Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-1

3.13 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND WETLANDS

This section addresses the potential impacts of the No Build Alternative and Build 

Alternative on biological resources and wetlands in the corridor. 

3.13.1 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Numerous federal, state, and local regulations and agencies have been 

enacted/created to protect biological resources. Listed below are pertinent 

regulations and/or oversight agencies related to biological resources and wetlands. 

Federal

Endangered Species Act

The ESA1establishes protection for species that are listed as endangered or 

threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Sections 9 and 4(d) of the 

ESA prohibit “take” of endangered and threatened animal species. The USFWS has 

jurisdiction over wildlife and resident fish; the National Marine Fisheries Service 

(NOAA Fisheries) has jurisdiction over anadromous fish.

2

 For plants, the ESA 

prohibits the removal or destruction of any endangered plant on federal land as well 

as destruction of an endangered plant species in non-federal areas in knowing 

violation of any state law. Section 7 of the ESA mandates that all federal agencies 

consult with the USFWS to ensure that federal agencies’ actions do not jeopardize 

the continued existence of a listed species or adversely modify critical habitat for 

listed species.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

The MBTA3prohibits take of most species of birds and their active nests, eggs, and 

nestlings, without a permit from the USFWS. Activities that cause abandonment of 

a nest are also considered non-permitted take, prohibited by the MBTA.

 

1

16 USC 1531-1543

2

Anadromous fish are fish that are born in freshwater, spend most of their lives in the sea, and return 

to fresh water to spawn. Salmon, smelt, shad, striped bass, and sturgeon are common examples. 

(http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/faq/fishfaq1a.html)

3

16 USC 703-712
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-2

Clean Water Act, Sections 404 and 401

Under Section 404 of the CWA4, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates 

the discharge of dredged or fill material into “Waters of the United States” including 

wetlands. Section 401 requires a water quality certification from the state for all 

nationwide or individual permits issued by the USACE under Section 404. The 

Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) is the state agency that issues

Section 401 certifications.

Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act

Section 105regulates construction activities in “navigable waters” including rivers. 

The construction of any structure in or over any navigable water of the United 

States, the excavation from or depositing of material in such waters, or the 

accomplishment of any other work affecting the course, location, condition, or 

capacity of such waters is unlawful unless the work has been recommended by the

Chief of Engineers and authorized by the Secretary of the Army. The instrument of 

authorization is designated a Section 10 permit.

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act

The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA)6requires that wildlife conservation 

be given equal consideration to other features of water-resource development 

programs through planning, development, maintenance and coordination of wildlife 

conservation and rehabilitation. Wildlife resources are defined by the Act to include 

birds, fish, mammals and all other classes of wild animals and all types of vegetation 

upon which wildlife is dependent.

Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands

Executive Order (EO) 11990, Protection of Wetlands (DOT Order 5660.1A) is an 

overall wetland policy for all agencies managing federal lands, sponsoring federal 

projects, or providing federal funds to state and local projects. It requires federal 

agencies to follow procedures for avoidance, mitigation, and preservation, with

public input, before proposing new construction in wetlands. When federal lands 

are proposed for lease or sale to nonfederal parties, EO 11990 requires that the 

lease or conveyance contain restrictions to protect and enhance the wetlands on 

the property. The restrictions of this executive order apply to wetlands on military 

 

4

33 USC 1251-1376

5

33 USC 401 et seq

6

16 USC 661-666
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-3

installations proposed for closure. In this capacity, EO 11990 can affect the sale of 

federal lands with wetlands. Compliance with Section 404 permit requirements may 

constitute compliance with EO 11990.

Executive Order 13112, Invasive species

EO 13112 directs all federal agencies to refrain from authorizing, funding, or 

carrying out actions or projects that may spread invasive species (including weeds). 

The order further directs federal agencies to prevent the introduction of invasive 

species, control and monitor existing invasive species populations, restore native 

species to invaded ecosystems, research and develop prevention and control 

methods for invasive species, and promote public education on invasive species.

State

California Endangered Species Act

The California Endangered Species Act (CESA)7prohibits the take of state-listed 

endangered and threatened species unless specifically authorized by the California 

Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The CDFW administers the CESA and 

authorizes take through permits or memorandums of understanding. Section 2090 

of the California Fish and Wildlife requires state agencies to comply with threatened 

and endangered species protection and recovery and to promote conservation of 

these species.

Wildlife and Natural Areas Conservation Program

The Wildlife and Natural Areas Conservation Program of the State Fish and Wildlife

code gives the CDFW the authority to create and administer wildlife areas.

8

Native Plant Protection Act

The Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA)9includes provisions that prohibit the taking 

of endangered or rare native plants from the wild and a salvage requirement for 

landowners. The CDFW administers the NPPA and generally regards as “rare” many 

plant species included on lists 1A, 1B and 2 of the California Native Plant Society 

(CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (CNPS, 2001).

 

7

California Fish and Wildlife Code 2050 et seq

8

California Fish and Wildlife Code Division 3, Chapter 7.5, Sections 2700-2729.

9

California Fish and Wildlife Code Sections 1900 – 1913
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-4

Streambed Alterations (California Fish and Wildlife Code Sections 

1601-1603)

The California Fish and Wildlife Code regulates activities that interfere with the 

natural flow of, or substantially alter the channel, bed, or bank of a lake, river, or 

stream. Lakebed and streambed alteration activities are covered under Section 

1602 for public and private entities. Requirements to protect the integrity of 

biological resources and water quality are often conditions of Streambed Alteration 

Agreements administered under Section 1600 to 1616.

Local

There are no Habitat Conservation Plans in place within the project corridor.10

3.13.2 METHODS OF EVALUATION

The components of the Build Alternative would have varying potential to result in 

significant environmental effects, either directly or indirectly, to biological resources 

in the study area as described below. This section discusses how each component 

was evaluated. 

Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines was consulted to assist in determining whether 

the project would have significant impacts related to biological resources.

Study Areas and Impact Footprints for Biological 

Resources

For the purposes of this evaluation, study areas were defined as the proposed work

area, composed of both permanent and temporary impact areas, along with an 

additional 250-foot-wide buffer zone on all sides. 

The 250-foot buffer was selected primarily, but not exclusively, for vernal pool 

species and wetlands that could be indirectly affected by alterations in hydrology 

from project construction. This buffer also serves to define an area of potential

indirect effects upon species that may be affected by construction dust, noise, fuel 

and oil spills, and visual disturbance. These indirect effects have the potential to 

disrupt normal behavior patterns (e.g., disrupt nesting or foraging) or result in the 

exclusion of species from these areas. 

 

10 County of San Luis Obispo, 2011
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-5

Because these areas are generally already subject to rail operations, it is assumed 

that the operational indirect effects would be relatively similar to the baseline 

conditions.

Biological Resource Evaluation

Sensitive Plant and Wildlife Species and Associated Habitat

Impacts to special-status species were evaluated using a variety of government and 

private foundation databases. The CDFW’s CNDDB records and the CNPS 

inventories were used to first identify all species occurring in the study area vicinity. 

Each impacted species was crosschecked with the USFWS and CNPS inventories to 

determine legal status, geographic distribution, habitat description, reported 

blooming period for plants, potential for occurrence in the study areas, and whether 

there are CNDDB records within the study areas. 

The potential for occurrence of special-status species was further assessed using the 

land cover type data from USFS’s CALVEG classification system and the California 

Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP) to identify suitable habitat. The 

California Wildlife Habitat Relationship System – Life History Accounts and Range 

Maps were queried to determine wildlife species’ range and habitat requirements. 

NatureServe Explorer was used to determine rare wildlife species’ ranges and 

habitat requirements. Impacts to critical habitat for federally protected wildlife 

were assessed using USFWS and National Marine Fisheries Service Critical Habitat 

database.

Potential effects to special-status were determined based on whether or not there 

would be direct and/or indirect impacts to suitable habitat (i.e., land cover types 

suitable for the species). 

Wildlife Movement/Migration Corridors

Impacts to wildlife movement/migration corridors were identified qualitatively, 

wherever proposed improvements would result in new barriers within large open 

areas, parks and reserve areas, creeks, rivers and riparian areas in undeveloped 

settings.

Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands

Impacts to jurisdictional waters and wetlands were assessed using the USFWS’s 

National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) for wetlands and the USGS’s National 

Hydrography Dataset (NHD) for streams.
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-6

3.13.3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

This section describes the biological and wetland resources present in the project 

corridor.

Biological Resources and Wetlands in the Study Area

Regional Summary 

The project corridor is dominated largely by agricultural uses and urban/suburban 

areas in the cities of Salinas, Soledad, Paso Robles, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, and 

many smaller communities. The Salinas River, a designated wildlife area, and a 

section of the Los Padres National Forest are each located within the project 

corridor. Each provides different degrees of habitat quality for plant and animal 

species. Wildlife may also be found in agricultural or urban/suburban areas, though 

to a lesser extent.

Sensitive Vegetation Communities

Sensitive vegetation communities, groups of species, both plant and wildlife, that 

form communities, and wildlife habitats that are unique, of relatively limited 

distribution in the region, or of particularly high wildlife value. These resources 

have been defined by federal, state, and local government conservation programs. 

The maps comprising Figure 3.13-1 depict these communities in relation to the 

existing railroad corridor. 

Riparian Communities

Freshwater Ponds hold different plants and animals, depending on pond size and 

depth. Most permanent ponds support fish life; intermittent types typically do not. 

Algae, plankton, and pondweeds are typical of shallow lacustrine environments. 

Birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians use lacustrine habitats for reproduction, 

food, water, and cover.11

Riverine habitats are characterized by the presence of intermittent or continually 

running water, as in a river or stream. Open water zones provide resting and escape 

cover for many species of waterfowl, and habitat for aquatic mammals. Insects, 

such as nymphs of mayflies, caddisflies, alderflies, stoneflies, and their larvae, are 

 

11 Grenfell, 1988a
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-7

the most common fast stream inhabitants. Water moss and algae grow on rocks. 

Smaller organisms are found in slow-moving waters. The turbidity and velocity of 

the river have the most prominent impact on the species that may be present.12 

Valley Foothill Riparian habitats are found in valleys bordered by sloping alluvial 

fans, lower foothills, and coastal plains. Winter-deciduous trees grow to form a 

canopy and subcanopy, with an understory shrub layer. Dominant species include 

cottonwood, California sycamore, valley oak, white alder, bozelder, wild grape, wild 

rose, and California blackberry.13

Terrestrial Communities

Annual Grassland is the most abundant natural community in the project corridor. 

Where natural conditions restrict the growth of other species, exotic grasses will 

flourish. Exotic grass species such as wild oats, various Bromes, Foxtail Fescue, and 

Kentucky Bluegrass are common in these areas.14

Blue Oak Woodland communities often include California juniper and various small 

shrubs, in addition to the abundant blue oak trees. The term “woodland” is used 

instead of “forest” because woodlands tend to be more open and sunlit than 

forests. Blue oak woodlands are typically associated with shallow, rocky, infertile, 

well-drained soils in dry, hilly terrain. Blue Oak-Foothill Pine is a similar natural 

community found at higher elevations.15

Coastal Oak Woodland is typically found within a 50-mile radius of the coast, often 

in drainages in ravines between grassy hillsides. Fog is common in these areas, 

though soil most often remains too dry to support a forest. In addition to coast live 

oak trees, California blackberry, creeping snowberry, toyon, and poison oak are 

commonly present. Wildfire is an intrinsic part of coastal live oak woodland 

ecology.16

Coastal Scrub is an upland vegetation community characterized by low soft-leaved, 

drought-deciduous shrubs. Coastal scrub is typically found on dry sites and steep 

slopes, providing habitat for many endangered and threatened species.17 

 

12 Grenfell, 1988b

13 Grenfell, 1988c

14 US Forest Service, 2009

15 Ritter, 1998

16 Cal Poly Land, n.d.

17 Caltrans, 2007, p. 3.13-6
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-8

Mixed Chaparral is a mix of fully woody and sometimes semi-woody, low to midelevation chaparral and coastal sage scrub species. Chaparral is typically dominated 

by drought-tolerant shrubs with hard evergreen leaves.18

Valley Oak Woodland is located on low to moderate slopes at elevations below 

4,000 feet. Valley Oaks are large, winter-deciduous trees.

19

Non-Sensitive Land Use Types20

Urban land includes developed areas near towns and cities. This land can include 

any combination or residential, commercial, or public uses.

