HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/08/17 Item 7
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CITY' COUNCIL
AGENDA STATEMENT
::::::,~ CITY OF
._-"'" (HULA VISTA
ITEM TITLE:
SUBMITTED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
AUGUST 17,2010, ItemL
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA (1) RATIFYING AND APPROVING SUBMITTAL
OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE SAN DIEGO
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SANDAG) TO SUPPORT A
MUL TI- YEAR PROGRAM TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE OT A Y
TARPLANT AND SAN DIEGO THORNMINT HABITAT WITHIN
THE CHULA VISTA CENTRAL CITY PRESERVE
MANAGEMENT AREA, (2) AUTHORIZING STAFF TO
NEGOTIATE A GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN SANDAG
AND THE CITY TO RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS, AND (3)
DIRECTING STAFF TO RETURN TO COUNCIL WITH A GRANT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN SANDAG AND THE CITY
REGARDING OTAY TARPLANT AND SAN DIEGO
THORNMINT RESTORATION FOR COUNCIL CONSlDERA TION
ASSIST ANT CITY MANAGE I~ELOPMENT SERVICES
DIRECTOR ~fEV
em MAN^,iE~ .
4/5THS VOTE: YES D NO 0
SUMMARY
On July 16, 2010, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Regional
Planning Committee approved a portion of the City's grant application for TransNet
funding, awarding the City an amount of $268,428. This TransNet funding will support a.
multi-year land management progranl to restore and enhance degraded areas supporting the
Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint within the City's Central City Preserve Management
Area (Central City PMA), particularly within Rice Canyon. The land management activities
offered through this program are essential for the Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint to
continue to exist and sustain the changing conditions within the Central City PMA.
Tonight's actions would ratifY and approve the application for TransNet funding, authorize
staff to negotiate a Grant Agreement between SANDAG and the City of Chula Vista to
receive such grant funds, and direct staff to return to Council for consideration of the final
Grant Agreement with SANDAG regarding the TransNet funding for the restoration and
enhancement of the Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint.
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AUGUST 17, 2010, Item~
Page 2 of 4
ENVIRONMENT AL REVIEW
The Environmental Review Coordinator has reviewed the proposed project for
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined
that the project qualifies for a Class 4' Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section
15304(d) (Minor Alterations to Land) of the State CEQA Guidelines. Consistent with
Section 15304(d), the proposed project involves minor alterations in lands within an
existing officially designated wildlife management area (i.e., Chula Vista MSCP Central
City PMA) for purposes of improving existing wildlife habitat and resources. Thus, no
further environmental review is necessary.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council adopt the resolution.
BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable.
DISCUSSION
The voters of San Diego County approved the SANDAG Ordinance 04-01 in November
2004, which extended thc 1988 TransNet one-half cent sales and use tax through 2048
(Extension Ordinance). The TransNet Extension Ordinance contains provisions for the
creation of an Environmental Mitigation Program (EMP), which began being funded by
the Extension Ordinance on April I, 2008. The EMP includes a funding allocation for
management and monitoring activities required to protect and conserve sensitive plants
and animals within the region.
In December 2009, SANDAG issued a request for proposals (RFP) from entities wishing
to apply for a portion of TransNet fi.mds for the use of environmental land management
projects. On January 27, 2010, the City submitted a proposal to SANDAG to receive
TransNet grant tlmding in the amount of $323,605 to implement a 5-year Otay tarplant
ami San Diego thornmint restoration and enhancement program designed to maintain and
increase the population of these sensitive plant species in the City of Chub Vista's
Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Central City Preserve Management
Area (Central City PMA). These two plant species are designated as Narrow Endemic
Species due to their limited distribution in the region. This restoration and enhancement
project will focus on disturbed areas known to support Otay tarplant and San Diego
thornmint in the Rice Canyon area.
On July 16; 2010, the SANDAG Regional Planning Commission approved funding a
portion of the City's grant. application request in the amount of $268,428. These funds
are intended to carry out the first three years of the aforementioned habitat restoration and
enhancement program for the Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint. Based on the
recommcndation by SANDAG, the City will continue to pursue future TransNet grant
funds to cover the costs associated with Year 4 and 5 of the restoration and enhancement
program.
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AUGUST 17, 2010, Item~
Page 3 of 4
Due to SANDAG's expeditious RFP process, staff was unable to present this proposal to
City Council prior to submittal to SANDAG. To reconcile this, Statf has included as
Attachment 1 to this report, the original grant proposal and respectfully requcsts that
through adoption of the attached resolution, the City Council ratify and approve the grant
application. Based on recommendation by the EMP Working Group, comprised of
representatives from the Federal and State Wildlife Agencies, local jurisdictions
implementing habitat conservation policies under the MSCP, and other entities interested
in the EMP, the Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint restoration and enhancement
program was selected due to the sensitivity of the two plant species and their limited
occurrence with the South County region. Within the City's Central City PMA, loss and
degradation of Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint is occurring due to weed invasion,
drought, and recreation activities associated with existing foot and bicycle trails. The goal
of this program is to ensure the prolongation of the Otay tarplant and San Diego
thornmint through active management, seed distribution in areas that support these plant
species, and implementation of activities to reduce edge effects associated with invasive
species and uncontrolled access. This program has been developed consistent with the
City's adopted habitat management plans to ensure that Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan
Covered Species are adequately protected. Tonight's actions would ratify and approve
the application for TransNet funding that will allow the City to apply for grant funds to
implement the restoration and enhancement program for the Otay tarplant and San Diego
thornmint, authorize staff to negotiate a Grant Agreement between SANDAG and the
City of Chula Vista to receive such grant funds, and direct staff to return to Council for
the approval of the final Grant Agreement with SANDAG regarding the TransNet
funding for the restoration and enhancement of the Otay tarplant and San Diego
thornmint.
