CHAPTER PAGE NO. PART I: ADMINISTRATIVE DRAFT …...DRAFT NCCP/MSAA/HCP TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER...

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PART I: ADMINISTRATIVE DRAFT NCCP/MSAAHCP

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... ES-1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 1-11.1 Organization of the Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP Documents.............................................. 1-1

1.1.1 Statutory and Conceptual Framework –Southern California NCCP and MSAA Programs.....................................................1-4a. Southern California NCCP Program.............................................................1-4b. MSAA Program.............................................................................................. 1-5c. Regulatory Coverage...................................................................................... 1-6d. Coordination and Timing of Approvals Under the

Coordinated Planning Process.......................................................................1-91.1.2 County Planning: Events Leading to Preparation of the Southern

NCCP/MSAA/HCP......................................................................................................1-9a. County of Orange Subregional Planning Agreement..................................1-9b. Central and Coastal Subregion NCCP/HCP ................................................ 1-9c. Matrix Area...................................................................................................1-10

1.2 Description of the Southern Subregion Planning Program.................................................... 1-111.2.1 Planning Area Location and Characteristics.............................................................1-11

a. Subregional NCCP/MSAA/HCP Study Area ............................................ 1-11b. Planning Area ...............................................................................................1-12

1.2.2 Subregion Local Governments and Public Agencies .............................................. 1-121.2.3 Participating Landowners...........................................................................................1-131.2.4 Overview of Southern Subregion Planning History ................................................ 1-141.2.5 The Wildlife Geographic Information System and

Public Participation Program.....................................................................................1-16a. County Wildlife Geographic Information System.....................................1-16b. Public Participation Process.........................................................................1-17

1.3 Coordinated Planning Process ................................................................................................. 1-181.3.1 Overview of the Elements of the Coordinated Planning Process ...........................1-181.3.2 The Need for a Coordinated Planning and Regulatory Process.............................. 1-191.3.3 Public Planning Objectives ........................................................................................ 1-201.3.4 Sequence of Lead Agency Actions for the NCCP/MSAA/HCP,

SAMP and GPA/ZC...................................................................................................1-211.3.5 Key Product/Decision Milestones and Linkages .....................................................1-23

1.4 Coordination of NCCP Act and Fish and Game Code Requirementsand Associated NCCP Guidelines With the Requirements of theFederal Endangered Species Act .............................................................................................1-24

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1.4.1 Relationship of the Southern California Coastal Sage ScrubNCCP Program and Fish and Game Code to the Requirements of theFederal Endangered Species Act ...............................................................................1-24

1.4.2 Relation of the Southern NCCP/MSAA to the Coastal Sage ScrubNCCP Process Guidelines and Conservation Guidelines........................................ 1-26

1.4.3 Relationship to the Recommendations of theNCCP Southern Science Advisors ............................................................................ 1-29

1.4.4 Role of the Draft Southern Planning Guidelines andDraft Southern Watershed Planning Principles ........................................................ 1-29

1.4.5 Relationship of the Southern Subregion NCCP/MSAA Programto Critical Habitat Designations and Recovery Planning for Existingand Future Listed Species Under FESA and Conservation RequirementsUnder the NCCP Act ..................................................................................................1-30

1.5 Conservation Planning for Designated Species, Vegetation Communitiesand CDFG Jurisdictional Areas ...............................................................................................1-321.5.1 Intent of the Original “Pilot” Coastal Sage Scrub

NCCP/MSAA/HCP Program .................................................................................... 1-321.5.2 Regulatory Coverage Proposed for Species, Vegetation Communities

and CDFG Jurisdictional Areas Under the Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP............ 1-331.6 Phased Implementation of the Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP .............................................. 1-351.7 Use of the Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP to Address Regulatory Requirements................ 1-35

1.7.1 Formulation of the Subregional Conservation Strategy as theVehicle for Addressing State and Federal Mitigation andConservation Requirements.......................................................................................1-37

1.7.2 Preparation of a Programmatic Joint EIR/EIS.......................................................... 1-391.7.3 Alternatives Evaluated by the NCCP/MSAA/HCP and Joint EIR/EIS .................1-401.7.4 Relationship with Other Regional and State Planning Programs ...........................1-41

CHAPTER 2: PROJECT NEED AND PURPOSES.................................................................................... 2-12.1 Project Need .......................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1 NCCP/HCP ...................................................................................................................2-1a. California Department of Fish and Game .................................................... 2-2b. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service......................................................................2-4c. County of Orange...........................................................................................2-6d. Participating Landowners .............................................................................. 2-7

2.1.2 Coordinated Planning for the NCCP/MSAA/HCP and the SAMP.......................... 2-72.1.3 Coordinated Processes for the NCCP/MSAA/HCP and the

Proposed General Plan Amendment/Zone Change forRancho Mission Viejo Lands.......................................................................................2-9

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2.1.4 Coordination with Water Quality Planning and Management................................ 2-102.2 Project Purposes........................................................................................................................ 2-10

2.2.1 Purposes of the Planning Participants .......................................................................2-11a. Formulate a NCCP/HCP “Conservation Strategy” to carry out

the SRP and Science Advisors conservation planning principlesand tenets of reserve design. ...................................................................................... 2-14

b. Specific Goals in Furtherance of the Formulation andUltimate Implementation of the NCCP/MSAA/HCP Conservation Strategy .......2-15

c. Addressing Applicable Provisions of FESA, NCCP Act andFish and Game Code 1600 et. seq. Consistent with CEQA/NEPATiering and Programmatic Environmental Review Provisions .............................. 2-26

2.2.2 Collective Purposes of the Participating Local Governments/ Landowners.......... 2-27a. Provide for land uses meeting the social and economic needs

of the people of the subregion and overall County area bydesignating areas where the loss of Conserved VegetationCommunities providing habitat and Take of Covered Speciesresulting from the need to respond to societal needs would becompatible with the NCCP/MSAA/HCP Conservation Strategyand would be permitted consistent with the NCCP Act andSection 10 of FESA and Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq. .......2-27

b. Identify land areas and uses, compatible with Covered Species andConserved Vegetation Community conservation needs, that couldprovide the economic basis for dedications and management fundingessential to the formation and long-term management of theNCCP/MSAA/HCP Habitat Reserve and provide the basisfor voluntary agreements with private landowners requiredfor any public acquisition of Habitat Reserve lands. ................................. 2-28

2.2.3 Individual Purposes of Participating Local Governments and Landowners.......... 2-29a. The County of Orange.................................................................................. 2-29b. Rancho Mission Viejo.................................................................................. 2-31c. The Santa Margarita Water District ............................................................ 2-32

CHAPTER 3: EXISTING BIOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGIC/GEO -MORPHIC SETTING ..... 3-13.1 Database Development Methods...............................................................................................3-1

3.1.1 Vegetation Communities.............................................................................................. 3-23.1.2 Sensitive Wildlife and Plant Species...........................................................................3-43.1.3 Geomorphic and Hydrologic Conditions....................................................................3-73.1.4 Role of the NCCP Science Advisors...........................................................................3-8

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3.2 Vegetation Communities/Land Covers and Associated Species ............................................ 3-93.2.1 Coastal Sage Scrub .....................................................................................................3-10

a. General Description...................................................................................... 3-10b. Coastal Sage Scrub Communities in the Study Area ................................ 3-11c. Distribution of Coastal Sage Scrub in the Study Area .............................. 3-12d. Distribution of Coastal Sage Scrub in Subarea Plan Areas.......................3-12e. Wildlife Associated with Coastal Sage Scrub............................................ 3-14f. Human-Related Disturbances and Threats.................................................3-14

3.2.2 Chaparral .....................................................................................................................3-15a. General Description...................................................................................... 3-15b. Chaparral Communities in the Study Area.................................................3-18c. Distribution of Chaparral in the Study Area...............................................3-18d. Distribution of Chaparral in Subarea Plan Areas.......................................3-18e. Wildlife.......................................................................................................... 3-19f. Human-Related Disturbances and Threats.................................................3-19

3.2.3 Grasslands.................................................................................................................... 3-19a. General Description...................................................................................... 3-19b. Grasslands in the Study Area.......................................................................3-22c. Distribution of Grasslands in the Study Area.............................................3-23d. Distribution of Grasslands in the Subareas.................................................3-24e. Wildlife.......................................................................................................... 3-24f. Human-Related Disturbances and Threats.................................................3-25

3.2.4 Woodlands and forest ................................................................................................. 3-25a. General Description...................................................................................... 3-25b. Distribution of Woodlands and Forest in the Study Area .........................3-26c. Distribution of Woodlands and Forest in the Subareas .............................3-27d. Wildlife.......................................................................................................... 3-27e. Human-Related Disturbances and Threats.................................................3-27

3.2.5 Riparian Vegetation Communities ...........................................................................3-28a. General Description...................................................................................... 3-28b. Riparian Vegetation in the Study Area and Distribution in

Subarea Plan Areas.......................................................................................3-29c. Wildlife.......................................................................................................... 3-35d. Human-Related Disturbances and Threats.................................................3-36

3.2.6 Other Wildland Vegetation Communities/Covers ...................................................3-36a. Cliff and Rock...............................................................................................3-36b. Aquatic Communities/Covers .....................................................................3-37

3.2.7 Non-Natural Land Covers .......................................................................................... 3-43a. Agriculture ....................................................................................................3-43

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b. Disturbed Areas ............................................................................................ 3-43c. Developed .....................................................................................................3-44

3.3 Geomorphic and Hydrologic Conditions and Processes .......................................................3-453.3.1 Geomorphic Setting....................................................................................................3-45

a. Regional Geology.........................................................................................3-45b. Terrains.......................................................................................................... 3-46

3.3.2 Historic Context .......................................................................................................... 3-48a. Natural Processes.......................................................................................... 3-48b. Floods............................................................................................................ 3-49c. Watershed Scale Fires.................................................................................. 3-50d. Grazing .......................................................................................................... 3-50

