................................................................................................................... 3-10 3.2.2.1 Otay-Sweetwater Unit ................................................................................................... 3-12 3.2.2.2 Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit ................................................................................... 3-14

3.2.3 Geological Hazards ........................................................................................................................ 3-14 3.2.3.1 Faults and Seismicity ..................................................................................................... 3-14 3.2.3.2 Landslides ........................................................................................................................ 3-15 3.2.3.3 Seiches .............................................................................................................................. 3-17

3.2.4 Paleontological Resources............................................................................................................. 3-17 3.2.5 Mineral Resources ......................................................................................................................... 3-18 3.2.6 Agricultural Resources .................................................................................................................. 3-21 3.2.7 Hydrology and Water Quality ...................................................................................................... 3-25

3.2.7.1 Hydrology ........................................................................................................................ 3-25 3.2.7.2 State and Federal Water Quality Regulations ........................................................... 3-29 3.2.7.3 Ground and Surface Water Quality .............................................................................. 3-33

3.2.8 Climate and Climate Change ........................................................................................................ 3-34 3.2.9 Air Quality ...................................................................................................................................... 3-37 3.2.10 Greenhouse Gas Emissions .......................................................................................................... 3-38 3.2.11 Contaminants ................................................................................................................................. 3-40

3.3 Biological Resources ................................................................................................................................ 3-42 3.3.1 Regional Species and Habitat Conservation Planning ............................................................. 3-42

3.3.1.1 San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program .................................................. 3-42 3.3.1.2 Applicable Species Recovery Plans .............................................................................. 3-43 3.3.1.3 Bird Conservation Plans ................................................................................................. 3-43

3.3.2 Vegetation Communities ............................................................................................................... 3-48 3.3.2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 3-48 3.3.2.2 Forest and Woodland Vegetation ................................................................................. 3-49 3.3.2.3 Shrubland Vegetation..................................................................................................... 3-51 3.3.2.4 Herbaceous Vegetation .................................................................................................. 3-53 3.3.2.5 Overview of the Vegetation Types Present within Each Refuge Area ................... 3-56

3.3.3 Plants ............................................................................................................................................... 3-64 3.3.4 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................. 3-64

3.3.4.1 Birds ................................................................................................................................. 3-64 3.3.4.2 Mammals .......................................................................................................................... 3-73 3.3.4.3 Reptiles and Amphibians ............................................................................................... 3-79 3.3.4.4 Fish ................................................................................................................................... 3-80 3.3.4.5 Terrestrial and Aquatic Invertebrates ........................................................................ 3-80 3.3.4.6 Wildlife Corridors ........................................................................................................... 3-80

3.3.5 Invasive and Exotic Speices .......................................................................................................... 3-81 3.3.5.1 Invasive Plant Species .................................................................................................... 3-81 3.3.5.2 Invasive and Exotic Wildlife .......................................................................................... 3-83 3.3.5.3 Vectors and Other Pests ................................................................................................ 3-89

3.3.6 Federal and State Listed Endangered and Threatened Species ............................................ 3-89 3.3.6.1 Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) ...................................................................... 3-91 3.3.6.2 California Coastal Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) ....................... 3-97 3.3.6.3 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) ........................... 3-101 3.3.6.4 Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) .................................... 3-103

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3.3.6.5 San Diego Ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila) ................................................................... 3-105 3.3.6.6 San Diego Thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia) .................................................... 3-107 3.3.6.7 Otay Tarplant (Deinandra conjugens) ....................................................................... 3-109 3.3.6.8 Mexican Flannelbush (Fremontodendron mexicanum) .......................................... 3-111 3.3.6.9 Del Mar Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia) .......................... 3-114 3.3.6.10 San Diego Mesa Mint (Pogogyne abramsii) .............................................................. 3-115 3.3.6.11 Otay Mesa Mint (Pogogyne nudiuscula) .................................................................... 3-118 3.3.6.12 San Diego Button-Celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii) .......................... 3-119 3.3.6.13 Spreading Navarretia (Navarretia fossalis) .............................................................. 3-121 3.3.6.14 California Orcutt Grass (Orcuttia californica) .......................................................... 3-123 3.3.6.15 Encinitas Baccharis (Baccharis vanessae) ................................................................. 3-124 3.3.6.16 San Diego Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis) ....................................... 3-125 3.3.6.17 Riverside Fairy Shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni) ................................................ 3-126 3.3.6.18 Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) ...................................... 3-129 3.3.6.19 Hermes Copper (Hermelycaena [Lycaena] hermes) ............................................... 3-131 3.3.6.20 Arroyo Toad (Anaxyrus californicus) ........................................................................ 3-133 3.3.6.21 California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii) .......................................................... 3-136