DECISION MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council and has found no property
holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property, which is the subject of this
action.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMP ACT
Pursuant to the time frame specified in the proposed Grant application, implementation of
the program is scheduled to commence in September 2010. Of the City's original grant
application request in the amount of $323,605, SANDAG will be awarding a portion of
the City's request in the amount of $268,428. The awarded grant funds are sufficient to
cover costs for a biological consultant to perform the necessary habitat restoration and
provide routine maintenance and monitoring activities during this current fiscal year.
Payment for invoices received from the biological consultant will be paid directly from
grant funds provided by SANDAG. Therefore, an appropriation of funds from the
General Fund to cover biological consultant services is not necessary. City
administrative costs related to project management are anticipated to be approximately
$36,000, which will be funded through the City's General Fund. City staff time for
MSCP related projects, including this type of project, has already been projected and
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AUGUST 17, 2010, Item~
Page 4 of 4
included in the current budget for the Development Services Department. A breakdown
of expected costs per year is provided in Attachments 1.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The awarded grant funds will cover biological consultant costs for the first three years of
the restoration and enhancement program through 2013. The City is not obligated to
continue to implement restoration and enhancement once the funds have been expended.
Accepting the funds will not result in an ongoing fiscal impact to the General Fund.
Future funding needed to continue implementation of the program must be obtained
through other grant opportunities.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Grant Proposal for 2010/2011 SANDAG Land Management Funding
Prepared by: Josie kfcNeeley, Associate Planner, Advanced Planning
J:\Pianning\JosieITransNet Grant ProposalslCCDocumentslTransNetA 113\8.17 lODRAFT Agenda Statemell~ - T...doe
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~A~f!JJ~~d!'
Grant Submission Form
For Consideration for TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program (EMP)
Fiscal Year 2010 Funding for Land Management
(Applications cannot exceed twelve (12) pages, including all attachments.)
Applicant Name: City of Chula Vista
Address: 276 Fourth Avenue, Chuta Vista, CA 91910
Name of Property: Central City Preserve - Otay TarplanUSan Diego Thommint Restoration/Enhancement
Central portion of the City of Chula Vista (Figure 1) east of Interstate 805 (1-805), south of
General location: State Route 54 (SR-54) and Bonita Road, and north of Otay Lakes Road (Figure 2)
Jurisdiction: City of Chula Vista
Total Acres: 15
Estimated Acres Requiring Management: 15
Owner(s) of Property: City of Chula Vista
land manager(s) of property (include name(s)), years of experience managing habitat iands, existing land management responsibilities,
and references):
The land designated as the Central City Preserve is owned by the City of Chula Vista and managed in accordance with the
Central City Preserve Area Specific Management Directives (ASMDs). Management tasks currently undertaken along the
Preserve/urban interface areas consist primarily of Priority 1 general maintenance tasks, including: removal of trash and debris,
maintenance of public trails and fences, implementation of security programs to curtail illegal activities, and limited weeding along
the Preserve/urban interface.
If the applicant is not the landowner, please submit a letter or right-of-entry permit from the land owner granting permission to pertorm
the land management duties as outlined in the application. Failure to provide the letter or rlght-of-entry permit will lead to
disqualification of the application. Attach letter or right-of-entry permit if applicable.
Brief Project Summary (200-word maximum)
The City is proposing to implement a restoration and enhancement program for the Otay tarplant and San Diego thommint, both are
narrow endemic species listed under the Chula Vista Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Subarea Plan. The proposed
program ensures the sustain ability of both plant species in the City's Central City Preserve (Preserve) and provides an opportunity for
further propagation. The program will include thatch removal in a tarplanUnative grassland population within the Preserve that has been
identified as a major population in the region by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Immediate threats to the species include
invasion of non-native annual grasses and herbs and recreational activities associated with existing foot and bicycle trails. In an effort to
reduce these threats, the City will initiate a multi-year weed control program consistent with the methods identified in the Central City
Preserve Area Specific Management Directives (ASMDs), which has been approved by the Federal and State Wildlife Resource
Agencies. Ultimately, the weed control measures and restoration effort proposed under this program will benefit the Otay tarplant and
San Diego thornmint and other covered species, such as Variegated Dudleya and small flowered morning giory, which are unique to the
re ion.
Quantify Expected Results add bullets as necessar
. This restoration and enhancement project is designed to manage and increase native grassland and clay lens habitat for Otay
tarplant and San Diego thommint within the Central City Preserve.
. The dethatch and follow-up weeding program will reduce competition with non-native weeds that are degrading the rare plant
habitat.
. Perennial weeds, such as fennel and artichoke thistle, that are invading Otay tarplantfnative grassland habitat will be controlled
as part of this restoration program.