3.3.3 Surface Hydrology......................................................................................................3-513.3.4 Groundwater................................................................................................................ 3-523.3.5 Sediment Processes.....................................................................................................3-533.3.6 Water Quality.............................................................................................................. 3-54

3.4 Wildlife and Plants.................................................................................................................... 3-573.4.1 Listed Species and Other Planning Species.............................................................. 3-57

a. Group 1.......................................................................................................... 3-57b. Group 2.......................................................................................................... 3-58c. Group 3.......................................................................................................... 3-67

3.4.2 Sensitive Wildlife and Plant Species Distributions in thePlanning Area and Subarea Plan Areas.....................................................................3-68a. San Juan Creek Watershed .......................................................................... 3-69b. San Mateo Creek Watershed .......................................................................3-82c. San Clemente Watershed.............................................................................3-89

3.5 Wildlife Habitat Linkages and Corridors ................................................................................ 3-89

CHAPTER 4 DRAFT SOUTHERN SUBREGION PLANNING GUIDELINES ................................ 4-14.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................4-1

4.1.1 Purpose of the Guidelines ............................................................................................ 4-14.1.2 Relationship of Draft Southern Planning Guidelines

to Other Planning Program Criteria.............................................................................4-24.1.3 Format of Chapter .........................................................................................................4-24.1.4 Relationship to Species Occurring Downstream and

Outside the Planning Area in the San Mateo Creek Watershed ...............................4-34.2 Planning Area Tenets and Principles.........................................................................................4-4

4.2.1 NCCP Tenets of Reserve Design ................................................................................ 4-44.2.2 Science Advisors Translation of Tenets to Subregional

Reserve Design Principles............................................................................................ 4-7

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4.3 General Policies for Protecting, Managing and RestoringHabitat that Supports Selected Species .....................................................................................4-9

4.4 Species Accounts for Listed and Selected Planning Species ................................................ 4-204.5 Sub-Basin Scale Planning Considerations .............................................................................. 4-20

4.5.1 San Juan Creek Watershed.........................................................................................4-21a. Chiquita Canyon Sub-basin .........................................................................4-22b. Gobernadora Canyon Sub-basin ................................................................. 4-30c. Central San Juan & Trampas Canyon Sub-basin.......................................4-35d. Central San Juan Subunit .............................................................................4-35e. Trampas Canyon Subunit ............................................................................ 4-38f. Verdugo Canyon Sub-basin.........................................................................4-42

4.5.2 San Mateo Creek Watershed...................................................................................... 4-43a. Cristianitos Canyon Sub-basin ....................................................................4-43b. Gabino and Blind Canyons Sub-basin ........................................................ 4-48c. Upper Gabino Subunit .................................................................................4-48d. Middle Gabino Canyon Subunit..................................................................4-50e. Lower Gabino Subunit including Blind Subunit .......................................4-52f. La Paz Canyon Sub-basin ............................................................................ 4-54g. Talega Canyon Sub-basin ............................................................................ 4-56h. Other Planning Area.....................................................................................4-58

4.5.3 Other Planning Area-Wide Species Considerations ................................................ 4-60a. Golden Eagle................................................................................................. 4-61b. Mountain Lion .............................................................................................. 4-61c. Mule Deer......................................................................................................4-63

4.6 Planning Area Restoration Overview...................................................................................... 4-644.6.1 Restoration of Upland Vegetation Communities .....................................................4-64

a. Preliminary Designation of Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Areas.........4-64b. Preliminary Designation of Valley Needlegrass

Grassland Restoration Areas........................................................................ 4-65c. Preliminary Designation of Coastal Sage Scrub/

Valley Needlegrass Grassland Restoration Areas......................................4-664.6.2 Restoration of Riparian/Wetland Vegetation Communities....................................4-66

a. Preliminary Designation of Riparian/Wetland Restoration Areas ...........4-66b. Preliminary Designation of Small-scale Creek Stabilization Areas .........4-67

CHAPTER 5: WATERSHED AND SUB-BASIN PLANNING PRINCIPLES......................................5-15.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 Relationship of the Draft Southern Watershed PlanningPrinciples to Other Planning Program Criteria...........................................................5-2

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5.1.2 Format of Chapter .........................................................................................................5-25.1.3 Relationship to Species Downstream and Outside the Planning Area .....................5-3

5.2 Southern Watershed Level Planning Tenets and Principles.................................................... 5-35.2.1 SAMP Tenets................................................................................................................ 5-35.2.2 Baseline Conditions Watershed Planning Principles.................................................5-4

a. Geomorphology/Terrains...............................................................................5-4b. Hydrology .......................................................................................................5-5c. Sediment Sources, Storage and Transport .................................................... 5-7d. Groundwater Hydrology................................................................................ 5-8e. Water Quality..................................................................................................5-9

5.3 Spatial Representation of Watershed Scale Terrains andHydrology Planning Considerations........................................................................................ 5-10

5.4 Relationship of Planning Principles to SAMP Tenets ...........................................................5-115.5 Sub-Basin Scale Planning Considerations .............................................................................. 5-12

5.5.1 San Juan Creek Watershed........................................................................................ 5-13a. Chiquita Sub-basin .......................................................................................5-13b. Cañada Gobernadora Sub-basin and Central San Juan

North of San Juan Creek.............................................................................. 5-15c. Wagon Wheel Sub-basin .............................................................................5-19d. Trampas Sub-basin and Central San Juan South of

San Juan Creek .............................................................................................5-19e. Verdugo Sub-basin.......................................................................................5-20

5.5.2 San Mateo Watershed................................................................................................. 5-22a. Cristianitos Sub-basin .................................................................................. 5-22b. Gabino and Blind Sub-basin........................................................................ 5-23c. La Paz Sub-basin .......................................................................................... 5-26d. Talega Sub-basin .......................................................................................... 5-27

CHAPTER 6: CONSERVATION PLANNING PROCESS....................................................................... 6-16.1 Organization of this Chapter ......................................................................................................6-16.2 Summary of Pre-NCCP/MSAA/HCP Habitat Protection

Commitments Within the Planning Area.................................................................................. 6-26.2.1 Habitat Protection and Connectivity for Wildlife Movement...................................6-26.2.2 Protection for Listed Species .......................................................................................6-46.2.3 Conservation Planning Opportunities .........................................................................6-46.2.4 Non-NCCP Federal Actions Contributing to Conservation Planning Options .......6-5

6.3 Creation of a Geographic Information System and Completionof the Comprehensive Resource Inventory Database .............................................................. 6-6

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6.4 Establishment of the Southern Orange County CoordinatedPlanning Process .........................................................................................................................6-76.4.1 Overview of the Elements of the Coordinated Planning Process .............................6-76.4.2 The Need for a Coordinated Planning and Regulatory Process................................ 6-96.4.3 Public Planning Objectives ........................................................................................ 6-106.4.4 Sequence of Lead Agency Actions for the NCCP/MSAA/HCP,

SAMP and GPA/ZC...................................................................................................6-126.4.5 Key Product/Decision Milestones and Linkages .....................................................6-12

6.5 Formulation and Application of Reserve Design Tenets,Guidelines and Principles .........................................................................................................6-14

6.6 The Public Participation Process .............................................................................................6-156.7 Identification and Evaluation of Alternatives .........................................................................6-16

6.7.1 Circulation System Assumptions and Alternative Scenarios ..................................6-206.7.2 Programmatic Alternatives Considered that Must Be Addressed

Under Existing State/Federal Laws and that are Not Based onNCCP/MSAA/HCP and SAMP Goals .....................................................................6-22

6.7.3 Habitat Reserve Alternatives Intended to Address NCCP/MSAA/HCPand SAMP Goals ........................................................................................................ 6-26a. Range of Habitat Reserve Alternative Identified and Considered ...........6-26b. Refinement of the Habitat Reserve Design ................................................ 6-26

6.7.4 Selection of Alternatives for Evaluation in the Joint EIR/EIS –Summary of Alternatives Reviewed and Rejected .................................................. 6-26a. Programmatic Alternatives Selected for Continuing Analysis .................6-34b. Habitat Reserve Alternatives Selected for Continuing Analysis.............. 6-35c. Programmatic Alternatives Not Receiving Additional Evaluation .......... 6-38d. Habitat Reserve Alternatives Not Receiving Additional Evaluation .......6-39

6.8 Consideration of Related Species Critical Habitat Determinations ......................................6-43

CHAPTER 7: DESCRIPTION OF THE HABITAT RESERVE MANAGEMENTAND MONITORING PROGRAM....................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 Overview of Habitat Reserve Management Program.............................................................. 7-17.1.1 Description of the Ongoing Management Program for

County Parks Implemented by the County Department of Harbors,Beaches and Parks ........................................................................................................7-5

7.1.2 Adaptive Management and Monitoring Program for theRancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy ................................................................. 7-6

7.1.3 Adaptive Management and Monitoring Program Associatedwith the Prima Deshecha Landfill Project ..................................................................7-7

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7.2 Relationship of the Adaptive Management Programto State and Federal Guidelines and Policies ............................................................................ 7-77.2.1 NCCP Conservation Guidelines.................................................................................. 7-87.2.2 Contemporary Adaptive Management........................................................................7-97.2.3 Consistency with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Five-point Policy...................... 7-117.2.4 Consistency with the U.S. Geological Survey Adaptive

Management Guidelines.............................................................................................7-12a. Identify the goals and objectives of the regional conservation plan.........7-13b. Identify the scope of the monitoring program............................................ 7-13c. Compile information relevant to monitoring program design .................. 7-14d. Strategically divide the system and set priorities .......................................7-15e. Develop simple management-oriented conceptual models.......................7-15f. Determine what to monitor and identify critical uncertainties.................. 7-16g. Determine strategy for implementing monitoring .....................................7-16h. Develop data quality assurance, data management, analysis

and reporting strategies ................................................................................ 7-16i. Complete the adaptive management loop by ensuring

effective feedback for decision-making...................................................... 7-177.2.5 Changed Circumstances .............................................................................................7-17

a. Regulatory Definitions .................................................................................7-17b. Changed Circumstances and Unforeseen Circumstances .........................7-18c. Proposed Procedures for Addressing Unforeseen Circumstances ...........7-25

