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VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-1
SECTION 7.0
COVERED ACTIVITIES/ALLOWABLE USES
7.1 COVERED ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE CRITERIA AREA AND
PQP LANDS
Public and private Development, including construction of buildings, structures, infrastructure and
all alterations of the land, that are carried out by Permittees, Participatory Special Entities, Third
Parties Granted Take Authorization and others within the Plan Area, that are outside of the Criteria
Area and PQP Lands are permitted under the Plan, subject to consistency with MSHCP policies that
apply outside the Criteria Area (such as policies related to Riparian and Riverine Areas and Vernal
Pools, Narrow Endemic Plant Species, Additional Survey Needs and Procedures, and Funding/Fee
Issues).
7.2 COVERED ACTIVITIES WITHIN EXISTING PUBLIC/QUASI-
PUBLIC LANDS
The following is a discussion of Covered Activities within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands.
Some of these activities may be proposed on federal lands, or may involve federal agency approvals
(i.e., have a federal “nexus”). To the extent that these Covered Activities that involve a federal
nexus are determined to affect federally listed species and as such require a Section 7 consultation
with the USFWS under FESA, Incidental Take of listed species would occur through the Section 7
process, not through the MSHCP, however, the USFWS Obligations and Assurances provided for
in Section 14.9 of the Implementing Agreement would apply.
7.2.1 Existing Roads Within Existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands
There are many existing roadways within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands, including interstates,
freeways, State highways, city and county maintained roadways, as well as local roads, which are
not city, or county maintained that provide property access. This latter category of other maintained
roadways are generally maintained by the adjacent property owners, either individually or
collectively. Table 7-1 provides an estimate summarizing the extent of these various types of
existing roadways which are permitted to remain within Public/Quasi-Public Lands.
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-2
TABLE 7-1
EXISTING ROADS WITHIN PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC LANDS
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)*
Public/Quasi Public
Eastvale Interstate & Freeways 0.6
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 1.8
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 0.6
Roadways Maintained by Others** 0.8
Area Plan Total 1.4
Jurupa Interstate & Freeways 0.5
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 1.6
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 0.5
Roadways Maintained by Others** 0.3
Area Plan Total 0.8
Temescal Canyon Interstate & Freeways 1.0
State Highways 1.6
County Maintained - Paved 0.0
County Maintained - Unpaved 2.9
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.1
City Maintained 3.9
Subtotal 9.4
Roadways Maintained by Others** 0.6
Area Plan Total 10.0
TABLE 7-1 (Continued)
EXISTING ROADS WITHIN PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC LANDS
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)*
Public/Quasi Public
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-3
Elsinore Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 1.7
County Maintained - Paved 0.2
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 4.7
Subtotal 4.9
Roadways Maintained by Others** 73.0
Area Plan Total 77.9
Southwest Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.4
County Maintained - Unpaved 43.8
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 1.9
Subtotal 46.1
Roadways Maintained by Others** 49.4
Area Plan Total 94.5
Sun City/Menifee Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.0
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 0.0
Roadways Maintained by Others** 0.3
Area Plan Total 0.3
TABLE 7-1 (Continued)
EXISTING ROADS WITHIN PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC LANDS
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)*
Public/Quasi Public
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-4
Lake Mathews/Woodcrest Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 2.7
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.5
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 3.2
Roadways Maintained by Others** 11.1
Area Plan Total 14.3
Mead Valley Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 1.3
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.4
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 7.5
Subtotal 9.2
Roadways Maintained by Others** 0.2
Area Plan Total 9.4
Highgrove Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.0
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 0.0
Roadways Maintained by Others** 0.0
Area Plan Total 0.0
TABLE 7-1 (Continued)
EXISTING ROADS WITHIN PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC LANDS
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)*
Public/Quasi Public
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-5
Harvest Valley/Winchester Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.0
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.4
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 0.4
Roadways Maintained by Others** 4.7
Area Plan Total 5.1
Reche Canyon/Badlands Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.5
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 13.1
Subtotal 13.6
Roadways Maintained by Others** 28.5
Area Plan Total 42.1
Lakeview/Nuevo Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.4
County Maintained - Unpaved 2.6
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 0.0
Roadways Maintained by Others** 3.4
Area Plan Total 3.4
TABLE 7-1 (Continued)
EXISTING ROADS WITHIN PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC LANDS
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)*
Public/Quasi Public
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FINAL MSHCP 7-6
San Jacinto Valley Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.2
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.1
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 5.5
Subtotal 5.8
Roadways Maintained by Others** 22.9
Area Plan Total 28.7
The Pass Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.5
County Maintained - Unpaved 2.7
CSA/CSD Maintained 1.4
City Maintained 0.2
Subtotal 4.8
Roadways Maintained by Others** 4.2
Area Plan Total 9.0
Riverside Extended Mountain Interstate & Freeways 4.9
State Highways 1.3
County Maintained - Paved 0.0
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 3.8
Subtotal 10.0
Roadways Maintained by Others** 0.6
Area Plan Total 10.6
TABLE 7-1 (Continued)
EXISTING ROADS WITHIN PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC LANDS
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)*
Public/Quasi Public
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-7
Cities of Riverside and Norco Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - (Bridges in the Santa Ana River) 1.5
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 1.5
Roadways Maintained by Others** 0.0
Area Plan Total 1.5
* Totals may not precisely add due to rounding
** Limited coverage afforded, subject to submittal of application for Certificate of Inclusion.
CSA/CSD Maintained roads derived from selecting County Roads within CSA Boundaries.
Roadways Maintained by Others derived from selecting roads types other than those specified above.
' Covered Road Maintenance Activities Within Public/Quasi-Public
Lands
Privately Maintained Roads
Maintenance Activities on "Roadways Maintained by Others" are afforded limited coverage, subject
to the submittal of an application for Certificate of Inclusion. The covered Maintenance Activities
for these roadways is substantially limited in scope, including only such grading as necessary to
restore a smooth driving surface, maintain existing graded shoulders within the existing rights-of-
way, and essential weed abatement, excluding the application of any herbicides. Guidelines are
provided in Appendix C which would minimize and avoid impacts to sensitive species and Habitats
occurring adjacent to the existing roadway.
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FINAL MSHCP 7-8
Publicly Maintained Roads
Some of the existing County maintained unpaved roads may be paved within the existing roadbed
as future traffic, safety and/or environmental conditions warrant. In addition, safety improvements
to other publicly maintained existing roadways within Public/Quasi-Public Lands are Covered
Activities. Guidelines are provided in Appendix C which would minimize and avoid impacts to
sensitive species and Habitats occurring adjacent to the existing roadway.
Necessary operation and Maintenance Activities conducted for safety purposes would be permitted
within Public/Quasi-Public Lands. These activities include the following:
! Signage
! Traffic Control Devices
! Guardrails and Fences
! Pavement Repairs
! Accident Response
! Tree Trimming
! Natural Disaster Damage/Restoration of Emergency Access
! Storm Damage
! Weed Control
! Grading Shoulders (up to 12 feet from the edge of paved or unpaved roadways)
! Grading Existing Dirt Roadways
! Dust Stabilization
! Culverts/Drop Structures
! Curbs/Gutters/Sidewalks
! Roadway Widening
! Berms
! Roadway Resurfacing
! Ditch Clearing
! Landscape Maintenance
! Bridge Maintenance
! Roadway Reconstruction
Maintenance and operation activities conducted for safety purposes, as described above, are subject
to compliance with Best Management Practices (BMPs), as detailed in Appendix C of this document.
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VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-9
7.2.2 Planned Roads Within Existing Public/Quasi-Public
Lands
Circulation Element Roads
New Circulation Element roads, or improvements to existing Circulation Element roads proposed
within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands include Cajalco Road, Butterfield Stage Road, Anza
Road, Bautista Canyon Road, Gilman Springs Road and Roads crossing the Santa Ana River,
including a potential new crossing at Schleisman Avenue. Siting, design and construction of these
facilities shall be subject to the guidelines provided in Sections 7.5.1, 7.5.2, and 7.5.3, and will also
be subject to the Best Management Practices identified in Appendix C.
Impacts to Habitats within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands shall be compensated by purchase
and dedication into the MSHCP Conservation Area of land that is in addition to the Additional
Reserve Lands.
Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore CETAP Corridor
Two east-west CETAP alternatives for the Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore transportation Corridor
have been selected for further analysis: Alternatives 1 and 5. Alternative 1 includes two options, 1a
and 1b, and Alternative 5 includes three options, 5a, 5c and 5e. In addition, there are two hybrid
options that involve portions of alignment segments from various alternatives. Only one of these
east-west CETAP alternatives will be chosen to be constructed. A complete description of the
Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore Corridor is provided later in this section. The purpose of this
discussion is to identify the portions of the Corridor that are proposed to encroach upon existing
Public/Quasi-Public Lands.
Portions of the proposed alignment for Alternatives 1a and 1b, and Hybrids 1 and 3 encroach into
existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands. The impacted areas are currently part of existing reserves for
Stephens’ kangaroo rat. Table 7-2 provides an estimate of the total acreage of impact that these
alignments will have.
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VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-10
TABLE 7-2
HEMET TO CORONA/LAKE ELSINORE IMPACTS
WITHIN PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC LANDS
Existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands
Alt 1a
(Acres)
Alt 1b
(Acres)
Hybrid 1
(Acres)
Hybrid 3
(Acres)
Lake Mathews/Estelle M ountain 215 230 215 170
San Jacinto/Lake Perris 45 45 0 0
Steele Peak 0 0 0 0
TOTAL 260 275 215 170
In the areas where these impacts occur, the estimated width of right-of-way for the Corridor is
approximately 500 feet. The facility will potentially include the following elements:
! Three mixed flow lanes in each direction
! One HOV lane in each direction
! Shoulders at Caltrans standards for freeways
! Medians of sufficient width to accommodate Caltrans standard median widths, including an
exclusive transitway, either rail or bus
! Buffer areas and areas for utilities
No interchanges are proposed within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands. Any interchanges that may
be proposed in the future with Public/Quasi-Public Lands will not be covered and will require an
amendment to the MSHCP. Maintenance Activities that are proposed for the portions of the CETAP
Corridor that may be located within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands are the same as those listed
in Section 7.2.1.
Guidelines for construction of wildlife crossings for the portions of the Hemet to Corona/Lake
Elsinore CETAP Corridor that encroach on existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands are addressed in
Section 7.5.2. Construction guidelines are listed for this facility are included in Section 7.5.3. Siting
and design guidelines contain in Section 7.5.1 apply only to the specific alignment and design of this
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-11
facility, as the general alignment has been analyzed in the MSHCP. This facility is also subject to
the Best Management Practices outlined in Appendix C. Impacts to Habitats within existing
Public/Quasi-Public Lands shall be compensated by purchase and dedication into the MSHCP
Conservation Area of land that is in addition to the Additional Reserve Lands.
7.2.3 Cajalco Road Realignment and Widening
The transportation agencies are continuing their planning process for the Hemet to Corona/Lake
Elsinore CETAP Corridor. To ensure flexibility, the transportation agencies are proposing a process
to include as a Covered Activity, an alternative to the alignment northerly of Lake Mathews currently
under study, as described in Section 7.3.5. If it is not Feasible to build the CETAP Corridor in the
alignment north of Lake Mathews, the proposed alternative involves the realignment and widening
of Cajalco Road south of Lake Mathews to a four-lane arterial status, or other configuration that
could be demonstrated to meet the criteria outlined in this section. The alternative would be
proposed in place of the CETAP alternative between El Sobrante Road and the Temescal Wash.
The Cajalco Road alternative would involve the realignment of existing Cajalco Road and the
construction of a new four-lane divided roadway, or other configuration that could be demonstrated
to meet the criteria outlined in this section, to replace the existing two-lane roadway. The road
improvements will follow the CETAP alternative alignment from I-215 westerly to a location
approximately 9 miles east of I-15, at roughly the intersection of existing Cajalco Road and El
Sobrante Road. At that location the proposed Cajalco Road Option alignment will continue in a
south and westerly direction, while the CETAP alternative alignment travels northwesterly. The
greatest distance between the two alignments is approximately three miles, at a location that is south
of the western end of Lake Mathews. The Cajalco Road Option joins the CETAP Alternative
alignment again approximately 1 mile east of I-15. The area within the gap between the two
alignments is almost entirely within the existing Lake Mathews Reserve.
Should this option be selected, the CETAP Alternative north of Lake Mathewswould not be
constructed as a CETAP Corridor.
The following outlines the proposed process to include the Cajalco Road realignment and widening
alternative as a Covered Activity:
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-12
An equivalency analysis shall be provided by the Riverside County Transportation Commission
(RCTC) for review and concurrence by the Wildlife Agencies in narrative and graphic form
comparing the effects/benefits of the proposed project with the northerly CETAP alternative. The
analysis shall consider specific project design features, including consideration of the siting and
design guidelines, and guidelines for construction of wildlife crossings contained in Section 7.5.2,
as well as the Best Management Practices contained in Appendix C to this document. A primary
issue for consideration in the analysis of equivalency is habitat fragmentation. Potential adverse
impacts related to fragmentation of Habitats within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands and
Additional Reserve Lands shall be thoroughly analyzed and discussed. The equivalency analysis will
address the following categories:
1. Effects on Habitats
2. Effects on Covered Species
3. Effects on Core Areas (as identified on the MSHCP Core and Linkage map)
4. Effects on Linkages and Constrained Linkages (as identified on the MSHCP Core
and Linkage map)
5. Effects on MSHCP Conservation Area configuration and management (such as
increases or decreases in edge)
6. Effects on ecotones (defined as areas of adjoining Vegetation Communities,
generally characterized by greater biological diversity) and other conditions affecting
species diversity (such as invasion by exotics)
7. Effects on and consistency with existing HCPs and/or NCCPs.
The equivalency analysis shall draw conclusions regarding the degree to which the Cajalco
realignment and widening project is considered to be biologically equivalent or superior to the
Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore CETAP alternative. If the project is determined not to be
biologically equivalent or superior by the Wildlife Agencies in the review and concurrence process,
the project will be considered a Major Amendment, and required to follow the procedures described
in Section 6.10 of this document.
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FINAL MSHCP 7-13
RCTC shall meet and confer with the Wildlife Agencies to discuss road alignment and design issues
and subsequently submit the equivalency analysis in writing to the Wildlife Agencies for their
review. If the Wildlife Agencies do not concur with the analysis, the project shall be subject to a
Major Amendment. If the Wildlife Agencies concur, or if they fail to respond within the 60-day
period, the project would be permitted as a Covered Activity.
Specific design considerations that shall be incorporated into the project to facilitate the Biological
Equivalency Determination include the following:
1. Construction of Cajalco Road shall be designed in such a way as to facilitate the
movements of avian species, including the California gnatcatcher and least Bells
vireo by depressing the roadbed below the level of the adjacent natural grade, to the
extent practical.
2. Beginning at Gavilan Road and proceeding westerly for roughly 3.4 miles, Cajalco Road
shall be realigned to the southerly edge of the existing reserve in such a way as to
minimize the existing reserve fragmentation. Once the road is relocated, the existing
roadbed shall be removed and the area returned to a natural state including revegetation
with native materials. Any remaining portions of existing Cajalco Road not needed to
provide for local access will also be removed and restored.
3. All stream crossing shall be designed to facilitate the movement of mammal species.
Design considerations will include bridges and/or undercrossings, particularly in the
western portions of the alignment that contain more significant topography. Wildlife
crossings shall include design parameters that will ensure their success, including natural
lighting/line of sight configurations, and fencing to direct wildlife movement to the
crossings. Additional considerations for small mammals shall include provision of
undercrossings in the flatter areas of the alignment, immediately south of the lake.
Crossing opportunities shall be numerous through this area and will be focused on the
most opportunistic movement features. Please refer to Section 7.5.2 for more details
regarding guidelines for wildlife crossings.
4. Impacts related to fragmentation and direct impacts to existing Public/Quasi-Public
Lands shall be mitigated through the acquisition and Conservation of lands that are in
addition to the 153,000 acres of Additional Reserve Lands at an appropriate ratio to
support the findings of biological equivalency.
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FINAL MSHCP 7-14
The equivalency analysis shall demonstrate that the enhanced design features for Cajalco Road together
with project-specific mitigation, which shall require Conservation of land in addition to the Additional
Reserve Lands, shall result in equivalent conservation value when compared to the Hemet to Corona/Lake
Elsinore CETAP Alignment Alternatives, for the portion of the alignment that would be replaced by the
Cajalco Road realignment and widening. In addition, for any portions of the alignment that would
traverse the existing Lake Mathews Reserve, consistency with the Lake Mathews Multiple Species
Habitat Conservation Plan shall be demonstrated.