. The ro osed roiect will result in an increased po ulation size of Ota tar lant and San Die 0 thornmint.
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. Purple needlegrass will be planted In areas currently dominaled by non-native grasses and other weeds in order to increase
native grassland habitat
. The project will also benefit other covered and sensitive species such as Variegated Dudleya and small fiowered morning glory
thai co-occur with the larnlant and thommint bv reducinq weed competition.
Funding Needs Summary
1. Please indicate how much funding is being requested from SANDAG and any matching funding proposed:
TOTAL
$0
$0
$323,605
SO
$0
$323,605
Includes all equipment and supplies.
Includes all staff time for work on the project
Includes all costs for consultant services
All costs 10 administer the contract
All indirect charges for overhead on the project. if any.
.. r J:l: ~. :....,t ,. .. wllo ~ l' ' , ~; ",.,) l'
"" ,m;--B~:;:;d,.t'~tU '~.:'~~" :::~Requested. 1:~J.'r,':,fProposed: ~
d l1J U ge Ilem., ~f. . ,.-~ ' )-~ - - ~ . ".
~. . '." 'i!lf:h ':. ~' .~.;' "~;:;":',:c ~Fundirig-'Amount ,,,\ ;' < Matching'Funds*X
.~ t :;~*oil'''''~.."f.'.;.;M",:,' " ~_._~ ~~"':;'~,,"^ ,~.. "'~ ....,'.,...':};<; ~'. . :_7":'-
Non-personne! Expenses
Personnel Expenses Staff
Consultant Expenses
Administrative Expenses
Overhead Costs
SO
$0
$0
$35,350
SO
$35,350
'if applicable
2. Are there matching funds available? If yes, how are the matching funds assured (1 DO-word maximum)?
[8J Yes
D No
Explain how matching funds are assured.
The City is proposing to match funds through the use of in-kind resources, more specifically, through the use'of City staff time. City staff will be
utilized to implement the proposed project and administer the consultant contract. City staff time for this project, and all MSCP related projects,
is assured due to the City's obligation to implement the provisions of the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan and the associated MSCP
implementing ordinances. This obligation is pursuant to the Implementing Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California
Department of Fish and Game, and the City of Chula Vista.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
(Maps and/or graphics can be referenced and pasted at the end of this Word document or attached as a separate digital file.)
The proposal will inciude the purpose of the project, the scope of work by tasks,. proposed budget by task, and a schedule for each task.
Applicants must clearly Identify their proposed tasks in the scope of work, funding requested for each task (please identify staff hours and cost
separately from consultant costs), start and end dales of the tasks, and deliverables. Applicants are encouraged 10 identify phasing in Iheir
proposal in case full funding for the project is not available.
A. Project Purpose
Address the following in the proposal.
1. What management activities will be done on the property and why?
2. What is the biological significance of the property for endangered or covered species, sensitive habitats, core habitat areas, wildlife
linkages, and for regional habitat conservation planning?
3. Does the site suffer from natural, human, or domestic animal disturbance (e.g., off-road vehicle use, uncontrolled access, unauthorized
grazing, fire, flooding, erosion, exotic species invasion, and/or feral cats)?
4 1s immediate action needed to address a problem to prevent the site from degrading further? Would the further degradation potentialy
affect covered species?
Grant Submission Form - TransNet EM? FY 2010 Funding for Land Management
2
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5. Does the proposal use efficient and proven methods and/or strategies to address the land management needs that wouid result in a
high likelihood of success and reduce future land management costs (e.g., control of small outbreak of aggressive exotic species,
fencing to prevent damage to rare plant populations)?
6. Does the proposal implement a strategic approach which covers large geographic areas (e.g., watershed or subwatershed extent)
involving multiple partners and providing multiple benefits (e.g., part of a larger coordinated effort that is high economy-of-scale)?
7. How would the project result in measurable biological success to implement the Natural Communities Conservation Program regional
preserve system? What measurable results would be used to determine success of the project?
8. How would the project involve public outreach/public participation to identify the land management activities being funded and promote
awareness-of grant funded project? In your proposal please estimate the following. if any:
a. number of individuals in public to benefit from the project,
b. number of proposed volunteer hours on project,
c. use of signage and interpretation features to be used to educate public on purpose of project, and
d. outreach efforts on public access, if proposed.
Background/Project Overview
In 2001, the California Department of Fish and Game awarded the City of Chula Vista a Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP)
Program grant to conduct baseline surveys for the City's Central City Preserve (Preserve) and prepare Area Specific Management Directives
(ASMDs) for specific Preserve Management Areas (PMAs) designated within the Preserve. The ASMDs provide specific guidelines for
protection and long-tenm maintenance and management of approximately 1,350 acres of preserve land within the Central City Preserve and
identifies measures that ensure survival of sensitive plant and wildlife species, including rare narrow endemic plant species considered unique
to Southem California region. In coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the California Department of Fish and
Game (CDFG), collectively referred to as the Wiidlife Agencies, the City has completed ASMDs that identify species-specific management
measures for MSCP Covered species and prioritizes management and monitoring tasks that will benefit the overall Preserve and the sensitive
species that are at risk of extinction in the area. Since completion, the City has been commended on the Central City ASMDs as a modei for a
comprehensive baseline management plan that outlines detailed management and monitoring tasks for key MSCP Covered species.