3.3.7 MSCP-Covered Species and Other Special Status Species .................................................... 3-138 3.3.7.1 MSCP-Covered Species ................................................................................................ 3-138 3.3.7.2 Other Special Status Species ....................................................................................... 3-140

3.4 Cultural Resources .................................................................................................................................. 3-144 3.4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 3-144

3.4.2 Cultural Setting ............................................................................................................................ 3-145 3.4.2.1 Paleoindian Period......................................................................................................... 3-145 3.4.2.2 Archaic Period ................................................................................................................ 3-145 3.4.2.3 Late Prehistoric Period ................................................................................................ 3-146

3.4.3 Ethnohistory .................................................................................................................................. 3-146 3.4.4 Historic Period .............................................................................................................................. 3-146 3.4.5 Cultural Resources Investigations and Research .................................................................... 3-149

3.4.5.1 Excavations .................................................................................................................... 3-149 3.4.5.2 Historic Sites Investigations ........................................................................................ 3-150

3.4.6 Sacred Sites ................................................................................................................................. 3-151 3.4.7 Information Gaps .......................................................................................................................... 3-151

3.5 Social and Economic Environment ....................................................................................................... 3-151 3.5.1 Land Use ........................................................................................................................................ 3-151

3.5.1.1 Current Uses on the Refuge ........................................................................................ 3-152 3.5.1.2 Surrounding Land Uses ................................................................................................ 3-153

3.5.2 Recreational Opportunities ......................................................................................................... 3-153 3.5.2.1 Trails ............................................................................................................................... 3-153 3.5.2.2 Hunting and Fishing ..................................................................................................... 3-156

3.5.3 Traffic Circulation and Parking .................................................................................................. 3-156 3.5.3.1 Traffic Circulation .......................................................................................................... 3-157 3.5.3.2 Parking ............................................................................................................................. 3-159

3.5.4 Public Utilities and Easements ................................................................................................... 3-159 3.5.5 Economics and Employment ....................................................................................................... 3-159 3.5.6 Environmental Justice ................................................................................................................. 3-161


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4. ALTERNATIVES ..................................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 4-1

4.2 Alternatives Development Process .......................................................................................................... 4-1

4.3 Past and Current Management of the San Diego NWR ....................................................................... 4-2 4.3.1 Background ....................................................................................................................................... 4-2 4.3.2 Current Ownership Pattern and Acquisition History ................................................................. 4-3 4.3.3 Existing Management Plans ........................................................................................................... 4-4 4.3.4 Management History and Past Refuge Actions .......................................................................... 4-4

4.3.4.1 Refuge Management History ........................................................................................... 4-4 4.3.4.2 Past Refuge Actions .......................................................................................................... 4-5

4.3.5 Current Refuge Management Activities .................................................................................... 4-10

4.4 Proposed Management Alternatives .................................................................................................. 4-10 4.4.1 Alternative for the San Diego NWR ........................................................................................... 4-10

4.4.1.1 Similarities among the Alternatives for the San Diego NWR.................................... 4-12 4.4.1.2 Detailed Description of the Alternatives for the San Diego NWR ............................ 4-14

Alternative A - No Action ......................................................................................................... 4-14 Alternative B - Maximize Habitat Values and Species Protection...................................... 4-39 Alternative C - Expand Opportunities for Wildlife-Dependent Recreational Uses ......... 4-74 Alternative D (Preferred Alternative) - Optimize Species Protection while Providing Opportunities for Compatible Public Use ............................................................................... 4-84