7.2.4 Future Facilities Within Public/Quasi-Public Lands
Future facilities such as water, sewer, electrical, gas and solid waste facilities, that are described in more
detail in Section 7.3.9 would also be permitted within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands subject to a
finding of equivalent conservation provided through individual project mitigation. An equivalency
analysis shall be provided by either the Permittee or the entity requesting a Certificate of Inclusion. The
analysis shall be provided for review and concurrence by the Wildlife Agencies in narrative and graphic
form comparing the effects/benefits of the proposed project including specific mitigation and
compensation for lost conservation values, with the conditions prior to facility implementation. The
analysis shall consider specific project design features, including consideration of the siting and design
guidelines, contained in Section 7.5.1, as well as the Best Management Practices contained in Appendix
C of this document. The equivalency analysis shall address the following categories:
1. Effects on Habitats
2. Effects on Covered Species
3. Effects on Core Areas (as identified on the MSHCP Core and Linkage map)
4. Effects on Linkages and Constrained Linkages (as identified on the MSHCP Core and
Linkage map)
5. Effects on MSHCP Conservation Area configuration and management (such as increases
or decreases in edge)
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6. Effects on ecotones (defined as areas of adjoining Vegetation Communities, generally
characterized by greater biological diversity) and other conditions affecting species
diversity (such as invasion by exotics)
Impacts to Habitats within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands shall be compensated by purchase and
dedication into the MSHCP Conservation Area of land at not less than a ratio of 1:1 that is in addition
to the Additional Reserve Lands.
7.2.5 Maintenance of Other Existing Facilities Within Public/
Quasi-Public Lands by Permittees
Public facilities within existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands may be maintained by Permittees within the
existing disturbance area of each existing facility, and without any changes in the operating characteristics
of the facility that would affect Covered Species.
7.2.6 Existing Agricultural Uses Within Local Public/Quasi-
Public Lands
Existing Agricultural Operations within Local Public/Quasi-Public Lands are Covered Activities subject
to the provisions of Section 6.2 of the Plan.
7.3 COVERED ACTIVITIES INSIDE CRITERIA AREA
7.3.1 Public and Private Development Consistent with MSHCP
Criteria
As discussed in Section 3.0 of this document, public and private Development within the Criteria Area
that is determined to be consistent with the Criteria is considered a Covered Activity.
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7.3.2 Single-Family Homes on Existing Parcels Within the
Criteria Area
Development of individual single-family homes on existing parcels, in accordance with existing land use
regulations is a Covered Activity within the Criteria Area. As described in Section 6.1.1 of this
document, there is currently a process for siting a home on an existing lot. The location of a single
family home or mobile home on an existing lot is determined by factors such as access,
topography/terrain, zoning development standards including setbacks, soil types, presence of earthquake
fault lines, leach fields, presence of oak trees and location of lot within a high fire hazard area. Therefore,
an expedited review process, through the Property Owner Initiated Habitat Evaluation and Acquisition
Negotiation Process has been developed to assist in determining the appropriate location of a single
family home or mobile home on an existing lot within the Criteria Area.
An application for the issuance of a grading permit for an individual single family home on an existing
lot or a site preparation permit for a mobile home on an existing lot within the Criteria Area will be
subject to review against the MSHCP Conservation Criteria solely in order to determine the location of
a building foot print area and any necessary access road(s) on the least sensitive portion of the lot. A
habitat assessment may be required in order to assist in determining the most appropriate location for the
area of disturbance and any necessary access road(s). A habitat assessment for purposes of this provision
shall include mapping of the vegetation at sufficient detail to identify sensitive areas. Upon completion
of the review, the Permittee will determine the location of the area of disturbance, and the location of any
necessary road(s). Any necessary firebreaks will be included within the area of disturbance.
If during the review period it is determined that all or part of the property may benefit assembly of the
MSHCP Conservation Area, the Permittee may negotiate with the property owner to acquire the entire
lot or portion thereof or determine which incentives may apply in order to acquire a conservation
easement over that portion of the property not necessary for access road(s) and outside of the building
footprint area. If the Permittee is unable to reach agreement with the property owner concerning the
acquisition of the entire lot or a conservation easement over a portion of the lot upon completion of the
review period, the property owner may proceed with the processing of the grading or site preparation
permit application. However, compliance with the location of the building footprint area as well as the
location of any necessary road(s) will be required.
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Trend data collected from 1995 to mid 2002 suggests that, on average, there is development of
approximately 75 single-family homes on lots averaging approximately 9 acres in size within the Criteria
Area on an annual basis. Therefore, the Single-Family Home Expedite Process will have the potential
to affect approximately 675 acres of land within the Criteria Area annually. For purposes of this analysis,
it is assumed that approximately 50% of that area, or 338 acres potentially impacted by such Development
will be within areas of sensitive Habitat that are considered desirable for inclusion in the MSHCP
Conservation Area. This is based on the overall ratio of Additional Reserve Lands to Criteria Area,
which is roughly one half. Based on the trend data and average parcel size, that 338 acres represents
approximately 38 parcels. It is estimated that the Permittees will be able to successfully negotiate with
75%, or 29 of the 38 property owners through the Property Owner Initiated Habitat Evaluation and
Acquisition Negotiation Process. Therefore, it is assumed that Conservation that conforms to the Criteria
will be achieved on approximately 253 of the 338 acres of land per year that is potentially impacted
through this process. It is assumed that the remaining approximately 85 acres will be developed in
accordance with the Criteria and will become unavailable for Conservation on an annual basis, as a result
of the Single-Family Home Expedite Process.
The inability to incorporate into the MSHCP Conservation Area approximately 85 acres of land that is
desirable for Conservation throughout the Plan Area on an annual basis will not reduce the overall
acreage required for Additional Reserve Lands. So while Conservation may be precluded on an estimated
average of 85 acre per year, it is not expected that this will adversely affect the ability to assemble a viable
MSHCP Conservation Area, since there is adequate additional land within the Criteria Area that could
be acquired in lieu of the areas subject to Development under the Single-Family Home Expedite Process.
In addition, annual reporting will determine whether the activity of single-family home Development
occurs in a manner that is consistent with the assumptions used for the MSHCP analysis. The number
of grading or site preparation permits for the construction or location of a single family home or a mobile
home on an existing lot located within the Criteria Area will be monitored and reported on at least an
annual basis in order to insure that appropriate assembly of the MSHCP Conservation Area is occurring.
Corrective action will be taken if necessary, to direct Reserve Assembly activities in a manner that adjusts
for single-family home construction activities to avoid the adverse foreclosure of Reserve Assembly
options.
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7.3.3 Agricultural Lands Within the Criteria Area
Existing agricultural uses and conversion of natural lands to agricultural use, as defined and outlined in
Section 6.2 of this document, will be allowed as a Covered Activity within the Criteria Area. New
conversions to agricultural use within the Criteria Area are covered up to an established threshold of
10,000 acres over the life of the Plan. Agricultural Operations, as defined in Section 6.2, include the
production of all plants (horticulture), fish farms, animals and related production activities, including the
planting, cultivation and tillage of the soil, dairying, and apiculture; and the production, plowing, seeding,
cultivation, growing, harvesting, pasturing and fallowing for the purpose of crop rotation of any
agricultural commodity, including viticulture, apiculture, horticulture, and the breeding, feeding and
raising of livestock, horses, fur-bearing animals, fish, or poultry and all uses conducted as a normal part
of such operations; provided such actions are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The guidelines for coverage of Agricultural Operations and mechanisms for implementing the New
Agricultural Lands Cap are discussed in detail in Section 6.2. The purpose of this discussion is to
establish a process for monitoring New Agricultural Lands and for ensuring that Reserve Assembly
activities are adjusted to account for New Agricultural Lands in the Criteria Area.
In order to verify the location of the Existing Agricultural Operations, the County will establish a database
identifying Existing Agricultural Operations (“Existing Agricultural Operations Database”) on or before
the Effective Date of the Implementing Agreement or the issuance of the Section 10(a) Permit and the
NCCP Authorization. The New Agricultural Lands Cap of 10,000 acres within the Criteria Area will be
applied to Agricultural Operations that are in addition to the activities recorded in the Existing
Agricultural Operations Database. The 10,000 acre New Agricultural Lands Cap represents
approximately 3 percent of the total acreage contained within the Criteria Area.
If New Agricultural Lands conversions result in the need to acquire Additional Reserve Lands that were
not contemplated in the Criteria, it will be demonstrated that the Additional Reserve Lands meet not only
the total acreage requirements of the Plan, but also the conservation functions and values (including
reserve design and configuration considerations) specified in the Plan. It is anticipated that there will be
adequate and appropriate land available for Conservation within the Criteria Area that could compensate
for areas potentially considered for Conservation that will be made unavailable through the agricultural
conversion allowance. Annual review of MSHCP implementation and Reserve Assembly will provide
a mechanism for addressing potential issues associated with Reserve Assembly that may be brought about
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-19
by agricultural conversions within the Criteria Area. Corrective action will then be taken to direct
Reserve Assembly activities in a manner that adjusts for agricultural activities and avoids the adverse
foreclosure of Reserve Assembly options.
Because there are agricultural activities that do not require discretionary actions by the County, such
activities may be difficult to monitor through review of permitting. Aerial photographs of the Criteria
Area will be reviewed every three years to determine the level of activity occurring within that period.
Through the annual reporting process, the trend of agricultural activity will be examined to determine if
Reserve Assembly options are being precluded.
To estimate the potential effects of New Agricultural Lands in relation to the MSHCP, it is assumed that
approximately 50% of the agricultural conversions that take place within the Criteria Area will be
consistent with the Criteria. Therefore, it is assumed that approximately 5,000 acres of New Agricultural
Lands will occur within areas considered desirable for Conservation under the Criteria. This represents
approximately 1.5% of the total Additional Reserve Lands proposed to be acquired within the Criteria
Area. Tracking of MSHCP implementation, and adjustments to Reserve Assembly strategies as outlined
in this section, will provide a mechanism to ensure that adequate acreage of Additional Reserve Lands
is being acquired, and that appropriate reserve design and configuration are being achieved.
7.3.4 Existing Roads Within the Criteria Area
Maintenance of existing roads within the Criteria Area is considered a Covered Activity for Permittees,
Participating Special Entities, and Third Parties Granted Take Authorization. Existing roads within the
Criteria Area are not anticipated to be included in the total acreage of Additional Reserve Lands and will
not be included in the MSHCP Conservation Area. However, maintenance and minor modifications to
existing roads may result in impacts to listed species. Specified road maintenance activities as outlined
in this section, are Covered Activities under the Plan. Existing roadways within the Criteria Area include
interstates, freeways, State highways, City and County maintained roadways, as well as local roads, which
are not City, or County maintained that provide property access. This latter category of other maintained
roadways are generally maintained by the adjacent property owners, either individually or collectively.
Table 7-3 provides an estimate summarizing the extent of these various types of existing roadways which
are permitted to remain within the Criteria Area.
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VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-20
TABLE 7-3. EXISTING ROADS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE CRITERIA AREA
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)
Criteria Area
Eastvale Interstate & Freeways 0.9
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.0
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 0.9
Roadways Maintained by Others* 0.8
Area Plan Total 1.7
Jurupa Interstate & Freeways 5.2
State Highways 13.9
County Maintained - Paved 20.4
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.3
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 39.8
Roadways Maintained by Others* 17.6
Area Plan Total 57.5
Temescal Canyon Interstate & Freeways 9.7
State Highways 3.5
County Maintained - Paved 6.8
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 1.0
City Maintained 8.5
Subtotal 29.5
Roadways Maintained by Others* 8.7
Area Plan Total 38.3
Elsinore Interstate & Freeways 24.0
State Highways 2.1
County Maintained - Paved 19.4
County Maintained - Unpaved 6.6
CSA/CSD Maintained 18.7
City Maintained 69.2
TABLE 7-3 (Continued)
EXISTING ROADS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE CRITERIA AREA
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)
Criteria Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-21
Subtotal 140.0
Roadways Maintained by Others* 34.4
Area Plan Total 174.4
Southwest Interstate & Freeways 13.7
State Highways 21.5
County Maintained - Paved 28.4
County Maintained - Unpaved 14.5
CSA/CSD Maintained 5.9
City Maintained 153.4
Subtotal 237.3
Roadways Maintained by Others* 286.3
Area Plan Total 523.7
Sun City/Menifee Interstate & Freeways 1.8
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 1.9
County Maintained - Unpaved 1.9
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.5
Subtotal 6.1
Roadways Maintained by Others* 12.1
Area Plan Total 18.2
Lake Mathews/Woodcrest Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 9.1
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.5
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 9.5
Roadways Maintained by Others* 45.1
Area Plan Total 54.6
Mead Valley Interstate & Freeways 4.6
State Highways 0.0
TABLE 7-3 (Continued)
EXISTING ROADS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE CRITERIA AREA
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)
Criteria Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-22
County Maintained - Paved 4.6
County Maintained - Unpaved 2.2
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.9
City Maintained 13.5
Subtotal 25.8
Roadways Maintained by Others* 21.0
Area Plan Total 46.7
Highgrove Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 2.6
County Maintained - Paved 2.4
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.5
CSA/CSD Maintained 2.7
City Maintained 1.0
Subtotal 9.2
Roadways Maintained by Others* 4.3
Area Plan Total 13.5
Harvest Valley/Winchester Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 1.4
County Maintained - Paved 0.3
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.9
CSA/CSD Maintained 3.2
City Maintained 0.1
Subtotal 5.8
Roadways Maintained by Others* 1.4
Area Plan Total 7.2
Reche Canyon/Badlands Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 8.6
County Maintained - Paved 15.1
County Maintained - Unpaved 3.2
CSA/CSD Maintained 3.7
City Maintained 14.2
Subtotal 44.8
Roadways Maintained by Others* 79.9
Area Plan Total 124.7
TABLE 7-3 (Continued)
EXISTING ROADS PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN THE CRITERIA AREA
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)
Criteria Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-23
Lakeview/Nuevo Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 0.0
County Maintained - Paved 0.1
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.5
CSA/CSD Maintained 13.4
City Maintained 0.0
Subtotal 14.1
Roadways Maintained by Others* 81.2
Area Plan Total 95.2
San Jacinto Valley Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 14.3
County Maintained - Paved 20.2
County Maintained - Unpaved 1.8
CSA/CSD Maintained 11.1
City Maintained 31.0
Subtotal 78.4
Roadways Maintained by Others* 55.7
Area Plan Total 134.1
The Pass Interstate & Freeways 9.7
State Highways 23.8
County Maintained - Paved 9.2
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 6.9
City Maintained 14.5
Subtotal 64.1
Roadways Maintained by Others* 11.2
Area Plan Total 75.3
Riverside Extended Mountain Interstate & Freeways 0.0
State Highways 1.2
County Maintained - Paved 0.1
County Maintained - Unpaved 0.0
CSA/CSD Maintained 0.0
City Maintained 26.7
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Area Plan Facility Type
Length (Miles)
Criteria Area
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-24
Subtotal 28.0
Roadways Maintained by Others* 0.0
Area Plan Total 28.0
Western County Total 1,393
* Limited coverage afforded, subject to submittal of application for Certificate of Inclusion.
CSA/CSD Maintained roads derived from selecting County Roads within CSA Boundaries.
Roadways Maintained by Others derived from selecting roads types other than those specified above.
' Covered Road Maintenance Activities Within the Criteria Area
Privately Maintained Roads
Maintenance Activities on "Roadways Maintained by Others" will be afforded limited coverage, subject
to the submittal of an application for Certificate of Inclusion. The covered Maintenance Activities for
these roadways will be substantially limited in scope, including only such grading as necessary to restore
a smooth driving surface, maintain existing graded shoulders within the existing rights-of-way, and
essential weed abatement, excluding the application of any herbicides. The construction guidelines
provided in Section 7.5.3, as well as Best Management Practices outlined in Appendix C, will minimize
and avoid impacts to sensitive species and Habitats occurring adjacent to the existing roadway.
Publicly Maintained Roads
Some of the existing County maintained unpaved roads may be paved within the existing roadbed as
future traffic, safety and/or environmental conditions warrant. In addition, safety improvements to other
publicly maintained existing roadways within the Criteria Area are Covered Activities. The construction
guidelines provided in Section 7.5.3, as well as Best Management Practices outlined in Appendix C, will
minimize and avoid impacts to sensitive species and Habitats occurring adjacent to the existing roadway.
Necessary operation and Maintenance Activities conducted for safety purposes will be Covered Activities
within the Criteria Area. These activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-25
! Signage
! Traffic Control Devices
! Guardrails and Fences
! Pavement Repairs
! Accident Response
! Tree Trimming
! Natural Disaster Damage/Restoration of Emergency Access
! Storm Damage
! Weed Control
! Grading Shoulders (up to 12 feet from the edge of paved or unpaved roadways)
! Grading Existing Dirt Roadways
! Dust Stabilization
! Culverts/Drop Structures
! Curbs/Gutters/Sidewalks
! Roadway Widening
! Berms
! Roadway Resurfacing
! Ditch Clearing
! Landscape Maintenance
! Bridge Maintenance
! Roadway Reconstruction
Maintenance and operation activities conducted for safety purposes, as described above, are subject to
compliance with Best Management Practices (BMPs), as detailed in Appendix C of this document.