The City is currently proposing to implement management measures as prescribed in the Central City ASMD, focusing on specific
management tasks for sensitive species identified as priority species under the ASMDs. A species is listed as a priority species based on
MSCP Coverage status (i.e., Covered species, narrow endemic), the population of the species within the Preserve, and the threats that may
risk depletion in population or possibly elimination from the area. The City is proposing to implement a management program for the Otay
tarplant and San Diego thornmint, both narrow endemic species listed under the Chula Vista Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP)
Subarea Plan, in order to ensure their sustainability in the City's Central City Preserve and provide the species an opportunity for further
propagation. The program will focus on thatch removal in a tarplant population within the Preserve that has been identified as one of five major
populations in the region by the USFWS in the approved Recovery Plan for Deinandra conjungens (Otay tarplant) dated December 28, 2004.
The proposed restoration area is also of significance due to the number of protected species that are supported in the same native habitat.
Immediate threats to the species include invasion of non-native annual grasses and herbs and recreational activities associated with existing
foot and bicycle trails. In an effort to reduce these threats, the City will initiate a multi-year weed control program consistent with the methods
identified in Ihe Central City Preserve ASMDs, which has been approved by the Federal and State Wildlife Resource Agencies. Ultimately, the
weed control efforts proposed under this program will benefit the Otay tarplant and other native grasslands species, such as the San Diego
thorn mint and variegated dudleya, which are also narrow endemic species unique to the region.
Biological Significance ofthe Central City Preserve
What is the biological significance of the property for endangered or covered species, sensdive habitats, core habitat areas, wiidlife
linkages, and/or regional habitat conservation planning?
The Central City Preserve is included as Preserve land under the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan and covers approximately 1,350 acres,
which is subdivided into four Preserve Management Areas (PMA) shown in Figure 2. Located in the central portion of the City of Chula Vista
east of 1-805, the Central City Preserve consists of canyon areas surrounded by the residential communities of Rancho Del Rey, Sunbow,
Terra Nova, and Bonita Long Canyon. These canyons have been designated as Preserve in accordance with the San Diego County MSCP
Subregional Plan due to the richness and density of the habitat. There are over nine vegetation communities and land cover types present in
the Preserve that maintain a high biological value, including maritime succulent scrub, Diegan coastal sage scrub, native and non-native
grassland, and southern willow scrub. As many as four narrow endemic species unique to the region have been observed in the Preserve,
including Otay tarplant, San Diego thorn mint, snake cholla, and variegated dudleya. Sensitive wildlife species identified in the Central City
Preserve include coastal California gnatcatcher, coastal cactus wren, southern California rufous-crowned sparrow, Belding's orange-throated
whiptail, and the San Diego horned lizard.
Grant Submission Form - TransNet EMP FY 2010 Funding for Land Management
7-7
3
A weed dethatching program and follow-up weed control program will be implemented in the Preserve Management Area 1 (PMA 1). The
baseline biological surveys conducted wilhin PMA 1 (RECON 2002 & 2003) identified nine vegetalion communities and land cover types
including: maritime succulent scrub, Diegan coastal sage scrub, disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern willow scrub, native grassland,
freshwater marsh, non-native grassland, eucalyptus woodland, and disturbed. The acreages of these vegetation communities within PMA 1 as
follows:
Jfi.'3f~j~
~~~~:~'tl
res~rr~.:.::;~
149.5
297.0
8.5
16.8
15.0
0.3
2.1
0.7
12.7
502.6
This project is intended to reduce competition between non-native weeds such as grasses, fennel and mustard in areas of Otay tarplant-San
Diego thorn mint grassland and day lens habitat in the Central City Preserve (Figure 3). PMA 1 supports large populations of Otay larplant
induding a major population estimated to consist of 100,000 planls (PMA subuniI1-2b). Olher large Otay larpianl populations occur in PMA
subunits 1-1a and 1-1 c (estimated to be 60,000 and 30,000 plants, respectively). Seven subpopulations of San Diego Ihornmint also occur in
PMA subunit 1-2b in association with day soiis and Otay tarplant.
Current Risks that Affect the Otay Tarplant and San Diego Thornmint
Does the site suffer from natura!, human, or domestic animal disturbance (e.g., off4oad vehicle use, uncontrolfed access, unauthorized
grazing, fire, flooding, erosion, exotic species invasion, and/or feral cats)?
Is immediate action needed to address a probtem to prevent the site from degrading further? Would the further degradation potentialy
affect covered species?
In the Central City Preserve, loss and degradation of Otay tarplant (Deinandra conjugens) and San Diego thornmint (Acanthomintha ilicifolia)
habitat is occurring due to disturbance from recreation activities. Trails throughout PMA 1 are made up of narrow footpaths, wide trails used by
bicycle and horseback riders. During recent site reconnaissance performed in conjunction with this grant proposal, unauthorized bicycle trails
were observed crossing through or immediately adjacent to populations of Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint. Recreation activities that
stray away from the established trails results in annual weed invasion crowding out Otay tarplant and San Diego thommint in clay lens and
native grassland habitats.