4.5 Alternatives Considered by Eliminated from Detailed Analysis ................................................... 4-92 4.6 Comparison of the Alternatives for the San Diego NWR by Issue ............................................... 4-96

5. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ........................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.2 Effects to the Physical Environment ....................................................................................................... 5-2 5.2.1 Effects to Topography ..................................................................................................................... 5-4

5.2.1.1 Alternative A – No Action................................................................................................. 5-4 5.2.1.2 Alternative B ...................................................................................................................... 5-4 5.2.1.3 Alternative C ...................................................................................................................... 5-7

5.2.1.4 Alternative D ...................................................................................................................... 5-7 5.2.2 Effects to Visual Quality ................................................................................................................. 5-8

5.2.2.1 Alternative A – No Action................................................................................................. 5-8 5.2.2.2 Alternative B ...................................................................................................................... 5-9 5.2.2.3 Alternative C .................................................................................................................... 5-10 5.2.2.4 Alternative D .................................................................................................................... 5-11

5.2.3 Effects to Geology, Soils, and Geological Hazards .................................................................... 5-11 5.2.3.1 Alternative A – No Action............................................................................................... 5-11 5.2.3.2 Alternative B .................................................................................................................... 5-12 5.2.3.3 Alternative C .................................................................................................................... 5-15 5.2.3.4 Alternative D .................................................................................................................... 5-16

5.2.4 Effects to Paleontological Resources .......................................................................................... 5-16 5.2.4.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D ............................................................................................ 5-16

5.2.5 Effects to Mineral Resources ....................................................................................................... 5-17 5.2.5.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D ............................................................................................ 5-17


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5.2.6 Effects to Agricultural Resources ............................................................................................ 5-17 5.2.6.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D .......................................................................................... 5-17

5.2.7 Effects to Hydrology ................................................................................................................. 5-18 5.2.7.1 Alternative A – No Action ............................................................................................ 5-18 5.2.7.2 Alternative B ................................................................................................................. 5-19

5.2.7.3 Alternative C ................................................................................................................. 5-20 5.2.7.4 Alternative D ................................................................................................................ 5-21

5.2.8 Effects to Water Quality ........................................................................................................... 5-21 5.2.8.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 5-21 5.2.8.2 Alternative B ................................................................................................................ 5-25 5.2.8.3 Alternative C ................................................................................................................ 5-29 5.2.8.1 Alternative D ................................................................................................................ 5-30

5.2.9 Effects from Climate Change ................................................................................................... 5-30 5.2.9.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D ......................................................................................... 5-30

5.2.10 Effects to Air Quality ................................................................................................................ 5-32 5.2.10.1 Alternative A – No Action ......................................................................................... 5-32 5.2.10.2 Alternative B ............................................................................................................... 5-34 5.2.10.3 Alternative C ............................................................................................................... 5-36 5.2.10.4 Alternative D ................................................................................................................ 5-37

5.2.11 Effects Related to Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...................................................................... 5-37 5.2.11.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D ........................................................................................ 5-37

5.2.12 Effects Related to Contaminants ............................................................................................. 5-38 5.2.12.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D ........................................................................................ 5-38

5.3 Effects to Habitat and Vegetation Resources ....................................................................................... 5-39 5.3.1 Alternative A – No Action .............................................................................................................. 5-39 5.3.2 Alternative B .................................................................................................................................... 5-41 5.3.3 Alternative C .................................................................................................................................... 5-47 5.3.4 Alternative D .................................................................................................................................... 5-48

5.4 Effects to Wildlife ...................................................................................................................................... 5-49 5.4.1 Alternative A – No Action .............................................................................................................. 5-49 5.4.2 Alternative B .................................................................................................................................... 5-53 5.4.3 Alternative C .................................................................................................................................... 5-57 5.4.4 Alternative D .................................................................................................................................... 5-66

5.5 Effects to Federally and State Listed Endangered and Threatened Species

and Other Species of Concern ................................................................................................................. 5-68 5.5.1 Alternative A – No Action .............................................................................................................. 5-69 5.5.2 Alternative B .................................................................................................................................... 5-70 5.5.3 Alternative C .................................................................................................................................... 5-74 5.5.4 Alternative D .................................................................................................................................... 5-76