7.3.5 Planned Roads Within the Criteria Area
Planned roadways are defined as either existing facilities that require improvements (i.e., widening) or
as new facilities to be constructed. Planned roadways include seven types of roadways, freeways, CETAP
Corridors and other major facilities that have been identified as part of the General Plan circulation
element (Figure 7-1). Planned roadways are depicted in a general fashion on the County Circulation
Element (Figure 7-1).
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FINAL MSHCP 7-26
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-27
Roads with special environmental issues due to their location within particularly sensitive areas are listed
in Table 7-4, which identifies specific considerations for design and alignment of these roads.
TABLE 7-4
PLANNED FACILITIES
Planned Facility Specific Considerations
Lambs Canyon Road -
This existing facility crosses areas proposed for conservation in the southern
Badlands and may interfere with wildlife movement.
! Maintain and/or enhance the number and size of undercrossings
to facilitate wildlife movement
San Timoteo Canyon Road -
This existing facility occurs within areas proposed for conservation along the
San Timoteo Creek. Improvements may impact creek and interfere with
wildlife movement between Noble Creek and the Badlands.
! Widen roadway away from creek
! Maintain and/or enhance the number and size of undercrossings to
facilitate wildlife movement
Gilman Springs Rd -
This existing facility may interrupt wildlife crossings from Mystic Lake to the
Badlands.
! Maintain and/or enhance the number and size of undercrossings to
facilitate wildlife movement
Bridge Street -
This existing facility crosses the Mystic Lake area, San Jacinto River and
areas adjacent to the River identified for conservation. The San Jacinto River
is not channelized west of Sanderson. The proposed improvements may
interfere with connectivity between Mystic Lake and Lakeview Mtns.
! Maintain existing box culvert to facilitate wildlife movement and
provide additional culverts, if necessary;
! The linkage between Mystic Lake and Lakeview Mtns. will be moved
to the west side of Bridge to reduce fragmentation of this linkage by
Bridge St.
Reche Canyon Road -
This existing facility traverse areas within Reche Canyon desired for
Conservation.
! Expand facility away from areas desired for Conservation where
possible.
Pigeon Pass Road -
This existing facility may interfere with connectivity between Box Springs
and the Badlands.
! Avoid siting alignment in areas desired for Conservation to the extent
Feasible;
! Minimize number of crossings into reserve
! Align will turn road west to connect to corridor
! Construct road at grade at Center St. and build overcrossing for
wildlife movement
Schleisman -
Proposed roadway would cross PQP Lands within the Santa Ana River.
! Bridge over Santa Ana River
Hamner -
This existing facility crosses PQP Lands within the Santa Ana River.
! Bridge over Santa Ana River
River Road -
This existing facility crosses PQP Lands within the Santa Ana River.
! Bridge over Santa Ana River
TABLE 7-4 (Continued)
PLANNED FACILITIES
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Planned Facility Specific Considerations
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-28
Van Buren -
This existing facility crosses PQP Lands within the Santa Ana River.
! Bridge over Santa Ana River
Mission -
This existing facility crosses PQP Lands within the Santa Ana River.
! Bridge over Santa Ana River
Market -
This existing facility crosses PQP Lands within the Santa Ana River.
! Bridge over Santa Ana River
CETAP Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore Alternative 1B -
The proposed facility would traverse areas north of Lake Mathews and La
Sierra Hills. The facility would potentially fragment a large block of habitat.
! Provide wildlife crossing (cut-n-cover) between MWD and existing
reserve
! Span Temescal Wash at westerly terminus
CETAP Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore Alternative 5A and 5E -
The proposed expansion of the existing facility would traverse the linkage
between North Peak and Ramsgate and may interrupt connectivity between
these two areas.
! Provide overcrossing between North Peak and Ramsgate and
maintain connectivity between these two areas.
Soboba Road -
This existing facility would traverse San Jacinto River between Soboba Rd
and Ramona Expressway and may interrupt wildlife movement along this
riparian linkage.
! Span the San Jacinto River with bridge
! Need to consider San Bernardino kangaroo rat in this area
SR 371 -
This existing facility traverses large habitat blocks in the Sage/Aguanga area.
! Need to consider measures to reduce fragmentation and provide for
wildlife movement.
Castile Canyon Road -
This existing facility traverses the San Jacinto River and may interrupt
wildlife movement along this riparian linkage.
! Span San Jacinto River with bridge
Nuevo Road -
This existing facility traverses the San Jacinto River and may interrupt
wildlife movement along this riparian linkage.
! Span San Jacinto River with bridge
Ethanac Road -
This existing facility traverses the San Jacinto River and may interrupt
wildlife movement along this riparian linkage.
! Span San Jacinto River with bridge
San Jacinto Road -
This existing facility (proposed for expansion) crosses the San Jacinto River
and may interrupt wildlife movement along this riparian linkage.
! Span San Jacinto River with bridge
TABLE 7-4 (Continued)
PLANNED FACILITIES
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Planned Facility Specific Considerations
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-29
Menifee Road-
This existing facility would traverse the linkage between core habitat in the
French Valley area and core habitat in the Sedco Hills area and may interrupt
wildlife movement along this linkage.
! Provide a wildlife crossing under Menifee Road
! Align Menifee through the narrowest segment of the linkage to reduce
edge effects.
Briggs Road -
This existing facility would traverse core habitat in the French Valley area
and cross Warm Springs Creek and may fragment proposed Core areas.
! Provide culvert for wildlife crossing
! Span facility over Warm Springs Creek
Whitewood Road -
This existing facility would traverse the linkage between core habitat in the
French Valley area and core habitat in the Sedco Hills area and potentially
result in habitat fragmentation.
! Provide culvert for wildlife crossing
! Maintain visual connectivity for birds
Washington Street -
This existing facility crosses two linkages connecting the French Valley core
habitat area and the existing Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species
Reserve and may interrupt wildlife movement in these areas.
! Provide two culverts for wildlife undercrossing at Scott
Road/Washington and south of Keller at Washington Street.
SR-79 south of Domenigoni Parkway -
This existing facility crosses two constrained linkages connecting the French
Valley core habitat area and the existing Southwestern Riverside County
Multi-Species Reserve and may interrupt wildlife movement in these areas.
! Provide habitat bridge overcrossing in the vicinity of Scott Road and
SR-79
! Provide wildlife undercrossing north of Auld/SR-79.
Leon Road -
This existing facility crosses Upper Warm Springs Creek linkage between
French Valley and the existing Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species
Reserve and may interrupt wildlife movement in this area.
! Provide culvert(s) for wildlife crossing
Clinton Keith Road -
This existing facility crosses core habitat in French Valley supporting quino,
narrow endemics and gnatcatcher and may result in habitat fragmentation.
! The crossing of Warm Springs Creek will span the floodway with
sufficient vertical clearance and length including a span bridge, and
cut and cover element. Specific design details to be determined at the
time facility construction is proposed.
Los Alamos -
This existing facility would traverse areas proposed for Conservation south
of Clinton Keith Road and may result in habitat fragmentation.
! Align this facility to connect directly into Clinton Keith Road to
minimize edge effects and fragmentation.
Auld Road -
The portion of Auld Road west of Leon Road would cross linkage between
Johnson Ranch and French Valley and may interrupt wildlife movement.
! Provide culvert for wildlife crossing
TABLE 7-4 (Continued)
PLANNED FACILITIES
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
Planned Facility Specific Considerations
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-30
Murrieta Hot Springs -
This existing facility crosses Lower Warm Springs Creek and Lower Tucalota
Creek.
! This facility is permitted per ACOE 404 permits. This facility will not
be extended into the existing Johnson Ranch Reserve.
Butterfield Stage Road -
This existing facility traverses the existing Johnson Ranch reserve and the
constrained Santa Gertrudis Creek linkage.
! This facility will be constructed consistent with the requirements of
AD161 HCP.
Pauba Road -
This existing facility crosses Temecula Creek north of SR-79 South and may
interfere with wildlife movement in this area.
! Span Temecula Creek with bridge
Rainbow Canyon -
This existing facility may interfere with wildlife movement from the Santa
Ana Mountains.
! Incorporate wildlife crossings into design of facility
HWY 74 (City of Lake Elsinore) This existing facility traverses Proposed Core 1 and may interfere with
wildlife movement.
! Incorporate a wildlife overcrossing between North Peak and
Ramsgate at road upgrade.
Green Wald Avenue
The exisitng facitily traverses Proposed Linkage 7 and may interfere with
wildlife movement.
! Incorporate a wildlife undercrossing in a riparian drainage at road
upgrade.
! Incorporate a wildlife overcrossing on the hill west of the Tuscany
Hills development at road upgrade.
City of Murrieta -
A number of facilities cross Murrieta Creek west of I-15
! Only existing projects with ACOE 404 permits shall cross Murrieta
Creek. No other planned facilities are proposed to cross Murrieta
Creek.
I-15
This existing facility traverses a number of core and linkage areas between
the Santa Ana Mountains and areas desirable for Conservation to the east,
and may interfere with wildlife movement.
! Future guidelines for construction shall include provisions for wildlife
crossings south of Temecula Creek to facilitate wildllife movement
between Santa Ana Mountains and San Diego County.
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VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-31
Evaluations of planned roadways with respect to Conservation of biological resources have been
conducted throughout the MSHCP planning process. As a result, only those planned roadways identified
in this section are Covered Activities within the Criteria Area. Roadways other than those identified in
this section are not covered without an amendment to the MSHCP in accordance with the procedures
described in Section 6.10 of this document. Design and siting guidelines for planned roadways, presented
in this section will be implemented to ensure that planned roadways are sited, designed, and constructed
in a manner consistent with MSHCP conservation objectives.
Planned roadways, which include improvements to existing roadways and construction of new roadways,
are proposed to occur within the Criteria Area to serve future Development anticipated under the General
Plans of the Permittees, including planned state and federal highway improvements.
Four categories of planned roadways are depicted on Figure 7-1: (1) circulation element roadways, (2)
SR-79 North Corridor, (3) freeways, and (4) CETAP Corridors. These facilities are generally described
as follows:
Circulation Element Roadways
Seven types of roadways are proposed as part of the General Plan Circulation Element: expressways (184'
ROW), urban arterials (152' ROW), arterials (128' ROW), major roads (118' ROW), mountain arterials
(110' ROW), secondary roads (100' ROW) and collector roads (74' ROW). The improvement/
construction of circulation element roadways shown on Figure 7-1 are Covered Activities within the
Criteria Area, as well as the operation and Maintenance Activities conducted for these facilities. The
Circulation element roads included in Figure 7-1 and that are analyzed in this section include a composite
of County and Cities General Plan Circulation Elements.
Approximately 5,840 acres of roadways will be improved/constructed within the Criteria Area. Table
7-5 summarizes the impacts to Vegetation Communities as a result of development of circulation element
roadways within the Criteria Area.
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TABLE 7-5. CIRCULATION ELEMENT ROADWAYS
IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OCCURRING
WITHIN THE CRITERIA AREA
VEGETATION COMMUNITY]
CRITERIA AREA
(Acres)
Agriculture 1,260
Chaparral 900
Coastal Sage Scrub 740
Desert Scrubs 70
Grasslands 1,240
Playas and Vernal Pools 130
Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest 150
Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub 100
Woodlands and Forests 120
Developed or Disturbed Land 1,130
TOTAL 5,840
State Route 79 Realignment (Newport Road to Gilman Springs Road)
The RCTC intends to preserve right-of-way and construct an improved State Route 79 (SR-79)
Transportation facility. As previously identified, improvements to the portion of SR-79 south of
Domenigoni Parkway are covered under the MSHCP as part of the proposed circulation element of the
County General Plan. The northerly segment, from Newport Road to Gilman Springs Road, includes
construction activities between Newport Road and the southern approach to the Sanderson Avenue bridge
over the San Jacinto River. As construction is not proposed north of the San Jacinto River, impacts will
not occur to Existing Linkage C and Proposed Core 3. However, this project has the potential to impact
portions of Proposed Non-contiguous Habitat Blocks 6 and 7 and Existing Constrained Linkage B, as
described in the discussion of Cores and Linkages (Section 3.2.3 of this document). Species proposed
for Conservation within these areas are associated with vernal pool and alkali playa Habitats. Any
impacts to these Habitats resulting from the road alignment will be required to demonstrate equivalent
conservation value. The project is in the early planning phase and specific alignment Corridor
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-33
alternatives have not been fully developed. The cross section for this project has not been defined, but
is anticipated to conform to state standards for right-of-way requirements, thereby exceeding the County
standards outlined in Section 7.3.5. Therefore, coverage for the northerly segment of SR-79, depending
on impacts, may be subject to a determination of biologically equivalent or superior Conservation. The
following outlines the proposed process to include the improvements and realignment of the northerly
segment of State Route 79 as a Covered Activity:
If the project will not impact the Criteria Area, it would be considered a Covered Activity and would be
subject to the design guidelines and BMPs outlined for circulation element roads, thus not requiring any
further analysis.
If the alignment would result in impacts within the Criteria Area, a technical study will be provided by
RCTC, for review and concurrence by the Wildlife Agencies, in narrative and graphic form identifying
plant and wildlife impacts associated with the selected alignment of the SR-79 northerly segment. Also
within the technical study, project proposals to replace habitat values from project impacts to Planning
Species for Proposed Non-contiguous Habitat Blocks 6 and 7 and Existing Constrained Linkage B will
be presented. An analysis in the technical study (equivalency analysis) will evaluate the replacement value
of the project proposals against the project impacts. The project will consider specific project design
features, including consideration of the siting and design guidelines, and guidelines for construction of
wildlife crossings contained in Section 7.5.3, as well as the Best Management Practices contained in
Appendix C of this document. If the alignment results in measurable impacts to the Criteria Area, the
technical study will address the following categories:
1. Effects on Habitats
2. Effects on Planning Species for Proposed Non-contiguous Habitat Blocks 6 and 7 and
Existing Constrained Linkage B
3. Effects on Core Areas (as identified on the MSHCP Schematic Cores and Linkages Map,
Figure 3-2)
4. Effects on Linkages and Constrained Linkages (as identified on the MSHCP Schematic
Cores and Linkages Map)
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5. Effects on MSHCP Conservation Area configuration and management (such as increases
or decreases in edge)
RCTC will meet and confer with the Wildlife Agencies to discuss road alignment and design issues and
subsequently submit the technical study, including the equivalency analysis, in writing to the Wildlife
Agencies for their review. If the Wildlife Agencies do not concur with the technical study, the project
will be subject to a Major Amendment. If the Wildlife Agencies concur, or if they fail to respond within
the 60-day period, the project will be permitted as a Covered Activity.
Criteria for Determining Equivalency
The following criteria will be incorporated into the alignment selection and design process for the SR-79
northerly segment. Compliance with these criteria shall demonstrate compliance with the MSHCP.
! Determination of biological equivalency must be demonstrated and achieved within the area
affected. Specifically, it must be demonstrated that the Conservation/mitigation proposed to
achieve biological equivalency is within Subunit 4 of the San Jacinto Area Plan (Section 3.3.13
of this document) and/or Subunit 2 of the Harvest Valley/Winchester Area Plan (Section 3.3.4
of this document).
! The analysis of the effects on species will address:
vernal pool fairy shrimp
Riverside fairy shrimp
burrowing owl
mountain plover
loggerhead shrike
Davidson's saltscale
thread-leaved brodiaea
vernal barley
little mousetail
spreading navarretia
California Orcutt grass
Munz's onion
Los Angeles pocket mouse
San Jacinto Valley crownscale
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Parish's brittlescale
Coulter's goldfields
Wright's trichocoronis
! Parameters for analyzing effects on vernal pool/alkali playa Habitats will consider the pool area,
hydrology, water quality issues, and the presence of species listed in these criteria.
! Potential means for achieving equivalency may include restoration of existing Habitats within the
Area Plan Subunits, which may include the removal of existing uses including, land-use
disturbances, ditches and drainage canals, and transportation and other types of infrastructure.
Recognition will be provided to RCTC for the direct benefit(s) of implementing these activities,
as well as to the secondary benefit(s) that result within and adjacent to Proposed Non-contiguous
Habitat Block 7.
! Efforts to maintain and/or improve habitat conditions may include maintenance of existing
conditions, natural generation or enhancement, or actual habitat creation, associated with a
wide-range of effort and cost. The selection of the approach and method will be determined with
technical merit and negotiated with RCTC. Typical definitions for this range of potential actions
are provided in Section 5.2.1 of this document, and include maintenance, natural regeneration,
enhancement, revegetation, restoration, and creation.
! The project will maintain hydrology to existing vernal pool/alkali playa Habitat to provide for the
Conservation of the species listed in these criteria by either (1) maintaining natural hydrologic
processes; or (2) designing/ implementing an engineered hydrologic solution that maintains the
necessary hydrologic processes.