Barren land refers to non-urban, non-agricultural, public or private land that is not 

under special protection under relevant state or federal laws. 

Cropland includes all agricultural lands, whether for grazing or production of crops. 

In this section, no distinction is made between various forms of cropland. For 

additional information on agricultural resources, see Section 3.7, Agricultural and 

Forest Resources.

Sensitive Plant Species

Sensitive plant species include those species that have been identified for special 

status and/or recognition by federal and state resource agencies, as well as relevant 

private organizations, due to concerns of documented or perceived decline or 

limitation of population size or geographical extent. Table 3.13-1 lists the 55

species with potential to occur in the study area, per the CNDDB. Of these 55 

species, a total of 8 are known or expected to occur in the study area.

 

18 US Forest Service, 2009

19 US Forest Service, 2009

20 Non-sensitive land use types are considered to have a low potential of providing habitat for state of 

federally protected species. Regular maintenance of croplands generally make them unattractive as 

potential habitat. 
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-9

Table 3.13-1 Special-Status Plant Species Potentially Occurring in Coast Corridor Study Area

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Abbott’s bush-mallow 

(Malacothamnus abbottii)

–/–/1B.1 Known from Monterey County. Occurs in 

riparian scrub; 135-490 meters. Blooms 

May-Oct.

Low. Suitable habitat occur in one 

Study Area; and several 

occurrences in the region

No

Blochman’s dudleya 

(Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. 

blochmaniae)

–/–/1B.1 Known from Coastal California from San 

Luis Obispo County to San Diego County; 

Baja California. Occurs on clay soils, rock 

outcrops, in coastal scrub and adjacent 

grasslands, often on serpentinite; 5-450 

meters. Blooms Apr-Jun.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if rocky microhabitat areas 

are present within grassland and 

shrubland habitats and several 

occurrences in the region

No

Brewer’s spineflower 

(Chorizanthe breweri)

–/–/1B.3 Known from South Coast Ranges, San Luis 

Obispo County. Occurs on rocky or gravelly 

serpentinite soils in oak woodland, 

chaparral, and coastal scrub; 45-800 

meters. Blooms Apr-Aug.

High. Suitable rocky or gravelly 

serpentinite substrates may be 

present in Study Areas and many 

occurrences in the region

No

Caper-fruited 

tropidocarpum 

(Tropidocarpum 

capparideum)

–/–/1B.1 Historically known from the northwest San 

Joaquin Valley and adjacent Coast Range 

foothills; currently known from Fresno, 

Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties. 

Occurs in grasslands on alkaline hills; below 

455 meters. Blooms Mar-Apr.

Low. Could occur in one Study Area 

if suitable alkaline soils are present;

one occurrence in region

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-10

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Chaparral ragwort 

(Senecio aphanactis)

–/–/2B.2 Known from Scattered locations in central 

western and southwestern California, from 

Alameda County to San Diego County. 

Occurs in oak woodland, coastal scrub, 

chaparral, open sandy or rocky areas, 

sometimes on alkaline soils; 15-800 meters. 

Blooms Jan-Apr.

Moderate. Suitable habitat 

present, and several occurrences in 

region

No

Chorro Creek bog thistle 

(aka San Luis Obispo 

fountain thistle) 

(Cirsium fontinale var. 

obispoense)

E/E/1B.2 Known from Endemic to San Luis Obispo 

County. Occurs in Serpentinite seeps, 

drainages, and stream banks in chaparral, 

oak woodlands, coastal scrub, annual 

grassland; 35-380 meters. Blooms Feb-Jul, 

less often Aug-Sep.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present in one Study Areas if 

alkaline seeps occur, several 

occurrences known in region 

No

Congdon’s tarplant 

(Centromadia parryi ssp. 

congdonii)

–/–/1B.1 Known from East San Francisco Bay Area, 

Salinas Valley, Los Osos Valley. Occurs in 

alkaline soils in annual grassland, on lower 

slopes, flats, and swales, sometimes on 

saline soils; below 230 meters. Blooms 

May-Oct, less often Nov.

High. Suitable habitat may be 

present if alkaline soils occur in 

Study Areas, one occurrence 

known in region is in a Study Area

Yes

Cuesta Pass checkerbloom 

(Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. 

anomala)

–/R/1B.2 Known from Cuesta Ridge, San Luis Obispo 

County. Occurs on serpentinite soils in 

chaparral; 600-800 meters. Blooms MayJun.

None. Occurs at higher elevations 

than Study Areas

No
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-11

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Cuesta Ridge thistle 

(Cirsium occidentale var. 

lucianum)

–/–/1B.2 Known only from fewer than 10 extant 

occurrences in the southern Santa Lucia 

Mtns. Of San Luis Obispo County. Occurs on 

serpentinite, often steep rocky slopes and 

disturbed roadsides, openings in chaparral; 

500-750 meters. Blooms Apr-Jun.

None. Occurs at higher elevations 

than Study Areas

No

Davidson’s bush-mallow 

(Malacothamnus davidsonii)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Los Angeles, Monterey, Santa 

Clara, San Luis Obispo, and San Mateo 

Counties. Occurs in coastal scrub, 

chaparral, oak woodland, and riparian 

woodland in sandy washes; 185-855 

meters. Blooms Jun-Jan.

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present, two occurrences in region

No

Dune larkspur 

(Delphinium parryi ssp. 

blochmaniae)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Coastal areas of Santa 

Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura 

Counties. Occurs in maritime chaparral, 

coastal dunes; below 200 meters. Blooms 

Apr-Jun.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present if maritime chaparral 

occurs in Study Areas, one 

occurrence in region

No

Dwarf calycadenia 

(Calycadenia villosa)

–/–/1B.1 Known from about 20 occurrences in 

interior foothills of South Coast Ranges in 

Fresno, Kern*, Monterey, Santa Barbara, 

and San Luis Obispo Counties. Occurs on 

rocky, fine soils in chaparral, oak woodland, 

meadows and seeps, annual grassland; 

240-1,350 meters. Blooms May-Oct.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if suitable soil type occurs, 

two occurrences in region

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-12

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Dwarf soaproot 

(Chlorogalum 

pomeridianum var. minus)

–/–/1B.2 Known from widely disjunct populations in 

Tehama, Colusa, Lake, Sonoma, and San 

Luis Obispo counties. Occurs in openings in 

chaparral, annual grasslands, on 

serpentinite outcrops; 305-1000 meters. 

Blooms May-Aug.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if serpentinite soil type 

occurs, two occurrences in region, 

including one in Study Area

Yes

Eastwood’s larkspur 

(Delphinium parryi ssp. 

eastwoodiae)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Coastal San Luis Obispo 

County. Occurs on serpentinite substrates 

in openings in chaparral, annual grassland; 

75-500 meters. Blooms Mar, less often Feb.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if serpentinite soil type 

occurs, several occurrences in 

region

No

Hardham’s eveningprimrose 

(Camissoniopsis 

hardhamiae)

–/–/1B.2 Known from South Coast Ranges, Monterey 

and San Luis Obispo Counties. Occurs on 

sandy, decomposed carbonate in disturbed 

or burned areas in chaparral, oak 

woodland; 140-945 meters. Blooms MarMay.

High. Suitable habitat may be 

present if suitable soil type and 

microhabitats occur, several 

occurrences in region, including 

one in Study Area

Yes

Hooked popcorn-flower 

(Plagiobothrys uncinatus)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Monterey, San Benito, Santa 

Clara, San Luis Obispo, and Stanislaus 

Counties. Occurs in Chaparral on sandy 

soils, oak woodland, annual grassland; 300-

760 meters. Blooms Apr-May.

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present, and two occurrences in 

region

No

Hoover’s bent grass 

(Agrostis hooveri)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Southern central coast, 

southern outer South Coast Ranges: Santa 

Barbara, San Luis Obispo Counties. Occurs 

usually in sandy soils in chaparral, closed 

cone forest, oak woodland, annual 

grassland; 6-610 meters. Blooms Apr-Jul.

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present, some occurrences in 

region

No
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-13

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Hutchinson’s larkspur 

(Delphinium hutchinsoniae)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Monterey County. Occurs in 

broadleaved upland forest, chaparral, 

coastal prairie, coastal scrub; below 427 

meters. Blooms Mar-Jun.

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present, only one occurrences in 

region. 

No

Indian Valley bush-mallow 

(Malacothamnus 

aboriginum)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Inner South Coast Ranges: 

Fresno, Kings, Monterey, San Benito, Santa 

Clara, and San Mateo Counties. Occurs on 

granitic rocky areas in chaparral and oak 

woodland, often in burned areas; 150-1700 

meters. Blooms Apr-Oct.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if granitic rocky 

microhabitat is present; several 

occurrences in region

No

Indian Valley spineflower 

(Aristocapsa insignis)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Inner South Coast Range, 

Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties. 

Occurs on sandy soils in oak woodland; 

300-600 meters. Blooms May-Sep.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if granitic rocky 

microhabitat is present; several 

occurrences in region

No

Jared’s pepper-grass 

(Lepidium jaredii ssp. 

jaredii)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Inner South Coast Ranges, 

Carrizo Plain and western San Joaquin 

Valley from Kern County south to San Luis 

Obispo County. Occurs in alkaline, adobe 

soils in grassland, in sinks, alluvial fans, and 

washes; 335-1005 meters. Blooms MarMay.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present if alkaline adobe soils occur 

in Study Areas, only one 

occurrence in region

No

Jolon clarkia 

(Clarkia jolonensis)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Northern outer South Coast 

Ranges, Monterey County. Occurs in 

chaparral, oak woodland, coastal scrub; 20-

660 meters. Blooms Apr-Jun.

High. Suitable habitat is present, 

and several occurrences in region

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-14

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Jones’ layia 

(Layia jonesii)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Coastal Monterey and San Luis 

Obispo Counties. Occurs on clay soil or 

serpentinite outcrops in chaparral and 

annual grasslands; 5-400 meters. Blooms 

Mar-May.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present in one Study Area if 

suitable soil substrates are present; 

several occurrences in region

No

Kellogg’s horkelia 

(Horkelia cuneata var. 

sericea)

–/–/1B.1 Known from Coastal California from San 

Mateo to Santa Barbara Counties, formerly 

further north. Occurs in openings in coastal 

scrub, maritime chaparral, on sandy or 

gravelly soils; 10-200 meters. Blooms AprSep.

None. No suitable habitat is 

present

No

La Panza mariposa lily 

(formerly San Luis Obispo 

mariposa lily) 

(Calochortus simulans)

–/–/1B.3 Known from Southeastern outer South 

Coast Ranges with occurrences in Santa 

Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. 

Occurs in sandy, often granitic, sometimes 

serpentine soils in chaparral, oak 

woodland, annual grassland; 395-1,100 

meters. Blooms Apr-Jun.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present in one Study Area if 

suitable sandy soils are present; 

several occurrences in region

No

Lemmon’s jewelflower 

(Caulanthus lemmonii)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Southeast San Francisco Bay 

Area, south through the South Coast 

Ranges and adjacent San Joaquin Valley to 

Ventura County. Occurs on dry, exposed 

slopes in grasslands and pinyon-juniper 

woodland; 80-1220 meters. Blooms MarMay.

High. Suitable habitat is present, 

and several occurrences in region

Yes
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-15

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Mesa horkelia 

(Horkelia cuneata var. 

puberula)

–/–/1B.1 Known from Los Angeles, Orange, Santa 

Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura 

Counties; extirpated from Riverside, San 

Bernardino, and San Diego Counties. 

Occurs on sandy or gravelly soils in oak 

woodland, maritime chaparral, and coastal 

scrub; 70-810 meters. Blooms Feb-Jul, 

occasionally Sep.

Low. The CNDDB polygon for this 

species overlaps the study area but 

there is likely no suitable habitat 

(sandy or gravelly soils) in the study 

area ;

Yes

Miles' milk-vetch 

(Astragalus didymocarpus 

var. milesianus)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Santa Barbara, San Luis 

Obispo, and Ventura Counties. Occurs on 

clay soils in coastal scrub; 20-90 meters. 

Blooms Mar-Jun.