7.3 Administration and Coordination of Management and Monitoring Programs.................... 7-257.3.1 Administrative Structure and Coordination Within the Habitat Reserve ...............7-257.3.2 Administrative Coordinator .......................................................................................7-257.3.3 Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy and Reserve Manager .........................7-27

a. Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy.................................................7-27b. Reserve Manager .......................................................................................... 7-28

7.3.4 Science Panel...............................................................................................................7-30a. Structure of the Science Panel .....................................................................7-31b. Duties of the Science Panel .........................................................................7-32c. Coordination with Participants....................................................................7-33

7.3.5 Timeline for Initiation of the Habitat Reserve Management Program...................7-34a. Near-Term Baseline Monitoring ................................................................. 7-35b. Near-Term Management Measures ............................................................ 7-36c. Interim Management Policies Relating to Future

Phased Land Dedications to the Habitat Reserve ......................................7-40d. Long-Term HRMP Implementation ...........................................................7-40

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7.3.6 Process for Revisions to the Adaptive Management ProgramBased on Management and Monitoring Data and Scientific Review .................... 7-40

7.3.7 Data Collection, Storage and Analysis......................................................................7-41a. Data Collection.............................................................................................7-42b. Data Storage and Management ...................................................................7-43c. Data Analysis ................................................................................................ 7-43

7.3.8 Program Implementation Tracking, Reporting and Analysis ................................. 7-44a. Compliance Monitoring ...............................................................................7-44b. Effectiveness Monitoring.............................................................................7-44

7.4 Overview of the Adaptive Management Program..................................................................7-477.4.1 Environmental Stressor Approach.............................................................................7-48

a. Focus on Both Natural and Human-caused Stressors................................ 7-49b. Characteristics of Conceptual Environmental Stressor Models ...............7-50c. Formulation of Stressor Models for Vegetation Communities .................7-53d. Formulation of Stressor Models for Covered and Focal Species .............7-54

7.4.2 Formulation of Management Objectives ..................................................................7-56a. Landscape-scale Issues.................................................................................7-60b. Major Vegetation Communities..................................................................7-67c. Covered and Focal Species.......................................................................... 7-70

7.4.3 Relationship Between Adaptive Management and Experimental Research.......... 7-887.4.4 Role of Baseline Studies.............................................................................................7-89

7.5 Elements of the Habitat Reserve Adaptive Management Program ......................................7-897.5.1 Passive and Active Management...............................................................................7-90

a. Passive Management.................................................................................... 7-90b. Active Management .....................................................................................7-90

7.5.2 Adaptive Management Approach to Achieve Program Goals................................ 7-93a. Maximize the likelihood of the Persistence of a Native-dominated

Vegetation Mosaic in the Planning Area .................................................... 7-93b. Restore the Quality of Degraded Vegetation Communities and

Other Habitat Types .....................................................................................7-96c. Maintain and Restore Abiotic Natural Processes, at

All Identified Scales, Capable of Supporting the Habitat Reserve...........7-987.6 Prioritization of Major Vegetation Communities and Associated Species

for Management and Monitoring.............................................................................................7-987.6.1 Method for Prioritizing Vegetation Communities for

Management and Monitoring .................................................................................... 7-99a. Selection and Community Assignment of Species ..................................7-101b. Species Richness and Uniqueness Indices ...............................................7-105c. Index of Disturbance .................................................................................. 7-106

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7.6.2 Vegetation Community Ranking.............................................................................7-1087.7 Coastal Sage Scrub and Focal Species .................................................................................. 7-112

7.7.1 Adaptive Management Issues.................................................................................. 7-1127.7.2 Adaptive Management Goals and Objectives ........................................................ 7-1157.7.3 Strategies for Monitoring Coastal Sage Scrub and Focal Species ........................ 7-115

a. Vegetation Monitoring...............................................................................7-116b. Focal Species Monitoring .......................................................................... 7-120

7.7.4 Management of Coastal Sage Scrub and Focal Species ........................................ 7-1247.7.5 Restoration of Coastal Sage Scrub .......................................................................... 7-125

7.8 Chaparral and Focus Species ................................................................................................. 7-1277.8.1 Adaptive Management Issues.................................................................................. 7-1287.8.2 Adaptive Management Goals and Objectives ........................................................ 7-1297.8.3 Strategies for Monitoring Chaparral and Focal Species ........................................ 7-130


7.8.4 Management of Chaparral and Focal Species ........................................................ 7-1337.8.5 Restoration of Chaparral .......................................................................................... 7-134

7.9 Native Grassland and Focal Species...................................................................................... 7-1357.9.1 Adaptive Management Issues.................................................................................. 7-1357.9.2 Adaptive Management Goals and Objectives ........................................................ 7-1387.9.3 Strategies for Monitoring Grassland and Focal Species ........................................ 7-138


7.9.4 Management of Grasslands and Focal Species ...................................................... 7-141a. Annual Grassland .......................................................................................7-141b. Native Grassland.........................................................................................7-142

7.9.5 Restoration of Native Grassland.............................................................................. 7-1447.10 Riparian/Wetland and Focal Species.....................................................................................7-147

7.10.1 Adaptive Management Issues.................................................................................. 7-1487.10.2 Adaptive Management Goals and Objectives ........................................................ 7-1497.10.3 Strategies for Monitoring Riparian/Wetland and Focal Species ...........................7-150

a. Vegetation and Abiotic Systems Monitoring...........................................7-150b. Focal Species Monitoring .......................................................................... 7-152

7.10.4 Management of Riparian/Wetland and Focal Species...........................................7-1547.10.5 Restoration of Riparian/Wetland .............................................................................7-160

7.11 Woodlands and Focal Species................................................................................................ 7-1627.11.1 Adaptive Management Issues.................................................................................. 7-1637.11.2 Adaptive Management Goals and Objectives ........................................................ 7-1647.11.3 Strategies for Monitoring Woodlands and Focal Species .....................................7-166

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7.11.4 Management of Woodlands and Focal Species .....................................................7-1697.11.5 Restoration of Woodlands........................................................................................ 7-171

7.12 Adaptive Management of Site-Specific Resources.............................................................. 7-1727.12.1 Vernal Pools and Associated Species .....................................................................7-172

a. Adaptive Management Issues....................................................................7-173b. Adaptive Management Goals and Objectives .......................................... 7-175c. Strategies for Monitoring Vernal Pools and Associated Species ...........7-175d. Management of Vernal Pools and Associated Species ...........................7-177

7.12.2 Plant Covered Species .............................................................................................. 7-179a. Adaptive Management Issues....................................................................7-179b. Adaptive Management Goals and Objectives .......................................... 7-180c. Monitoring, Management and Restoration of

Plant Covered Species................................................................................ 7-1817.13 Adaptive Management of Habitat Linkages and Wildlife Corridors..................................7-193

7.13.1 Adaptive Management Issues.................................................................................. 7-1937.13.2 Adaptive Management Goals and Objectives ........................................................ 7-1947.13.3 Strategies for Management and Monitoring of Habitat Linkages

and Wildlife Corridors.............................................................................................. 7-1957.14 Wildland Fire Management Plan...........................................................................................7-1997.15 Habitat Restoration Plan.........................................................................................................7-201

7.15.1 Overview of Habitat Restoration Plan ....................................................................7-2017.15.2 Upland Habitat Restoration Areas...........................................................................7-2027.15.3 Riparian/Wetland Restoration Areas.......................................................................7-2027.15.4 Approaches to Restoration.......................................................................................7-2037.15.5 Components of Specific Restoration Plans.............................................................7-204

7.16 Invasive Species Control Plan................................................................................................ 7-2057.16.1 Overview of Invasive Species Control Plan ...........................................................7-2057.16.2 Invasive Plant Species .............................................................................................. 7-2067.16.3 Invasive Invertebrate Species...................................................................................7-2077.16.4 Invasive Vertebrate Species.....................................................................................7-208

a. Bullfrog........................................................................................................ 7-209b. Crayfish .......................................................................................................7-209c. Brown-headed Cowbird and European Starling ...................................... 7-210

7.17 Conceptual Work Plan, Schedule and Costs of the Adaptive Management Program.......7-2117.17.1 Assumptions for AMP Work Plan, Schedule and Costs .......................................7-2117.17.2 AMP Work Plan, Schedule and Cost Projection for Years 2007-2031 ...............7-2207.17.3 County OMP/AMP Costs ........................................................................................ 7-224

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7.18 Coordinated Management Plans ............................................................................................ 7-2257.18.1 Grazing Management Plan.......................................................................................7-225

a. Overview of the Grazing Management Plan............................................ 7-225b. Goals and Objectives of the Grazing Management Plan.........................7-226c. General Description of Grazing Management Plan................................. 7-228

7.18.2 Water Quality Management Plan ............................................................................ 7-229a. Overview of the Water Quality Management Plan ................................. 7-229b. Key Long Term Management Concepts Embodied in the

Water Quality Management Plan.............................................................. 7-234c. Long-Term Adaptive Management of the Draft Water Quality

Management Plan.......................................................................................7-240

CHAPTER 8: REVIEW OF THE ‘B’ ALTERNATIVES – NCCP/MSAA/ HCPAVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURES AT THESUB-BASIN LEVEL................................................................................................................ 8-1

8.1 The Analytic Framework for the Review of NCCP/ MSAA/HCPAlternatives in Chapters 8 and 9 ................................................................................................ 8-18.1.1 Species Accounts .......................................................................................................... 8-28.1.2 NCCP and SAMP Sub-Basin Guidelines and Principles–

Consistency with Geographic-Specific Avoidance andMinimization Review Criteria.....................................................................................8-3

8.1.3 Use of NCCP and SAMP Landscape-Scale Guidelines–Consistency with Landscape Level Guidelines and Principles ................................. 8-4

