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THE RESOURCE: AGENCY Department of Fish and Game May 4, 1984 GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSING EFFECTS OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS ON RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANTS AND PLANT COMMUNITIES The following recommendations are intended to help those who prepare and review environmental documents determine when a botanical survey is needed, who should be considered qualified to conduct such surveys, how field surveys sTFuld be conducted, and what information should be contained in the survey report. I. Botanical surveys that are conducted to determine the environmental effects of a proposed development should be directed to all rare and endangered plants and plant communities. Rare and endangered plants are roc - - _. Aecessarlly limited to those species which have been 'listed- by state and federal agencies but should - - include any species that, based on all available data, can be shown to be rare and/or endangered under the following definitions. A species, subspecies or variety of plant is `endangered" when the prospects of its survival and reproduction are In immediate jeopardy from one or more causes, including loss of habitat, change in habitat, over- exploitation, predation, competition or disease. A plant is "rare" when, although not presently threatened with extinction, the species, subspecies or variety 1s found in such small numbers throughout its range that it may be endangered if its environment worsens. Rare plant communities are those communities that are of highly limited distribution. These communities may or Amy not contain rare or endangered species. The most current version of the California Natural Diversity Data Base's Outline of Terrestrial Communities in California may be used as a guide to the names of communities. 2. It is appropriate to conduct a botanical field survey to determine if, or the extent that, rare plants will be affected by a proposed project when: a. Based on an initial biological assessment, it appears that the project may damage potential rare plant habitat; b. Rare plants have historically been Identified on the prpjeces{fe, but adequate Information for impact assessment is lacking; or c. No initial biologicalassessmenthas been conducted and it is unknown whether or not rare plants or their habitat exists on the site. 3. Botanical consultants should be selected on the basis Of possession of the following qualifications (in order of importance): a. Experience as a botanical field investigator with experience in field sampling design and field methods; b. Taxonomic experience and a knowledge of plant ecology; c. Familiarity with the plants of the area, including rare species; and d. Familiarity with the appropriate state and federal statutes related to rare plants and plant collecting. 4. Field surveys should be conducted in a manner that will locate any rare or endangered species that may be present. Specifically, rare or endangered plant surveys inouid be: a. Conducted at the proper time of year when rare or endangered species are both 'evident" and identifiable. Field surveys should be scheduled (1) to coincide with known flowering periods, and/or (2) during periods of phenological development that are necessary to identify the plant species of concern. b. Floristic in nature. 'Predictive surveys" (which predict the occurrence of rare species based on the occurrence of habitat or other physical features rather than actual field inspection) should be reserved for autoecological studies, not for impact assessment. Every species noted in the field should be identified to the extent necessary to determine whether it is rare or endangered. C. Conducted in a manner that Is consistent with conservation ethics. Collections of rare or suspected rare -- species (voucher specimens) should be made only when such actions would not jeopardize the continued existence of the population and in accordance with applicable state and federal permit regulations. Voucher specimens should be deposited at recognized public herbaria for future reference. Photography should be used to document plant idencification and habitat wnemever possible. but especially when the population cannot withstand collection of voucher specimens. d. Conducted using systematic field techniques in all habitats of the site to ensure a reasonably thorough coverage of potential impact areas. e. well documented. when a rare or endangered plant (or rare plant community) is located, a California Native Species (or Community) Field Survey Form or equivalent written form should be completed and submitted to the Natural Diversity Data Base. S. Reports of botanical field surveys should be included in or with environmental assessments, negative declarations. EIR's and EIS's, and should contain the following information: a. Project description, including a detailed map of the project location and study area. b. A written description of biological setting referencing the community nomenclature used, and a vegetation map. C. Detailed description of survey methodology. d. Dates of field surveys. e. Results of survey (including detailed maps). f. An assessment of potential impacts. 9. Discussion of the importance of rare plant populations with consideration of nearby populations and total species distribution. h. Recommended mitigation measures to reduce or avoid impacts. 1. List of ail species identified. J. Copies of all California Native Species Field Survey Farms or Natural Community Field Survey Forms. Name of field investigator(s). 1. References cited, persons contacted, herbaria visited, and dlsoosition of voucner specimens.