In addition to the direct competition between the weeds and Otay tarplanUSD thorn mint, the presence of non-native weeds encourages
excessive pocket gopher burrowing activity that causes further weed invasion. The soil piles produced by burrowing gophers also can cover
seedlings of Otay tarplant and San Diego thommint so that the plants are not able to grow and reproduce. The presence of dense weedy
thatch can also cause future fires to burn hotter than would otherwise be the case. Depending on the timing of fires, the standing seed crop
and portions of the soil seed bank of Otay tarplant and San Diego thomminl may be lost.
The native grassland and clay soils that support these covered species are at risk of conversion over the long term due to increasing
clominance non-native grasses and herbs such as black mustard (Brassica nigra). Non~native weeds such as wild oat (Avena sp.), brome
grasses (Bromus madrilensis) and mustard are capable of outcompeting Olay tarplant and San Diego thommint and over time are likely 10
dominate areas formerly occupied by these covered species.
Proposed Management Activities/Scope of Work
What management activities will be done on the property and why?
Management activities proposed under this project will include dethatching of non-native grasses and herbs using weed whips during the fall
dormant period when Otay tarplant and San Diego thorn mint are not actively growing. Thatch from areas occupied by Otay tarplant and San
Diego thommint will be raked into piles and composted on-site, reducing the cost to haul thatch material out of the Preserve. Additional
management activities will include follow-up weed control by spraying glyphosate in areas not occupied by sensitive plant species and hand
pulling of weeds around San Diego thornmint populations, which is consistent with the approved AS MOs. Perennial weeds, such as fennel and
artichoke thistle, that are currently invading the grassland and clay lens habitat will be controlled so they do not dominate the grasslands over
time. Seeds of Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint will be redistributed each season in suitable habitat to increase population sizes and the
area of their distribution. In addition, purple needlegrass plants win be propagated and planted in areas formerly dominated by non-native
grasses.
The enhancement sites will be maintained, monitored, and reported on over a 5-year period. This includes the follow-up weed control and
monitoring of the sites with repeat photographs taken annually in spring from the same location to document changes in weed cover and
sensitive plant populations. \n addition, population estimates of Otay tarplant and San Diego thorn mint will be conducted annually at each
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Grant Submission Form _ TransNet EMP FY 2010 Funding lor Land Man,.e~~t
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restoration site to assess the response of these populations to the weed control program and cover of native grasses and bulbs will be
estimated at each site annually using the standard releve method to determine the appropriate size of survey plots.
Methodology
Does the proposal use efficient and proven methods and/or strategies to address the land management needs that would result in a high
likelihood of success and reduce future land management cosls (e.g., control of small outbreak of aggressive exotic species, fencing to
prevent damage to rare plant populalions)?
Does the proposal implement a strategic approach which covers large geographic areas (e.g., watershed or subwatershed extent)
involving muffiple partners and providing muffiple benefits (e.g., part of a larger coordinated effort that is high economy-of-scale)?
The methods outlined in this proposal are similar to those used to successfully restore Olay tarplant and San Diego Ihommint habitat in the
Otay Ranch Preserve and in Olay Mesa. Weed control and efforts and seeding programs have enabled Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint
to increase their populalion numbers over a five to ten year period. (RECON, 2009 Dtay Tarplant Translocation Program Program Years 6-10
Summary Report for Wolf Canyon and RECON, 2006 Final 2005 Revegetation Monitoring Report for Dennery Ranch, San Diego, CA.
The proposed project is a Otay tarplantlSan Diego thommint habitat restoration and enhancement program that has been designed to maintain
and increase suitable habitat for these Covered species within the Central City Preserve. This project is consistent with the management
efforts prescribed in the City's MSCP Subarea Plan and approved ASMDs. The City's MSCP Subarea Plan has been prepared to meet the
requirements of the NCCP and serves to implement the San Diego County MSCP Subregional Plan for the regional preservation of natural
vegetation communities. Implementation of City's MSCP Subarea Plan and the approved ASMDs will ensure that the biological value of the
Preserve is maintained and protected in perpetuity. .' - .
Expected Results
How would the project result in measurable biological success to implement the Natural Communities ConselVation Program regional
preserve system? What measurable results would be used to detennine success of the project?
The project is designed to result in measurable success to implement the NCCP by improving and increasing habitat for Otay tarplant and San
Diego thorn mint populations that are in decline due to weed invasion. Annual monitoring will provide estimates of population sizes for both
species and weed cover will be completed as part of the program. Vegetation cover and species composition will be assessed in the
management areas using the relev€! method. In addition, repeat photographs will be taken annually to provide a visual record of changes in
the density and distribution of Otay tarplant, San Diego thommint and nalive grassland species. The results of from these monitoring efforts
will be documented and presented to the Wildlife Agencies in the City's Annual MSCP Report.
The status of the weed control program and monitoring results of this restoration project may be used in conjunction with species data obtained
from the Wildlife Agencies, local jurisdictions, and habitat management organizations, such as USFWS. the City of San Diego, and the Center
of Natural Lands Management, to assist in current rare plants monitoring efforts within MSCP Preserve land in San Diego County. In addition,
this project may be useful in assisting other restoration projects, similar to what is being done in' the Otay Mesa area in the City of San Diego,
in restoring areas that have been historically documented as supporting either Otay tarplant or San Diego thommint.