5.6 Effects to Cultural Resources ................................................................................................................. 5-78 5.6.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D ............................................................................................................ 5-79

5.7 Effects to the Social and Economic Environment ................................................................................ 5-81 5.7.1 Effects to Land Use ........................................................................................................................ 5-82

5.7.1.1 Alternative A – No Action ............................................................................................... 5-82 5.7.1.2 Alternative B ..................................................................................................................... 5-83 5.7.1.3 Alternative C ..................................................................................................................... 5-84 5.7.1.4 Alternative D ..................................................................................................................... 5-84


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5.7.2 Effects to Recreational Opportunities ......................................................................................... 5-84 5.7.2.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D ............................................................................................ 5-84

5.7.3 Effects to Traffic Circulation and Parking ................................................................................. 5-84 5.7.3.1 Alternative A – No Action ............................................................................................... 5-84 5.7.3.2 Alternative B .................................................................................................................... 5-85 5.7.3.3 Alternative C .................................................................................................................... 5-85 5.7.3.4 Alternative D .................................................................................................................... 5-86

5.7.4 Effects to Public Utilities and Easements ................................................................................. 5-86 5.7.4.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D ............................................................................................ 5-86

5.7.5 Effects to Economics and Employment ..................................................................................... 5-87 5.7.5.1 Alternative A – No Action .............................................................................................. 5-87 5.7.5.2 Alternative B .................................................................................................................... 5-87 5.7.5.3 Alternative C .................................................................................................................... 5-88 5.7.5.4 Alternative D .................................................................................................................... 5-88

5.7.6 Effects to Environmental Justice ................................................................................................ 5-88 5.7.6.1 Alternatives A, B, C, and D ............................................................................................ 5-88

5.8 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts ................................................................................................................ 5-88

5.9 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources ............................................................... 5-89

5.10 Short-term Uses versus Long-term Productivity ................................................................................ 5-89

5.11 Cumulative Effects ................................................................................................................................... 5-89 5.11.1 Cumulative Effects to the Physical Environment ..................................................................... 5-90 5.11.2 Cumulative Effects to Biological Resources .............................................................................. 5-91 5.11.3 Cumulative Effects to Cultural Resources ................................................................................ 5-93 5.11.4 Cumulative Effects to the Social and Economic Environment ............................................... 5-93

5.12 Summary of Effects .................................................................................................................................. 5-94

6. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................................. 6-1

6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 6-1

6.2 Refuge Goals, Objectives, and Strategies ............................................................................................... 6-2 6.3 Monitoring ................................................................................................................................................. 6-30 6.4 Adaptive Management ............................................................................................................................. 6-31

6.5 Partnership Opportunities ...................................................................................................................... 6-31

6.6 Fire Management Plan ............................................................................................................................ 6-32

6.7 Cultural Resource Management ............................................................................................................. 6-32

6.8 Step-down Plans ....................................................................................................................................... 6-33 6.8.1 Draft Step-Down Plan .................................................................................................................... 6-34 6.8.2 Future Step-Down Plans ............................................................................................................... 6-35


─────────────── Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment vii

6.9 Compliance Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 6-36 6.9.1 Federal Regulations, Executive Orders, and Legislative Acts ................................................. 6-36 6.9.2 Potential Future Permit, Approval, and/or Review Requirements ......................................... 6-36 6.9.3 Conservation Measures to be Incorporated into Future Projects ........................................... 6-37

6.10 Refuge Operations ..................................................................................................................................... 6-39

6.10.1 Project Funding ............................................................................................................................. 6-39 6.10.2 Current and Future Staffing Needs ........................................................................................... 6-48 6.10.3 Continued Acquisition of Land per the Approved Acquisition Boundary ............................. 6-48 6.10.4 Potential Funding Sources for Implementaing CCP Projects ............................................... 6-49

6.11 Compatibility and Appropriate Use Determinations ........................................................................... 6-50

7. REFERENCES CITED ........................................................................................................................... 7-1