None. Plant occurs at lower 

elevations than Study Areas

No

Monterey spineflower 

(Chorizanthe pungens var. 

pungens)

T/–/1B.2 Known from Northern and Central Coast, 

San Francisco Bay in Monterey, Santa Cruz, 

and San Luis Obispo* Counties. Occurs in 

sandy areas in maritime chaparral, oak 

woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, 

annual grassland; 3-450 meters. Blooms 

Apr-Jun, less often Jul-Aug.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if sandy soils occur in Study 

Areas, several occurrences in 

region

No

Most beautiful jewel-flower 

(Streptanthus albidus ssp. 

peramoenus)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Eastern San Francisco Bay 

area, central outer South Coast Ranges in 

Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, Santa 

Barbara, Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo, and 

Stanislaus Counties. Occurs on serpentinite 

outcrops in chaparral, oak woodland, 

annual grassland, on ridges and slopes; 94-

1000 meters. Blooms Apr-Sep, less often 

Mar and Oct

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if serpentine outcrops 

occur in Study Areas, several 

occurrences in region

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-16

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Mouse-gray dudleya

(formerly San Luis Obispo 

dudleya) 

(Dudleya abramsii ssp. 

murina)

–/–/1B.3 Known from San Luis Obispo County. 

Occurs on serpentinite in chaparral, oak 

woodland, annual grassland; 90-440 

meters. Blooms May-Jun.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if serpentinite substrates 

occur in Study Areas, many 

occurrences in region

No

Pale-yellow layia 

(Layia heterotricha)

–/–/1B.1 Known from Interior foothills of the South 

Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and 

Tehachapi Mountains in Fresno, Kings*, 

Kern*, Monterey*, Santa Barbara, San Luis 

Obispo*, Ventura, and possibly San Benito 

Counties. Occurs on alkaline or clay soils in 

coastal scrub, oak woodland, pinyonjuniper woodland, annual grassland in open 

areas; 300-1705 meters. Blooms Mar-Jun.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if suitable substrates occur 

in Study Areas, several occurrences 

in region

Yes

Palmer’s monardella 

(Monardella palmeri)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Monterey and San Luis Obispo 

Counties. Occurs on serpentinite in 

chaparral and oak woodland; 200-800 

meters. Blooms Jun-Aug.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if serpentinite substrates 

occur in Study Areas, several 

occurrences in region

No

Pecho manzanita 

(Arctostaphylos pechoensis)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Pecho Hills in coastal

mountains of San Luis Obispo County, also 

Santa Barbara County. Occurs on siliceous 

shale in chaparral, coastal scrub; 125-850 

meters. Blooms Nov-Mar.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present in one Study Area if 

silaceous shale occurs, only one 

occurrence in region

No
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-17

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Pinnacles buckwheat 

(Eriogonum nortonii)

–/–/1B.3 Known from Restricted to Gabilan Range of 

Monterey and San Benito Counties. Occurs 

on sandy soils in chaparral, annual 

grassland, often on recent burns; 300-975 

meters. Blooms May-Aug(Sep).

None. Plant occurs at higher 

elevations than Study Areas

No

Recurved larkspur 

(Delphinium recurvatum)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Central Valley from Colusa* to 

Kern Counties. Occurs on alkaline soils in 

annual grassland, saltbush scrub, oak 

woodland; 3-790 meters. Blooms Mar-Jun.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present in two Study Area if 

alkaline soils occur, only one 

occurrence in region

No

Robust spineflower 

(Chorizanthe robusta var. 

robusta)

E/–/1B.1 Known from Coastal central California, 

from Marin to Monterey County. Occurs on 

sandy or gravelly areas in coastal scrub, 

coastal dunes, and openings in oak 

woodland; 3-300 meters. Blooms Apr-Sep.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present in one Study Area if 

suitable sandy openings occur, only 

one occurrence in region

No

Round-leaved filaree 

(California macrophylla)

–/–/1B.1 Known from Scattered occurrences in the 

Great Valley, southern North Coast Ranges, 

San Francisco Bay Area, South Coast 

Ranges, Channel Islands, Transverse 

Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges. Occurs in 

oak woodland, annual grassland on clay 

soils; 15-1,200 meters. Blooms Mar-May.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if suitable soil types occur, 

two occurrences in region

No

San Antonio collinsia 

(Collinsia antonina)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Outer South Coast Ranges in 

Monterey County. Occurs in chaparral and 

oak woodland; 280-365 meters. Blooms 

Mar-May.

None. Plant occurs at higher 

elevations than Study Areas

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-18

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

San Benito fritillary 

(Fritillaria viridea)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Central Coast Ranges in 

Fresno, San Benito, Monterey, and San Luis 

Obispo Counties. Occurs on serpentinite 

outcrops, on slopes in chaparral; 200-1525 

meters. Blooms Mar-May.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present in one Study Area if 

serpentinite substrates occur, one 

occurrence in region

Yes

San Luis mariposa lily 

(Calochortus obispoensis)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Outer South Coast Range in 

San Luis Obispo County. Occurs often on 

serpentine soils in chaparral, coastal scrub, 

annual grassland; 50-730 meters. Blooms 

May-Jul.

High. Suitable habitat is present, 

many occurrences in region

No

San Luis Obispo County 

lupine 

(Lupinus ludovicianus)

–/–/1B.2 Endemic to San Luis Obispo County. Occurs 

on sandstone or sandy soil in oak 

woodland, openings in chaparral or pineoak woodland on carbonate substrate; 50-

525 meters. Blooms Apr-Jul.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present if sandstone or sandy soils 

are present in Study Areas, only 

one occurrence in region

No

San Luis Obispo owl's-clover 

(Castilleja densiflora var. 

obispoensis)

–/–/1B.2 Endemic to San Luis Obispo County. Occurs 

in annual grassland; 10-400 meters. Blooms 

Mar-May.

None. No suitable habitat is 

present

No

San Luis Obispo sedge 

(Carex obispoensis)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Outer South Coast Ranges in 

Monterey, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo 

County. Occurs often on serpentine seeps, 

sometimes gabbro soils in chaparral, 

coastal prairie, coastal scrub, and annual 

grassland; 10-820 meters. Blooms Apr-Jun.

High. Suitable habitat is present, 

several occurrences in region

No
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-19

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Santa Cruz microseris 

(Stebbinsoseris decipiens)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Coastal California: scattered 

occurrences from Marin County to 

Monterey County. Occurs in mixed oak 

forest, chaparral, annual grasslands, coastal 

prairie, coastal scrub, and open grassy 

areas in other habitat types, sometimes on 

serpentinite; 10-500 meters. Blooms AprMay.

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present, one occurrence in region

No

Santa Cruz Mountains 

pussypaws (Calyptridium 

parryi var. hesseae)

–/–/1B.1 Known from Southern San Francisco Bay, 

Mount Hamilton, Santa Cruz Mountains, 

northern inner South Coast Ranges, 

Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, San Luis 

Obispo, Stanislaus, and Santa Cruz 

Counties. Occurs in sandy or gravelly, 

openings in chaparral, oak woodland; 305-

1530 meters. Blooms May-Aug.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present if suitable microhabitat 

conditions occur in Study Areas, 

one occurrence in region 

No

Santa Lucia dwarf rush 

(Juncus luciensis)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Lassen, Monterey, Modoc, 

Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, 

Santa Barbara, San Benito, San Diego, 

Shasta, San Luis Obispo Counties. Occurs in 

chaparral, meadows and seeps, vernal 

pools; 300-2040 meters. Blooms Apr-Jul.

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present, two occurrences in region

No

Santa Lucia manzanita 

(Arctostaphylos luciana)

–/–/1B.2 Endemic to Santa Lucia Range in San Luis 

Obispo County. Occurs on shale outcrops in 

chaparral and oak woodland; 350-850 

meters. Blooms Dec-Mar.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present if shale outcrops occur in 

Study Areas, several occurrences 

in region

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-20

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Santa Margarita manzanita 

(Arctostaphylos pilosula)

–/–/1B.2 Known from South Coast Ranges: near 

Santa Margarita in Monterey and San Luis 

Obispo Counties. Occurs on outcrops and 

slopes in chaparral, oak woodland; 170-

1,100 meters. Blooms Dec-May.

High. Suitable habitat is present, 

several occurrences in region

Yes

Shining navarretia 

(Navarretia nigelliformis 

ssp. radians)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Interior foothills of South 

Coast Ranges from Merced County to San 

Luis Obispo County. Occurs in Mesic areas 

with heavy clay soils, in swales and clay 

flats, in oak woodland, grassland; 76-1000 

meters. Blooms Apr-Jul.

High. Suitable habitat is present, 

many occurrences in region

No

Straight-awned spineflower 

(Chorizanthe rectispina)

–/–/1B.3 Known from Outer South Coast Ranges: 

Monterey, Santa Barbara, and San Luis 

Obispo Counties. Occurs often on granitic 

soils in chaparral, coastal scrub, oak 

woodland; 85-1,035 meters. Blooms AprJul.

High. Suitable habitat is present, 

several occurrences in region

No

Toro manzanita (formerly 

Monterey manzanita) 

(Arctostaphylos 

montereyensis5)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Central Coast, Fort Ord, 

northern outer South Coast Ranges, Toro 

Mountain, northwestern Monterey County 

and San Luis Obispo County. Occurs on 

sandy soils in maritime chaparral, oak 

woodland, and coastal scrub; 30-730 

meters. Blooms Feb-Mar.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present in one Study Area if 

suitable sandy soils occur, two 

occurrences in region

No
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-21

Common and Scientific 

Names

Statusa

(Federal/State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and

General Habitat Description b

Species Potential to Occur in 

Study Area

Occurrences 

in Study 

Area (Y/N)

Umbrella larkspur 

(Delphinium 

umbraculorum)

–/–/1B.3 Known from Monterey, Santa Barbara, San 

Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties. Occurs 

in moist areas in oak woodland; 400-1600 

meters. Blooms Apr-Jun.

None. No suitable habitat is 

present

No

woodland woolythreads

(Monolopia gracilens)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Alameda, Contra Costa, 

Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, 

Santa Cruz, and San Mateo Counties. 

Occurs on serpentinite soils in openings in 

mixed oak woodland, chaparral, oak 

woodland, and annual grassland; 100-1200 

meters. Blooms Mar-Jul, less often Feb.

Low. Suitable habitat may be 

present in Study Areas if 

serpentinite soils and suitable 

microhabitat conditions occur, one 

occurrence in region

No

Yellow-flowered eriastrum 

(Eriastrum luteum)

–/–/1B.2 Known from Monterey and San Luis Obispo 

Counties. Occurs on sandy or gravelly soils 

in mixed oak forest, chaparral, oak 

woodland; 290-1000 meters. Blooms MayJun.

Moderate. Suitable habitat may be 

present in Study Areas if suitable 

soil types occur, several 

occurrences in region

No

Source: ICF, 2013

a Status explanations:

Federal

E = Listed as endangered under the federal ESA.

T = Listed as threatened under the federal ESA.

— = No listing status.

State

E = Listed as endangered under CESA.

T = Listed as threatened under CESA.

R =Listed as rare under the CESA. This category is no longer used for newly listed plants, but some plants previously listed as rare retain this designation. 

— = No listing status.

Other

1B = CRPR List 1B species: rare, threatened, or endangered; rare in California and elsewhere.

2B = CRPR List 2B species: rare, threatened, or endangered; rare in California but not elsewhere.

.1 = seriously endangered in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened–high degree and immediacy of threat).

.2 = fairly endangered in California (20-80% occurrences threatened).

.3 = not very endangered in California (<20% occurrences threatened).

b Distribution information

* = presumed extirpated in that county.

? = status within county unknown.
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-22

Sensitive Wildlife Species

Sensitive wildlife species include those species that have been identified for special 

status and/or recognition by federal and state resource agencies due to concerns of 

documented or perceived decline or limitation of population size or geographical 

extent. Wildlife that are legally protected or otherwise considered sensitive by 

federal, state, or local resource conservation agencies and organizations are all 

considered special-status. Special status species include those species listed in state 

and or/federal threatened or endangered species records under FESA or CESA, 

those considered as candidates for listening, and species recognized by USFWS and 

or CDFG as California species of special concern.

According to a search of the CNDDB, the study area may contain potential habitat 

for more than 45 sensitive species of fish, invertebrates, birds, amphibians, reptiles, 

and mammals. Table 3.13-2 identifies each of these species and evaluates the 

likelihood of their presence in the study area given particular conditions. 
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-23

Table 3.13-2 Special-Status Wildlife Species Potentially Occurring in Coast Corridor Study Area

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Fish

Steelhead -

south/central California 

coast DPS 

(Oncorhynchus mykiss 

irideus)

T/SSC/- Occurs in rivers and creeks from the Pajaro River 

south to, but not including, the Santa Maria 

River.