! The project will maintain Existing Constrained Linkage B, as identified on the Cores and
Linkages Map (Section 3.2.3 of this document).
! The project will not preclude the ability to assemble Proposed Core 3 at the northern terminus
of the alignment, as identified on the Cores and Linkages Map (Section 3.2.3 of this document).
! The project will maintain Existing Constrained Linkage C, as identified on the Cores and
Linkages Map (Section 3.2.3 of this document).
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! Impacts related to the fragmentation of vernal pool/alkali playa Habitat, due to the removal of
surface hydrology and the inability of the project to meet the criteria identified above, may be
mitigated through the acquisition and Conservation of lands that are in addition to the 153,000
acres of Additional Reserve Lands at an appropriate ratio to support the findings of biological
equivalency for the project.
Freeways
State freeways are also shown on Figure 7-1 and they include I-215, I-15, I-10, SR-60, and SR-91.
Freeways are operated and maintained by Caltrans and include interchanges that connect these facilities
to other freeways, state highways and local roads. Caltrans has identified preliminary improvements for
these facilities that have been included in the analysis as Covered Activities.
Interstate 215 Improvements
Interstate 215 is currently a 4-lane facility from the I-215 interchange to the San Jacinto River crossing,
and a 6-lane facility from that point to the SR-60 interchange. Ultimate improvements include widening
to 8 regular travel lanes, with 4 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and 2 auxiliary lanes from I-215
to SR-60. Additional improvements may include 75 feet of rail Corridor within the alignment.
Interstate 15 Improvements
Interstate 15 is currently an 8-lane facility from the San Diego County Line to the San Bernardino County
Line. Improvements include addition of 4 HOV lanes and 2 auxiliary lanes, with an additional 75 feet
of rail Corridor within the alignment.
Interstate 10 Improvements
Within the Plan Area, I-10 is an 8-lane facility. The ultimate improvements will result in the addition of
4 HOV lanes, 2 auxiliary lanes and a 75-foot wide rail Corridor.
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State Route 60 Improvements
From the San Bernardino County line to the I-215 separation, SR-60 is currently a 6-lane facility. To the
east of I-215, SR-60 is a 4-lane facility. Improvements will include widening the facility through the Plan
Area to 8 lanes, with 4 additional HOV lanes, 2 auxiliary lanes and a 75-foot wide rail Corridor.
State Route 91 Improvements
SR-91 ranges from 6 to 12 lanes within the Plan Area, including HOV lanes from the Orange County line
to Magnolia Street. Proposed improvements will include widening and lane reconfigurations that will
result in 8 regular travel lanes, 4 HOV lanes and 2 auxiliary lanes, with an additional 75-foot wide rail
Corridor.
Approximately 360 to 400 acres of freeways are proposed to occur within the Criteria Area. Table 7-6
presents the Vegetation Communities that will be impacted by the improvement/construction of freeways
within the Criteria Area. Since the precise right-of-ways widths and alignments for these facilities are
not currently known, potential impacts are presented as acreage ranges.
TABLE 7-6
SUMMARY OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY FREEWAYS
VEGETATION COMMUNITY
CRITERIA AREA
(Acres)
Chaparral 80-100
Coastal Sage Scrub 450-475
Grasslands 100-150
Meadow and Marshes 280-300
Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest 60-90
Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub 30-40
Woodlands and Forests 10-20
TOTAL 1,010-1,175
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In addition to the freeways listed, Caltrans maintains jurisdiction over other state highway facilities
including the following: SR-74, SR-79, SR-371 and SR-71. Impacts associated with these facilities are
included with the circulation element roadways.
CETAP Corridors
Two CETAP transportation Corridors are proposed to be located within the MSHCP Plan Area: a north-
south CETAP transportation Corridor from Winchester to Temecula and an east-west transportation
Corridor from Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore. Two additional “out-of-county” Corridors are also
contemplated, but their connections outside of the MSHCP Plan Area have not been confirmed or
analyzed in the MSHCP. Multiple alternatives for the Winchester to Temecula and the Hemet to
Corona/Lake Elsinore transportation Corridors are currently being contemplated; however, only one east-
west Corridor and one north-south Corridor will be selected and built. Several of the alternatives include
multiple options; however, only one of the options will be selected. Alternatives that are not ultimately
selected may remain as part of the General Plan Circulation Element if an underlying designation, such
as expressway or urban arterial, exists for the alignment.
The estimated width of right-of-way for the CETAP Corridors ranges between approximately 500 and
1,000 feet. The facilities will potentially include the following elements:
! Three mixed flow lanes in each direction
! One HOV lane in each direction
! Shoulders at Caltrans standards for freeways
! Medians of sufficient width to accommodate Caltrans standard median widths, including an
exclusive transitway, either rail or bus
! Buffer areas and areas for utilities
! Interchanges at locations to be identified
The general alignments of the Winchester to Temecula and the Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore CETAP
transportation Corridors and the San Bernardino to Moreno Valley Corridor are described below:
Winchester to Temecula
Two north-south CETAP alternatives for the Winchester to Temecula transportation Corridor have been
selected for further analysis: Alternatives 1 and 7. Alternative 7 includes two options, 7a and 7b. The
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northern terminus of both Alternatives 1 and 7 is located at Domenigoni Parkway and Winchester Road.
As mentioned previously, only one north-south Corridor, either Alternative 1, 7a or 7b, will be ultimately
constructed. The alternatives that are not selected will be constructed as a circulation element roadway
if such underlying designation exists for the alternative.
! Alternative 1 continues south along Winchester Road until Scott Road. The alignment
then proceeds west along Scott Road to I-215.
! From the Domenigoni Parkway and Winchester Road intersection, Alternative 7a will
generally proceed west and southwest to the intersection of Craig and Leon Avenue.
Alternative 7a continues west along Craig Avenue to I-215, approximately 1.0 mile
south of Newport Road.
! Alternative 7b will generally proceed west and southwest to the intersection of Craig and
Leon Avenue from the Domenigoni Parkway and Winchester Road intersection. From
the intersection of Craig and Leon Avenue, Alternative 7b continues in a southwest
direction to Scott Road and then along Scott Road to I-215.
Table 7-7 summarizes the impacts to Vegetation Communities occurring within the Criteria Area for
Winchester to Temecula Alternative 1.
TABLE 7-7
WINCHESTER TO TEMECULA ALTERNATIVE 1
IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OCCURRING WITHIN
THE CRITERIA AREA
VEGETATION COMMUNITY
CRITERIA AREA
(Acres)
Agriculture 70
Coastal Sage Scrub 10
Grasslands 30
Developed or Disturbed Land 20
TOTAL 130
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Alternatives 7a and 7b proceed along a common alignment from the intersection of Domenigoni Parkway
and Winchester Road to the intersection of Craig and Leon Avenue. Approximately 535 to 555 acres of
this common alignment occurs outside of the Criteria Area and approximately 10 to 15 acres, comprised
of Agricultural lands, occur in Public/Quasi-Public Land.
From the intersection of Craig and Leon Avenue, Alternative 7a continues west along Craig Avenue to
I-215, approximately 1.0 mile south of Newport Road. Alternative 7b continues in a southwest direction
to Scott Road, from the intersection of Craig and Leon Avenue, and then along Scott Road to I-215.
Neither of these segments of Alternative 7a or 7b will occur in Public/Quasi-Public Land or the Criteria
Area.
In summary, for the Winchester to Temecula transportation Corridor alternatives, Alternative 1 will
impact approximately 130 acres within the Criteria Area; Alternative 7a will impact 10 to 15 acres within
Public/Quasi-Public Land; and Alternative 7b will impact 10 to 15 acres within Public/Quasi-Public
Land. Only one north-south Corridor will be covered under the MSHCP.
Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore
Two east-west CETAP alternatives for the Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore transportation Corridor have
been selected for further analysis: Alternatives 1 and 5. Alternative 1 includes two options, 1a and 1b,
and Alternative 5 includes three options, 5a, 5c and 5e. In addition, there are two hybrid options that
involve portions of alignment segments from various alternatives. Only one of these east-west CETAP
alternatives will be chosen to be constructed.
! The eastern terminus of Alternative 1a for the Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore Corridor
is located at Sanderson Avenue and Ramona Expressway. This alignment generally
follows Ramona Expressway west to the I-215. West of I-215, the alignment continues
along Cajalco Road to El Sobrante Road. The alignment proceeds along El Sobrante
Road to La Sierra Avenue. From El Sobrante Road and La Sierra Avenue, Alternative
1a will follow new alignment to the I-15/Cajalco Road interchange. The new alignment
between El Sobrante Road and La Sierra Avenue and the I-15/Cajalco Road interchange
will be located north and west of Lake Mathews. As shown on Figure 7-1, Alternative
1a traverses northwest from the El Sobrante Road/La Sierra Avenue interchange towards
Eagle Valley and the Home Gardens communities, before heading south near Corona and
staying east of El Cerrito to Cajalco Road and I-15.
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! The eastern terminus of Alternative 1b for the Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore Corridor
is located at Sanderson Avenue and Ramona Expressway. This alignment generally
follows Ramona Expressway west to the I-215. West of I-215 the alignment continues
along Cajalco Road to El Sobrante Road. The alignment proceeds along El Sobrante
Road to La Sierra Avenue. From El Sobrante Road and La Sierra Avenue, Alternative
1b will follow new alignment to the I-15 and Cajalco Road interchange. The new
alignment between El Sobrante Road and La Sierra Avenue and the I-15/Cajalco Road
interchange will be located north and west of Lake Mathews. As shown on Figure 7-1,
Alternative 1b includes an option to continue along Eagle Canyon Road from La Sierra
Avenue and El Sobrante Road to I-15 and Cajalco Road.
! The eastern terminus of Alternative 5a is located at Domenigoni Parkway and Winchester
Road. The alignment continues west along Domenigoni Parkway, northwest along the
San Jacinto Branch rail line to Ethanac Road, and west along Ethanac Road. At Ethanac
and SR-74, the alignment proceeds southwest along SR-74 to I-15.
! The eastern terminus of Alternative 5c is located at Domenigoni Parkway and Winchester
Road. The alignment continues west along Domenigoni Parkway and then northwest
along the San Jacinto Branch rail line to Ethanac Road. The alignment proceeds along
Ethanac Road until SR-74/Ethanac Road intersection, where the alignment turns
southwest along SR-74 to the extension of Nichols Road. Alternative 5c follows Nichols
Road to I-15.
! The eastern terminus of Alternative 5e is located at Domenigoni Parkway and Winchester
Road. The alignment continues west along Domenigoni Parkway, northwest along the
San Jacinto Branch rail line to Ethanac Road, and west along Ethanac Road. From
Ethanac Road, Alternative 5e will continue along new alignment paralleling SR-74
approximately 1 mile to the east. This alternative will cross SR-74 at the extension of
Nichols Road and then continue along Nichols Road to I-15.
Tables 7-8 and 7-9, summarize the impacts to Vegetation Communities as a result of development of
Alternative 1b and the shared alignment portion of Alternatives 5a, 5c and 5e, respectively, within the
Criteria Area.
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TABLE 7-8
HEMET TO CORONA/LAKE ELSINORE ALTERNATIVE 1B
IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OCCURRING
WITHIN THE CRITERIA AREA
VEGETATION COMMUNITY
CRITERIA AREA
(Acres)
Coastal Sage Scrub 320
Grasslands 190
Playas and Vernal Pools 40
Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest 30
TOTAL 580
TABLE 7-9
HEMET TO CORONA/LAKE ELSINORE ALTERNATIVES 5A & 5E
SHARED ALIGNMENT - IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
OCCURRING WITHIN THE CRITERIA AREA
VEGETATION COMMUNITY
CRITERIA AREA
(Acres)
Agriculture --
Coastal Sage Scrub 25-35
Developed or Disturbed Land 15-20
TOTAL 40-55
From approximately 1 mile east of the SR-74 and Ethanac Road interchange, the alignment for
Alternatives 5a and 5c diverge from Alternative 5e. Alternatives 5a and 5c continue west along Ethanac
Road and then southwest along SR-74. The alignment for Alternative 5a diverges from 5c at the
intersection of the extension of Nichols Road and SR-74. Alternative 5a follows SR-74 to I-15, while
Alternative 5c continues along Nichols Road to I-15.
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Alternative 5a traverses portions of the Criteria Area. Table 7-10 summarizes the impacts to Vegetation
Communities as a result of development of Alternative 5a within the Criteria Area.
TABLE 7-10
HEMET TO CORONA/LAKE ELSINORE ALTERNATIVE 5A
IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OCCURRING WITHIN
THE CRITERIA AREA
VEGETATION COMMUNITY
CRITERIA AREA
(Acres)
Coastal Sage Scrub 110
Grassland 30
Riparian Scrub, Woodlands & Forests 3
TOTAL 143
Table 7-11 summarizes the impacts to Vegetation Communities as a result of development of Alternative
5c within the Criteria Area.
TABLE 7-11. HEMET TO CORONA/LAKE ELSINORE ALTERNATIVE 5C
IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OCCURRING
WITHIN THE CRITERIA AREA
VEGETATION COMMUNITY
CRITERIA AREA
(Acres)
Coastal Sage Scrub 140
Grasslands 70
Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest 3
TOTAL 213
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Alternative 5e proceeds along new alignment paralleling SR-74, approximately 1 mile to the east. This
alternative will cross SR-74 at the extension of Nichols Road and then continue along Nichols Road to
I-15. Table 7-12 summarizes the impacts to Vegetation Communities as a result of development of
Alternative 5e within the Criteria Area.
TABLE 7-12
HEMET TO CORONA/LAKE ELSINORE ALTERNATIVE 5E
IMPACTS TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OCCURRING
WITHIN THE CRITERIA AREA
VEGETATION COMMUNITY
CRITERIA AREA
(Acres)
Chaparral 10
Coastal Sage Scrub 220
Grasslands 180
Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest 5
TOTAL 415
In summary, fewer acres within the Criteria Area are anticipated to be impacted if the Winchester to
Temecula transportation Corridor Alternatives 7a or 7b and the Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore
transportation Corridor Alternative 5a are ultimately selected. Greater impacts are anticipated if the
Winchester to Temecula transportation Corridor Alternative 1 and the Hemet to Corona/Lake Elsinore
transportation Corridor Alternative 1b are ultimately selected. Only one east-west transportation Corridor
will be covered under the MSHCP.
San Bernardino to Moreno Valley Corridor
The San Bernardino to Moreno Valley Corridor will be located in the vicinity of I-215 and Ironwood
Avenue, Riverside County and extend to California Street in San Bernardino County. This facility will
be tunneled under the Box Springs Reserve. The tunnel portals will be sited outside of the Criteria Area.
The Corridor will proceed east from Box Springs Reserve generally along Center Street and span Reche
Canyon Road before entering San Bernardino County.
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This facility is covered under the MSHCP for direct, indirect and cumulative impacts within the MSHCP
Plan Area. However, coverage is conditioned upon impacts outside of the MSHCP Plan Area being
addressed. These include direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the facility in San Bernardino
County. In the absence of a mechanism to comprehensively address the impacts outside of the Plan Area,
an amendment to the MSHCP may be required to permit this facility within the MSHCP Conservation
Area. The type of amendment, major or minor, will be determined once additional information is
assembled regarding the design location of the facility and its relationship to potential impacts within San
Bernardino County.
Table 7-13 summarizes the impacts to Vegetation Communities as a result of development of the San
Bernardino to Moreno Valley Corridor within the Criteria Area.
TABLE 7-13. SAN BERNARDINO TO MORENO VALLEY CORRIDOR IMPACTS
TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE CRITERIA AREA
VEGETATION COMMUNITY
CRITERIA AREA
(Acres)
Chaparral 160
Coastal Sage Scrub 80
Grassland 130
TOTAL 370
Orange County - Riverside County Corridor
A transportation Corridor linking Orange County with Riverside County is currently under study by
RCTC and OCTA. The Corridor is not currently contemplated in the Draft General Plan Circulation
Element, but has been identified as a mitigation measure in the Draft EIR for the General Plan as a
mitigation measure to reduce the significant traffic impacts associated with the General Plan.
There are six alternative alignment/location concepts (Alternatives A through F) under study. Only one
alignment alternative would be selected. The selected alignment would be considered a Covered Activity
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under the MSHCP, subject to the criteria and conditions contained in this section. The MSHCP coverage
applies only within the MSHCP Plan Area. In addition, it is acknowledged that if the selected alignment
requires actions of the USFS, a separate FESA Section 7 consultation process between the USFS and the
USFWS will be required.
The direct, indirect, cumulative and growth inducing impacts of the facility within the MSHCP Plan Area
are addressed in the MSHCP Plan. In addition, for Alternatives A through D, indirect, cumulative and
growth inducing impacts are considered to be addressed in the Orange County Central and Coastal
Subregion NCCP, subject to satisfaction of the criteria contained in this section. This assumption is made
due to the fact that the Central and Coastal Subregion NCCP addresses buildout within its planning area.