Public Outreach/Public Participation
How would the projecl involve public outreach/pubtic participation to idenlify Ihe land management activities being lunded and promote
awareness of grant funded project? In your proposal please indicate the number of individuals to benefit, number of proposed volunteer
hours, use of signage and interpretation, and outreach effort, if proposed.
The City will coordinate with the local newspaper distributors, such as the San Diego Union Tribune and the Star News to include a press
release announcing the City's achievement, the source of funding being provided to the City, a description of the proposed project, and
recognition of other projects that have been funded in the City through the TransNet EMP In addi!ion to the press release, the City will
establish a webpage linked to the City's MSCP website which will be dedicated to providing similar infomnation and regular updates on the
implementation status of the restoration program.
The City will also inform the local volunteer group, the Friends of Rice Canyon, of the proposed weed control and restoration/enhancement
effort. The Friends of Rice Canyon continue to coordinate clean-up events in association with "I Love a Clean San Diego" ~ Creek to Bay
Clean-up focusing on the removal of trash and debris and invasive species, such as tamarisk and arundo within portions of the canyon. The
group consists of volunteers who use and reside adjacent to the Preserve. By informing the group of the existing tarplant and thommint
populations in the Preserve, their awareness of these locations reduces potential disturbance to the species and supporting habitat, which will
benefit the City's efforts. The City will also begin coordinating with the adjacent Homeowners' Associcalion (HOA) in order to provide
awareness of the restoration effort, the overall sensitivity of the biological resources found within the Central City Preserve, and other regional
habitat management and restoration efforts funded by TransNel. In addition, flyers or pamphlets may be created to provide HOA and trail
users showing the specific plants and wildlife that are found with the Central City Preserve and protected under Federal, State, and local
5
Grant Submission Form - TransNet EMP FY 201Q Funding for land Managl~e~t
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regulations.
B, Scope of Work by Task
Please break down the proposal into discrete tasks with a task name, description of each task,. quantify expected results, and discrete
deliverables for each task. Note: make sure to include quarterly reporting on the status of the grant project.
Task 1 - Pre-Implementation Monitoring
a. Permanent photo points will be established at each restoration and enhancement area to document weed control efforts.
Photos will be taken prior to implementation.
b. The boundaries of the restoration areas will be delineated in the field.
Task 2 - Sito Preparation IDethatching)
a. Areas dominated by non-native annuals will be dethatched using weed whips. Dethatching includes cutting dried weedy
material, raking the material into piles and then composting on-site. Composting of weedy material on-site will save labor
costs of hand carrying the material away from the restoration areas,
Task 3 - Maintenance1Follow~up weed control
a. Hand weeding will be done around San Diego thommint populations to reduce weed competition,
b. In areas not occupied by sensitive species, newly germinated weeds will be controlled using glyphosate or a grass
specific herbicide prior to seed set.
Task 4 - Seed Collection and Redistribution
a. After the fnuits of Otay tarplant and San Diego. thorn mint have ripended each season seeds will .be collected and
redistributed within suitable habitat to increas'e' population sizes and the area occupied by each species:
b. Collect native grass seed for propagation of container plants (rose pots).
Task 5 - Needlegrass Planting
a. Approximately 6,000 purple needlegrass plants will be propagated from seed and planted in areas fonmerly dominated by
non-native grasses during the second year of the project.
Task 6 - Annual Monitortng
a, Photographs will be taken from the same location each year in spring to document changes in weed cover and sensitive
plant populations.
b. Population estimates of Otay tarplant and San Diego thorn mint will be conducted annually at each restoration site to
assess the response of these populations to the weed control program.
c. Cover of native grasses and bulbs will be estimated at each site annually. Cover will be estimated using the releve
method.
Task 7 - Reporting
a. Progress reports will be prepared quarterly to document enhancement activities each year in December, March, June and
September (annual report).
b. Prepare an Annual Reporl (due September 1) that summarlzes enhancement efforts and monitoring results. The report
will include management recommendations for the next season.
c. The final report (Year 5) will discuss monitoring results and will include a discussion of future management needs for Otay
tarplant and San Diego thommint in the restoration and enhancement areas as well as the surrounding Preserve.
Task 8 - Miscellaneous Consultant Expenses
a. Hand tools, herbicides, and printing.
Task 9 - City of Chula Vista Contract Administration
a, Public OutreachlPublic Participation
b. Oversee biological contractor
c. Prepare and submit quarterly progress reports to be submitted to SANDAG
d, Contract administrationlinvoice review
C. Budget by Task
Please include ~ specific budget for each task in section B above. This should include both requested SANDAG funds and any matching
funds proposed. For projects requesting funding for more than one year, please indicate the requested funding and match for each year.
Applicants are encouraged to identify phasing in their proposal in case full funding for the project is not available. You may add or
subtract rows and columns as needed (or insert an Excel spreadsheet).