High. Study areas in the range 

of the species and the Salinas 

River and tributaries provide 

habitat for this species.

Not in CNDDB but 

species is noted to 

occur in the Salinas 

River according to 

the National Marine 

Fisheries Service 

(2007)b

Invertebrates

Atascadero June beetle

(Polyphylla nubile)

-/-/- Known only from sand dunes in San Luis Obispo 

County

None. No suitable habitat in 

the Study Areas.

No

California linderiella

(Linderiella 

occidentalis)

-/-/- Central Valley of California and central coastal 

California. Vernal pools, swales, and other 

ephemeral wetlands found in annual grasslands.

Moderate. Potential habitat in 

annual grasslands. Species 

known to occur in region.

No

Conservancy fairy 

shrimp

(Branchinecta 

conservation)

E/-/- Disjunct occurrences in Butte, Tehama, Glenn, 

Placer, Yolo, Solano, Merced, Stanislaus, and 

Ventura counties. Found in vernal pools in swales. 

Most records are in large turbid pools yet they 

have been found in a few instances in smaller 

pools with relatively clear water.

Low. Potential habitat in 

annual grasslands. Species not 

known to occur in region.

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-24

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Lompoc grasshopper

(Trimerotropis 

occulens)

-/-/- Occurs in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara 

counties. Little is known about the species habitat 

requirements. CNDDB records indicate that the 

species is found on exposed, weathered shale.

Low. Potential habitat in 

annual grasslands and one 

occurrence in the region.

No

San Luis Obispo pyrg

(Pyrgulopsis taylori)

-/-/- Occurs in San Luis Obispo County. Snail species 

found in freshwater habitats, typically springs and 

creeks.

Moderate. Potential habitat in 

streams and a few 

occurrences in the region.

No

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

(Branchinecta lynchi)

T/-/- Occurs in the Central Valley from Shasta County to 

Tulare County and the central and southern Coast 

Ranges from northern Solano County to Ventura 

County. Occurs in vernal pools and seasonal 

wetlands found in annual grasslands.

Moderate. Potential habitat in 

annual grasslands. Several 

occurrences in the region.

No

Amphibians

California red-legged 

frog

(Rana draytonii)

T/SSC/- Occurs primarily in the foothills of the central 

Coast Ranges, with isolated populations in the 

Sierra Nevada. Ponds and streams with a 

minimum 11–20 weeks of water for larval 

development, and upland refugia for aestivation. 

Recovery Plan identifies Diablo Range and Salinas 

Valley as part of historic range.

High. Suitable habitat in Study 

Areas and numerous 

occurrences in the region.

No
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-25

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

California tiger 

salamander (central 

California)

(Ambystoma 

californiense)

T/T/- Central Valley from Sacramento County south to 

Kern County, including Sierra Nevada foothills, up 

to approximately 1,000 feet, and coastal region 

from San Francisco Bay area south to northeastern 

San Luis Obispo County. Small ponds or vernal 

pools in annual grasslands and oak woodlands for 

aquatic habitat; rodent burrows or soil crevices for 

adult cover during the summer.

Moderate. Suitable habitat in 

Study Areas and a few 

occurrences in the region.

No

Coast Range newt

 Taricha torosa

-/SSC/- Occurs from Mendocino County south through the 

Coast Range and on into coastal areas of southern 

California. Found in woodlands that are 

interspersed with grassland and chaparral. 

Breeding takes place in streams, ponds, and lakes.

High. Suitable habitat in Study 

Areas and several occurrences 

in the region.

No

Foothill yellow-legged 

frog

 Rana boylii

-/SSC/- Occurs in the Klamath, Cascade, north Coast, 

south Coast, Transverse, and Sierra Nevada 

Ranges up to approximately 6,000 feet. Creeks or 

rivers in woodland, forest, mixed chaparral, and 

wet meadow habitats with rock and gravel 

substrate and low overhanging vegetation along 

the edge. Usually found near riffles with rocks and 

sunny banks nearby.

Moderate. Potentially suitable 

habitat in Study Area and a 

few occurrences in the region.

No

Western spadefoot 

toad

 Spea hammondii

-/SSC/- Sierra Nevada foothills, Central Valley, Coast 

Ranges, coastal counties in southern California. 

Seasonal streams and seasonal wetlands, such as 

vernal pools in annual grasslands.

High. Suitable habitat in Study 

Areas and numerous 

occurrences in the region.

Yes
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-26

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Reptiles

Black legless lizard

 Anniella pulchra nigra

-/SSC/- Subspecies currently distributed in Monterey 

County between Salinas and Carmel Rivers. 

Associated with a variety of vegetation types on 

sandy soils with accessible moisture.

Low. Study areas outside 

species known range.

No

Coast horned lizard

 Phrynosoma blainvillii

-/SSC/- Occurs in select regions of the Coast Range, the 

Sierra Nevada foothills, parts of the Central 

Valley, South Coast, Tehacapi, Transverse, and 

Peninsular ranges. Inhabits sandy areas such as 

washes, flood plains, or windblown deposits. 

Usually associated with grassland, open 

chaparral, open coniferous forest, coastal sage 

scrub, and broadleaf woodlands. 

Moderate. Suitable habitat in 

Study Areas and some 

occurrences in the region.

No

San Joaquin whipsnake

 Masticophis flagellum 

ruddocki

 

-/SSC/- Occurs in the southern half of the Central Valley 

and coast ranges south of San Francisco. Occur 

in open terrain and most abundant in grasslands, 

desert, scrub, and chaparral.

High. Suitable habitat in Study 

Area and numerous 

occurrences in region.

Yes

Silvery legless lizard

 Anniella pulchra 

pulchra

-/SSC/- Patchily distributed from Antioch south along the 

coast, foothills, San Joaquin Valley, and southern 

Sierra Nevada. Associated with a variety of 

vegetation types on sandy soils with accessible 

moisture.

Moderate. Suitable habitat in 

Study Areas

No
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-27

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Two-striped garter 

snake

 Thamnophis 

hammondii

-/SSC/- Occurs from the Diablo Range and the Salinas 

Valley south along the South Coast and 

Transverse ranges to the Mexican border, and on 

Catalina Island. Associated with permanent and 

semi-permanent bodies of water in a variety of 

habitats. Forages primarily along streams and 

uses mammal burrows and crevices at times for 

upland cover.

Moderate. Suitable habitat in 

Study Areas and one 

occurrence in the region. 

Species likely not typically 

reported to CNDDB.

No

Western pond turtle

 Emys marmorata

-/SSC/- Range spans across California west of the SierraCascade crest, below 5,000 feet in elevation. 

Forages in ponds, marshes, slow-moving streams, 

sloughs, and irrigation/drainage ditches; nests in 

nearby uplands with low, sparse vegetation. 

High. Suitable habitat in Study 

Areas and numerous 

occurrences in region.

Yes

Birds

American peregrine 

falcon

 Falco peregrinus 

anatum

D/D(FP)/BCC Permanent resident along the north and south 

Coast Ranges. May summer in the Cascade and 

Klamath Ranges and through the Sierra Nevada 

to Madera County. Winters in the Central Valley 

south through the Transverse and Peninsular 

Ranges and the plains east of the Cascade Range. 

Nests and roosts on protected ledges of high 

cliffs, usually adjacent to lakes, rivers, or marshes 

that support large prey populations

Low. The CNDDB polygon for 

this species overlaps the study 

area but there is likely no 

suitable nesting habitat (cliffs) 

in the study areas.

Yes
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-28

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Bank swallow

 Riparia riparia

-/T/- Occurs along the Sacramento River from Tahama

County to Sacramento County, along the Feather 

and lower American Rivers, in the Owens Valley; 

and in the plains east of the Cascade Range in 

Modoc, Lassen, and northern Siskiyou Counties. 

Small populations near the coast from San 

Francisco County to Monterey County. Nests in 

bluffs or banks, usually adjacent to water, where 

the soil consists of sand or sandy loam.

High. There are records for 

colonies along the Salinas 

River. Portions of the study 

areas may include suitable 

habitat.

Yes

Burrowing owl

 Athene cunicularia

-/SSC Lowlands throughout California, including the 

Central Valley, northeastern plateau, 

southeastern deserts, and coastal areas. Rare 

along south coast. Level, open, dry, heavily 

grazed or low stature grassland or desert 

vegetation with available burrows

High. Suitable habitat in Study 

Areas and numerous 

occurrences in region.

No

California condor

 Gymnogyps 

californianus

E/E/- Populations exist in central and southern 

California, northern Arizona, and southern Utah, 

as well as northern Baja California. Species nests 

primarily in cavities located on steep rock 

formations or in the burned out hollows of oldgrowth conifers with less typical nesting 

occurring on cliff ledges, cupped broken tops of 

old-growth conifers, and nests of other species. 

Forage widely in open terrain of foothill 

grassland and oak savanna habitats.

Low. No suitable nesting 

habitat in the Study Areas 

(cliffs or old growth trees) but 

species could forage in Study 

Areas. CNDBB record polygon 

is large and actual nesting 

habitat is far removed from 

the Study Areas.

Yes
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-29

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

California horned lark

 Eremophila alpestris 

actia

-/-/WL Year-round range spans most of lowland 

California. Nests and forages in open habitats 

with sparse vegetation, including grasslands and 

fallow agricultural fields.

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present and some occurrences 

in the region.

No

California least tern 

 Sternula antillarum 

browni

E/E(FP)/- The Pacific Coast from San Francisco to Baja 

California; winters in Mexico; when feeding, 

follows schools of fish and is sometimes seen as 

far north as southern Oregon. Prefers 

undisturbed nest sites on open or sparsely 

vegetated, sandy, or gravelly shores on beaches 

or near shallow-water estuaries where it often 

feeds; has reportedly also nested on landfills and 

paved areas.

None. No suitable habitat in 

the Study Areas.

No

Ferruginous hawk

 Buteo regalis

-/-/BCC,WL Winter range spans most of California except the 

higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada and 

northern Coast Ranges; does not nest in 

California. Forages most commonly in grasslands 

and shrublands; also forages in agricultural fields.

Moderate. Suitable winter 

foraging habitat present. A 

few records in the region.

No

Golden eagle

 Aquila chrysaetos

-/FP/BCC,WL Foothills and mountains throughout California. 

Uncommon nonbreeding visitor to lowlands such 

as the Central Valley. Nest on cliffs and 

escarpments or in tall trees overlooking open 

country. Forages in annual grasslands, chaparral, 

and oak woodlands with plentiful medium and 

large-sized mammals.

Low-Moderate. Could nest in 

tall trees in Study Areas if 

present but typical nesting 

habitat not likely present. 

Suitable foraging habitat is 

present

Yes
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-30

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Grasshopper sparrow

 Ammodramus 

savannarum

-/SSC/- Breeding range spans much of the Central Valley 

and California coast, but populations are typically 

localized and disjunct; most individuals migrate, 

although some may be present year-round. 

Nests and forages in dense grasslands; favors a 

mix of native grasses, forbs, and scattered 

shrubs.

Low-Moderate. Suitable 

habitat present but only one 

occurrence in the region.

No

Great blue heron

 Ardea herodias

-/-/- Year-round range spans most of California except 

the eastern portion of the State and the highest 

elevations; winter range expands to include 

eastern California. Nests colonially in tall trees; 

forages in freshwater and saline marshes, 

shallow open water, and occasionally cropland or 

low, open upland habitats, such as pastures.

High. Suitable foraging and 

nesting habitat is present. 

Only one rookery reported in 

the region, yet species 

typically goes unreported. 

No

Least Bell’s vireo

 Vireo bellii pusillus

E/E/- Formerly a common and widespread summer 

resident throughout Sacramento and San Joaquin 

valleys, and in the coastal valleys and foothills 

from Santa Clara County south, but its numbers 

have drastically declined, and the species has 

vanished from much of its California range. 

Nests and roosts in low riparian thickets of 

willows and shrubs, usually near water but 

sometimes along dry, intermittent streams; other 

associated vegetation includes cottonwood trees, 

blackberry, mulefat, and mesquite (in desert). 

Occurred historically in the Salinas Valley. There 

are CNDDB records around Paso Robles. 