Alternatives A through D of the proposed facility are not anticipated to affect buildout assumptions within
the NCCP planning area because the primary impact of the facility would be on employment centers in
the developed/non-preserve portions of the NCCP planning area.
For Alternatives E and F, direct, indirect, cumulative and growth inducing impacts of the facility outside
of the MSHCP Plan Area are currently not addressed, but are required to be addressed and mitigated
through the proposed Orange County Southern Subregion NCCP. Approval of the Southern Subregion
NCCP Plan is required as a condition of coverage for these two alternatives, as further detailed in this
section.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONCEPTUAL ALTERNATIVES
Alternative A (I-15 to SR-241, North Expressway)
This alternative would be an elevated facility starting at the junction of I-15 and SR-91, following the
BNSF Railroad alignment through North Corona then joining the SR-91 alignment in the vicinity of
Prado Dam, then following the alignment of the SR-91 with elevated grade separation above the existing
SR-91 and then directly joining the SR-241 There would be no direct connections to SR-91 after
departing the I-15/SR-91 junction. This Corridor would follow existing transportation alignments. Based
on this preliminary description, it is estimated that between approximately 130 and 170 acres of the
facility would be located within the Criteria Area. Of that area, approximately 20 to 40 acres are
comprised of natural Habitats, primarily grassland and riparian scrub/woodland.
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Alternative B (SR-91 Expressway)
This alternative would be an elevated facility above and following the alignment of SR-91 from the I-15
connecting to the SR-241. This alignment would follow the exact alignment of SR-91. There would
be no direct connections to SR-91 after departing the I-15/SR-91 junction. This alternative is expected
to occupy between approximately 80 to 120 acres within the Criteria Area, containing approximately 20
to 40 acres of mostly grassland and riparian scrub/woodland.
Alternative C (I-15 to SR-91 to SR-241)
This alternative start near the junction of the I-15 and Cajalco Road. The road would head west
following the outskirts of Corona in the south. Prior to entering the Cleveland National Forest, the facility
would enter a tunnel section, and prior to joining the SR-91 alignment near Green River the Corridor
daylights and joins the SR-91 alignment as an elevated facility, and then would follow the SR-91
alignment to the SR-241. There would be no direct connections to SR-91 after departing the
I-15/Cajalco junction. Approximately 140 to 180 acres of the impact area of this alternative is expected
to be within the Criteria Area. Of that area, approximately 80 to 100 acres of sensitive Habitats exist,
consisting of mostly coastal sage scrub and grasslands.
Alternative D (I-15/Cajalco to SR-241/133)
This alternative start at the I-15 near Cajalco Road, and heads southwest. Prior to entering the Cleveland
National Forest, the facility would enter a tunnel section. The facility would daylight past the forest and
would intersect near the junction of SR-241 and SR-133. The non-tunnel bore sections, on both sides of
the forest; would maximize use of viaducts for wildlife movement. Alternative D is anticipated to have
approximately 80 to 120 acres of impact within the Criteria Area, including approximately 40 to 60 acres
of grassland, coastal sage scrub and riparian scrub communities.
Alternative E (I-15/SR-74 to SR-241/133)
This alternative begin at I-15 off the SR-74 and head west. Prior to entering the Cleveland National
Forest, the facility would enter a tunnel section. The facility would daylight below the junction of
SR-241 and SR-133. Impacts within the Criteria Area from this alternative are anticipated to be in the
range of 500 to 550 acres, including approximately 400 to 450 acres of impact to primarily coastal sage
scrub, but also including grassland and riparian scrub communities.
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Alternative F (SR-74 Expressway, I-15/SR-74 to SR-241/133)
This alternative follow the existing SR-74 alignment and improve the facility, straightening and widening
the existing road. The facility enter a tunnel section immediately east of the Riverside/Orange County
line. Approximately 550 to 600 acres of this alternative would be located within the Criteria Area,
including approximately 540 to 560 acres of sensitive Habitats, consisting primarily of coastal sage scrub,
but also containing chaparral, grassland and riparian scrub communities.
PROCESS FOR DETERMINING CONSISTENCY WITH THE MSHCP
The RCTC shall provide to the Wildlife Agencies a consistency analysis, in narrative and graphic form,
of plant and wildlife impacts associated with the selected alignment for the Orange County
Transportation Corridor. The analysis shall include specific alignment and design features, including
consideration of the relevant species objectives in Section 9.0 of this document and Core and Linkage
guidelines contained in Section 3.0 of this document, as well the siting and design criteria identified in
Section 7.5.3, guidelines for wildlife corridors contained in Section 7.5.2, construction guidelines
contained in Section 7.5.3, and the Best Management Practices Guidelines contained in Appendix C of
this document. The analysis will address the following categories:
1. Effects on Habitats
2. Effects on Covered Species
3. Effects on Core Areas (as identified on the Schematic Cores and Linkages Map contained
in Section 3.2.3 of this document)
4. Effects on Linkages and Constrained Linkages (as identified on the Schematic Cores and
Linkages map contained in Section 3.2.3 of this document)
5. Effects on MSHCP Conservation Area configuration and management
The County of Riverside shall submit the analysis in writing to the Wildlife Agencies for their review.
The Wildlife Agencies shall respond in writing within 60 days as to their concurrence with the analysis.
If the Wildlife Agencies do not concur, the project will require an amendment in order to become a
Covered Activity under the MSHCP. If the Wildlife Agencies concur, or if they fail to respond in writing
within the 60-day period, the project will be permitted as a Covered Activity.
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GENERAL CRITERIA/CONDITIONS
The following criteria shall be incorporated into the alignment selection and design process for the
Orange County Corridor. Compliance with these criteria, in addition to the specific criteria listed below
for each conceptual alternative, shall demonstrate compliance with the MSHCP.
! In all of the potential alternatives, the proposed facility shall be a six-lane roadway (three lanes
each direction).
! For any portion of the selected alignment that impacts Public/Quasi-Public Lands, replacement
of equivalent conservation lands shall be required. Such replacement lands shall be in addition
to Additional Reserve Lands.
! For any portion of the selected alignment that may enter the Cleveland National Forest and the
existing Orange County Central and Coastal and Southern Subregion NCCP areas, tunneling
shall be maximized to the greatest extent Feasible to avoid impacts to sensitive Habitats and
species and to avoid fragmentation of conservation areas identified in the Central and Coastal
Subregion NCCP. Actual tunnel length shall vary, depending on location, but may be a total of
approximately seven to twelve miles. Tunnel sections shall consist of two to three bored, or
mined, tunnels.
! Tunnel sections shall not daylight in the National Forest. Ventilation shafts may be required, but
these shafts would be constructed to minimize impacts to the National Forest. Existing truck
trails may be utilized for construction, where possible to minimize impacts. Helicopter use shall
be maximized to bring in construction equipment to reduce the need for construction of access
roads in the National Forest, but it may be necessary to provide all-weather surfacing on the
roadways due to life safety issues regarding the emergency access shafts. Tunnel monitoring
facilities shall be located outside the National Forest.
! For Alternatives A through D, the analysis for consistency with the MSHCP shall also include
an analysis of effects of the facility on the Orange County Central and Coastal Subregion NCCP.
The alignment and design features of the facility must demonstrate consistency with the NCCP,
and must fully mitigate any direct impacts that may result from the facility within the NCCP
planning area. Habitat fragmentation shall be a primary consideration of the consistency
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analysis. Fragmentation shall be avoided through the use of tunnels. Where tunnel sections
daylight, limited impacts to existing reserve edges, and/or to the North Ranch Policy Plan Area
may be accommodated through specific project mitigation.
! For Alternatives E and F, coverage under the MSHCP would be conditional upon approval by
the Wildlife Agencies of an NCCP Plan for Southern Subregion Orange County that includes
consideration of these alignments. The Southern Subregion NCCP must address all cumulative
and growth-inducing impacts of the facility within the NCCP planning area. Demonstration that
the Southern Subregion NCCP adequately addresses impacts to species covered under the plan,
and their Habitats, shall satisfy this condition. Coverage of Alternatives E and F also assumes
that access to the existing Ortega Highway would be restricted primarily to USFS and local
traffic.
SPECIFIC CRITERIA/CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS CONSIDERATIONS FOR
EACH CONCEPTUAL ALTERNATIVE
The following criteria are based on information contained in the individual Species Accounts (Appendix
B, MSHCP Volume II) and on the discussion of Cores and Linkages contained in Section 3.2.3 of this
document. Those sections should be referenced for guidance in determining consistency.
Alternatives A and B
! The alignment/design of the facility shall provide for and maintain connection(s) from Prado
Basin and the Santa Ana River to Chino Hills State Park outside the Plan Area.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain upland linkage area for bobcat and mountain
lion.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain Core and Linkage Habitat for coast range
newt and western pond turtle in the Santa Ana River area.
! If construction affects land within Existing Core A, the analysis submitted to the Wildlife
Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: Santa Ana sucker, arroyo chub,
western pond turtle, Cooper's hawk, tricolored blackbird, burrowing owl, American bittern, cactus
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wren, northern harrier, western yellow-billed cuckoo, yellow warbler, white-tailed kite,
southwestern willow flycatcher, California horned lark, peregrine falcon, yellow-breasted chat,
loggerhead shrike, black-crowned night heron, osprey, double-crested cormorant, downy
woodpecker, white-faced ibis, tree swallow, least Bell's vireo, bobcat, mountain lion, and Santa
Ana River woollystar.
! If construction affects lands within Proposed Constrained Linkage 1, the analysis submitted to
the Wildlife Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: Cooper's hawk,
coastal California gnatcatcher, bobcat, and mountain lion.
! If construction affects lands within Proposed Constrained Linkage 2, the analysis submitted to
the Wildlife Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: coast range newt,
western pond turtle, bobcat, and mountain lion.
Alternatives C and D
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, impacts to
existing wetlands in Temescal Wash with a focus on Conservation of existing riparian, woodland,
coastal sage scrub, alluvial fan scrub and open water Habitats.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, impacts to
upland Habitat adjacent to Temescal Wash that is intended to augment existing upland
Conservation in the Lake Mathews/ Estelle Mountain Reserve areas and provide for contiguous
connection of upland habitat blocks from the existing reserve to Temescal Wash. Conservation
and impact avoidance shall focus on blocks of existing upland Habitat east of Temescal Wash
connecting to the Lake Mathews/Estelle Mountain Reserve.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, Habitat for
least Bell's vireo and southwestern willow flycatcher along Temescal Wash.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, clay soils
supporting covered plant species known to occur in the Temescal Area Plan including Munz's
onion, Palmer's grapplinghook, small-flowered morning glory, long-spined spine flower,
small-flowered mircroseris, and many-stemmed dudleya.
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! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, floodplain areas
supporting covered plant species known to occur in the Temescal Area Plan including peninsular
spine flower, smooth tarplant and Coulter's matilija poppy.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall provide for and maintain a continuous Linkage along
Temescal Wash from the southern boundary of the Temescal Area Plan to the Santa Ana River.
It is recognized that the connection from the northern boundary of the Criteria Area along
Temescal Wash to the Santa Ana River generally consists of a concrete channel. This channel
shall remain in its existing condition with implementation of the MSHCP Plan.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain Core and Linkage Habitat for bobcat and
mountain lion.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain linkage area for Stephens' kangaroo rat along
Temescal Wash.
! If construction affects lands within Existing Core B, the analysis submitted to the Wildlife
Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: Cooper's hawk, Southern
California rufous-crowned sparrow, Bell's sage sparrow, golden eagle, turkey vulture, yellow
warbler, mountain quail, downy woodpecker, purple martin, California spotted owl, tree swallow,
Jaeger's milk-vetch, Palmer's grapplinghook, prostrate spine flower, graceful tarplant, and
small-flowered microseris.
! If construction affects lands within Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2, the analysis submitted
to the Wildlife Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: Cooper's hawk,
Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow, Bell's sage sparrow, yellow warbler, white-tailed
kite, southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-breasted chat, loggerhead shrike, downy
woodpecker, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, Stephens' kangaroo rat, bobcat,
mountain lion, Munz's onion, long-spined spine flower, and many stemmed dudleya.
! If construction affects lands within Proposed Constrained Linkage 1, the analysis submitted to
the Wildlife Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: Cooper's hawk,
coastal California gnatcatcher, bobcat, and mountain lion.
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Alternatives E and F
! The alignment/design of the facility shall provide for connection between Santa Ana Mountains,
Temescal Wash and the foothills north of Lake Elsinore (Estelle Mountain, Sedco Hills); existing
connections appear to be at Indian Canyon, Horsethief Canyon, and open upland areas southwest
of Alberhill.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, wetlands
including Temescal Wash, Collier Marsh, Alberhill Creek, Lake Elsinore and the floodplain east
of Lake Elsinore (including marsh Habitats) and maintain water quality.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, clay soils
supporting many-stemmed dudleya and Munz's onion.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, impacts to
foraging Habitat for raptors, providing a sage scrub-grassland ecotone.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain Core Areas for bobcat and mountain lion east
of I-15.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain Core and Linkage Habitat for Stephens'
kangaroo rat east of I-15.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain Core and Linkage Habitat for Quino
checkerspot butterfly.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain connection to mountains to provide
movement opportunities for mountain quail.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, impacts to
Habitats for coastal California gnatcatcher and other coastal sage scrub and chaparral species.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall provide for northwest-southeast connection along the
hills between Estelle Mountain and Sedco Hills, primarily for coastal California gnatcatchers, but
also other sage scrub species.
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! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, alkali soils
supporting covered plant species such as San Diego ambrosia, vernal barley and Coulter's
goldfields.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, clay soils
supporting covered plant species such as Munz's onion, many-stemmed dudleya, small-flowered
morning glory and Palmer's grapplinghook.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, wetlands
including Temescal Wash.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain upland Habitats in Alberhill and provide
connection north to Estelle Mountain, North Peak, and BLM Lands.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, Engelmann oak
woodlands.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, impacts to
foraging Habitat for raptors, providing a sage scrub-grassland ecotone.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain Core Areas for Riverside fairy shrimp.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible,
Travers-Willow-Domino soil series.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, impacts to
grassland Habitat for mountain plover.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall avoid, to the maximum extent Feasible, impacts to
breeding Habitat for northern harrier.
! The alignment/design of the facility shall maintain Core and Linkage Habitat for western pond
turtle.
! If construction affects lands within Existing Core B, the analysis submitted to the Wildlife
Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: Cooper's hawk, southern
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California rufous-crowned sparrow, Bell's sage sparrow, golden eagle, turkey vulture, yellow
warbler, mountain quail, downy woodpecker, purple martin, California spotted owl, tree swallow,
Jaeger's milk-vetch, Palmer's grapplinghook, prostrate spine flower, graceful tarplant, and
small-flowered microseris.
! If construction affects lands within Proposed Extension of Existing Core 2, the analysis submitted
to the Wildlife Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: Cooper's hawk,
Southern California rufous-crowned sparrow, Bell's sage sparrow, yellow warbler, white-tailed
kite, southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-breasted chat, loggerhead shrike, downy
woodpecker, coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell's vireo, Stephens' kangaroo rat, bobcat,
mountain lion, Munz's onion, long-spined spine flower, and many stemmed dudleya.
! If construction affects lands within Proposed Core 1, the analysis submitted to the Wildlife
Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: American bittern, mountain
plover, southwestern willow flycatcher, black-crowned night heron, osprey, double-crested
cormorant, white-faced ibis, and least Bell's vireo.
! If construction affects lands within Proposed Linkage 1, the analysis submitted to the Wildlife
Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: Cooper's hawk, Bell's sage
sparrow, loggerhead shrike, mountain quail, coastal California gnatcatcher, Stephens' kangaroo
rat, bobcat, and mountain lion.
! If construction affects lands within Proposed Linkage 2, the analysis submitted to the Wildlife
Agencies shall include consideration of the following species: American bittern, mountain
plover, southwestern willow flycatcher, black-crowned night heron, osprey, double-crested
cormorant, white-faced ibis, and least Bell's vireo.
7.3.6 State Park Facilities
' Laborde Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Park/State Vehicle Recreation
Area
An Off- Highway Vehicle Park/State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA) may be constructed within
Sections 12, 13, 24 T3S.R2W and Sections 18, 19 and 20 T3S.R1W and access developed to the site
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through sections 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 T3SR1W. The SVRA may utilize up to 1,200 acres within
the Criteria Area including the active riding area, access roads, parking areas and other ancillary facilities.