8.2 The Analytic Framework for the Chapter 8 Review of the ‘B’ Alternatives .........................8-58.3 Analysis of Consistency of the Habitat Reserve Alternatives With the

Draft Southern Planning Guidelines and Draft Watershed Planning Principles.................... 8-58.3.1 Consistency Analysis Methodology for the Review of the

A-5 Alternative and the ‘B’ Alternatives....................................................................8-58.3.2 Summary of the Sub-basin Consistency Analyses.....................................................8-7

a. Alternative A-5 ...............................................................................................8-8b. Alternative B-8 ...............................................................................................8-9c. Alternative B-10M .......................................................................................8-11d. Alternative B-12 ...........................................................................................8-13

8.3.3 Summary of Planning Species Conservation ...........................................................8-168.3.4 Circulation Systems Consistency Analysis .............................................................. 8-16

a. San Juan Creek Watershed Circulation SystemConsistency Review.....................................................................................8-17

b. San Mateo Creek Watershed Circulation SystemConsistency Analysis ...................................................................................8-21

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CHAPTER 9: REVIEW OF HABITAT RESERVE DESIGN/HABITAT RESERVEMANAGEMENT PROGRAM ALTERNATIVES ........................................................... 9-1

9.1 Overview of Alternatives Analysis............................................................................................ 9-19.1.1 Focus of Chapter 9........................................................................................................9-19.1.2 Statutory Framework ....................................................................................................9-19.1.3 Conservation Goals and Analytic Framework for the

Chapter 9 Alternatives Analysis .................................................................................. 9-29.1.4 Application of the Draft Southern Planning Guidelines and

Draft Watershed Planning Principles to the Chapter 9 Review of Alternatives ......9-49.1.5 Relationship of the Analysis of the ‘B’ Alternatives to Potential

Impacts on Planning Species and Vegetation Communities.....................................9-89.1.6 Project Purposes and Feasibility Considerations Relevant to

Assessing Habitat Reserve Design Alternatives and the Habitat ReserveManagement Program Consistent with Applicable Guidelines WhileAllowing for Compatible and Appropriate Development and Growth.................... 9-8a. Project Purposes.............................................................................................. 9-8b. Feasibility of Alternatives in Relation to Project Purposes.........................9-9

9.1.7 Programmatic Alternatives and Habitat Reserve Alternatives................................ 9-10a. Programmatic Alternatives .......................................................................... 9-11b. Habitat Reserve Design Alternatives.......................................................... 9-12

9.2 Analysis of Programmatic Alternatives .................................................................................. 9-139.2.1 No Project/No SAMP (Alternative A-4, no figure) .................................................9-14

a. Significant Elements of the No Project/No SAMP Alternative................ 9-15b. Consistency with NCCP/MSAA/HCP Purposes and Goals .....................9-15c. Adaptive Management and Implementation/Funding ...............................9-17

9.2.2 No Take Alternative ...................................................................................................9-17a. Significant Elements of the A-5 No Take Alternative .............................. 9-17b. Consistency with NCCP/MSAA/HCP Purposes and Goals .....................9-18c. Adaptive Management and Implementation/Funding ...............................9-22d. Consistency with the Purposes and Goals of Planning Participants.........9-23e. Conclusion Regarding the No Take Alternative ........................................ 9-23

9.3 Analysis of Habitat Reserve Alternatives ...............................................................................9-249.3.1 Alternative B-8............................................................................................................ 9-24

a. Overview of Major Landscape and Habitat ReservePlanning Features of the Proposed Habitat Reserve onRMV Property .............................................................................................. 9-24

b. Summary of Major Conservation Strategy Issues Raisedin the Chapter 8 Sub-Basin Consistency Reviews and thisChapter 9 Landscape-Scale Consistency Review for the

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B-8 Alternative .............................................................................................9-26c. Conclusions Regarding Consistency with Subregional

Conservation Goals and Objectives............................................................ 9-309.3.2 Alternative B-10M ......................................................................................................9-30

a. Overview of Major Landscape and Habitat ReservePlanning Features of the Proposed Habitat Reserve onRMV Property .............................................................................................. 9-30

b. Summary of Major Conservation Strategy Issues Raised in theChapter 8 Sub-Basin Consistency Reviews and this Chapter 9Landscape-Scale Consistency Review for the B-10M Alternative .......... 9-33

c. Conclusions Regarding Consistency with Subregional ConservationPlanning Goals and Objectives....................................................................9-35

9.3.3 Alternative B-12.......................................................................................................... 9-36a. Overview of Major Landscape and Habitat Reserve Planning

Features of the Proposed Habitat Reserve on RMV Property .................. 9-36b. Summary of Major Conservation Strategy Issues Raised in the

Chapter 8 Sub-Basin Consistency Reviews and this Chapter 9Landscape-Scale Consistency Reviews for the B-12 Alternative............ 9-40

c. Conclusions Regarding Consistency with SubregionalConservation Planning Goals and Objectives ............................................ 9-41

9.4 Summary of Habitat Reserve Alternatives Selection .............................................................9-42

CHAPTER 10:PROPOSED CONSERVATION STRATEGY .........................................................10-110.1 Chapter Overview..........................................................................................................10-2

10.1.1 Subregional Conservation Planning Components ............................................10-210.1.2 Creation of a Subregional Habitat Reserve Management

Program (HRMP)..............................................................................................10-310.1.3 Provision for a Subregional Framework for Regulatory Coverage ..................10-310.1.4 Provide for an Enforceable Implementation Agreement (IA) ..........................10-410.1.5 Protection of Biotic and Abiotic Resources......................................................10-6

a. Conservation of Biotic Resources: Wildlife Species andVegetation Communities .....................................................................10-6

b. Maintenance of Biological Connectivity .............................................10-6c. Protection of Abiotic Resources and Natural Processes ......................10-7

10.1.6 Participating Landowners/Permittees ...............................................................10-9a. Participating Landowners/Permittees that are

Requesting Regulatory Coverage as Part of this DraftNCCP/MSAA/HCP ...........................................................................10-10

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b. County Department of Harbors, Beaches and Parks (HBP)Compatible Uses Related to Operation, Maintenance ManagementOf Natural Open Space in Regional and Wilderness ParksProposed to be Committed to the Habitat Reserve .....................10-12

c. Potential Participating Local Jurisdictions with DesignatedOpen Space that would not be Managed as Part of theHabitat Reserve.................................................................................. 10-14

10.1.7 Summary of Covered Activities under the ProposedConservation Strategy.....................................................................................10-15a. County of Orange .............................................................................. 10-15b. Rancho Mission Viejo ...................................................................... 10-21c. Santa Margarita Water District .......................................................... 10-23

10.2 Implementation of the NCCP/MSAA/HCP at the Subarea Level ............................... 10-2710.2.1 Description of Subareas .................................................................................. 10-2710.2.2 Regulatory Coverage Requested Within Subareas .........................................10-30

10.3 Proposed Habitat Reserve............................................................................................10-3610.3.1 Ownership of the Habitat Reserve .................................................................. 10-3810.3.2 Protection of Major Landscape Features ........................................................10-3810.3.3 Protection of Conserved Vegetation Communities.........................................10-4010.3.4 Protection of Populations of Species Proposed to Receive

Regulatory Coverage ...................................................................................... 10-4110.3.5 Assembling the Habitat Reserve.....................................................................10-41

a. Incorporation of Pre-Existing Protected Open Space into theProposed Habitat Reserve ........................................................................10-42

b. Incorporation of Lands Subject to Conservation EasementsResulting form the Phased dedication of RMV Open Space ................... 10-43

10.3.6 Management of Lands and Easements Designated for InclusionIn the Habitat Reserve During the Interim Period FollowingApproval of the NCCP/MSAA/HCP and Prior to Formal InclusionIn the Habitat Reserve.....................................................................................10-44

10.3.7 Covered Activities and Compatible Uses within the ProposedHabitat Reserve............................................................................................... 10-44

10.4 Supplemental Open Space ........................................................................................... 10-4510.4.1 Overview Description of Supplemental Open Space...................................... 10-4510.4.2 Supplemental Open Space within Subarea 1 .................................................. 10-47

a. SOS within the Prima Deschecha Landfill ............................................... 10-47b. National Audubon Society Starr Ranch Sanctuary .................................. 10-48c. Horno Basin Portion of the Ladera Conservancy.....................................10-48

10.4.3 Subarea 2 SOS (Foothill Trabuco Specific Plan Area)...................................10-48

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10.4.4 Subarea 3 SOS (Coto de Caza Planned Community) .....................................10-4910.4.5 Subarea 4 SOS in the Incorporated Cities....................................................... 10-4910.4.6 Cleveland National Forest .............................................................................. 10-49

10.5 Urban/Wildland Interface Zone ................................................................................... 10-5010.6 Conclusions ...........................................................................................................10-50

CHAPTER 11: COVERED ACTIVITIES, COMPATIBLE USES AND PROHIBITED USESWITHIN THE HABITAT RESERVE ............................................................................... 11-1

11.1 Overview....................................................................................................................................11-111.2 Covered Activities.....................................................................................................................11-2

11.2.1 Habitat Reserve Management and Monitoring Activities.......................................11-211.2.2 RMV Ranch Operations and Facilities .....................................................................11-6

a. Grazing .......................................................................................................... 11-6b. Agriculture ....................................................................................................11-6c. Infrastructure................................................................................................. 11-6d. Other Ranch Facilities.................................................................................. 11-7e. Maintenance and Operations of All Covered Activities Within RMV....11-7

11.2.3 RMV Ortega Rock Mining Facilities and Activities ...............................................11-711.2.4 Recreation and Access on the RMV Habitat Reserve Lands..................................11-711.2.5 New Infrastructure Facilities...................................................................................... 11-8

a. New Infrastructure Policies .........................................................................11-9b. Infrastructure Operation and Maintenance Policies................................. 11-13c. Infrastructure Emergency Procedures and Policies ................................. 11-14