Appendices (Volume 2) Appendix A. Compatibility Determinations

A-1 Upland Hunting A-2 Recreational Fishing A-3 Wildlife Observation, Photography, Environmental Education, and Interpretation A-4 Non-motorized Recreational Trail Use A-5 Scientific Research

Appendix B. List of Preparers, Planning Team Members, and Persons/Agencies Consulted Appendix C. Scoping Comments

Appendix D. Integrated Pest Management Plan (draft) Appendix E. Feral Pig Monitoring and Eradication Plan (draft) Appendix F. Geology and Soils of the San Diego NWR Appendix G. Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards Appendix H. Species Lists Appendix I. Table of Acquisition History for the San Diego NWR Appendix J. Request for Cultural Resource Compliance Form Appendix K. Federal Laws and Executive Orders Relevant to the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Appendix L. Wilderness Inventory Appendix M. Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Appendix N. Distribution List


viii San Diego National Wildlife Refuge ──────────────────────────────────────

List of Figures Figure 1-1. Location Map – San Diego National Wildlife Refuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Figure 1-2. Refuge Acquisition Boundaries – San Diego National Wildlife Refuge . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Figure 1-3. Location Map – Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Figure 1-4. Lands Conserved within the Otay-Sweetwater Unit Acquisition Boundary . . . . . . 1-5 Figure 1-5. USFWS-Owned Lands within the Vernal Pool Stewardship Project . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-7 Figure 1-6. Management Areas of the Otay-Sweetwater Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14 Figure 2-1. Comprehensive Conservation Planning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 Figure 3-1. Topographic Character of the McGinty Mountain Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Figure 3-2. Topographic Character of the Las Montañas Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Figure 3-3. Topographic Character of the Sweetwater River Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Figure 3-4. Topographic Character of the San Miguel Mountain Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Figure 3-5. Topographic Character of the Otay Mesa and Lakes Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 Figure 3-6. Topographic Character of the Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11 Figure 3-7. Earthquake Faults in the Vicinity of the San Diego NWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16 Figure 3-8. Potential Aggregate Materials in the Vicinity of the Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . 3-20

Figure 3-9. Boundaries of the Historic Rancho Jamacha Land Grant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22 Figure 3-10. San Diego County Important Farmland, as mapped by the California

Department of Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24 Figure 3-11. Watersheds included within the San Diego NWR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26

Figure 3-12. Vegetation Types Present on the McGinty Mountain Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57 Figure 3-13. Vegetation Types Present on the Las Montañas Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59

Figure 3-14. Vegetation Types Present on the Sweetwater River Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-60

Figure 3-15. Vegetation Types Present on the San Miguel Mountain Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-62

Figure 3-16. Fire History for the Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-63

Figure 3-17. Vegetation Types Present on the Otay Mesa and Lakes Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-65 Figure 3-18. Vegetation Types Present on the Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-66


─────────────── Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment ix

Figure 3-19. Designated Critical Habitat on the Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-92

Figure 3-20. Designated Critical Habitat on the Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit . . . . . . . . . . . 3-93

Figure 3-21. Land Uses Surrounding the Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-154

Figure 3-22. Land Uses Surrounding the Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-155 Figure 4-1. Alternative A - McGinty Mountain Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15 Figure 4-2. Alternative A - Las Montañas Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 Figure 4-3. Alternative A - Sweetwater River Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17 Figure 4-4. Alternative A - San Miguel Mountain Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-18 Figure 4-5. Alternative A - Otay Mesa and Lakes Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . .4-19 Figure 4-6. Alternative A - Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-20 Figure 4-7. Alternative B - McGinty Mountain Area, Otay Sweetwater Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40 Figure 4-8. Alternative B - Las Montañas Area, Otay Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41 Figure 4-9. Alternative B - Sweetwater River Area, Otay Sweetwater Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42 Figure 4-10. Alternative B - San Miguel Mountain Area, Otay Sweetwater Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-43

Figure 4-11. Alternative B - Otay Mesa and Lakes Area, Otay Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-44

Figure 4-12. Alternative B - Del Mar Mesa Vernal Pool Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-45

Figure 4-13. Alternative C – McGinty Mountain Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-75

Figure 4-14. Alternative C - Las Montañas Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-76