In addition, the SVRA may utilize up to 500 acres outside the Criteria Area in Sections 7 and 8 T3S.R1W
for access, staging and support facilities. The siting of the facilities must comply with the terms of the
MSHCP. The development of the SVRA is also required to comply with the following:
! Permanent protection of a .75 mile wide Linkage /Live-In Habitat area westerly of the
SVRA location linking the south half of Section 25 T3S.R2W with Section 11
T3S.R2W;
! Prior to or concurrent with the construction of any facilities, 3,000 acres in the vicinity
of, but excluding the properties generally know as the Laborde Properties, must be
permanently conserved as part of the Additional Reserve Lands;
! The lands conserved as part of the Linkage/Live-In Habitat area may be used to fulfill the
SVRA Additional Reserve Lands requirement;
! For each 100 acres of direct utilization over 600 acres within the Criteria Area, an
additional 500 acres in the above described area must be permanently conserved.
! For each 100 acres of direct utilization outside the Criteria Area, an additional 500 acres
in the above described area must also be permanently conserved.
! Lands acquired and permanently conserved to preclude the encroachment of other uses
on the SVRA may be used to meet the Additional Reserve Lands requirement if it is
demonstrated that they have long-term viability for biological resources and the Wildlife
Agencies concur that they achieve the goals of the MSHCP; and
! In addition to and concurrent with providing for the Additional Reserve Lands,
management and monitoring of the Additional Reserve Lands shall be provided by either:
1) Establishing an endowment with CDFG that is adequate to fund one (1) position
for the management of the Additional Reserve Lands associated with the SVRA
and one (1) position for the MSHCP Monitoring Program; or
2) Transferring to CDFG and permanently funding two (2) positions to carry out the
management and monitoring activities in Item 1 above; or
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3) Dedicating and funding two (2) DPR positions to carry out the management and
monitoring in Item 2 above.
The management and monitoring obligations in Items 1-3 are based on the 3,000 acres of Additional
Reserve Lands and would be increased as the number of acres of Additional Reserve Lands increased
above 3,000 acres.
' Other State Park Facilities
Existing State Park facilities within the MSHCP Conservation Area include the Lake Perris State
Recreation Area, Chino Hills State Park, Mount San Jacinto State Park, San Timoteo State Park and
Anza-Borrego State Park. The following is a description of existing and future activities and acreages
(including brush management areas) within these State Park facilities that are Covered Activities under
the MSHCP. Recreational activities allowed within the campgrounds and day use areas include hiking,
horseback riding, bicycling, camping, picnicking, swimming, boating and hunting (at Lake Perris SRA).
Lake Perris State Recreation Area
Existing visitor use facilities are primarily located along the north shore of the lake and on the south shore
in the Bernasconi Pass area. The main administrative facility is located below the dam. Existing use
areas consist of approximately 220 acres of campgrounds, 120 acres of parking areas, 200 acres of day
use areas, 10 acres of administrative uses, 5 acres of water treatment and storage facilities, a 5-acre
museum, 54 acres of roads and 10 acres of trails. Future uses/expansions of existing uses are anticipated
to include a 2-acre visitor center, 15 additional acres of parking, a 15-acre swim lagoon, 1-acre campfire
center, 7 additional acres of campgrounds, 1 additional acre of trails/bridges, and 4 additional acres of
roads.
Chino Hills State Park
Existing improvements within portions of the Chino Hills State Park that are within the MSHCP Plan
Area are limited to two acres of existing roads. Future improvements will include two acres of parking,
and one acre of campgrounds.
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Mount San Jacinto State Park and State Wilderness
This park facility includes 20 acres of campgrounds, five acres of parking areas, 10 acres of day use areas,
one acre of administrative facilities, one acre of water facilities, 15 acres of roads and nine acres of trails.
Future improvements will include a two-acre visitor center, five additional acres of parking, 15 additional
acres of campgrounds, two additional acres of trails, and two additional acres of roads.
San Timoteo Park
Land is currently being acquired to establish a State Park. Existing improvements to the land include one
acre of administrative facilities and eight acres of roads. Future improvements include a two-acre visitor
center, five acres of parking areas, 15 acres of campgrounds, two acres of trails, and two additional acres
of roads.
Anza-Borrego State Park
Within the MSHCP Plan Area this facility has five acres of administrative uses, 18 acres of roads, and
five acres of trails. No future uses are proposed.
7.3.7 Flood Control Facilities
Within the Criteria Area, flood control facilities (improvements and new construction) that are undertaken
by a Permittee are Covered Activities. Maintenance of existing flood control facilities within
Public/Quasi Public Lands or the Criteria Area that is subject to an MOU or agreement with CDFG for
such activities would be covered pursuant to those MOUs or agreements. Table 7-14 contains a list of
flood control facilities that have been identified as Covered Activities within the Criteria Area. It should
be noted that some of the County Flood Control District lands have been included in the Public/Quasi-
Public Lands database. Flood control activities within Public/Quasi-Public Lands are also Covered
Activities pursuant to this section. As discussed in Section 7.1, facilities that are located outside of the
Criteria Area are also Covered Activities.
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TABLE 7-14
POTENTIAL FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS
WITHIN THE MSHCP CRITERIA AREA
PROJECT DESCRIPTION PROJECT LOCATION
Flood control improvements In Prado Basin
Arroyo del Toro Channel Lake Elsinore Outlet Channel to Cabern Avenue
Day Creek Channel Stage 6 Lucretia Street to Limonite Avenue
Gavilan Hills/Smith Road Southwesterly of Smith and Cajalco Roads
Perris Valley Channel Ramona Expressway to San Jacinto River
Warm Springs Channel Madison Avenue westerly to exiting stage 2 channel near Jefferson Avenue
Murrieta Creek Area MDP- Line A Del Rio Rd to Front St
Murrieta Creek Area MDP- Line D Murrieta Creek to Madison Avenue
The locations for these facilities is largely dictated by drainage features and topography. Therefore, in
many cases, options for the siting of the facilities are limited. Therefore, implementation is subject to the
construction guidelines as detailed in Section 7.5.3, as well as the Best Management Practices contained
in Appendix C.
' San Jacinto River Flood Control Project
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (“County Flood Control”) intends
to implement flood control measures (including channelization or some other form or forms of engineered
flood control) on the San Jacinto River between the Ramona Expressway and the mouth of Railroad
Canyon (“San Jacinto River Project’). The County Flood Control anticipates the development of a flood
control project for the San Jacinto River which is expected to reduce the flow to approximately 6,000
cubic feet per second at the Ramona Expressway during 100 year flood events. Other Covered Activities
within the vicinity of the San Jacinto River include Ramona Expressway bridge and culvert, Nuevo Road
bridge, San Jacinto Avenue crossing, I-215 bridge and levee, Case Road bridge, Burlington Northern
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Santa Fe Railroad bridge, Goetz Road bridge, Ethanac Road bridge, Perris Valley Storm Drain Channel
and Romoland Channel.
The following criteria shall apply to the San Jacinto River Project.
1. Conserve land (“Mitigation Lands”) and provides hydrology for the continued survival of the
following Covered Species: San Jacinto Valley crownscale, Davidson’s saltscale, thread-
leaved brodiaea, smooth tarplant, vernal barley, Coulter’s goldfields, spreading navarretia,
and Wright’s trichocoronis. Mitigation Lands may include acreage located outside the
Lakeview/Nuevo and Mead Valley Area Plans if the Wildlife Agencies determine that such
acreage provides the same or greater Conservation value and acreage to the MSHCP
Conservation Area.
2. Conserve the two thread-leaved brodiaea populations located downstream of I-215 at Case
Road and Railroad Canyon. One of these populations may be transplanted to a suitable
receiver site, in accordance with a mitigation and monitoring program that includes success
criteria and requirements to ensure that the population has been established.
3. Establish a minimum 1,000-foot wide multi-species Linkage between the Ramona
Expressway and the th of Railroad Canyon, which includes the San Jacinto River channel and
other land acquired for the Corridor. This Linkage shall be within those Mitigation Lands
located adjacent to the San Jacinto River channel. The Linkage width may be reduced with
the concurrence of the Wildlife Agencies: (1) to accommodate existing facilities and
operations at the Perris Valley Airport; (2) to accommodate Covered Activities; or (3) if a
reduced width elsewhere would provide adequate Linkage.
The District and the Wildlife Agencies anticipate that development of the San Jacinto River Project may
involve adjustments to the Cell Criteria or Area Plan assumptions set forth in other sections of the
MSHCP which may be implemented through Criteria Refinements or Minor Amendments, as set forth
in Section 6.0 of this document. If a Minor Amendment is needed, it shall be submitted to the Wildlife
Agencies for review and concurrence. If the Wildlife Agencies concur with the minor amendment or if
they fail to respond within a 60-day period, the project may be approved by the County Flood Control.
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7.3.8 Waste Management Facilities
The following Table 7-15 provides a list of existing County Waste Management facility sites.
TABLE 7-15. WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITIES
DESCRIPTION CURRENT STATUS
LANDFILLS
El Sobrante Active (per El Sobrante HCP)
Badlands Active
Lamb Canyon Active
Double Butte Inactive
Idyllwild Inactive
Old Idyllwild Burn Site Inactive
Crestmore Inactive
East County Line Inactive
Anza Inactive
Beaumont Inactive
Bundy Canyon Inactive
Corona Inactive
Belltown Inactive
Elsinore Inactive
Hemet Inactive
Highgrove Inactive
Homeland Inactive
Lakeview Inactive
Mead Valley Inactive
Menifee Inactive
Mira Loma Inactive
Pedley Inactive
Temecula Inactive
Valle Vista Inactive
West Riverside Inactive
TRANSFER STATIONS
Anza Active
Idyllwild Active
Robert A. Nelson Active
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The locations of these facilities are shown on Figure 7-2, Existing Waste Management Facilities.
Facilities located outside the Criteria Area are covered as outlined in Section 7.1. Operations,
maintenance and expansion activities at existing active waste management facilities within the Criteria
Area and Public/Quasi-Public Lands will be Covered Activities if performed within the existing
boundaries (ownership or lease area) of these facilities. Coverage for these activities is subject to
satisfaction of all obligations identified in Section 13.6 of the Implementing Agreement. Although El
Sobrante Landfill may be located within the MSHCP Conservation Area, activities at El Sobrante Landfill
will be dictated by its approved HCP. Landfill operations and maintenance activities will be carried out
in a manner consistent with regulatory authorizations and/or permits. Covered Activities also include
development of waste related activities within the existing disturbed use areas at inactive landfill sites.
County Waste shall maintain maps of such existing disturbed use areas. Waste related activities include
energy production (such as gas-to-energy operations), transfer and recycling facilities and state-mandated
maintenance activities.
7.3.9 Future Facilities
Future facilities are facilities that are necessary to support planned Development. Certain future facilities
have been preliminarily identified by the agencies responsible for their construction, operation and
maintenance, while others have not been or cannot be identified and/or located at present. Future
facilities that are carried out by a Permittee, Participating Special Entities and/or Third Parties Granted
Take Authorization will be considered Covered Activities. The process for mitigation and/or contribution
to Reserve Assembly for future facilities is described in Section 6.1.6.
There are three general categories of future facilities that may need to be located within either the Criteria
Area, due to the fact that such facilities are linear, or involve engineering constraints that make avoidance
of Criteria Areas not Feasible. Such constraints may also require location of these facilities within
Public/Quasi-Public Lands. If such is the case, all of the conditions described in this section for coverage
of future facilities apply, with the addition of a requirement that impacts to Habitats within existing
Public/Quasi-Public Lands shall be compensated by purchase and dedication into the MSHCP
Conservation Area of land that is in addition to the Additional Reserve Lands.
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The three categories include:
! Water/Wastewater Facilities
! Electrical Utility Facilities
! Natural Gas Facilities
The following is a discussion of all the reported known future facilities within the Criteria Area for each
of the four categories.
Water/Wastewater Facilities
Water and wastewater facilities generally include by but are not limited to pipelines, pump stations, lift
stations, force mains, reservoirs, wastewater treatment plants, filtration plants and appurtenant facilities.
Electric Utilities
There are several potential future subtransmission projects planned by electric utility purveyors that may
need to be located within the Criteria Area. These include new or upgraded/replacement transmission
lines, and electrical generation facilities that require specific locations (e.g., water, and wind power
facilities).
Natural Gas Facilities
Activities related to gas facilities will largely be comprised of operation and maintenance at the of gas
utility purveyors’ existing and planned facilities and pipelines. The following are examples of activities
that may be conducted to install, test and maintain pipeline:
! ROW repair, including grading, blocking and dragging
! below-grade pipe and coating inspections
! leak excavations
! installation or replacement of anodes
! placement of cathodic protection units
! repair of large pipeline washouts
! road improvements
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LOCATING FUTURE FACILITIES
For facilities proposed within the Criteria Area where the area proposed for the facilities has not yet been
assembled into the MSHCP Conservation Area, the facilities will be subject to the Criteria contained in
Section 3 of this document. If the facilities are determined to meet the Criteria, construction of the
facilities will proceed as a Covered Activity within the Criteria Area. If the facilities were determined
not to be consistent with the Criteria, the facilities may still proceed as a Covered Activity within the
Criteria Area, provided that either the location and/or characteristics of the facilities are modified to meet
the Criteria, and/or the Criteria Area is amended through the Criteria Refinement Process identified in
Section 6.5 of this document.
' Facilities Siting Criteria
In addition to meeting the requirements addressed in Section 6.1.6 and 6.6.2 E(2) of this document, future
facilities will be located in the least environmentally sensitive Feasible location, and use existing roads,
trails and other disturbed areas to the greatest extent Feasible. Facilities will be routed through developed
or developing areas where Feasible. If no other routing is Feasible, alignments will follow previously
existing roads, easements, rights of way, and disturbed areas, minimizing habitat fragmentation.
In addition to the Facilities Siting Criteria, construction activities for future facilities within the Criteria
Area will proceed in accordance with the BMPs contained in Appendix C of this document.
7.4 ALLOWABLE USES IN MSHCP CONSERVATION AREA
7.4.1 Compatible Uses
The following uses are considered to be compatible with the overall conservation goals and objectives
of the MSHCP and are covered within the MSHCP Conservation Area:
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' Reserve Management, Monitoring and Scientific Research Activities
Certain activities associated with management on New Reserve Lands or Public Quasi Public Lands may
result in Incidental Take of Covered Species Adequately Conserved (e.g., fuel modification, fire
management, weed control, access control, habitat enhancement). Moreover, some activities undertaken
during monitoring (e.g., capture, relocation to prevent injury or death trapping, handling, enhancement
of propagation, use of recorded vocalizations, marking) likely will result in the non-incidental take, or
take for scientific purposes, of Covered Species Adequately Conserved. Take for scientific purposes of
listed species needs to be authorized under FESA and CESA.
Take of Covered Species Adequately Conserved resulting from management activities is authorized under
the MSHCP provided that:
(1) Such take occurs during activities specifically described in the General Management Measures,
Adaptive Management Plan, or Annual Work Plans approved by the Wildlife Agencies
representatives on the RMOC; and
(2) Such take occurs during activities conducted by the agents or employees of the FWS, CDFG,
RCA, or any person acting under the direct guidance or authority of these entities.
Take of Covered Species Adequately Conserved resulting from monitoring activities or for scientific
purposes is authorized under the MSHCP provided that:
(1) Such take occurs during activities specifically described in the Monitoring Annual Work Plans
approved by the Wildlife Agencies representatives on the RMOC;
(2) The person(s) undertaking such activities successfully completed the training program(s)
designed by the Monitoring Program Administrator and approved by the Wildlife Agencies
representatives on the RMOC to ensure consistent data collection, uniform implementation of
protocols, handling procedures, and appropriate experience with the subject Covered Species
Adequately Conserved or similar species;
(3) The person(s) undertaking such activities carry out their duties in conformance with the protocols
and procedures specified in the training; and
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(4) The names and certification of training for the person(s) are provided to the RMOC and on file
at the RCA.
These provisions are consistent with the FWS policy as described in the FWS “Habitat Conservation
Planning Handbook” (USFWS, 1996). In addition, the FESA Section 10(a)(1)(B) and Fish and Game
Code Section 2835 Permits issued in accordance with the MSHCP authorize Take resulting from
management and monitoring as stated above only on duly established New Reserve Lands. Take
resulting from management activities directed by the RMOC on non-federal Public/Quasi Public Lands
is authorized if the owner or manager of the Public/Quasi-Public lands have entered into a management
agreement with the Wildlife Agencies, and the RCA for cooperation in habitat conservation and
management, as identified in Section 18.0 of the IA. Take resulting from monitoring activities directed
by the RMOC on non-federal Public/Quasi Public Lands is authorized if the owner or manager of the
Public/Quasi-Public lands have granted access to the monitoring team and record of such permission is
on file at the RCA. Monitoring and management activities need to be otherwise lawful and such
appropriate authorizations, as necessary, may need to be obtained from Federal or State agencies.
' Emergency, Safety and Police Services
Local, state and federal law enforcement entities will be allowed access to the MSHCP Conservation
Area as necessary to enforce the law. Medical, rescue, fire fighting operations, and other emergency
service providers will be allowed access to the MSHCP Conservation Area to carry out operations
necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the public. Local law enforcement agencies and other
entities such as the National Guard or Immigration and Naturalization Service operating within the
MSHCP Conservation Area are subject to existing state and federal laws. The MSHCP will not create
additional permit requirements for these entities beyond those of existing state and federal laws.