11.2.6 Policies Governing Existing Uses ...........................................................................11-15a. Background................................................................................................. 11-15b. Habitat Reserve Existing Use Policies...................................................... 11-16

11.2.7 RMV Ongoing Baseline Condition Commitments for AreasDesignated for Future Inclusion in the Habitat Reserve........................................ 11-17a. General Interim Use Policies ............................................................................ 11-17b. Rancho Mission Viejo Ongoing Management Measures

Designed to Maintain Baseline Conditions in Areas DesignatedFor Future Inclusion in the Habitat Reserve.................................................... 11-18

11.3 Compatible Public Access and Recreation Uses within the Habitat Reserve .................... 11-1911.3.1 Consistency with Related Recreation Programs .............................................11-2011.3.2 Public Access and Recreation Policies ........................................................... 11-2111.3.3 Location and Design of Future County HBP Recreational Facilities .............11-22

11.4 Uses Prohibited within the Habitat Reserve ..................................................................1-23

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CHAPTER 12:IMPLEMENTING THE SUBREGIONAL CONSERVATIONSTRATEGY: FUNDING AND FINANCING OF THE HABITATRESERVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ...............................................................12-1

12.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 12-112.2 Summary of Projected HRMP Implementation Costs ....................................... 12-2

12.2.1 Ongoing Management Program Costs .................................................. 12-212.2.2 County Parkland Adaptive Management Program Costs ..................... 12-212.2.3 RMV Adaptive Management and Reserve Monitoring Costs ............... 12-312.2.4 Reserve Manager Administrative Expenses ......................................... 12-5

12.3 Funding Resources For Implementation Of The HRMP ................................... 12-612.3.1 HRMP Funding Resources and Programs ............................................ 12-6

a. Fund Management -- HRMP Accounts ........................................... 12-6b. Committed Resources and Programs ............................................... 12-7c. Sufficiency of Funds / Coverage of Projected HRMP

Expenses and Administrative Costs............................................... 12-1012.3.2 County Habitat Reserve Lands – Supplemental Funding Resources.............. 12-12

a. Identified Supplemental Resources for AMP Activities .......................... 12-12b. Sufficiency of Funds / County Habitat Reserve Lands ............................12-14

12.3.3 Supplemental and Alternative Funding Resources/Programs ........................12-1412.4 Distribution Of Remaining NCCP/MSAA/HCP Funds In The Event

Of Early Program Termination....................................................................................12-1712.5 Costs and Funding For Mitigation Obligations ........................................................... 12-18

12.5.1 County Of Orange........................................................................................... 12-1812.5.2 Rancho Mission Viejo ....................................................................................12-1912.5.3 Santa Margarita Water District .......................................................................12-19

12.6 Costs And Funding For RMV Ongoing Management Measures(Interim Management Plan).........................................................................................12-19

CHAPTER 13:CONSERVATION AND IMPACT ANALYSES FOR SPECIESAND VEGETATION COMMUNITIES PROPOSED TO RECEIVESTATE AND FEDERAL REGULATORY COVERAGE............................................. 13-1

13.1 Overview of State and Federal Regulatory Framework ........................................................ 13-113.1.1 Statutory Standards Proposed to be Addressed in the

Covered Species and Conserved Vegetation CommunitiesAnalyses in this Chapter.............................................................................................13-1a. NCCP – State Law .......................................................................................13-1b. MSAA – State Law ...................................................................................... 13-2c. FESA – Federal Law.................................................................................... 13-2

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13.1.2 NCCP/MSAA/HCP Guidelines for Addressing“Conservation and Management” of Proposed Covered Speciesand Proposed Conserved Vegetation Communities.................................................13-4a. Conservation and Management Standards and Criteria ............................ 13-4

13.1.3 Basic Organization of Regulatory Coverage Analyses .........................................13-11a. Proposed Covered Species.........................................................................13-12b. Proposed Conserved Vegetation Communities .......................................13-12

13.2 Conservation and Impact Analyses for Species Proposed toReceive Regulatory Coverage ................................................................................................ 13-1213.2.1 Hierarchical Analysis of Species that Were Considered

to Receive Regulatory Coverage .............................................................................13-1213.2.2 Species Proposed to Receive State and Federal Regulatory Coverage ................ 13-1413.2.3 Indirect Impacts of the Proposed Covered Activities ............................................ 13-18

a. Impacts ........................................................................................................ 13-18b. Minimization of Indirect Impacts.............................................................. 13-20

13.2.4 Conservation and Impact Analysis Summaries for Species Proposedto Receive Regulatory Coverage .............................................................................13-23a. General Overview of Conservation and Impacts for Proposed

Covered Species .........................................................................................13-34b. Conservation and Impacts for Proposed Covered Species by

Participating Landowners .......................................................................... 13-38c. Temporary Impacts on Habitats and Proposed Covered Species ...........13-40d. Ranch Cattle Grazing Operations and Species and Vegetation

Communities Proposed for Regulatory Coverage ...................................13-4213.2.5 Detailed Analyses for Species Proposed to Receive Regulatory Coverage.........13-51

a. Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) .......................................................13-54b. Coastal Cactus Wren (Campylorynchus brunneicapillus couesi) .......... 13-58c. Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)...... 13-65d. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii).........................................................13-71e. Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) ............................... 13-75f. Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) .................................................. 13-81g. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus).......................................................................13-85h. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) .............13-88i. Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) .................................................. 13-91j. White-Tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus)........................................................ 13-98k. Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) ....................................................13-105l. Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) ...................................................13-109m. Arroyo toad (Bufo microscaphus) ...........................................................13-113n. California Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans occidentalis) ......................13-122

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o. Coast Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea)...................13-126p. Northern Red-diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber) ................13-130q. Orange-throated Whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra beldingi) .............13-134r. Red Coachwhip (Mastiscophis flagellum piceus)..................................13-139s. “San Diego” Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum;

blainvillei population) ..............................................................................13-143t. Southwestern Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata pallida)..........................13-148u. Western Spadefoot Toad (Spea hammondii)..........................................13-153v. Partially-armored Threespine Stickleback

(Gasterosteus aculeatus ssp. microcephalus).........................................13-159w. Arroyo Chub (Gila orcutti)......................................................................13-162x. Riverside Fairy Shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni) .............................13-166y. San Diego Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis ) .....................13-169z. Chaparral Beargrass (Nolina cismontana)..............................................13-171aa. Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) .......................................................13-173bb. Coulter’s Saltbush (Atriplex coulteri) .....................................................13-178cc. Many-stemmed Dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis)....................................13-182dd. California Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia) .....................................13-187ee. Southern Tarplant (Centromadia parryi var. australis) ........................13-190ff. Thread-leaved Brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia) ..........................................13-193

13.3 Conservation and Impact Analyses for Vegetation CommunitiesProposed to Receive Regulatory Coverage.........................................................................13-19913.3.1 Overview of Vegetation Communities Proposed to

Receive Regulatory Coverage ...............................................................................13-19913.3.2 Conservation and Impacts Analyses for Vegetation

Communities Proposed to Receive Regulatory Coverage ..................................13-201a. Overall Conservation and Impacts..........................................................13-206b. Conservation and Impacts of Proposed Covered

Vegetation Communities for Participating Landownersand Jurisdictions .......................................................................................13-209

c. Reserve Design Tenets .............................................................................13-213d. Habitat Reserve Management Program..................................................13-223e. Rationale for Regulatory Coverage of Vegetation Communities.........13-226

13.4 Conservation and Impact Analyses for Areas Subject to CDFGJurisdiction Pursuant to Section 1600 Proposed to Receive Regulatory Coverage.........13-22713.4.1 Overview of CDFG Jurisdictional Areas to Receive Regulatory

Coverage and Relationship to Proposed Conserved VegetationCommunities ...........................................................................................................13-227a. Definition of CDFG Jurisdiction.............................................................13-228

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b. Project Level Delineation Overview.......................................................13-229c. Functional Based Approach to Delineation............................................13-230d. Planning Area 5 Tailings Pond................................................................13-233

13.4.2 Conservation and Impacts Analyses for Streambeds and RiparianHabitats Subject to Jurisdiction under Section 1602 Proposed toReceive Regulatory Coverage ...............................................................................13-234a. Overall Conservation and Impacts..........................................................13-235b. Impacts of Proposed Covered CDFG Jurisdictional Areas

for Participating Landowners and Jurisdictions.....................................13-23913.4.3. Conservation Analysis............................................................................................13-239

a. Impacts ......................................................................................................13-240b. Conservation .............................................................................................13-240c. Habitat Reserve Management Program..................................................13-240d. Rationale for Regulatory Coverage through an MSAA........................13-241

13.5 Subarea 3 Coto de Caza Potential Future Impacts .............................................................13-242

CHAPTER 14: CONSISTENCY WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS ................................. 14-114.1 Consistency Review - Conservation Planning Framework............................................14-1

14.1.1 Regional and Subregional Conservation Planning Framework ........................14-1a. The Federal Endangered Species Act..................................................14-2b. The NCCP Act.....................................................................................14-3c. California Fish & Game Code Section 1600 et seq. ............................14-3d. Landscape-Scale Natural Communities

Conservation Planning.........................................................................14-414.1.2 NCCP/MSAA/HCP Programmatic Elements and

Related Conservation Planning Policies ...........................................................14-414.2 State and Federal Statutory Requirements Addressed by the Proposed

Conservation Strategy....................................................................................................14-614.2.1 Regulatory Coverage ........................................................................................14-6

a. State Law .............................................................................................14-6b. Federal Law .........................................................................................14-7

14.2.2 Other Conservation Strategy and IA Provisions...............................................14-7a. FESA Section 7 – Fish and Wildlife Species.......................................14-7b. FESA Section 3 and Section 4 – Future Critical Habitat

Designations ........................................................................................14-8c. Programmatic Section 7 Consultation for the SAMP

Permitting Procedures under Clean Water Act Section 404................14-814.3 Relationship of the Proposed Conservation Strategy Elements

to Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation..................................................................14-9