Figure 4-15. Alternative C – Sweetwater River Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-77

Figure 4-16. Alternative C -San Miguel Mountain Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-78

Figure 4-17. Alternative C – Otay Mesa and Lakes Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . 4-79 Figure 4-18. Alternative D – McGinty Mountain Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-85

Figure 4-19. Alternative D - Las Montañas Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-86

Figure 4-20. Alternative D – Sweetwater River Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-87

Figure 4-21. Alternative D -San Miguel Mountain Area, Otay-Sweetwater Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-88


x San Diego National Wildlife Refuge ──────────────────────────────────────

List of Tables Table 1-1. Federal Laws and Executive Orders Applicable to the Management of the

San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9 Table 1-2. Key Service Policies Related to the Management of National Wildlife Refuges . . . 1-11 Table 1-3. Approximate Acreages within the Management Areas of the San Diego NWR. . . . . 1-15

Table 3-1. Beneficial Uses of Surface and Ground Waters in the Vicinity of the San Diego NWR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 Table 3-2. Codes for Beneficial Use Abbreviations from the Basin Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 Table 3-3. Priority Bird Species within the California Coasts and Mountains Region of the

Sonoran Joint Venture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44 Table 3-4. Summary of Vegetation Types Present on the San Diego NWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49 Table 3-5. Targeted Invasive Plant Species Identified on the Refuge in 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-82 Table 3-6. Federal and/or State Listed and Candidate Species Currently Present or Suitable Habitat Present on the San Diego NWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-87 Table 3-7. San Diego MSCP-covered Species Observed or Expected to Occur within the San Diego NWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-139

Table 3-8. Birds of Conservation Concern Documented on the San Diego NWR . . . . . . . . . . . 3-141 Table 3-9. California Special Status Species Observed or with the Potential to Occur on the San Diego NWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-144 Table 3-10. Existing Traffic Volumes and Street Capacities in the Vicinity of the Refuge . . . . . . . . 3-157

Table 3-11. Estimated Household Incomes for the Communities around the Refuge in 2010 . . 3-162 Table 3-12. Ethnic Composite of the Communities in the Vicinity of the Refuge in 2010. . . . . . 3-163 Table 4-1. Current Monitoring Methodology for MSCP-Covered Species on the San Diego NWR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23 Table 4-2. Pesticides Currently Used on the San Diego NWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30 Table 4-3. Species and Habitat Management Actions Proposed for the Del Mar Mesa Vernal

Pool Unit per the draft Carmel Mountain and Del Mar Mesa Preserves Management Plan (City of San Diego 2011) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-47

Table 4-4. Pesticides Proposed for Use on the San Diego NWR under Alternative B. . . . . . . . . 4-59 Table 4-5. Comparison of Alternatives for the San Diego NWR CCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-97


─────────────── Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment xi

Table 5-1. Environmental Fate of Herbicides Presently Used on the Refuge (Alt. A) (Factors Specific to Air and Water Quality). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Table 5-2. Environmental Fate of Herbicides Proposed for Use on the Refuge (Alt. B) (Factors

Specific to Air and Water Quality) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26

Table 5-3. Ecological Risks of Pesticides Proposed for Use under the Integrated Pest Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-44

Table 5-4. CDFW Hunting Seasons, Daily Bag Limits, and Possession Limits for 2013/2014. . 5-58 Table 5-5. Summary of Potential Effects of Implementing Management Alternatives A, B,

C, or D for the San Diego NWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-95

Table 6-1. Future Step-down Plans Proposed for the Otay-Sweetwater Unit of the San Diego NWR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34 Table 6-2. Current Deferred Maintenance Projects for the San Diego NWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-40 Table 6-3. Proposed Update to the FBMS Database Based on the Construction Proposals Described in Alternative D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41 Table 6-4. Proposed Update to the RONS Database Based on the Proposals Described in Alternative D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-44 Table 6-5. Estimated Staffing Needs for the San Diego NWR CCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49

Documents

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service San Diego National Wildlife ... · to the San Diego NWR Complex no later than August 18, 2014 (a 60-day comment period). Comments should be mailed to