' Emergency Repairs
Public infrastructure facilities and utilities are currently located in areas anticipated to be included within
the MSHCP Conservation Area and may be constructed in the future in the MSHCP Conservation Area
in accordance with the Covered Activities described in this section. From time to time, emergency repairs
may be required to these facilities as necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the public. Such
activities carried out by Plan Participants will be covered within the MSHCP Conservation Area. The
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following procedures will be employed for emergency repairs that occur outside the boundaries of
existing cleared areas:
! The Plan Participant(s) initiating the emergency repair will notify designated RCA staff that a
repair is necessary; after-the-fact notification will occur within 72 hours for emergency repairs
that must be carried out immediately for the protection of public health and safety.
! Immediately upon notification, RCA staff will conduct a site visit with emergency repair staff to
assess the situation and determine if the repair may affect MSHCP resources; recommendations
will be made regarding methods for implementing the emergency repair while minimizing
environmental impacts, including any necessary post-repair restoration efforts resulting from
actual repair activities; sensitive areas may be flagged in the field to assist in providing direction
for repair crews.
! If necessary, RCA staff will conduct onsite monitoring during the repair.
! Upon completion of the repair, RCA staff will assess and document onsite conditions and include
such documentation in the administrative record of the MSHCP; if warranted, revegetation plans
will be prepared for areas disturbed by the repair and RCA staff will oversee implementation of
such plans.
7.4.2 Conditionally Compatible Uses
The following uses are considered conditionally compatible with the overall conservation goals and
objectives of the MSHCP and are covered within the MSHCP Conservation Area subject to the
guidelines and criteria incorporated in this section.
Public Access and Recreation
' Introduction
Although the main goal of the MSHCP Conservation Area is to protect biological resources, another
primary objective is to provide recreational and educational opportunities within the MSHCP
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Conservation Area, while providing adequate protection for the biological resources. Section 7.3.6
identifies State Park facilities and recreational activities that are covered by the MSHCP. The following
addresses non-State Park recreation and access within the MSHCP Conservation Area. Public access is
a very important part of the MSHCP because it gives the public an opportunity to experience and
appreciate the natural environment that is being protected. The MSHCP Conservation Area will function
as a living laboratory so that visitors can learn about their local environment. By increasing awareness
and appreciation for the natural resources within the MSHCP Conservation Area, local residents and
visitors can learn the importance of and practice environmental stewardship.
First, this section discusses covered public access and recreational activities within the MSHCP
Conservation Area. Next, anticipated impacts resulting from these public access activities are quantified
and discussed. Finally, this section outlines the guidelines that will regulate the covered public access uses
to provide sufficient protection for biological resources within the MSHCP Conservation Area.
' Covered Public Access Activities
The covered public access uses within the MSHCP Conservation Area will be comprised of trails,
facilities, and passive recreational activities. This section describes those facilities and quantifies the
anticipated impacts within the MSHCP Conservation Area for construction of those facilities.
The primary public access component within the MSHCP Conservation Area will be trails. There are two
types of trails that are expected within the MSHCP Conservation Area. The first type is existing
community trails, which are primarily used by equestrian users (see Figure 7-3). No impacts will be
covered and no improvements will be allowed on any of these existing community trails under the
MSHCP. The second type of trail is existing adopted regional trails and future proposed regional trails
(see Figure 7-3). Covered uses on these existing and proposed regional trails will include hiking,
mountain biking, and equestrian use. Construction of and improvements to these trails will be covered
under the MSHCP.
In addition to these trails, three other types of public access facilities will be located within the MSHCP
Conservation Area. This includes fourteen trailheads, five interpretive centers, and four maintenance
facilities. Trailheads are access points to trails and resource areas for day use activities and can be
selectively specialized to accommodate different types of trail users. Within the MSHCP Conservation
Area, trailheads will serve as access points for mountain biking, and equestrian use as well as hiking uses.
Interpretive centers will be environmentally and culturally oriented facilities that help to interpret and
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explain natural, historic, and cultural resources of the region. They can include a K-12 oriented
classroom, laboratory facilities, meeting rooms and permanent displays. Maintenance facilities serve as
stations for rangers to coordinate maintenance activities.
In order to quantify the anticipated impacts within the MSHCP Conservation Area for the new regional
trails and facilities described above, the following method was used. First, maps were prepared showing
the approximate locations of proposed trails and facilities (see Figure 7-4). Then assumptions were made
regarding trail widths and facility sizes (see Table 7-16). A disturbance width of 20 feet was assumed
for the existing adopted and future proposed regional trails. Although a 20 foot disturbance width was
assumed, the actual width of these trails will be determined by County regulations and will range between
10 and 20 feet. For the acreage of impact from the other public access facilities, twenty acres for the
interpretive centers, five acres for trailheads, and ten acres for the maintenance facilities was assumed.
TABLE 7-16. ASSUMPTIONS FOR COVERED TRAILS
AND FACILITIES WITHIN THE MSHCP CONSERVATION AREA
TYPE OF FACILITY
SIZE OF DISTURBANCE
(PER FACILITY) NUMBER OF PROPOSED FACILITIES
Regional Trails 20 feet
Interpretive Center 20 acres 5
Trailhead 5 acres 14
Ranger Maintenance Facility 10 acres 4
The trail and facility maps were then intersected with the MSHCP vegetation map and the Criteria Area.
Using the assumptions described above, anticipated impacts within the MSHCP Conservation Area were
quantified. The results of this analysis are presented in Tables 7-17 and 7-18. Results are reported as a
range of acres by Vegetation Community for each public access component to reflect the regional,
landscape level of the analysis and to provide flexibility in the eventual design and construction of
facilities. As discussed later in this section, it is also assumed that design, construction, and operation of
public access facilities will avoid and minimize impacts to MSHCP Conservation Area resources.
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TABLE 7-17. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS FOR COVERED TRAILS
AND FACILITIES WITHIN THE MSHCP CONSERVATION AREA
TYPE OF FACILITY RANGE OF ACRES
Regional Trails 810-910
Interpretive Centers 95-120
Trailheads 60-80
Maintenance Facilities 35-45
TOTAL ACRES OF AUTHORIZED TAKE 1,000-1,155
TABLE 7-18. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS FOR COVERED TRAILS
AND FACILITIES WITHIN THE MSHCP CONSERVATION AREA
BY VEGETATION COMMUNITYxVEGETATION COMMUNITY RANGE OF ACRES
REGIONAL TRAILS
Agricultural Land 50 – 60
Chaparral 215 – 230
Coastal Sage Scrub 185 – 200
Developed or Disturbed Land 65 – 80
Grassland 145 – 155
Peninsular Juniper Woodland and Scrubs 0 – 10
Riparian Scrub, Woodland, Forest 90 – 100
Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub 35 – 45
Woodlands and Forests 25-30
INTERPRETIVE CENTERS
Agricultural Land 20 – 25
Chaparral 30 – 35
Developed or disturbed land 20 – 25
Grassland 20 – 25
Riparian scrub, woodland, forest 5 – 10
TRAILHEADS
Agricultural Land 10 – 15
Chaparral 20 – 25
Coastal Sage Scrub 20 – 25
Grassland 10 – 15
MAINTENANCE FACILITIES
Chaparral 35 – 45
TOTAL ACRES OF ANTICIPATED IMPACT 1,000 – 1,155
x Note: Vegetation Community acreages are based on intersecting the generalized public access facilities maps with the generalized MSHCP vegetation map
and are reported to depict the general range of Vegetation Communities anticipated to be affected by construction of public access facilities within the MSHCP
Conservation Area. Actual Vegetation Community acreages will vary based on project-level data at the time facilities are constructed. Facility construction
will occur in accordance with the siting, design, and operations guidelines presented in this section and will minimize impacts to MSHCP Conservation Area
resources and function.
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In addition to the trails and facilities that directly affect land within the MSHCP Conservation Area ,
passive recreational activities will also be covered within the MSHCP Conservation Area. These include
activities that do not impact land within the MSHCP Conservation Area and cause minimal disturbance
to resources within the MSHCP Conservation Area. Passive recreation includes hiking, bird watching,
photography, and under specified locations identified in the following guidelines, mountain biking,
horseback riding, picnicking, sun bathing, scientific research, swimming, fishing, hunting and boating.
Other activities associated with public access and recreation that will be covered include maintenance-
related activities for adopted and proposed trails, facilities, signs and barriers.
' Guidelines for Public Access and Recreation in the MSHCP
Conservation Area
Excessive or uncontrolled access within the MSHCP Conservation Area can result in habitat degradation
and disruption of breeding and other critical wildlife functions at certain times of the year. In order to
provide sufficient protection for natural and biological resources within the MSHCP Conservation Area,
the following policies and guidelines have been developed to regulate the covered public access activities
described above. These guidelines are separated into two categories: Siting and Design and Operations
and Maintenance.
' Guidelines for the Siting and Design of Trails and Facilities
The construction of trails and facilities will impact biological resources within the MSHCP Conservation
Area. Therefore, the following guidelines address ways to avoid and minimize impacts from the
placement and design of these trails and facilities on the MSHCP Conservation Area’s natural resources.
1. Trails and facilities will be sited and designed to be compatible with resource protection and in
a manner that minimizes impacts to sensitive resources and Habitat types covered by the
MSHCP. All decisions relating to public access will be made in a manner that is most protective
of biological resources.
2. Trails and facilities will be located in the least sensitive areas of the MSHCP Conservation Area
so that they avoid Habitat occupied by species covered by the MSHCP.
3. Prior to design and construction of public access facilities, biological surveys will be conducted
within the study area for the facility including vegetation mapping and species surveys and/or
wetland delineations based on field conditions as recommended by the project biologists. The
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results of the biological resources investigation will be mapped and documented. The
documentation will include preliminary conclusions and recommendations regarding potential
effects of facility construction on MSHCP Conservation Area resources and methods to avoid
and minimize impacts to MSHCP Conservation Area resources in conjunction with project siting,
design, construction, and operation. The project biologist will work with facility designers during
the design and construction phase to ensure implementation of Feasible recommendations.
4. Recreational activities and the construction of trails and facilities on highly erosive soils will be
avoided.
5. Trails and facilities will be designed to discourage and prevent intrusion into adjacent
environmentally sensitive areas.
6. New trails and facilities will avoid using wildlife crossing points.
7. New trails and facilities will be accessible from existing and planned public roads.
8. New facilities will minimize impacts from lighting.
9. Environmentally sensitive grading techniques, drainage management and vegetation buffers will
be used for trail and facility runoff absorption and filtration.
10. When landscaping is required, only native species will be used. The use of nonnative invasive
plant species will be prohibited.
Trails
11. Whenever possible, trail alignments in the MSHCP Conservation Area will use existing dirt
roads.
12. Trails will be kept along the edges of large sensitive areas of habitat such as meadows and
riparian areas.
13. The type, width, and intensity of trail uses will be consistent with protection of the resources
being traversed.
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14. When determined to be appropriate, trails will be constructed to any prominent features or
viewpoints that are likely to attract hikers in order to prevent off-trail access and extensive
trampling of adjacent Habitat by hikers.
15. Water breaks will be installed on steep trails to prevent accelerated runoff and erosion.
16. Dog-friendly trails will be located in areas of relatively low habitat value or edges.
Interpretive Centers
17. Interpretive centers will be constructed to display and interpret the natural resources. Exhibits will
emphasize the need to conserve natural resources in MSHCP Conservation Area.
18. Interpretive centers will not be separated from the resource area since its purpose is directly
related to explaining the values of the resource. In sensitive Habitat , minimization methods such
as buffers will be used.
Trailheads
19. Trail access points to the MSHCP Conservation Area (e.g., parking lots and staging areas) that
are consistent with resource protection goals will be identified.
20. Entry controls and signage at trailhead sites will be used to convey proper resource usage.
21. In most cases, trailheads will be sited at the edge of the resource area.
Guidelines for Operations and Maintenance
Passive uses can generate noise and litter, trails are vulnerable to erosion and gullying, and vegetation off
trails may be trampled by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian users. To protect the MSHCP
Conservation Area’s resources during operations and maintenance activities, the following guidelines
have been developed:
1. Passive recreation uses may include:
! bird watching
! boating
! fishing
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! hiking, equestrian, and mountain bike uses on designated trails
! photography
! picnicking in designated areas
! scientific research
! sun bathing
! swimming
2. The following recreational uses and activities will be prohibited within the MSHCP Conservation
Area:
! camping
! off-road vehicle use
! recreational activities that require construction of new facilities and roads other than those
described above
3. Effects of passive recreational uses shall be addressed in Reserve Management Plans described
in Section 5.2.2.
4. Motorized vehicular access by the public to the MSHCP Conservation Area will be prohibited
except as necessary by emergency personnel or for operations and maintenance activities.
5. Appropriate daily and seasonal limits on trail use will be established. When necessary, trails will
be closed on a temporary basis to minimize disruption of nesting and other wildlife functions for
species covered by the MSHCP, or if public access has resulted in, or is expected to result in,
significant negative impacts to sensitive species. Passive recreational uses will be limited or
restricted in critical wildlife areas during breeding season, as determined appropriate.
6. Public access may be restricted within and adjacent to wetlands, vernal pools, restoration areas,
and sensitive wildlife Habitat (e.g., during the breeding season) at the discretion of the Reserve
Manager.
7. In the event that public access policies and other policies conflict, the conflict will be resolved
in a manner that’s most protective of the biological resources within the MSHCP Conservation
Area.
8. Access to the MSHCP Conservation Area will be controlled through properly maintained fencing
and signs.
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9. Fencing or other barriers will be used to restrict access to basically sensitive areas when
protection of biologically sensitive resources is required.
10. Public access information packets and guides will be developed for users of the MSHCP
Conservation Area.
11. Education and outreach will be used to increase public awareness and appreciation for Habitat
and wildlife values.
12. The MSHCP Conservation Area will be patrolled on a regular basis in order to ensure that
visitors to the MSHCP Conservation Area stay on trails and observe all other rules and guidelines
established to protect the natural resources on site.
13. Feeding of all wildlife will be prohibited.
14. Firearms will be prohibited from patrol and maintenance sites, except for those used by
authorized law enforcement and security personnel.
Maintenance
15. The trails and other facilities within the MSHCP Conservation Area require proper maintenance
to ensure the protection of biological resources. Trails, facilities, signs and barriers will be
maintained to appropriate conditions to discourage and prevent intrusion into adjacent
environmentally sensitive areas.
Hiking
16. Hikers must always stay on designated trails and must not stray into adjacent areas to prevent
trampling of vegetation and erosion.
Equestrian Use
17. Equestrian use will be limited to designated trails.
18. Following heavy rains, the use of equestrian trails will be prohibited for appropriate periods to
avoid trail damage and impacts to adjacent Habitat.
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Mountain Biking
19. Mountain bike trails will be limited to areas with low susceptibility to erosion and out of wetlands
and other sensitive areas.
20. If use becomes heavy and problematic, an access control system will be developed and permits
may be required.
21. Mountain bike trails will be constructed wider than foot trails to prevent trail edge disturbance
and on grades no greater than 25 percent.
Litter and Trash Control Measures
22. Litter control measures will be implemented within the MSHCP Conservation Area.
23. Closed garbage cans and recycling bins will be provided at trailheads and access points.
24. Litter and trash will be collected and removed on a regular basis. Garbage cans and recycling bins
will be maintained appropriately.
25. Penalties will be imposed for littering and dumping within the MSHCP Conservation Area.
26. Permanent storage of materials (e.g., hazardous and toxic materials) outside of maintenance
facilities within the MSHCP Conservation Area will be prohibited.
27. Wildlife Corridor undercrossings will be kept free of all debris, trash, and other obstructions.
28. Signs will be posted to prevent and report littering.
Pets
29. Pets will be restrained by leashes at all times.
Signage
Signs can educate, provide direction, explain rules, and promote the sensitive use and enjoyment of
natural areas.
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30. An adequate number of signs will be provided at appropriate locations to clearly identify public
access to and within the MSHCP Conservation Area.
31. Interpretive signs will be provided to explain the value of the MSHCP Conservation Area’s
natural resources.
7.5 GUIDELINES FOR FACILITIES WITHIN THE CRITERIA
AREA AND PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC LANDS
7.5.1 Guidelines for the Siting and Design of Planned Roads
Within the Criteria Area and Public/Quasi-Public Lands
The following guidelines for planned roadways that are Covered Activities within the Criteria Area and
Public/Quasi-Public Lands provide suggestions to avoid and minimize impacts to sensitive species and
Habitats known to occur in the vicinity of the planned roadway. If there is a dispute over a project’s
consistency with these Guidelines or the Siting Criteria, the dispute resolution process described in
Section 6.2.2 will be employed.