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14.4 FESA Section 10 Consistency Review........................................................................14-1014.4.1 Impacts of Covered Activities on Covered Species and Conserved

Vegetation Communities ................................................................................14-1014.4.2 Impacts will be Incidental to Otherwise Lawful Activities ............................14-11

a. County of Orange Integrated Waste ManagementDepartment (IWMD) and Road Department (Roads)........................14-11

b. Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV)........................................................... 14-12c. Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD).......................................... 14-12d. Long-Term Implementation of the HRMP ........................................14-15

14.4.3 Alternatives to Taking that the Applicants Consideredand the Reasons Why Such Alternatives are not BeingUtilized – Selection of the Habitat Reserve Design underthe Proposed Conservation Strategy ............................................................... 14-15

14.4.4 Applicants’ Proposed Measures to Avoid, Minimize andMitigate the Impacts of Covered Activities on Covered Speciesand Conserved Vegetation Communities........................................................14-17a. Contributions of the Proposed Habitat

Reserve Design to Avoidance/Minimizationand Mitigation....................................................................................14-18

b. HRMP Mitigation Contributions (including restorationand invasive species control elements) to Maintainingand, Where Feasible, Enhancing Net Habitat Valueover the Long-Term...........................................................................14-19

c. Avoidance, Minimization and Mitigation throughImplementation of the WQMP .......................................................... 14-22

d. Minimization of Circulation System and OtherInfrastructure Impacts........................................................................14-24

e. Minimization of Indirect Effects........................................................14-26f. Minimization through Construction-Related

Minimization Measures .....................................................................14-26g. Minimization through Grazing Management Plan

Measures............................................................................................14-26h. Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts through

the Covered Activities, Compatible Use andProhibited Use Provisions Set Forth in Chapter 11 ........................... 14-26

i. SMWD and County of Orange Prima DeshechaGDP and Avenida La Pata Construction MitigationMeasures............................................................................................14-28

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14.4.5 Overview of Avoidance, Minimization and MitigationAnalytical Framework with Regard to Proposed CoveredSpecies and Proposed Conserved Vegetation CommunitiesPresented in Chapter 13 and in this Chapter................................................... 14-29a. Covered Species................................................................................14-29b. Conserved Vegetation Communities .................................................14-29c. Summary of Chapter 13 Regulatory Coverage

Analyses for Proposed Covered Species in Relationto Protection and Management of Conserved VegetationCommunities...................................................................................... 14-30

d. FESA Chapter 10 Standard for Proposed Covered Fishand Wildlife Species and No Surprises Assurances forCovered Species.................................................................................14-32

14.4.6 Provisions for Adequate Funding for the Plan to Minimize andMitigate Impacts of Proposed Covered Activities on ProposedCovered Species and Conserved Vegetation Communities............................14-33

14.4.7 Compliance with the USFWS Five-point Policy ............................................14-3414.4.8 Changed Circumstances and Unforeseen Circumstances............................... 14-34

a. Habitat Conservation Plan Assurances Rule andthe Five-point Policy.......................................................................... 14-34

b. NCCP/MSAA/HCP Approach to Addressing ChangedCircumstances and Unforeseen Circumstances – Focus onStressors.............................................................................................14-35

14.5 FESA Section 3/4 and Section 7 Consistency .............................................................14-3714.5.1 Overview of FESA Section 7 Consultation Requirements

in relation to FESA Section 3 and Critical Habitat Standards ........................14-3714.5.2 Review of Listed Species Provisions in the NCCP/MSAA/HCP

that Address FESA Section 3 and 4 Substantive Standards............................14-38a. Listed Covered Species.....................................................................14-38b. Unlisted Proposed Covered Species .................................................. 14-39c. Conserved Vegetation Communities .................................................14-39

14.6 NCCP Act Consistency................................................................................................14-4014.6.1 Integration of State and Federal Conservation Planning

through the 4(d) Rule for the Gnatcatcher and theCoordinated Planning Process ........................................................................14-40

14.6.2 Proposed Conservation Strategy Consistency with theNCCP Act of 1991.......................................................................................... 14-40a. Management and Conservation of Multiple

Wildlife Species and Area Wide Protection and

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Perpetuation of Natural Wildlife Diversity........................................14-40b. Assemblage of the Habitat Reserve ................................................... 14-47c. Implementation of the HRMP............................................................14-49d. Provision of Adequate Funding to Implement the

Measures Required and for Monitoring ComplianceWith, and Effectiveness of, those Measures ...................................... 14-49

14.7 Long-Term Master Streambed Alteration Agreement –Consistency Review.....................................................................................................14-5014.7.1 Avoidance/Long-Term Protection of Aquatic Resources

through Inclusion within the Proposed Habitat Reserve................................. 14-5014.7.2 Mitigation of Impacts on CDFG Jurisdictional Areas ....................................14-5214.7.3 Construction-Related and Indirect Effect Minimization Measures ................14-5314.7.4 Mitigation through Implementation of the HRMP and the Prima

Deshecha/Avenida La Pata Mitigation Program.............................................14-5314.7.5 Aquatic Species Impacts Conservation and Management .............................. 14-5314.7.6 Conclusion...................................................................................................... 14-53

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PART II: DRAFT PROGRAMMATIC JOINT EIR/EIS (bound separately)

PART III: DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT (IA) AND MSAAS (boundseparately)

PART V: APPENDICES (bound separately)A. Subregional Planning AgreementB. Science Advisors ReportC. MOU between USFWS and CDFGD. November 1993 Process and Conservation Guidelines and 1998 NCCP General Process

GuidelinesE. Covered and Planning Species Accounts and Conservation AnalysesF. County Ongoing Management PlansG. Grazing Management PlanH. Habitat Restoration PlanI. Translocation, Propagation and Management Plan for Special-status PlantsJ. Invasive Species Control PlanK. Water Quality Management PlanL. Open Space and Habitat Protection Preceding Final Action on the Southern

NCCP/MSAA/HCPM. County Covered Activities (including (i) Routine Maintenance of Existing Facilities in

County Parklands, (ii) Prima Deshecha GDP and (iii) Prima Deshecha/Avenida La PataMitigation Program)

N. Wildland Fire Management PlanO. Arroyo Toad Monitoring ProgramP. ‘B’ Alternatives AnalysisQ. Geomorphology Factors Affecting Sediment Generation and Transport under Pre-and Post

Urbanization Conditions at Rancho Mission Viejo and in the San Juan and San MateoWatersheds

R. GLA Wetland DelineationS. RMV Covered Activities (including Ortega Rock Quarry)T. SMWD Covered ActivitiesU. Avoidance/Minimization Measures for Proposed Covered SpeciesV. Compliance with the USFWS Five-Point PolicyW. Consistency of the NCCP/MSAA/HCP with the FESA Substantive Critical Habitat

Designation/Adverse Modification CriteriaX. RMV Ongoing Management Measures

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PART IV: MAP BOOK (bound separately)

Figure Figure Title

1-M Five-County NCCP Study Area

2-M Orange County NCCP Subregions& Matrix Area

3-M Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP Study Area

4-M Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP General Vegetation Map

5-M City and County Jurisdictions in Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP Study Area

6-M Protected and Designated General Plan Open Space Assembled Prior to Completionof the NCCP/MSAA/HCP - 1948 through 2003

7-M Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP, SAMP, GPA/ZC Boundaries

8-M In Effect and Proposed Critical Habitat Areas

9-R Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP Subareas

10-R Coastal Sage Scrub Distribution Map

11-R Chaparral Distribution Map

12-R Grassland Distribution Map

13-M Native Grassland Distribution Map

14-R Woodlands & Forest Distribution Map

15-M Riparian Distribution Map

16-M Wetlands and Other Wildland Habitats

17-R Non-Natural Land Covers

18-M Surficial Geology Map: San Juan Creek and San Mateo Creek Watersheds

19-M Terrains Map: San Juan Creek and San Mateo Creek Watersheds

20-M Fire History Map

21-M Distribution of Hydrologic Soil Groups for San Juan Creek Watershed

22-M Distribution of Hydrologic Soil Groups for San Mateo Watershed

23-R Two-Year Event hydrograph for San Juan Creek Watershed

24-M Watershed/Sub-Basins and Subareas Map

25-R Coastal Sage Scrub Wildlife Planning Species – San Juan Creek Watershed

26-R Riparian/Aquatic Wildlife Planning Species – San Juan Creek Watershed

27-R Historic Raptor Nests – San Juan Creek Watershed

28-R Grassland Wildlife Planning Species – San Juan Creek Watershed

29-R Plant Planning Species – San Juan Creek Watershed

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Figure Figure Title

30-R Non-Planning Sensitive Species - San Juan Creek Watershed

31-R Foothill-Trabuco Specific Plan Vegetation, Planning Species and Non-Planning SensitiveSpecies

32-R Arroyo Trabuco Vegetation, Planning Species and Non-Planning Sensitive Species

33-R San Juan Capistrano Vegetation, Planning Species and Non-Planning Sensitive Species

34-R Coastal Sage Scrub Wildlife Planning Species – San Mateo Creek Watershed

35-R Riparian/Aquatic Wildlife Planning Species – San Mateo Creek Watershed

36-R Historic Raptor Nests – San Mateo Creek Watershed

37-R Grassland Wildlife Planning Species – San Mateo Creek Watershed

38-R Plant Planning Species – San Mateo Creek Watershed

39-R Non-Planning Sensitive Species - San Mateo Creek Watershed

40-R San Clemente HA Vegetation, Planning Species and Non-Planning Sensitive Species