Low-Moderate. Suitable 

habitat is present. Species is 

rare but there are recent 

sightings in the region.

Yes
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-31

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Merlin

 Falco columbarius

-/-/WL Winter range encompasses most of California 

except the highest elevations; does not breed in 

California. Forages in a wide variety of habitats, 

but in the Central Valley is most common around 

agricultural fields and grasslands

Moderate. Suitable winter 

foraging habitat present. A 

few records in the region.

No

Prairie falcon

 Falco mexicanus

-/-/BCC,WL Year-round range includes eastern California, the 

Coast Ranges, and much of southern California; 

winter range expands to include the Delta, 

Central Valley, and coastal California. Forages 

most commonly in grasslands and low 

shrublands; also forages in agricultural fields.

High. Suitable habitat is 

present and numerous records 

in the region.

Yes

Purple martin

 Progne subis

-/SSC/- Breeding range includes the Sierra Nevada, 

Cascade Range, portions of the Coast Ranges and 

coast, and parts of southern California; 

extirpated from the Delta, and nesting in the 

Central Valley has been reduced to 

transportation structures in and around the city 

of Sacramento. Nests in tree cavities, bridges, 

utility poles, lava tubes, and buildings; forages in 

foothill and low montane oak and riparian 

woodlands, and less frequently in coniferous 

forests and open or developed habitats.

Low. Potentially suitable 

habitat is present but the 

species is rare in the region.

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-32

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Tricolored blackbird

 Agelaius tricolor

-/SSC/- Year-round resident throughout the Central 

Valley and the central and southern coasts, with 

additional scattered locations throughout 

California. Nests colonially in large, dense stands 

of freshwater marsh, riparian scrub, and other 

shrubs and herbs; forages in grasslands and 

agricultural fields. 

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present but the species is rare 

in the region.

Yes

White-tailed kite

 Elanus leucurus

-/FP/- Lowland areas west of Sierra Nevada from the 

head of the Sacramento Valley south, including 

coastal valleys and foothills to western San Diego 

County at the Mexico border. Low foothills or 

valley areas with valley or live oaks, riparian 

areas, and marshes near open grasslands for 

foraging.

High. Suitable habitat is 

present and species is 

relatively common in the 

region.

Yes

Yellow warbler

 Dendroica petechial 

brewsteri

-/SSC/BCC Range includes coastal and northern California 

and the Sierra Nevada below approximately 

7,000 feet; mostly extirpated from the southern 

Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Nests and 

forages in early successional riparian habitats.

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present yet the species is rare 

in the region.

Yes
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-33

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Mammals

American badger

 Taxidea taxus

-/SSC/- In California, badgers occur throughout the state 

except in humid coastal forests of northwestern 

California in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. 

Badgers occur in a wide variety of open, arid 

habitats but are most commonly associated with 

grasslands, savannas, mountain meadows, and 

open areas of desert scrub; the primary habitat 

requirements for the species appear to be 

sufficient food (burrowing rodents), friable soils, 

and relatively open, uncultivated ground.

High. Suitable habitat is 

present and species is 

common in the region.

Yes

Big-eared kangaroo rat

 Dipodomys venustus 

elephantinus

-/SSC/- Found in Monterey and San Benito counties. 

Occurs in chaparral-covered slopes of the 

southern part of the Gabilian Range in the 

vicinity of Pinnacles.

Low. Study areas are outside 

of the species known range.

No

Giant kangaroo rat

 Dipodomys ingens

E/E/- Current population fragmented into six major 

geographic units: Ciervo-Panoche in western 

Fresno and eastern San Benito counties; 

Kettleman Hills in southwestern Kings County; 

San Juan Creek Valley in eastern San Luis Obispo 

County; the Lokenr area, Elk Hills in western Kern 

County; Carrizo Plain in eastern San Luis Obispo 

County; and Cuyama Valley along the eastern 

Santa Barabara-San Luis Obispo County line. 

Occurs in annual grasslands and shrub 

communities with sandy-loam soils, typically with 

sparse vegetation.

Low. Study areas are outside 

of the species known range

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-34

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Hoary bat

 Lasiurus cinereus

-/-/M Ranges widely, but populations in the Central 

Valley are most likely non-reproductive or 

migratory. Typically roosts alone in a variety of 

broadleaf tree species such as cottonwood and 

sycamore; also found roosting in conifers. May 

be found in a range of vegetation and roost 

substrates during migration.

Moderate. Suitable habitat is 

present but there are few 

records in the region.

No

Pallid bat

 Antrozous pallidus

-/SSC/H Occurs throughout California except the high 

Sierra from Shasta to Kern County and the 

northwest coast, primarily at lower and mid 

elevations. Occurs in a variety of habitats from 

desert to coniferous forest. Most closely 

associated with oak, yellow pine, redwood, and 

giant sequoia habitats in northern California and 

oak woodland, grassland, and desert scrub in 

southern California. Relies heavily on trees for 

roosts.

Moderate-High. Suitable 

habitat is present and there 

are multiple records in the 

region.

No

Salinas pocket mouse

 Perognathus inornatus 

psammophilus

-/SSC/- Found in the Salinas Valley in Monterey and San 

Luis Obispo counties. Occurs in annual 

grasslands and desert shrub communities with 

fine-textured, sandy, friable soils.

Moderate-High. Potentially 

suitable habitat is present and 

there are multiple records in 

the region.

No

San Joaquin kit fox

 Vuples macrotis 

mutica

E/T/- Occurs primarily in the southern San Joaquin 

Valley but is also found in Carrizo Plain, the inner 

portions of the Coast Range between Santa Clara 

County and San Luis Obispo County, and there 

are records in Contra Costa, Alameda, and San 

Joaquin Counties. The species occurs in 

grasslands and alkali scrub.

High. Suitable habitat is 

present and there are several 

records within the region and 

in the Study Areas.

Yes
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-35

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

San Joaquin pocket 

mouse

 Perognathus inornatus 

inornatus

-/-/- Year-round range spans the San Joaquin Valley, 

Delta, Sacramento Valley through Colusa County, 

and portions of the southern Coast Ranges. 

Inhabits grassland and scrub habitats with friable 

soils.

Low-Moderate. Suitable 

habitat is present but only one 

record within the region.

Yes

Townsend’s big-eared 

bat

 Corynorhinus 

townsendii

-/SSC/H Year-round range spans most of California except 

the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada south 

of Lake Tahoe. This species may use several 

alternate roost sites (Woodruff and Ferguson 

2005). Typically roosts in colonies of fewer than 

100 individuals in caves or mines; occasionally

roosts in buildings or bridges, and rarely, hollow 

trees; forages in all habitats except alpine and 

subalpine, although most commonly in mesic 

forests and woodlands.

Low. No typical roosting 

habitat is present in the Study 

Areas but may use them for 

foraging. Only a few records 

in the region.

No
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-36

Common and 

Scientific Names

Statusa

(Federal/

State/

Other)

Geographic Distribution and General 

Habitat Description

Species Potential to 

Occur in Study Area

CNDDB 

Occurrences in 

Study Area (Y/N)

Western mastiff bat

 Eumops perotis 

californicus

-/SSC/H Year-round range spans most of California, with 

records absent from the northwest and 

northeast portions of the State. Typically roosts 

in crevices in cliffs and rocky outcrops, in colonies 

of fewer than 100 individuals. May also roost in 

bridges, caves and buildings that allow sufficient 

height and clearance for dropping into flight. 

There is at least one record of this species 

roosting in an untrimmed palm tree. Forages in a 

variety of grassland, shrub, and wooded habitats, 

including riparian and urban areas, although 

most commonly in open, arid lands.

Low. No suitable roosting 

habitat is present in the Study 

Areas but may use them for 

foraging. Only one record in 

the region.

No

a Status explanations:

Federal

E = Listed as endangered under the federal ESA.

T = Listed as threatened under the federal ESA.

C = Species for which USFWS has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support issuance of a proposed rule to list, but 

issuance of the proposed rule is precluded.

D = Delisted 

— = No listing status.

State

E = Listed as endangered under CESA.

T = Listed as threatened under CESA.

D = Delisted

FP = Fully protected 

SSC = Species of Special Concern

— = No listing status.

Other

BCC = USFWS - Bird of Conservation Concern

 WL = California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Watch List

 H = Western Bat Working Group – High level of concern

 M = Western Bat Working Group – Medium level of concern

b National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Regional Office, 2007
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-37

Critical Habitat

It is assumed that all sensitive vegetation communities within the study area 

provide wildlife habitat. Certain portions of the existing rail alignment and the 

proposed improvements occur in areas that have been dedicated as Critical Habitat

for certain species. Designated critical habitat is defined by the USFWS as habitat 

believed to be essential to the conservation of a designated threatened or 

endangered species. The study area contains critical habitat areas for three 

threatened or endangered species: vernal pool fairy shrimp, California red-legged 

frog, and south-coast California steelhead. Figure 3.13-2 shows the distribution of 

critical habitat in the study area.

Wildlife Movement/Migration Corridors

Any large open areas, parks and reserve areas, creeks, rivers and riparian areas in 

undeveloped settings are considered potential wildlife movement corridors. 

Smaller creeks and areas of disconnected habitat can also provide connectivity for 

wildlife by acting as stepping stones for the regional movement of some avian 

species, or by providing rest areas for migratory species. 

At a secondary level, agricultural and even suburbanized areas can provide limited 

opportunities for wildlife movement.

Based on the foregoing, the most likely wildlife movement/migration corridors in 

the study area include the Salinas River, San Marcos Creek, Santa Margarita Creek, 

Yerba Buena Creek, San Lorenzo Creek, Camp Roberts, the Big Sandy Wildlife Area, 

and Los Padres National Forest. 

Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands

The study area includes numerous creeks, rivers, and wetlands. These bodies are 

important for consideration as both jurisdictional waters and potential wildlife 

areas. Figure 3.13-3 shows the distribution of wetlands and jurisdictional waters in 

the study area.

Rivers and Creeks

The most prominent river in the study area is the Salinas River. No proposed 

improvements would involve crossing the Salinas River. Other streams in the study

area include San Marcos Creek, Santa Margarita Creek, Yerba Buena Creek, and San

Lorenzo Creek. The areas around each creek are considered potential wildlife 

habitat. 
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-38

Wetlands and Waters

Wetlands are considered a unique biological resource for both sensitive plant and 

wildlife communities. A wetland is defined by meeting one of the following three 

jurisdictional criteria: presence of wetland hydrology, predominance of hydrophytic

(literally, water-loving) plants, and presence of hydric soils. According to the 

USFWS’s inventory of wetlands (the NWI) four types of wetlands and waters are 

present in the study area. Wetlands include freshwater emergent wetlands, 

freshwater forested/shrub wetlands; waters includes freshwater ponds and riverine

environments (see Figure 3.13-3). The two types of wetlands present in the study 

area are described below. 

Freshwater Emergent Wetlands are characterized by erect, rooted aquatic plants 

that thrive under frequent flood conditions. In wetter areas, this includes common 

cattail, tule bulrush, river bulrush, and arrowhead. On the drier margins of these 

wetlands, big leaf sedge, baltic rush, redroot nutgrass and saltgrass can be found. 

Freshwater emergent wetlands occur in virtually all exposures and slopes, however 

they are most often found on level to gently rolling topography.21

Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetlands often occur adjacent to riverine habitats. 

They are characterized by woody vegetation, including broad-leaved deciduous.22

There are situations where riverine and freshwater pond habitats could possess 

emergent vegetation and thus be classified as wetlands. Nonetheless, all of the 

waters assessed herein are afforded the same protection under the CWA. 

Habitat Conservation Plans and Habitat Reserves

There are no adopted Habitat Conservation Plans in the study area. The Big Sandy 

Wildlife Area, occupying two sections of land in the study area, is a reserve under 

the jurisdiction of the CDFW. CDFW has not to date adopted any plan to more 

specifically regulate resources within Big Sandy.23 

3.13.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

No Build Alternative

The No Build Alternative represents the continuation of existing operations and 

physical components, and assumes the perpetuation of existing freight and 

 

21 Mayer and Laudenslayer, 1988, p. 124

22 Cowardin et al., 1979

23 Personal Communication with Bob Stafford on March 8, 2013.
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-39

passenger service. Under the No Build Alternative, passenger rail operations 

between Salinas and San Luis Obispo would not change. Coast Starlight service 

would continue through the corridor. Pacific Surfliner service to Southern California 

would continue to originate/terminate in San Luis Obispo. The only physical 

improvement expected under the No Build Alternative would be the installation of 

positive train control (PTC) along the Corridor, which would provide increased safety 

for freight and passenger trains. PTC equipment would likely be installed within the 

existing railroad, likely in close proximity to the rail bed. These are highly developed 

areas that are unlikely to contain protected species or sensitive habitat areas. As a 

result, the No Build Alternative would be unlikely to result in any substantial new 

impacts to biological resources. 