Task Number I Name
1 a,b Pre-Implementation monitoring
2.Sile Preparation (Delhatch)
3 a,b Maintenance/Follow-up weed control
Total Project Costs
$10,240
$33,112
$91,205
Total Match
$0
$0
$0
Year 1 Grant Request
$10,240
$33,112
$26,720
Year 1 Match
$0
$0
$0
Grant Submission Form - TransNet EM? FY 2010 Funding for Land Mana.gement
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4 a,b Seed Collection/Redistribution $41,493 $0 $12,992 $0
6 a,b,c Annual Monitoring $61,684 $0 $12,384 $0
7 a,b Reporting/Deliverables $49,329 $0 $9,178 $0
8 Consultant Expenses $19,000 $0 $3,000 $0
9 City Contract Administration $35,350 $35,350 $0 $5,303
Total Year 1 Grant Reques ~ .7,626
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Task Number I Name Total Project Costs Total Match Year 2 Grant Request Year 2 Match
3 a,b Maintenance/Follow up weed control $91,205 $0 $25,382 $0
4 a,b Seed Collection/Redistribution $41,493 $0 $10,695 $0
5 Planting $17,542 $0 $17,542 $0
6 a,b,c Annual Monitoring $61,684 $0 $13,265 $0
7 a,b Reporting/Deliverables $49,329 $0 $9,832 $0
8 Consultant Expenses $19,000 I $0 $9,000 $0
9 City Contract Administration, $35,350 I $35,350 $0 $3,535
~ Total
Task Number I Name Total Project Costs Total Match Year 3 Grant Request Year 3 Match
3 a,b Maintenance/Follow-up weed control $91,205 $0 $14,818 $0
4 a,b Seed Collection/Redistribution $41,493 $0 $6,927 $0
6 a,b,c Annual Monitoring $61,684 $0 $11,599 $0
7 a,b Reporting/Deliverables $49,329 $0 $9,242 $0
8 Consultant Expenses $19,000 $0 $2,500 $0
9 City Contract Administration $35,350 $35,350 $0 $8,837
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Task Number I Name Total Project Costs Total Match Year 4 Grant Request Year 4 Match
13 a,b Maintenance/Follow-up weed control $91,205 $0 $13,400 $0
4 a,b Seed Collection/Redistribution $41,493 $0 $7,169 $0
6 a,b,c Annual Monitoring $61,684 $0 $12,008 $0
7 a,b Reporting/Deliverables $49,329 $0 $8,863 $0
8 Consultant Expenses $19,000 $0 $2,500 $0
9 City Contract Administration $35,350 $35,350 $0 $8,837
Total Year 4 Grant Reques $43,940
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ask Number f Name Total Project Costs Total Match Year 5 Grant Request Year 5 Match
3 3,b MaintenancelFol1ow-up weed control $91,205 $0 $10,885 $0
4 a,b Seed Collection/Redistribution $41,493 $0 $3,710 $0
6 a,b,c Annual Monitoring $61,684 $0 $12,428 $0
7 a,b ReportingfDeliverables $49,329 $0 $12,214 $0
8 Consultant Expenses $19,000 $0 $2,000 $0
9 City Contract Administration $35,350 $35,350 $0 $8,838
Total Year 5 Grant Reques $41,237
D, Project Schedule
Please include a specific start and end date for each task in section B above. This should include both tasks by number and the month
and year of the start and end dates. You may add or subtract row and columns as needed (or insert an Excel spreadsheet).
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Grant SUbmission Form - TransNet EMP FY 2010 Funding for Land Man~ement
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Pre-Implementation Monitoring: Tasks 1a,b 09/01/2010 09/3012010
Site Preparation: Tasks 2a 09/01/2010 10/29/2010
Maintenance/Follow-up Weed Control: Tasks 3a,b 11/01/2010 11/30/2011
Annual Monitoring: Tasks 6a,b,c 04/01/2011 06/30/2011
Quarterly Reports: Task 7a
Report 1 12/01/2011 12/31/2011
Report 2 03101/2011 03/31/2011
Report 3 06/01/2011 06/3012011
Annual Report: Task 7b 09/01/2011 09/3012011
City Administrative: Tasks 9a,b,c 09101/2010 11/30/2011
Maintenance/Follow-up Weed Control: Tasks 3a,b 12/01/2011 11/30/2012
Annual Monitoring: Tasks 6a,b,c 04/01/2012 06/30/2012
Needlegrass Planting: Task 5a 11/01/2011 11/30/2011
Quarterly Reports: Task 7a
Report 1 12/01/2012 12/31/2012
Report 2 03/01/2012 03/31/2012
Report 3 06/01/2012 06/30/2012
Annual Report: Task 7b 09/01/2012 09/30/2012
City Administrative: Tasks 9a,b,c 12/01/2011 11/30/2012
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Maintenance/Follow-up Weed Control: Tasks 3a,b 12/01/2012 11/30/2013
Annual Monitoring: Tasks 6a,b,c 09/01/2013 09/31/2013
Quarterly Reports: Task 7a
Report 1 12/01/2013 12/31/2013
Report 2 03/01/2013 03/31/2013
Report 3 06/01/2013 06/30/2013
Annual Report: Task 7b 09/0112013 09/30/2013
City Administrative: Tasks 9a,b,c 12/01/2012 11/30/2013
Maintenance/Follow~up Weed Control: Tasks 3a,b 12/01/2013 11/30/2014
Annual Monitoring: Tasks 6a,b,c 04/01/2014 06/30/2014
Quarterly Reports: Task 7 a
Report 1 12/01/2014 12/31/2014
Report 2 03/01/2014 03/31/2014
Report 3 06/01/2014 06/30/2014
Annual Report: Task 7b 09/01/2014 09/30/2014
City Administrative: Tasks 9a,b,c 12/01/2013 11/30/2014
Maintenance/Follow-up Weed Control: Tasks 3a,b 12/01/2014 11/30/2015
Annual Monitoring: Tasks 6a,b,c 04/01/2015 06/30/2015
Quarterly Reports: Task 7 a
Report 1 12/01/2015 12/31/2015
Report 2 03/01/2015 03/31/2015
Grant Submission Form - TransNet EMP FY 2010 Funding for Land Man.,e~1nt2 8
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iFinal Report: Task 7c
lcity Adminlslraiive: Tasks 9a,b,c
I 0610112015
0910112015
I 1210112014
06130/2015
09/30/2015
11130/2015
REQUIRED STATEMENTS FROM GRANTEE
IZi Yes 0 No
The proposed grantee has read the standardized agreement.