41-M Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages

42-M Restoration Map for Planning Area

43-R Watershed/Sub-basin Areas with Low Density of Channels

44-R Watershed/Sub-basin Infiltration & Runoff

45-R Watershed/Sub-basin Timing of Peak Flows

46-M Watershed/Sub-basin Sediment Sources and Transport

47-M Watershed/Sub-basin Geomorphology Terrains

48-R Watershed/Sub-basin Groundwater Dependent Riparian Area

49-R Watershed/Sub-basin Geomorphic Terrains

50-R Watershed/Sub-basin Bedrock Derived Baseflow

51-R Watershed/Sub-basin Potential Sources of Nutrients and Turbidity

52-R Chiquita and Narrow Sub-Basins

53-R Chiquita and Narrow Sub-Basins Water Quality Integrity Ranking

54-R Chiquita and Narrow Sub-Basins Hydrology Integrity Ranking

55-R Chiquita and Narrow Sub-Basins Habitat Integrity Ranking

56-R Chiquita and Narrow Sub-Basins Landscape Scale Terrains

57-R Chiquita and Narrow Sub-Basins Infiltration and Runoff

58-R Chiquita and Narrow Sub-Basins Opportunities for Restoration/Stabilization and NaturalTreatment Systems

59-R Lower Chiquita 1938 and 2001 Aerials

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Figure Figure Title

60-R Upper Chiquita 1938 and 2001 Aerials

61-R Gobernadora Sub-Basin

62-R Gobernadora Sub-Basin Water Quality Integrity Ranking

63-R Gobernadora Sub-Basin Hydrology Integrity Ranking

64-R Gobernadora Sub-Basin Habitat Integrity Ranking

65-R Gobernadora Sub-Basin Infiltration and Runoff

66-R Gobernadora Sub-Basin Opportunities for Restoration/Stabilization and Natural TreatmentSystems

67-R Gobernadora Sub-Basin Geomorphic/Hydrologic Features

68-R Lower Gobernadora 1938 and 2001 Aerials

69-R Upper Gobernadora 1938 and 2001 Aerials

70-R Wagon Wheel Sub-Basin

71-R Wagon Wheel Sub-Basin Water Quality Integrity Ranking

72-R Wagon Wheel Sub-Basin Hydrology Integrity Ranking

73-R Wagon Wheel Sub-Basin Habitat Integrity Ranking

74-R Trampas and Central San Juan Sub-Basins

75-R Trampas and Central San Juan Sub-Basins Water Quality Integrity Ranking

76-R Trampas and Central San Juan Sub-Basins Hydrology Integrity Ranking

77-R Trampas and Central San Juan Sub-Basins Habitat Integrity Ranking

78-R Trampas and Central San Juan Sub-Basins Geomorphic/Hydrologic Features

79-R Central San Juan (West) 1938 and 2001 Aerials

80-R Central San Juan (East) 1938 and 2001 Aerials

81-R Trampas 1938 and 2001 Aerials

82-R Verdugo Sub-Basin

83-R Verdugo Sub-Basin Water Quality Integrity Ranking

84-R Verdugo Sub-Basin Hydrology Integrity Ranking

85-R Verdugo Sub-Basin Habitat Integrity Ranking

86-R Verdugo Sub-Basin Sediment Yield

87-R Verdugo Sub-Basin Geomorphic/Hydrologic Features

88-R Verdugo 1938 and 2001 Aerials

89-R Cristianitos Sub-Basin

90-R Cristianitos Sub-Basin Water Quality Integrity Ranking

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Figure Figure Title

91-R Cristianitos Sub-Basin Hydrology Integrity Ranking

92-R Cristianitos Sub-Basin Habitat Integrity Ranking

93-R Cristianitos Sub-Basin Landscape Scale Terrains

94-R Cristianitos Sub-Basin Sediment Yield

95-R Cristianitos Sub-Basin Geomorphic/Hydrologic Features

96-R Cristianitos Sub-Basin Opportunities for Restoration/Stabilization

97-R Upper Cristianitos 1938 and 2001 Aerials

98-R Gabino and Blind Sub-Basins

99-R Gabino and Blind Sub-Basins Water Quality Integrity Ranking

100-R Gabino and Blind Sub-Basins Hydrology Integrity Ranking

101-R Gabino and Blind Sub-Basins Habitat Integrity Ranking

102-R Gabino and Blind Sub-Basins Sediment Yield

103-R Gabino and Blind Sub-Basins Opportunities for Restoration/Stabilization and Natural TreatmentSystems

104-R Gabino, Talega & Lower Cristianitos 1938 and 2001 Aerials

105-R La Paz Sub-Basin

106-R La Paz Sub-Basin Water Quality Integrity Ranking

107-R La Paz Sub-Basin Hydrology Integrity Ranking

108-R La Paz Sub-Basin Habitat Integrity Ranking

109-R La Paz 1938 and 2001 Aerials

110-R Talega Sub-Basin

111-R Talega Sub-Basin Geomorphic/Hydrologic Features

112-R Talega 1938 and 2001 Aerials

113-M Open Space Commitments Preceding the 1993 Planning Agreement for the Southern SubregionNCCP/MSAA/HCP

114-M Pre-NCCP/MSAA/HCP Open Space Protected as Part of Section 4(d) Permits , Section 7Consultations, and Other Actions Post-1993

115-M Habitat Linkages and Wildlife Corridors in Protected and Designated General Plan Pre-NCCP/MSAA/HCP Open Space

116-M Listed Species in Protected and Designated General Plan Pre-NCCP/MSAA/HCP OpenSpace

117-M Relation of Southern Subregion to the CNF and San Mateo Wilderness Area

118-M Coordinated Planning Process Elements

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119-M Proposed Revisions to the Master Plan of Arterial Highways

120-M Alternative A-1

121-M Alternative A-5

122-M Alternative B-1









131-M Alternative B-10M



134-M Alternative B-12 Planning Areas 4 through 8 Impact Analysis Areas

135-M Initial Phase Habitat Reserve Management Program - Adaptive Management Program andOngoing Management Program Boundaries

136-M B-12 Alternative Habitat Reserve Management Program/Adaptive Management ProgramBoundaries

137-M Adaptive Management Program Flowchart

138-M Coastal Sage Scrub Stressor Model

139-M Chaparral General Stressor Model

140-M Native Grassland General Stressor Model

141-M Riparian/Wetland General Stressor Model

142-M Oak Woodland General Stressor Model

143-M Coastal Sage Scrub Focal Species Stressor Model

144-M Chaparral Focal Species Stressor Model

145-M Native Grassland Focal Species Stressor Model

146-M Riparian/Wetlands Focal Species Stressor Model

147-M Oak Woodland Focal Species Stressor Model

148-M Vernal Pools, Riverside Fairy Shrimp and San Diego Fairy Shrimp

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Figure Figure Title

149-M Thread-leaved Brodiaea

150-M Chaparral Beargrass and Coulter's Saltbush

151-M Many-stemmed Dudleya and Southern Tarplant

152-M Conceptual Grading Cross Section on Chiquadora Ridge in Relation to Groundwater Movement

153-M Alternative B-8 with Proposed Circulation System

154-M Alternative B-10M with Proposed Circulation System

155-M Alternative B-12 with Proposed Circulation System

156-M Alternative B-8 Habitat Blocks with Habitat Linkages & Wildlife Corridors

157-M Alternative B-10M with Planning Reserve Designations

158-M Alternative B-10M Habitat Blocks with Habitat Linkages & Wildlife Corridors

159-M Alternative B-12 Habitat Blocks with Habitat Linkages & Wildlife Corridors

160-M SMWD Covered Activities Area in Relation to B-12 Alternative

161-M SOCTIIP Route Alternatives

162-M Non-Managed Pre-existing Protected and Designated General Plan Open Space by Subarea PlanAreas

163-M Prima Deshecha Landfill GDP Covered Activities

164-M Prima Deshecha Landfill GDP Impacts to Covered Species and Vegetation Communities

165-M Avenida La Pata Improvement Project Potential Impact Areas

166-M Rancho Mission Viejo Covered Activities and Open Space Areas

167-M Proposed Habitat Reserve

168-M Habitat Reserve Ownership

169-M Habitat Reserve with Major Landscape Features

170-M Habitat Reserve Vegetation Communities

171-M Habitat Reserve with California Gnatcatcher Major/Important Populations in Key Locations

172-M Habitat Reserve with Least Bell's Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ImportantPopulations in Key Locations

173-M Habitat Reserve with Arroyo Toad, Riverside and San Diego Fairy Shrimp, and Thread-leavedBrodiaea Major/Important Populations in Key Locations

174-M Habitat Reserve with Grasshopper Sparrow and Tricolored Blackbird Major/ImportantPopulations in Key Locations

175-M Habitat Reserve with Yellow-breasted Chat and Yellow Warbler Important Populations

176-M Habitat Reserve with Western Spadefoot and Southwestern Pond Turtle Important Populations

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177-M Habitat Reserve with Orange-throated Whiptail and San Diego Horned Lizard ImportantPopulations/Key Locations

178-M Habitat Reserve with Chaparral Beargrass and Coulter’s Saltbush Major/Important Populationsin Key Locations

179-M Habitat Reserve with Many-stemmed Dudleya Major/Important Populations in Key Locations

180-M Habitat Reserve with Southern Tarplant Major/Important Populations in Key Locations

181-M Pre-Existing Open Space Committed to Habitat Reserve

182-M Phased Dedication of RMV Open Space

184-M Existing Protected and Designated General Plan Supplemental Open Space in SouthernSubregion

185-M Rancho Mission Viejo Existing and Proposed Agricultural Uses

186-M Recreation Lands with Existing and Proposed Trails and Bikeways

187-R Alternative B-12 Proposed Circulation Network

188-R Alternative B-12 Proposed Water and Sewer Infrastructure Facilities

189-R Existing and Alternative B-12 Proposed Bikeways, Riding and Hiking and Community Trails

190-R Alternative B-12 Proposed Drainage and Water Quality Facilities

191-R Existing RMV Infrastructure Facilities

192-M Cross-section of Typical Fuel Management Zone

193-M Habitat Reserve Refined Habitat Blocks with Habitat Linkages and Wildlife Corridors