Build Alternative

Construction-Period Effects

Table 3.13-3 summarizes potential temporary construction period effects for Build 

Alternative components. Critical habitat for special-status species is typically 

recorded in acreages for terrestrial or wetland habitat and linear feet for 

watercourses, such as streams and river.

Certain proposed physical improvements, such as curve realignments and new or 

extended sidings may in some cases diverge substantially from the existing railroad 

right of way. Construction (and as described further below, operation) of such 

improvements would require staging areas on adjacent lands that may be protected 

for sensitive vegetation, special-status species, critical habitat for protected species, 

wetlands, or non-jurisdictional waters. Access routes to construction sites as well as 

construction staging areas could disturb biological resources by traveling through 

and potentially damaging these sensitive habitats. Such uses would be temporary, 

lasting for the duration of construction. Where possible, these protected areas 

would be rehabilitated.
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-40

Table 3.13-3 Build Alternative Potential Construction-Period Biological Resource Impacts

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities 

(Type/Acreage)

Number of 

Special Status 

Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage)

Wetlands and Waters

(Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Salinas Powered Switch None None None None None

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #1 None None None None None

Spence Siding Extension

0.1 freshwater emergent 

wetland 10 animal 

species None

Freshwater Emergent 

Wetland – 0.09

Riverine – 0.03

129 linear feet

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #2 None None None None None

Gonzales Powered Switch None None None None None

Soledad Powered Switch None None None None None

Soledad New Passenger 

Station None None None None None

Harlem/Metz Curve 

Realignments

52.8 ac grassland

0.1 ac riverine

1.0 ac valley foothill riparian

30 animal 

species

6 plant species

None Riverine – 0.13 302 linear feet
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-41

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities 

(Type/Acreage)

Number of 

Special Status 

Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage)

Wetlands and Waters

(Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Chalone Creek New Siding 

21.9 ac grassland

0.1 coastal oak woodland

0.7 ac freshwater emergent 

wetland

1.2 ac valley foothill riparian

29 animal 

species

4 plant species

None

Freshwater Emergent 

Wetland – 0.66 None

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #3 None None None None None

Coburn Curve 

Realignments

32.2 ac grassland

0.1 ac riverine

24 animal 

species

1 plant species

None Riverine – 0.12 61 linear feet 

King City Siding Extension

4.0 ac grassland

0.1 ac freshwater emergent 

wetland

21 animal 

species

3 plant species

None Freshwater Emergent 

Wetland – 0.05 133 linear feet

King City New Passenger 

Station None None None None None

King City Powered Switch None None None None None

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #4 None None None None None

MP 165 Curve Realignment

21.8 ac grassland

0.2 freshwater forested/shrub 

wetland

0.5 ac freshwater pond

24 animal 

species

3 plant species

None

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub Wetland 

– 0.24

Freshwater Pond – 0.49

403 linear feet
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-42

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities 

(Type/Acreage)

Number of 

Special Status 

Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage)

Wetlands and Waters

(Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

San Lucas New Siding 

8.9 ac grassland

0.8 ac valley foothill riparian

26 animal 

species

2 plant species

None None None

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #5

None None None None None

MP 172 Track Realignment

8.5 ac grassland

0.8 ac valley foothill riparian

26 animal 

species

3 plant species

None None 785 linear feet

San Ardo Powered Switch None None None None None

Getty/Bradley Curve 

Realignments

54.3 ac grassland

1.3 ac blue oak woodland

0.9 ac coastal scrub

0.7 ac freshwater pond

3.5 ac riverine

11.7 ac valley foothill riparian

36 animal 

species

4 plant species

None

Freshwater Pond – 0.65

Riverine – 3.49

1,636 linear feet

Bradley Siding Extension

34.1 ac grassland

0.7 ac riverine

4.5 ac valley foothill riparian

35 animal 

species

3 plant species

Vernal pool fairy 

shrimp – 5 ac Riverine – 0.73 109 linear feet

Bradley Powered Switch) None None None None None

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #6 None None None None None
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-43

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities 

(Type/Acreage)

Number of 

Special Status 

Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage)

Wetlands and Waters

(Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #7

None None None None None

McKay/Wellsona Curve 

Realignments

6.0 ac blue oak woodland

12.4 ac coastal oak woodland

12.6 ac freshwater emergent 

wetland

1.2 ac freshwater

forested/shrub wetland

0.1 ac riverine

16 animal 

species

10 plant species

None

Freshwater Emergent 

Wetland – 12.57

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub Wetland 

– 1.22

Riverine – 0.11

None

McKay East Powered 

Switches None None None None None

Wellsona New Siding

4.5 ac grassland

8.8 ac blue oak woodland

14.4 ac coastal oak woodland

11.7 ac freshwater emergent 

wetland

1.6 ac freshwater 

forested/shrub wetland

0.1 ac riverine

32 animal 

species

9 plant species

South-Coast 

California 

steelhead – 66 

linear feet

Freshwater Emergent 

Wetland – 11.68

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub Wetland 

– 1.65

Riverine – 0.15

123 linear feet

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #8 None None None None None
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-44

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities 

(Type/Acreage)

Number of 

Special Status 

Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage)

Wetlands and Waters

(Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Wellsona/Paso Robles 

Curve Realignments

8.8 ac grassland

2.3 ac blue oak woodland

1.0 ac coastal oak woodland

26 animal 

species

8 plant species

None None None

Templeton Siding

7.3 ac grassland

1.2 ac blue oak woodland

0.5 ac freshwater emergent 

wetland

2.1 freshwater forested/shrub 

wetland

0.8 ac riverine

0.3 ac valley foothill riparian

30 animal 

species

8 plant species

None

Freshwater Emergent 

Wetland – 0.52

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub Wetland 

– 2.11

Riverine – 0.77

267 linear feet

Templeton/Henry Curve 

Realignments

1.7 ac grassland

2.5 ac blue oak woodland

0.1 ac blue oak-foothill pine

6.2 ac coastal oak woodland

3.3 ac unknown shrub type

23 animal 

species

8 plant species

None None None

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #9 None None None None None
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-45

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities 

(Type/Acreage)

Number of 

Special Status 

Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage)

Wetlands and Waters

(Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Henry/Santa Margarita 

Curve Realignment

44.5 ac grassland

25.1 ac blue oak-foothill pine

1.6 ac coastal oak woodland

10.1 ac coastal scrub

3.4 ac freshwater emergent 

wetland

3.3 ac freshwater 

forested/shrub wetland

1.1 ac freshwater pond

4.8 ac riverine

0.9 ac valley oak woodland

33 animal 

species

19 plant species

California redlegged frog – 0.001 

ac

South-Coast 

California 

steelhead – 1,362 

linear feet

Freshwater Emergent 

Wetland – 3.40

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub Wetland 

– 3.34

Freshwater Pond – 1.14

Riverine – 4.75

5,719 linear feet

Santa Margarita Powered 

Switch None None None None None
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-46

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities 

(Type/Acreage)

Number of 

Special Status 

Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage)

Wetlands and Waters

(Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Cuesta Second Main Track

10.2 ac grassland

5.4 ac blue oak woodland

14.8 ac coastal oak woodland

2.1 ac coastal scrub

0.1 ac freshwater emergent 

wetland

6.7 ac freshwater 

forested/shrub wetland

1.4 ac riverine

1.5 ac valley oak woodland

29 animal 

species

23 plant species

California redlegged frog – 46 ac

Freshwater Emergent 

Wetland – 0.14

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub Wetland 

– 6.67

Freshwater Pond – 0.04

Riverine – 1.41

5,986 linear feet

Upgrades to Existing 

Alignment Section #10 None None None None None

Source: ICF, 2013
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-47

Generally, construction of any of the proposed physical improvements that would 

be placed within the existing railroad tracks or existing railroad right-of-way (rail and 

track upgrades, signal upgrades, and powered switches) would result in little or no 

impact to adjacent protected lands and special status species, as such work would 

take place entirely within the existing rail transportation corridor. Therefore, all of 

the existing alignment areas listed in the Table below are noted as having no 

sensitive biological resources.

As identified in Table 3.13-3 above, many of the proposed improvements that

would require use of land outside of the existing railroad right-of-way have 

somewhat greater potential to impact biological resources. Most of the temporary 

impacts areas for curve realignments and the second mainline include substantial 

areas of land not currently in transportation use. Some of these areas host sensitive 

habitats and protected species. Of note are the critical habitat areas of the 

California Red-Legged Frog located within the area of the proposed second mainline 

near Cuesta Grade and that of the South-Coast California Steelhead located within

the Henry/Santa Margarita Curve Realignment. Temporary impacts associated with 

one curve realignment at Getty/Bradley have the potential to intrude into the river 

during construction. 

Operational Effects

Permanent impact areas comprise the potential footprint of the new improvement 

or extended right-of-way necessary for the specific improvement.

For those elements of the Build Alternative that could be constructed within or 

immediately adjacent to the railbed, impacts to biological resources and wetlands 

are not considered significant because it is unlikely that sensitive biological 

resources are located within the rail bed, due to train operations, and unsuitable 

habitat such as rocks, dirt, and the railway itself. This is expected to include track 

and signal upgrades and new powered switches. There is some potential for 

biological resources to be present outside of the railbed but within the railway rightof-way. New stations are also expected to have non-significant impacts to biological 

resources, since they are located in urban areas and mostly surrounded by 

developed lands.

Outside the right-of-way, curve realignments, as well as several sidings and 

extensions could have permanent impacts to biological resources. This assessment 

is intended to represent worst case conditions; conservative (i.e. large) impact 

buffers were used and the maximum potential footprint for each of the 

improvements was assumed. Table 3.13-4 summarizes the maximum potential 

permanent impacts to biological resources that are associated with the various 

components of the Build Alternative.
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-48

Table 3.13-4 Build Alternative Potential Operational Biological Resources Impacts

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities (Type/Acreage)

Number of Special 

Status Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage/

Linear Feet)

Wetlands and 

Waters (Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Salinas Powered 

Switch None None None None None

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #1 

None None None None None

Spence Siding 

Extension None 5 animal species None

Pond – 0.00

Riverine – 0.01

83 linear feet

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #2 

None None None None None

Gonzales Powered 

Switch None None None None None

Soledad Powered 

Switch None None None None None

Soledad New 

Passenger Station None None None None None

Harlem/Metz Curve 

Realignments

15.0 ac grassland

0.3 ac valley foothill riparian

26 animal species

5 plant species

None None None
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-49

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities (Type/Acreage)

Number of Special 

Status Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage/

Linear Feet)

Wetlands and 

Waters (Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Chalone Creek New 

Siding 

10.4 ac grassland

0.6 ac freshwater emergent wetland

1.1 ac valley foothill riparian

28 animal species

2 plant species

None

Freshwater 

Emergent 

Wetland – 0.60

None

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #3

None None None None None

Coburn Curve 

Realignments

5.5 ac grassland 19 animal species

1 plant species

None None None

King City Siding 

Extension

3.5 ac grassland 18 animal species

3 plant species

None None 100 linear feet

King City New 

Passenger Station None None None None None

King City Powered 

Switch None None None None None

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #4

None None None None None

MP 165 Curve 

Realignment

6.3 ac grassland

0.1 ac freshwater forested/shrub 

wetland

0.2 ac freshwater pond

24 animal species

3 plant species

None

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub 

Wetland – 0.13

Freshwater Pond 

– 0.15

100 linear feet
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-50

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities (Type/Acreage)

Number of Special 

Status Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage/

Linear Feet)