The specific location for the planned roads, bridges and interchanges depicted on Figure 7-1 are not
exact; the ultimate alignment and design will be determined during project level engineering and approval
for the alignment which will include appropriate environmental review pursuant to CEQA . The ultimate
alignment and design of the facility will be subject to the following design, siting and construction
guidelines.
! Planned roads will be located in the least environmentally sensitive location Feasible, including
disturbed and developed areas or areas that have been previously altered. Alignments will follow
existing roads, easements, right-of-ways, and disturbed areas, as appropriate to minimize habitat
fragmentation.
! Planned roads will avoid, to the greatest extent Feasible, impacts to Covered Species and
wetlands. If wetlands avoidance is not possible, then any impacts to wetlands will require
issuance of and mitigation in accordance with a federal 404 and /or state 1600 permit.
! Design of planned roads will consider wildlife movement requirements, as further outlined below
under Guidelines for Construction of Wildlife Corridors.
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! Narrow Endemic Plant Species will be avoided; if avoidance is not Feasible, then mitigation as
described in the Narrow Endemics Plant Policy will be implemented.
! Any construction, maintenance and operation activities that involves clearing of natural
vegetation will be conducted outside the active breeding season (March 1 through June 30).
! Prior to design and construction of transportation facilities, biological surveys will be conducted
within the study area for the facility including vegetation mapping and species surveys and/or
wetland delineations. The appropriate biological surveys to be conducted will be based on field
conditions and recommendations of the project manager in consultation with a qualified biologist.
The results of the biological resources investigations will be mapped and documented. The
documentation will include preliminary conclusions and recommendations regarding potential
effects of facility construction on MSHCP Conservation Area resources and methods to avoid
and minimize impacts to MSHCP Conservation Area resources in conjunction with project siting,
design, construction and operation. The project biologist will work with facility designers during
the design and construction phase to ensure implementation of Feasible recommendations.
7.5.2 Guidelines for Construction of Wildlife Crossings
Pursuant to Section 6.6.2 E(2) of this document, roads that have the potential to result in impediments
to wildlife movement will include both general considerations and specific design guidelines for the
construction of wildlife crossings where appropriate. The following guidelines constitute a basic
framework for wildlife crossing recommendations and are to be applied where there is either known
wildlife movement, and/or in portions of the MSHCP Conservation Area that are assembled to provide
for wildlife movement. For purposes of this discussion: an underpass is any bridge structure under a road
or freeway that may be used by wildlife as a crossing point; an overpass is any bridge structure over a
road or freeway that is only intended for wildlife usage as a crossing point; and, culvert includes enclosed
concrete or metal structures under roads or bridges that may direct wildlife under a road or freeway.
Avian Wildlife
It is not anticipated that most avian wildlife will require specialized wildlife crossing facilities or
measures to ensure movement across potential impediments. However, some species (e.g., California
gnatcatcher, greater roadrunner, California quail) may require assistance to maintain linkages due to
assumed poor flight ability or ground-dwelling aspect. For these species, facilities such as wide road
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undercrossings or naturalized land bridges over roadways/impediments (overpasses), and to a lesser
extent, culverts, may be required to assure movement of the species and resulting genetic flow.
Large Mammalian Wildlife
For large wildlife (e.g., mountain lion, mule deer) and medium-sized wildlife (e.g., bobcat, coyote) some
form of wildlife crossing facilities will be requisite to assure consistent movement and genetic flow
throughout the MSHCP Conservation Area. Though it may seem inappropriate to design a crossing for
both a predatory species (mountain lion) and prey species (mule deer), studies have shown (Foster and
Humphrey 1995) that mountain lions typically use crossings nocturnally, while deer typically use
crossings diurnally. Carnivores typically use underpasses close to major drainages and specifically,
coyotes tend to use older and more open culverts (preferring culverts greater than 1.5 meters tall).
Carnivore use of underpasses are correlated to landscape variables. For ungulates, crossing dimensions
are most important. Ungulates use of underpasses are correlated to structural variables. Road
undercrossings may be used by all species as long as the undercrossing meets certain minimal
dimensions. Mule deer for example, require wider and taller undercrossings than do coyotes and bobcats.
Where initial research seemed to indicate that large carnivores where adverse to using underpasses, it has
been shown recently that they can adapt and use underpasses, even when overpasses are available.
Sometimes, overcrossings may be the preferred method of conveying wildlife, particularly to satisfy the
needs of a variety of species. However, this method may require an inordinate amount of funding which
may detract from other equally important goals and objectives. Overcrossing installation will be well
thought-out prior to implementation and a cost-benefit analysis completed to determine if rare economic
resources are best spent on the venture. Culverts may be used by coyotes, bobcats, and potentially
mountain lions, if they are large enough, straight, and short enough. Regardless of the type of facility
used to convey wildlife, the location of the device will be well researched in order to make the most
beneficial use of ridges, valleys, normal movement routes, or other natural (or manufactured) funneling
mechanisms. Finally, the influence of humans is the most significant factor affecting the effectiveness
of crossings for larger mammals (Clevenger and Waltho 2000). Underpasses designed around
topography, habitat quality, and location will be minimally successful if human activity is not managed.
Therefore, careful management of human uses in critical crossing areas will be employed.
Another consideration for these species includes allowing them to cross over intervening properties within
the Core/Linkage network. Solid, wire, chain-link, or other similar types of fencing will not be
encouraged within the Core/Linkage area. Instead, smooth-wire strand or barb-wire strand, post and rail,
or some other similar method will be employed so that large wildlife is still able to maintain normal
movement routes. Care will be taken when deploying wire-strand fences to keep them tight and to follow
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strict wire spacing guidelines to reduce the likelihood of mule deer strangulation or entrapment. Where
solid or other similar fencing is deployed, wildlife movement gates or one-way wildlife doors will be
installed to allow wildlife movement.
Small Mammalian, Reptile and Amphibian Wildlife
For smaller terrestrial species, road undercrossings, overcrossings, and culverts may also provide adequate
movement opportunities. However, some small mammals are adverse to using open culverts. These
species are usually prey species which prefer cover. The dimensions of these facilities do not need to be
as robust for the smaller species, however the length of the facilities (particularly culverts) may need to
be reduced to accommodate them. For example, small mammals (vole sized) have been shown to use
culverts as long as 64 meters. Under road crossings and overpasses pose less of a length constraint on
smaller species because of their general wide-open aspect but may pose a greater predation risk. In some
cases, these types of crossings may be large enough to form home ranges for some species. Studies have
shown that increased traffic volume and road width results in greater use of culverts by most small
mammal species, but this is more likely due to the openness of the large roadway and not to necessarily
avoid vehicles. Undercrossings and culverts will be situated to allow use by the primary species or suite
of species’. For example, culverts intended to provide movement access for primarily wetland species
(e.g., pond turtle, garter snakes, toads, frogs) will not be situated great distances from the primary water
source. Although upland connections a short distance from the water body may be appropriate in some
cases. All undercrossings and culverts which are intended to get wildlife usage, will be designed in a
manner which allows a dry crossing under nearly all circumstances. This will include designing an
elevated bench above the normal high water line or providing a textured gentle slope up the side of the
culvert/undercrossing. Barriers to small terrestrial wildlife movement will be encouraged along new and
modified roadways, so that they are guided toward appropriate undercrossings, culverts, and viaducts.
Insects
Insects (i.e., Delhi Sands flower-loving fly, Quino checkerspot butterfly) will require individualized and
specific movement facilities in order to safely convey them across roadways and highways. Intervening
residences within the Core/Linkages will not pose a movement constraint under most circumstances
(unless fencing or ornamental plantings preclude movement), however residences may provide
inhospitable life history conditions.
The location of crossing facilities will be situated to account for known key movement routes while
making the best use of natural topography and other effective movement barriers/funnels. In some cases
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it may be prudent to plant dense ornamental vegetation in windrows or install tall fencing to “guide” or
funnel Quino checkerspot toward the intended crossing areas and away from potentially disastrous
conflicts with vehicles.
Little to nothing is known about movement requirements for Delhi Sands flower-loving fly, but it is
reasonable to assume that similar considerations will apply to it.
Specific Initial Guidelines for Wildlife Movement Design Considerations
within the Criteria Area
The following guidelines are provided for road construction and widening projects within the Criteria
Area. These guidelines will be considered as applicable, in circumstances where wildlife movement
considerations are noted in the Criteria. Where multiple species movement considerations apply,
techniques to combine movement requirements shall be pursued.
! Assess and address wildlife crossing needs by entire road or cluster of roads affecting a particular
movement constraint location, not by small segments.
! At locations near wildlife Corridors, construct 3-foot walls with an 18-inch lip projecting into the
adjacent open space which direct small wildlife toward culverts, undercrossings, and
overcrossings.
! A mixture of large crossing structures spaced at greater intervals, and smaller culverts spaced a
more frequent intervals will be considered to accommodate a wide variety of species.
! Regular installation of small culverts for reptile, amphibian, and small mammal species, will be
installed where a roadway or highway travels along a wetland/upland boundary. These will
include grating at the roadbed to allow natural light and ambient moisture.
! Place crossing facilities at known travel routes, natural pinch points, or other topographically
appropriate locations. Minimally, there should be at least one large mammal crossing every 1.5
kilometers.
! Small and medium sized mammal crossings should be placed at least every 300 meters and small
and medium sized mammal crossings should be varied in size to accommodate a variety of
mammal species.
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! Because it has been shown that one of the main deterrents for culvert/overpass/underpass use is
human presence, the following measures should be incorporated: 1) trail systems should not lead
to these crossing points where possible, in particular, overpasses and other important focused
crossing points should never include trail systems; 2) Proper fencing should be installed to
discourage human intrusion; 3) and, all newly installed large mammal culverts, overpasses, and
underpasses, should include a built-in lockable box within each wall to facilitate monitoring
activities. These boxes should be at least 1-foot square, include a removable door, and be pre-
wired for electricity (solar, battery, or alternating current). This will provide for the least
intrusive, most secure, most flexible, and most cost effective way to monitor wildlife usage of
the various crossings, while minimizing human impact. Still photography or video cameras may
be installed in these boxes and may be transferred between sites as required.
! Openings in the concrete “K”-rail barriers should be installed at regular intervals in order to allow
small wildlife to cross or escape roadways.
! Berms should be installed between the culvert/underpass/overpass entrances or grate/skylight
locations and traffic in order to reduce noise and light impacts and increase crossing effectiveness.
! Install solid fencing or dense tall vegetation windrows of an appropriate height adjacent to
roadways and highways within the Quino checkerspot Core/Linkage areas which will funnel them
toward appropriate crossing locations.
! Manipulating vegetation patterns and trails will be explored when trying to guide wildlife to
crossing locations. In some instances it may be appropriate to cut new trails through dense
chaparral to guide deer and mountain lions toward crossing facilities.
! Maintain an appropriate openness ratio of at least 0.6 (calculated in meters as [opening width X
height/length of crossing]) and height for crossings intended for use by mule deer. A minimum
height of 3 to 4 meters should be maintained for mule deer specific crossings.
! Do not add artificial lighting to the center of the crossing structure. These devices have not
shown to be effective and may deter wildlife during nocturnal situations. Natural light from
skylights or grating may be appropriate in particularly long structures, but their use will be limited
due to the potential for adverse noise effects. Tree and shrub buffers around crossing entrances,
sky lights, and grating provide good visual relief/protection and have some sound attenuation
benefits.
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FINAL MSHCP 7-86
! Crossing facilities will be vegetated as naturally as possible to mimic the surrounding natural
crossing area. In some instances, vegetation may need to be tailored to match the needs of the
focused species.
! Use natural objects, such as stumps, rocks, and other natural debris within the crossing facility
to create cover for wildlife and to encourage the use of crossings.
! 1.0 to 1.5 meter culverts should be installed to support medium sized mammals (e.g., coyote,
raccoon).
! Smaller, 0.5 to 1.0 meter culverts should be installed for small mammals, reptiles, and
amphibians. These smaller structures are preferred by mice, weasels, and other small wildlife.
! Vegetative cover near the entrances to culverts should be installed to increase their effectiveness
for carnivores and smaller wildlife.
! Dirt, rock, or concrete benches should be installed on at least one side of the large mammal
crossing facility in order to allow wildlife to cross during most storm event circumstances.
! Wildlife overpasses should be at least 50 meters wide at the ends, but may narrow to 8 meters in
the middle. Overpasses should be designed to blend as naturally into the landscape as possible
and take advantage of natural crossing points as previously discussed. The overpass should be
covered with soil and vegetation as appropriate for the focused species, and include fencing and
berms to protect wildlife from noise and falls.
! Install welded wire fencing of an appropriate height, with three strand wire at the top, adjacent
to roadways and highways, to guide large wildlife to appropriate crossing locations. 2.4 meter
fence must be used to reduce road mortalities. These fences may need to also have sections
installed 1.5 meters below the ground surface in order to reduce coyote dig-out and may need to
have extra sections attached to the top at 45 to 90 degree angles in order to reduce mountain lion
jump-over.
! In order to reduce end-runs around fences, continue fences at least 0.8 kilometers beyond the
critical area, or at an appropriate location that is unsuitable for wildlife usage (e.g., structure, steep
hillside, urban area).
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FINAL MSHCP 7-87
! Install one-way wildlife doors on the roadway/highway side of the fences, at one kilometer
intervals, to allow trapped wildlife to escape back into the MSHCP Conservation Area.
! Where roads cross the fence, Texas gates or cattle gates may need to be installed to prevent
wildlife from crossing through the fence and onto busy roads or freeways.
! Jump-outs and one-way gates must be installed with frequency in order to allow trapped wildlife
to safely exit the road system.
7.5.3 Construction Guidelines
! Plans for water pollution and erosion control will be prepared for all Discretionary Projects
involving the movement of earth in excess of 50 cubic yards. The plans will describe sediment
and hazardous materials control, dewatering or diversion structures, fueling and equipment
management practices, use of plant material for erosion control. Plans will be reviewed and
approved by the County of Riverside and participating jurisdiction prior to construction.
! Timing of construction activities will consider seasonal requirements for breeding birds and
migratory non-resident species. Habitat clearing will be avoided during species active breeding
season defined as March 1 to June 30.
! Sediment and erosion control measures will be implemented until such time soils are determined
to be successfully stabilized.
! Short-term stream diversions will be accomplished by use of sand bags or other methods that will
result in minimal instream impacts. Short-term diversions will consider effects on wildlife.
! Silt fencing or other sediment trapping materials will be installed at the downstream end of
construction activities to minimize the transport of sediments off-site.
! Settling ponds where sediment is collected will be cleaned in a manner that prevents sediment
from re-entering the stream or damaging/disturbing adjacent areas. Sediment from settling ponds
will be removed to a location where sediment cannot re-enter the stream or surrounding drainage
area. Care will be exercised during removal of silt fencing to minimize release of debris or
sediment into streams.
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VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-88
! No erodible materials will be deposited into water courses. Brush, loose soils, or other debris
material will not be stockpiled within stream channels or on adjacent banks.
! The footprint of disturbance will be minimized to the maximum extent Feasible. Access to sites
will occur on pre-existing access routes to the greatest extent possible.
! Equipment storage, fueling and staging areas will be sited on non-sensitive upland Habitat types
with minimal risk of direct discharge into riparian areas or other sensitive Habitat types.
! The limits of disturbance, including the upstream, downstream and lateral extents, will be clearly
defined and marked in the field. Monitoring personnel will review the limits of disturbance prior
to initiation of construction activities.
! During construction, the placement of equipment within the stream or on adjacent banks or
adjacent upland Habitats occupied by Covered Species that are outside of the project footprint
will be avoided.
! Exotic species removed during construction will be properly handled to prevent sprouting or
regrowth.
! Training of construction personnel will be provided.
! Ongoing monitoring and reporting will occur for the duration of the construction activity to
ensure implementation of best management practices.
! When work is conducted during the fire season (as identified by the Riverside County Fire
Department) adjacent to coastal sage scrub or chaparral vegetation, appropriate fire-fighting
equipment (e.g., extinguishers, shovels, water tankers) shall be available on the site during all
phases of project construction to help minimize the chance of human-caused wildfires. Shields,
protective mats, and/or other fire preventative methods shall be used during grinding, welding,
and other spark-inducing activities. Personnel trained in fire hazards, preventative actions, and
responses to fires shall advise contractors regarding fire risk from all construction-related
activities.
! Active construction areas shall be watered regularly to control dust and minimize impacts to
adjacent vegetation.
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FINAL MSHCP 7-89
! All equipment maintenance, staging, and dispensing of fuel, oil, coolant, or any other toxic
substances shall occur only in designated areas within the proposed grading limits of the project
site. These designated areas shall be clearly marked and located in such a manner as to contain
run-off.
! Waste, dirt, rubble, or trash shall not be deposited in the Conservation Area or on native habitat.
7.0 Covered Activities/Allowable Uses
VOLUME I � SECTION 7 June 17, 2003
FINAL MSHCP 7-90