IZi Yes 0 No
The proposed grantee is willing to use the standardized agreemen1 if the SANDAG Board of Directors approves the
grant.
I3J Yes 0 No
The proposed grantee understands that the project must be started within one year of receiving and executed
agreement from SANDAG, or risk iosing the grant funding
DYes IZi No
Does the submission of the proposed grant require approval by a governing body (such as Board of Directors, City
Council, or similar governance body).
I3J Yes 0 No
The proposed grantee understands that if a resolution or similar approval is required, it must be submitted at least
two weeks prior to the reCDmmendation by the Regional Planning Cammillee of the list of grant projects to be
considered eligible.
I have the authorization to submit this grant on behalf of my organization.
Gary HalberUDeputy City Manager/Development Services Director
Grantee NamelTitle (print or type)
1/2712010
Date
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Grant Submission Form - TransNet ;'::MP FY 20"'\0 Fundingfo, Land Ma'f!:1e~
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D Preserve Management Areas (PMAs)
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FIGURE 3
Proposed Restoration
and Enhancement Sites
RESOLUTION NO. 2010-
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CHULA VISTA (1) RATIFYING AND APPROVING
SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE SAN
DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SANDAG) TO
SUPPORT A MULTI-YEAR PROGRAM TO RESTORE AND
ENHANCE OT A Y T ARPLANT AND SAN DIEGO
THORN MINT HABITAT WITHIN THE CHULA VISTA
CENTRAL CITY PRESERVE MANAGEMENT AREA, (2)
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A GRANT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN SANDAG AND THE CITY TO
RECEIVE GRANT FUNDS, AND (3) DIRECTING STAFF TO
RETURN TO COUNCIL WITH A GRANT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN SANDAG AND THE CITY REGARDING OTAY
T ARPLANT AND SAN DIEGO THORNMINT RESTORATION
FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
WHEREAS, the Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint are Narrow Endemic Species
under the Chula Vista MSCP Subarea Plan and recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
as a Federally Threatened Species and a State Endangered Species by the California Department
of Fish and Game; and
WHEREAS, loss and degradation of Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint habitat
within the City's MSCP Central City Preserve is occurring due to threats such as weed invasion,
drought, and recreation activities; and
WHEREAS, in November 2004, the voters of San Diego County approved the San Diego
Association of Governments (SANDAG) Ordinance 04-01, which extended the TransNet one-
half cent sales and use tax through 2048 (Extension Ordinance); and
WHEREAS, the TransNet Extension Ordinance contains provisions for the creation of an
Environmental Mitigation Program (EMP), which began being funded by the Extension
Ordinance on Apri11, 2008, and
WHEREAS, in December 2009, SANDAG issued a request for proposals from entities
wishing to apply for a portion of the TransNet funds for use on environmental land management
projects meeting certain criteria; and
WHEREAS, due to SANDAG's expeditious RFP process, staff was unable to present this
proposal to City Council prior to submittal to SANDAG; and
WHEREAS, the City's proposed restoration and enhancement program has been
developed to ensure the Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint continue to exist and sustain the
changing conditions within the Central City PMA through active management; and
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Resolution No.
Page 2
WHEREAS, the activIties offered through the proposed restoration and enhancement
program are essential for the sustainability of the Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint and
would reduce the vulnerability of these species to extirpation; and
WHEREAS, the proposal has been developed consistent with the City's adopted habitat
management plans to ensure that MSCP Covered Species are adequately protected; and
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2010, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
approved a portion of the City's grant application for Transnet funding, awarding the City an
amount of $268,428 to carry out the first three years of the proposed restoration and
enhancement program; and
WHEREAS, in order to receive TransNet funds, staff will proceed with SANDAG in
preparing a Grant Agreement and return to Council for approval prior to entering in to said
Agreement with SANDAG.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Chula
Vista does hereby:
1. Ratify and approve the tiling of an application for environmental land
management grant program funds through the SANDAG Transnet EMP;
2. Authorize staff to negotiate a Grant Agreement between SANDAG and the City
to receive grant funds; and,
3. Direct staff to return to Council with the Grant Agreement between SANDAG
and the City regarding Otay tarplant and San Diego thornmint restoration and
enhancement for Council to consider for approval.
Presented by
Gary Halbert, P.E., AlCP
Assistant City Manager /
Development Services Director
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