Wetlands and 

Waters (Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

San Lucas New 

Siding 

7.7 ac grassland

0.9 ac valley foothill riparian

26 animal species

2 plant species

None None None

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #5

None None None None None

MP 172 Track 

Realignment

1.4 ac grassland 19 animal species

2 plant species

None None 150 linear feet

San Ardo Powered 

Switch None None None None None

Getty/Bradley Curve 

Realignments

16.2 ac grassland

0.3 ac riverine

3.8 ac valley foothill riparian

35 animal species

3 plant species

None Riverine – 0.26 417 linear feet

Bradley Siding 

Extension

48.0 ac grassland

0.3 ac riverine

3.7 ac valley foothill riparian

36 animal species

3 plant species

Vernal pool fairy 

shrimp – 7 ac Riverine – 0.27 109 linear feet

Bradley Powered 

Switch) None None None None None

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #6

None None None None None
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-51

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities (Type/Acreage)

Number of Special 

Status Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage/

Linear Feet)

Wetlands and 

Waters (Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #7

None None None None None

McKay/ Wellsona

Curve Realignments

2.4 ac blue oak woodland

4.6 coastal oak woodland

7.2 ac freshwater emergent wetland

0.7 freshwater forested/shrub 

wetland

13 animal species

10 plant species

None

Freshwater 

Emergent 

Wetland – 7.20

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub 

Wetland – 0.65

Riverine 0.00

None 

McKay East 

Powered Switches None None None None None

Wellsona New 

Siding

3.2 ac grassland

6.1 ac blue oak woodland

8.1 coastal oak woodland

7.2 ac freshwater emergent wetland

0.8 ac freshwater forested/shrub 

wetland

30 animal species

9 plant species

South-Coast 

California steelhead 

– 61 linear feet

Freshwater 

Emergent 

Wetland – 7.20

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub 

Wetland – 0.82

Riverine – 0.04

124 linear feet

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #8

None None None None None
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-52

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities (Type/Acreage)

Number of Special 

Status Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage/

Linear Feet)

Wetlands and 

Waters (Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Wellsona/ Paso 

Robles Curve 

Realignments

3.8 ac grassland 22 animal species

7 plant species

None None None

Templeton Siding

7.3 ac grassland

1.5 ac blue oak woodland

0.7 ac freshwater emergent wetland

0.8 ac freshwater forested/shrub 

wetland

0.4 ac valley foothill riparian

28 animal species

8 plant species

None

Freshwater 

Emergent 

Wetland – 0.67

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub 

Wetland – 0.84

Riverine – 0.05

226 linear feet

Templeton/ Henry 

Curve Realignments

0.6 ac grassland

0.6 ac blue oak woodland

2.1 ac coastal oak woodland

0.7 ac unknown shrub type

23 animal species

8 plant species None None None

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #9

None None None None None
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-53

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities (Type/Acreage)

Number of Special 

Status Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage/

Linear Feet)

Wetlands and 

Waters (Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Henry/Santa 

Margarita Curve 

Realignment

13.3 ac grassland

6.1 ac blue oak-foothill pine

2.7 ac coastal scrub

0.8 ac cropland

1.4 ac freshwater emergent wetland

0.4 ac freshwater forested/shrub 

wetland

0.1 ac freshwater pond

0.1 ac riverine

0.0 ac unknown shrub type

1.7 ac urban

33 animal species

19 plant species

None

Freshwater 

Emergent 

Wetland – 1.37

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub 

Wetland – 0.36

Freshwater Pond 

– 0.11

Riverine – 0.08

305 linear feet

Santa Margarita

Powered Switch None None None None None
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-54

Build Alternative 

Components

Sensitive Vegetation 

Communities (Type/Acreage)

Number of Special 

Status Species

Critical Habitat 

Area 

(Species/Acreage/

Linear Feet)

Wetlands and 

Waters (Acres)

Non Wetland 

Jurisdictional 

Waters (linear 

feet)

Cuesta Second Main 

Track

8.9 ac grassland

2.4 ac blue oak woodland

6.7 ac coastal oak woodland

1.2 ac coastal scrub

0.7 ac freshwater forested/shrub 

wetland

0.1 ac riverine

0.6 ac valley oak woodland

28 animal species

23 plant species

California red-legged 

frog – 26 ac

Freshwater 

Forested/Shrub 

Wetland – 0.69

Riverine – 0.09

749 linear feet

Upgrades to 

Existing Alignment 

Section #10

None None None None None

Source: ICF, 2013
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-55

As summarized in Table 3.13-4 above, potential permanent impacts are most likely 

associated with the curve realignments and second mainline, as each would require 

lands outside the existing railroad right-of-way where sensitive biological resources 

are or are suspected of being present. 

The second mainline has the potential to impact approximately 26 acres of 

California red-legged frog habitat, several special-status species, and almost 20 

acres of sensitive vegetation communities. The Bradley siding extension may impact 

up to 7 acres of vernal pool fairy shrimp habitat and as many as 36 special-status 

animal species. The Harlem/Metz curve realignments may impact over 15 acres of 

sensitive vegetation communities and 26 special-status animal species. The 

McKay/Wellsona curve realignments and the Wellsona new siding may each impact 

over 7 acres of freshwater emergent wetlands, and several special-status species. 

Additional potential biological resource impacts would result from the various 

physical improvements.

There is considerable uncertainty whether some or all of the Build Alternative 

improvements would be carried forward. Improvements likely to be carried forward 

are those that most cost-effectively improve rail service. Elements of the Build 

Alternative that would require substantial biological permitting and/or mitigation 

would likely be deemed less feasible and less cost-effective than elements without 

such hindrances. Information in this document will be useful in the future 

preparation of detailed design plausibility for various improvements. 

While future design efforts are likely to make every effort to develop alignment and 

improvement options that minimize impact to these resources to the extent 

feasible, in some cases, construction and operation of the proposed improvements 

could permanently remove or alter habitat outside of the existing railroad right-ofway and thus could result in significant/substantial effects upon protected species 

and/or their habitat.

3.13.5 AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION 

STRATEGIES

Individual improvements comprising the Build Alternative should be designed to 

minimize impacts to biological resources along the Corridor. The following 

strategies have been identified at this preliminary stage to avoid, minimize, and/or 

mitigate any potentially significant impacts.
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-56

MIN-BIO-1. Field surveys should be conducted to determine the extent and type of 

general and sensitive biological resources, including focused surveys following 

resource agency protocols for special- status species. 

MM-BIO-2. Biological Resources Management Plans (BRMP) should be prepared to 

specify the design and implementation of biological resources mitigation measures, 

including habitat replacement and revegetation, protection during construction, 

performance (growth) standards, maintenance criteria, and monitoring 

requirements. The USFWS, CDFG, and USACE would review Draft BRMPs. The 

primary goal of a BRMP is to ensure the long- term perpetuation of the existing 

diversity of habitats in the study area and adjacent urban interface zones. BRMPs 

will contain the following:

 Specific measures to ensure the protection of sensitive amphibian, mammal, 

bird, and plant species during construction activities. 

 Identification and quantification of habitats that will be removed, as well as the 

locations where these habitats are to be restored or relocated. 

 Procedures for vegetation analyses of adjacent protected habitats to estimate 

their relative composition; site preparation (clearing, grading, weed eradication, 

soil amendment, topsoil storage); irrigation, planting (container plantings, 

seeding); and maintenance (weed control, irrigation system checks, replanting). 

This information would be used to determine the requirements for revegetation 

areas. 

 Proposed sources of plant materials and methods of propagation. 

 Specific parameters for the determination of the amount of replacement habitat 

for temporary disturbance areas. 

 Specification of parameters for maintenance and monitoring of re-established 

habitats, including weed control measures, frequency of field checks, and 

monitoring reports for temporary disturbance areas. 

 Specification of performance standards for growth of re-established plant 

communities and cut-and-fill slopes. 

 Remedial measures to be taken if performance standards are not met. 

 Procedures and requirements to monitor all restoration/replacement efforts. 

 Measures to preserve topsoil and control erosion control. 

 Design of protective fencing around Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and 

construction staging areas. 
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-57

 Identification of location and quantities of gallinaceous guzzlers (catch 

basin/artificial watering structures, if needed); specification of monitoring of 

water levels in guzzlers. 

 Location of trees that are designated for be protected as wildlife habitat 

(roosting sites) and locations for planting of replacement trees. 

 Identification of the purpose, type, frequency, and extent of chemical use for 

insect and disease control operations as part of vegetative maintenance within 

sensitive habitat areas. 

 Specific monitoring programs for sensitive species during construction.

 Specific procedures to ensure the protection of sensitive identified for 

preservation. These measures may include, but are not limited to, erosion and 

siltation control measures, protective fencing guidelines, dust control measures, 

grading techniques, construction area limits, and biological monitoring 

requirements. 

 Provisions for biological monitoring during construction activities that ensure

the compliance and success of the proposed protective measures. The 

monitoring procedures would (1) identify specific locations of wildlife habitat 

and sensitive species to be monitored; (2) identify the frequency of monitoring, 

monitoring methodology (for each habitat and sensitive species to be 

monitored); (3) list required qualifications of biological monitor(s); and (4) 

identify reporting requirements. 

MM-BIO-3. Mitigation techniques to protect plant and wildlife species may include, 

but would not be limited to on- and/or off-site revegetation/restoration of plant 

species, and purchase of credits from existing mitigation banks. Requirements for 

mitigation ratios would vary depending on the character of the impacted plant 

community and whether or not provides notable habitat for sensitive plant or 

wildlife species. Regulatory agencies would be consulted to determine appropriate 

mitigation ratios. Relocation of plants, seed collection, plant propagation, outplanting to a suitable mitigation site, and participation in an existing HCP could 

employed to mitigate for impacted plant species.

24 Restoration of suitable breeding 

and foraging habitat, purchase of credits from an existing mitigation bank, and 

participation in an existing HCP could mitigate for impacted wildlife species. 

 

24 A HCP is a planning document required as part of an application for an incidental take permit. They 

describe the anticipated effects of the proposed taking, how those impacts will be minimized or 

mitigated, and how the HCP is to be funded
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-58

Whenever possible, on-site mitigation would be preferred to off-site. Off-site 

mitigation must be located within the same watershed or in close proximity to the 

impact area, where feasible.

MIN-BIO-4. Minimization measures may include, but not be limited to, preconstruction focused surveys and construction monitoring. Prior to construction, 

focused surveys should be conducted for sensitive plant and wildlife species 

identified as occurring in the study area. Locations of sensitive plant/wildlife species 

observed would be mapped on construction drawings. Research must be conducted 

on appropriate methods to use on a species-by-species basis (i.e. transplantation, 

germination from seed, greenhouse propagation), and construction could be phased 

around the breeding season for sensitive wildlife species (See also BRMP 

information above.) 

MIN-BIO-5. Specific measures would be developed to minimize or avoid the 

propagation of weeds during construction and operation. Potential preventive 

measures during construction could include identification of areas with existing 

weed problems and measures to control traffic moving out of those areas (e.g., 

cleaning of construction vehicles, limitations on movement of fill). Mitigation for 

operational impacts would be developed similarly. 

MIN-BIO-6. Field studies would identify locally significant wildlife 

movement/migration corridors beyond those discussed in this programmatic 

document and provide data to assist in the design of bridges and wildlife crossings 

at crucial travel route points. Wildlife crossings would be designed to mimic natural 

corridors and must be sufficiently attractive to encourage wildlife use. Where 

feasible, overcrossings and undercrossings for wildlife would be appropriately 

vegetated to afford cover and other species requirements. Functional corridors 

would be established to provide connectivity to protected land zoned for uses that 

provide wildlife permeability. Corridors would be designed using the following 

procedure: 

 Identify the habitat areas the corridor is designed to connect;

 Determine several species of interest from the species present in these areas;

 Evaluate the relevant needs of each selected species;

 For each potential corridor, evaluate how the area will accommodate 

movement according to the needs of each species of interest;

 Map the corridors;

 Design a monitoring program.
Coast Corridor

3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands Draft Program EIS/EIR

3.13-59

MM-BIO-7. Delineation of jurisdictional waters and wetlands would be conducted to 

determine the extent of USACE and CDFG jurisdiction, and consultation with these 

agencies to determine appropriate mitigation would occur. 

 The amount of mitigation required would be assessed on an acreage basis, with 

ratios depending upon the nature and condition of the jurisdictional areas 

located within the impact areas. Whenever appropriate and feasible, on-site 

mitigation would be preferred. Off-site mitigation should be located within the 

same watershed or as close in proximity to the area of impact as possible.