194-M Habitat Reserve with Grassland and Barley Fields

195-M Habitat Reserve with Coastal Cactus Wren

196-M Habitat Reserve with Cooper's Hawk Historic Nest Sites

197-M Habitat Reserve with Long-eared Owl Historic Nest Sites

198-M Habitat Reserve with Tricolored Blackbird Recent Nesting Colonies and Potential foragingZones

199-M Habitat Reserve with White-tailed Kite Historic Nest Sites and Potential Foraging Zones

200-M Potential Arroyo Toad Habitat within 80-foot Contour Zone on Rancho Mission Viejo Segmentof San Juan Creek

201-M Arroyo toad Use Areas within the Rancho Mission Viejo Segment of San Juan Creek

202-M Habitat Reserve with California Glossy Snake, Coast Patch-nosed Snake, Northern Red-diamondRattlesnake and Red Coachwhip

203-M Habitat Reserve with Coast Live Oak Vegetation Communities

204-M Habitat Reserve with Scrub Oak Vegetation Communities

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205-M Many-stemmed Dudleya, Thread-leaved Brodiaea and Riparian/Wetland Avoidance in PlanningArea 6 and 7 Potential Orchards

206-M Habitat Reserves with Native Grasslands

207-M Regional Statistical Areas

208-M Orange County General Plan Land Use Designation

209-M Dana Point General Plan Land Use Designation

210-M Mission Viejo General Plan Land Use Designation

211-M Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Land Use Designation

212-M San Clemente General Plan Land Use Designation

213-M San Juan Capistrano General Plan Land Use Designation

214-M RMV Planning Area Traffic Study

215-M RMV Planning Area Daily Traffic Volumes

216-M Interim Committed Circulation System Improvements

217-M MPAH Buildout Circulation System Improvements

218-M RMV Planning Area Existing Pasture Conditions

219-M Important Farmlands in the NCCP/MSAA/HCP Study Area

220-M RMV Planning Area Agricultural Preserves

221-M RMV Planning Area Important Farmlands in Agricultural Preserves

222-M Noise Levels

223-M CNEL Noise Levels

224-M Noise Measurement Sites

225-M Landscape Zone and Ridgeline Analysis

226-M Seismic Hazards Zone Map

227-M Construction Noise

228-M Alternative B-10 Modified Viewshed Analysis Key Map

229-M Viewshed Analysis 1a, 1b

230-M Viewshed Analysis View 2






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Figure Figure Title






241-M Ridgeline Impacts

242-M Future Potential Participants/Development Areas Within NCCP/MSAA/HCP Study Area

243-M Cumulative Projects

244-M Alternative B-10 Modified Buildout Trip Distribution

245-M Alternative B-10 Modified On-Site Circulation System

246-M Alternative B-10 ADT Volumes

247-M Alternative B-10 ADT Volumes with Avenida La Pata

248-M Alternative B-10 ADT Volumes with Avenida La Pata and SR-241 Extension

249-M Alternative B-10 ADT Intersection Location Map without SR-241 Extension

250-M Alternative B-10 ADT Intersection Location Map with SR-241 Extension

251-M 2025 Long-Range Circulation System Improvement Program without SR-241 Extension

252-M 2025 Long-Range Circulation System Improvement Program with SR-241 Extension

253-M 2025 Alternative B-10 Mitigation ADT without SR-241 Extension

254-M 2025 Alternative B-10 Mitigation ADT with SR-241 Extension

255-M Subarea 3 Coto de Caza Undeveloped or Partially Developed Parcels

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LIST OF TABLES

Table ES-1 Natural Vegetation Communities and Land Covers in Proposed Habitat Reserve......... ES-5Table ES-2 Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP Proposed Covered Species ............................................... ES-6Table ES-3 Conservation and Impact Summary for Proposed Covered Species in Subarea 1........ ES-12

Table 3-1 Vegetation Communities/Land Covers In the Southern Subregion Study Area.............. 3-13Table 3-2 Riparian Communities In the Southern Subregion Study Area.........................................3-31Table 3-3 Group 2 and Group 3 Wildlife Species................................................................................ 3-59Table 3-4 Group 2 and Group 3 Plant Species .....................................................................................3-64Table 3-5 Documented Locations of Listed and Sensitive Wildlife and

Plant Species In the Subarea Plan Areas .............................................................................3-70

Table 6-1 Programmatic Project Alternatives Considered..................................................................6-23Table 6-2 Habitat Reserve Alternatives Considered............................................................................ 6-27

Table 7-1 Summary of Goals and Objectives of the Adaptive Management Program .................... 7-58Table 7-2 Species Considered for Selection As Focal Species...........................................................7-75Table 7-3 Candidate Focal Species .......................................................................................................7-81Table 7-4 Summary of Candidate Focal Species By Type and Vegetation Community .................7-85Table 7-5 Covered Species and Candidate Focal Species Proposed to Be

Managed and Monitored Under the Adaptive Management Program1 ...........................7-86Table 7-6 Species Richness, Uniqueness and Importance Value for

Major Vegetation Communities.........................................................................................7-102Table 7-7 Index of Disturbance for Major Vegetation Communities .............................................. 7-107Table 7-8a Vegetation Community Rankings With Plants ................................................................. 7-108Table 7-8b Vegetation Community Rankings Excluding Plants ........................................................ 7-109Table 7-9 Coastal Sage Scrub Candidate Focal Species ...................................................................7-121Table 7-10 Chaparral Candidate Focal Species.................................................................................... 7-132Table 7-11 Grassland Candidate Focal Species ...................................................................................7-140Table 7-12 Riparian/Wetland Candidate Focal Species ...................................................................... 7-152Table 7-13 Oak Woodland Candidate Focal Species .......................................................................... 7-169Table 7-14 Covered Plant Species.........................................................................................................7-179Table 7-15 Sample Experimental Treatments for ................................................................................ 7-186Table 7-16 Proposed Habitat Linkage and Wildlife Corridor Monitoring Locations .......................7-195Table 7-17 Adaptive Management Program Work Plan, Schedule and Cost Summary

2007-2031 ...................................................................................................................... 7-221

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Table 7-18 Criteria for Review and Monitoring and Inspection Data and PotentialActions and Corrective Measures ...................................................................................... 7-247

Table 8-1 Draft Southern Planning Guidelines Consistency Findings...............................................8-24Table 8-2 SAMP Watershed and Sub-Basin Planning Principles Consistency Findings .................8-68Table 8-3 Conservation Analysis of Planning Species Under the 'B' Alternatives ...........................8-81

Table 10-1 Prima Deshecha Landfill GDP Covered Activities Withinthe Development Zone ........................................................................................................ 10-16

Table 10-2 RMV Covered Activities and Open Space........................................................................ 10-22Table 10-3 Habitat Reserve and Supplemental Open Space By Subarea .......................................... 10-31

Table 12-1 Estimated Annual HRMP Expenses – Years 2007 through 2031................... 12-3Table 12-2 Estimated Annual HRMP Expenses – Years 2032 to 2081 ............................ 12-4

Table 13-1 Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP Proposed Covered Species .............................................. 13-15Table 13-2 Conservation and Impact Summary for Proposed

Covered Wildlife Species In Subarea 1 .............................................................................13-24Table 13-3 Conservation and Impact Summary for Proposed

Covered Plant Species In Subarea 1 .................................................................................. 13-26Table 13-4 Breakdown of Conservation of Proposed Covered Wildlife Species .............................13-27Table 13-5 Breakdown of Impacts of Proposed Covered Wildlife Species ...................................... 13-29Table 13-6 Temporary Impacts On Proposed Covered Wildlife Species .......................................... 13-31Table 13-7 Temporary Impacts On Proposed Covered Plant Species ...............................................13-33Table 13-8 Potential Cattle-Related Impacts On Species and

Vegetation Communities Proposed for Regulatory Coverage.........................................13-46Table 13-9 Major Vegetation Communities Within the

B-12 Alternative Refined Habitat Blocks.......................................................................... 13-54Table 13-10 Conservation and Impacts for Tricolored Blackbird

Foraging Habitat Within A Four-Mile Radius of Nesting Areas ....................................13-96Table 13-11 White-Tailed Kite Conservation Analysis.......................................................................13-102Table 13-12 Conservation Analysis for Arroyo toad Habitat .............................................................13-117Table 13-13 Conservation Analysis for the Many-Stemmed Dudleya ..............................................13-184Table 13-14 Southern Tarplant Conservation Analysis .......................................................................13-192Table 13-15 Proposed Conserved Vegetation Communities ..............................................................13-200Table 13-16 Overall Conservation and Impact Analysis for

Vegetation Communities/Land Covers In Subarea 1 .....................................................13-202

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Table 13-17 Breakdown of Conservation and Impacts forVegetation Communities/Land Covers ...........................................................................13-203

Table 13-18 Temporary Impacts to Vegetation Communities/Land Covers.....................................13-209Table 13-19A Summary of Conservation and Impacts to Vegetation

Communities/Land Covers for RMV ..............................................................................13-212Table 13-19B Summary of Conservation and Impacts to Vegetation Communities/

Land Covers for RMV by Development Planning Area............................. 13-212Table 13-20 Major Vegetation Communities Within the B-12 Alternative Habitat Blocks ............13-215Table 13-21 Overall Conservation of Major Vegetation Communities

and Within Watersheds.....................................................................................................13-218Table 13-22 Comparative Conservation of Major Vegetation Communities....................................13-221Table 13-23 Elevations of Conserved Vegetation Communities Compared to Subarea 1 ...............13-221Table 13-24 Proposed Covered Aquatic Features and Associated Vegetation Communities..........13-233Table 13-25 Overall Conservation and Impact Analysis for CDFG Jurisdictional Areas................13-234Table 13-26 Summary of Permanent and Temporary Impacts to CDFG Jurisdiction......................13-236Tale 13-27 Potential Impacts on Conserved Vegetation Communities and

Covered Species in Subarea 3 Coto de Caza .............................................. 13-244

Table 14-1 Summary Of Conservation And Impacts To ProposedCovered Species For RMV By Development Planning Area.......................................... 14-13

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