Mitigation options for unavoidable impacts to state and federal jurisdictional 

waters would include on- or off-site restoration, creation, or enhancement, 

mitigation banking, or in-lieu fee payments, as described below:

 Restoration – Return degraded habitat to a pre-existing condition. 

 Creation – Conversion of a persistent non-wetland habitat into wetland (or 

other aquatic) habitat. The created habitat may be self-sustaining or 

dependent upon artificial irrigation. 

 Enhancement – Increase one or more functions of a replacement habitat

through activities such as plantings or non-native vegetation eradication. 

 Passive Revegetation – Allow a disturbed area to naturally revegetate without 

intervention or plantings. 

 Mitigation Banking – Purchase of units of previously restored or enhanced 

wetland or waters habitat within a larger managed conservation area. These

units are often known as “credits” and are typically sold by the acre. 

 In-Lieu Fee Program – A monetary payment would be made to an entity 

approved by an agency that provides habitat conservation or restoration. For 

example, the Nature Conservancy may receive in-lieu fee payments for impacts 

in all watersheds. 

 Current federal and state policy emphasizes a "no net loss" of wetlands habitats 

policy, which is usually achieved through restoration of areas subject to 

temporary impacts or creation of wetlands to offset permanent impacts. 

However, according to the the January 27, 2003, Special Public Notice for 

Mitigation and Monitoring Guidelines, the USACE favors the use of approved 

mitigation banks or in-lieu fee programs in the event that these programs would

result in a net increase in regional or watershed benefit over on-site 

compensatory mitigation. Approved mitigation and in-lieu fee programs include 

measures designed to ensure the no net loss of wetlands policy is met. 
Coast Corridor

Draft Program EIS/EIR 3.13 Biological Resources and Wetlands

3.13-60

The strategies presented herein, including provisions for further study to obtain 

additional data and refine site-specific mitigation measures, can be expected to 

substantially lessen or avoid impacts to biological resources and wetlands. Impacts 

to biological resources and wetlands will be reduced through subsequent 

environmental review, ongoing consultation with resource agencies, the 

requirements associated with the permit-acquisition process for segments of the rail 

improvements, and compliance with those permit terms and conditions. Until these 

plans and provisions have been implemented, potential impacts to biological 

resources and wetlands should be considered significant and unavoidable under 

CEQA.

3.13.6 SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS

Some plant and wildlife species require specific habitat elements that cannot be 

detected at the scale of this assessment. It is assumed that further detailed analysis 

will be conducted prior to implementing any elements of the Build Alternative in 

order to conclusively determine the presence of biological resources in affected 

areas. 

Consultation and possibly permits may be necessary from federal and state resource 

agencies prior to implementing specific elements of the Build Alternative. The 

consultation and permit process would result in the development of site-specific 

avoidance and minimization strategies. For example, permits under the Clean 

Water Act require the USACE to identify the “least environmentally damaging 

practicable alternative” or “LEDPA.” 

The discussion of potential impacts to various biological resources presented herein 

has relied primarily on the available GIS database, other GIS tools, and review of 

available literature. While these sources can be expected to present an accurate 

overview of natural resources conditions in the corridor, they may not exactly 

correspond to actual field conditions. In order to obtain more reliable assessments 

of potential impacts to biological resources, further environmental studies should 

be conducted prior to implementing elements of the Build Alternative.
Spence Siding Chualar

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

h

i

g

f

e

d

b

c

a

Sensitive Vegetation Communites

Figure 3.13-1a

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Agriculture

Annual Grassland

Barren

Blue Oak Woodland

Blue Oak-Foothill Pine

Coastal Oak Woodland

Coastal Scrub

Cropland

Lacustrine

Mixed Chaparral

Unknown Shrub Type

Urban

Valley Foothill Riparian

Valley Oak Woodland

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 1a

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
C

New Chalone Creek

Greenfield

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

h

i

g

f

e

d

b

c

a

Sensitive Vegetation Communites

Figure 3.13-1b

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Agriculture

Annual Grassland

Barren

Blue Oak Woodland

Blue Oak-Foothill Pine

Coastal Oak Woodland

Coastal Scrub

Cropland

Lacustrine

Mixed Chaparral

Unknown Shrub Type

Urban

Valley Foothill Riparian

Valley Oak Woodland

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 1b

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Coburn

Coburn

King City Siding

Greenfield

King

City

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

h

i

g

f

e

d

b

c

a

Sensitive Vegetation Communites

Figure 3.13-1c

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Agriculture

Annual Grassland

Barren

Blue Oak Woodland

Blue Oak-Foothill Pine

Coastal Oak Woodland

Coastal Scrub

Cropland

Lacustrine

Mixed Chaparral

Unknown Shrub Type

Urban

Valley Foothill Riparian

Valley Oak Woodland

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 1c

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Realign Tracks at MP 165

King City Siding

San L

King

City

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

h

i

g

f

e

d

b

c

a

Sensitive Vegetation Communites

Figure 3.13-1d

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Agriculture

Annual Grassland

Barren

Blue Oak Woodland

Blue Oak-Foothill Pine

Coastal Oak Woodland

Coastal Scrub

Cropland

Lacustrine

Mixed Chaparral

Unknown Shrub Type

Urban

Valley Foothill Riparian

Valley Oak Woodland

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 1d

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Realign Tracks at MP 172

San Lucas Siding

UV198

San

Lucas

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

h

i

g

f

e

d

b

c

a

Sensitive Vegetation Communites

Figure 3.13-1e

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Agriculture

Annual Grassland

Barren

Blue Oak Woodland

Blue Oak-Foothill Pine

Coastal Oak Woodland

Coastal Scrub

Cropland

Lacustrine

Mixed Chaparral

Unknown Shrub Type

Urban

Valley Foothill Riparian

Valley Oak Woodland

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 1e

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Getty/Bradley

Getty/Bradley

Getty/Bradley

Bradley Siding

Bradley

£¤101 £¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

h

i

g

f

e

d

b

c

a

Sensitive Vegetation Communites

Figure 3.13-1f

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Agriculture

Annual Grassland

Barren

Blue Oak Woodland

Blue Oak-Foothill Pine

Coastal Oak Woodland

Coastal Scrub

Cropland

Lacustrine

Mixed Chaparral

Unknown Shrub Type

Urban

Valley Foothill Riparian

Valley Oak Woodland

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 1f

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Wellsona/Paso Robles

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

Wellsona Siding

San

Miguel

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

h

i

g

f

e

d

b

c

a

Sensitive Vegetation Communites

Figure 3.13-1g

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Agriculture

Annual Grassland

Barren

Blue Oak Woodland

Blue Oak-Foothill Pine

Coastal Oak Woodland

Coastal Scrub

Cropland

Lacustrine

Mixed Chaparral

Unknown Shrub Type

Urban

Valley Foothill Riparian

Valley Oak Woodland

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 1g

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Templeton/Henry

Templeton Siding

UV46

Atascadero

El Paso de

Robles (Paso

Robles)

Templeton

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

h

i

g

f

e

d

b

c

a

Sensitive Vegetation Communites

Figure 3.13-1h

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Agriculture

Annual Grassland

Barren

Blue Oak Woodland

Blue Oak-Foothill Pine

Coastal Oak Woodland

Coastal Scrub

Cropland

Lacustrine

Mixed Chaparral

Unknown Shrub Type

Urban

Valley Foothill Riparian

Valley Oak Woodland

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 1h

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Henry/Santa Margarita

Henry/Santa Margarita

Second Main Line

Atascadero

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

h

i

g

f

e

d

b

c

a

Sensitive Vegetation Communites

Figure 3.13-1i

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Agriculture

Annual Grassland

Barren

Blue Oak Woodland

Blue Oak-Foothill Pine

Coastal Oak Woodland

Coastal Scrub

Cropland

Lacustrine

Mixed Chaparral

Unknown Shrub Type

Urban

Valley Foothill Riparian

Valley Oak Woodland

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 1i

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Spence Siding Chualar

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Critical Habitat Figure 3.13-2a

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Critical Habitat

California red-legged frog

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

South-Coast California steelhead

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 2a

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
C

New Chalone Creek

Greenfield

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Critical Habitat Figure 3.13-2b

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Critical Habitat

California red-legged frog

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

South-Coast California steelhead

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 2b

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Coburn

Coburn

King City Siding

Greenfield

King

City

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Critical Habitat Figure 3.13-2c

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Critical Habitat

California red-legged frog

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

South-Coast California steelhead

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 2c

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Realign Tracks at MP 165

King City Siding

San L

King

City

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Critical Habitat Figure 3.13-2d

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Critical Habitat

California red-legged frog

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

South-Coast California steelhead

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 2d

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Realign Tracks at MP 172

San Lucas Siding

UV198

San

Lucas

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Critical Habitat Figure 3.13-2e

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Critical Habitat

California red-legged frog

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

South-Coast California steelhead

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 2e

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Getty/Bradley

Getty/Bradley

Getty/Bradley

Bradley Siding

Bradley

£¤101 £¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Critical Habitat Figure 3.13-2f

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Critical Habitat

California red-legged frog

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

South-Coast California steelhead

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 2f

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Wellsona/Paso Robles

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

Wellsona Siding

San

Miguel

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Critical Habitat Figure 3.13-2g

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Critical Habitat

California red-legged frog

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

South-Coast California steelhead

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 2g

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Templeton/Henry

Templeton Siding

UV46

Atascadero

El Paso de

Robles (Paso

Robles)

Templeton

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Critical Habitat Figure 3.13-2h

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Critical Habitat

California red-legged frog

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

South-Coast California steelhead

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 2h

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Henry/Santa Margarita

Henry/Santa Margarita

Second Main Line

Atascadero

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Critical Habitat Figure 3.13-2i

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Critical Habitat

California red-legged frog

Vernal pool fairy shrimp

South-Coast California steelhead

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 2i

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Spence Siding Chualar

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

i

f

c

a

b

d

e

g

h

Wetlands and Jurisdictional Waters Figure 3.13-3a

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Wetlands

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/

Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond

Riverine

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 3a

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
C

New Chalone Creek

Greenfield

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

i

f

c

a

b

d

e

g

h

Wetlands and Jurisdictional Waters Figure 3.13-3b

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Wetlands

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/

Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond

Riverine

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 3b

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Coburn

Coburn

King City Siding

Greenfield

King

City

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

i

f

c

a

b

d

e

g

h

Wetlands and Jurisdictional Waters Figure 3.13-3c

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Wetlands

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/

Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond

Riverine

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 3c

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Realign Tracks at MP 165

King City Siding

San L

King

City

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

i

f

c

a

b

d

e

g

h

Wetlands and Jurisdictional Waters Figure 3.13-3d

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Wetlands

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/

Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond

Riverine

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 3d

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Realign Tracks at MP 172

San Lucas Siding

UV198

San

Lucas

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

i

f

c

a

b

d

e

g

h

Wetlands and Jurisdictional Waters Figure 3.13-3e

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Wetlands

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/

Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond

Riverine

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 3e

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Getty/Bradley

Getty/Bradley

Getty/Bradley

Bradley Siding

Bradley

£¤101 £¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

i

f

c

a

b

d

e

g

h

Wetlands and Jurisdictional Waters Figure 3.13-3f

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Wetlands

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/

Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond

Riverine

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 3f

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Wellsona/Paso Robles

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

McKay/Wellsona

Wellsona Siding

San

Miguel

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

i

f

c

a

b

d

e

g

h

Wetlands and Jurisdictional Waters Figure 3.13-3g

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Wetlands

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/

Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond

Riverine

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 3g

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Templeton/Henry

Templeton Siding

UV46

Atascadero

El Paso de

Robles (Paso

Robles)

Templeton

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

i

f

c

a

b

d

e

g

h

Wetlands and Jurisdictional Waters Figure 3.13-3h

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Wetlands

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/

Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond

Riverine

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 3h

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.
Henry/Santa Margarita

Henry/Santa Margarita

Second Main Line

Atascadero

£¤101

£¤101

Coast Corridor Improvements EIR/EIS

i

f

c

a

b

d

e

g

h

Wetlands and Jurisdictional Waters Figure 3.13-3i

±

0 1,500 3,000 6,000

Feet

Legend

Biological Study Area

Wetlands

Freshwater Emergent Wetland

Freshwater Forested/

Shrub Wetland

Freshwater Pond

Riverine

Project Components

Existing Alignment

Realignments

Sidings

Source: ICF International, 2013

Page 3i

±

1:36,000
This page intentionally left blank.